One of the first questions people ask when they hear about my plan to travel through Latin America for the next few years is: How are you paying for this? It’s a fair question. Long-term travel, especially with children, isn’t free, and the idea of leaving behind a traditional home base in the U.S. can feel financially daunting.  

I want to be transparent about my financial situation because I know there are others out there who dream of doing something similar but feel like it’s out of reach. The truth is, I’m not a millionaire, nor am I retiring early. But through a combination of entrepreneurship, real estate, smart financial planning, and strategic lifestyle choices, I’ve set myself up to fund this adventure while maintaining long-term financial stability.  

1. My Primary Source of Income: A Remote Business  

For the past 8 years I’ve owned a small, service-based business in California, which I operate remotely. My role is primarily management and oversight, and I have a team in place that handles the daily operations. This allows me to earn a solid income without being tied to a specific location.  

– Net Profit: Approximately $200,000 per year  

– Workload: Flexible and minimal (about 5 to 10 hours a week), mostly administrative and managerial tasks  

– Scalability: The business can run with minimal daily involvement from me  

Because my business is remote and established, I can continue to manage it from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. I’ve been working remotely for years, so this shift to full-time travel is more about lifestyle changes than work adjustments.  

2. My Real Estate Investments  

I currently own three properties:  

– My primary home in Georgia  

– A rental property in Georgia  

– A rental property in California  

I will be renting out my primary home in Georgia as a fully furnished long-term rental. My three rental properties are cash flow neutral, meaning they neither generate significant positive cash flow nor incur losses. My primary investment strategy with these properties focuses on long-term appreciation and future rental income growth.

3. Low Cost of Living in Latin America  

One of the biggest financial advantages of traveling through Latin America is the dramatically lower cost of living compared to the U.S. My current monthly expenses in Georgia range from $10,000 to $15,000 per month. While traveling, I estimate I’ll spend around $5,000 to $8,000 per month, depending on location and lifestyle choices.  

– Housing: Renting long-term in Latin America is significantly cheaper. I expect to pay $1,500–$3,000 per month for high-quality accommodations.  

– Food & Daily Expenses: Groceries, dining out, and entertainment will cost much less than in the U.S.  

– Childcare & Schooling: Homeschooling and alternative education will replace expensive U.S. daycare.  

Even at the high end of my travel budget, I will be spending significantly less than my cost of living in the U.S.  

4. Tax Benefits of Living Abroad

By spending the majority of my time outside the U.S., I will qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), which allows me to exclude up to $130,000 (as of 2025) from federal income tax. This will reduce my overall tax liability significantly, allowing me to keep more of what I earn.  

I am also establishing residency in South Dakota to eliminate state income taxes.  

5. A Financial Safety Net  

Beyond my income and rental properties, I have additional financial security:  

– Savings & Investments: I have an IRA and stock investments that provide long-term security.  

– Family Support: My parents are supportive and provide some financial flexibility if needed including a $2,500 monthly gift from my father.  

– Emergency Fund: I have a cushion for unexpected expenses, ensuring that I can handle any financial surprises while abroad.  

Why I’m Confident in This Plan  

This isn’t a reckless decision—it’s a well-planned, financially sustainable move that aligns with my long-term lifestyle goals. I’ve structured my finances in a way that allows me to embrace freedom, adventure, and personal growth without sacrificing financial stability.  

I know that many people dream of a life like this but feel held back by financial constraints. My hope is that by sharing how I’m funding this journey, it might inspire others to explore unconventional paths to financial freedom.  

If you have questions or want to learn more about financial independence and remote income streams, drop a comment below! I’d love to share more insights as I embark on this new chapter.