American Family in Spain: How Moving Abroad Gave Them More Time and Financial Freedom
In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA speaks with Bethany Stevens, the voice behind the growing platform Your Sign to Siesta, which documents her family’s decision to step off the treadmill of American life and spend a year living intentionally in Spain.
After building a life that checked all the boxes: thriving careers, kids, home ownership, a packed schedule. Bethany and her husband decided to hit pause. The result? A bold, strategic “gap year” abroad with their two children.
“It wasn’t any one trip. It was the feeling that we were most connected when we were traveling together, living slowly and intentionally. That became the goal.”
What Is a Family Gap Year?
A “family gap year” is when a family temporarily relocates abroad for a year of intentional living, cultural immersion, and global education. While many associate long-term travel with retirees or remote workers, Bethany makes the case that this lifestyle is accessible for everyday families with the right planning and mindset.
Her story shows that you don’t need to wait until retirement or sell everything to make this happen. Instead, it’s about choosing to prioritize time and values over busyness and burnout.
Why They Chose Spain
The Stevens family chose Spain for its family-friendly visa options, slower pace of life, and overall lifestyle appeal. They applied for the non-lucrative visa, which allows residents to live in Spain without earning income in the country.
“We maintained our U.S. life and started a new one in Spain. It wasn’t the cheapest way to do it, but it was the most aligned with what we needed.”
With two young kids (ages 9 and 10), Bethany knew timing was critical. They planned the move before middle school began and spent five years preparing financially.
Real Talk: How to Plan a Year Abroad as a Family
Bethany and her family approached their move like a project: strategic, intentional, and well-researched. Here's what they did:
Financial Planning:
They spent five years saving and planning. Instead of asking can we afford this?, they reframed the question to how can we not afford to do this? They hired a U.S. tax consultant early on to understand the implications of the move and mapped out costs including tuition, rent, visa fees, and private health insurance.
Legal & Visa Support:
They hired a full team: a tax advisor, an immigration lawyer, and a relocation consultant. Even so, Bethany shares that navigating Spain’s visa bureaucracy was the hardest part.
“I walked into the consulate with a color-coded binder. They handed me a list of things they needed and said, ‘Come back in five days.’ I realized then—you can’t control the process.”
Schooling Abroad:
Because homeschooling is not legal in Spain, the kids were required to enroll in private school as part of the visa terms. They visited multiple schools and let their children help choose, empowering them to be part of the transition.
Bonus: Spain’s private expat health insurance costs roughly €60/month per person for full coverage.
Life in Spain: Slowing Down with Purpose
From midday siestas and late dinners to stores closing for the entire month of August, Bethany describes their new life as “slow but full.” Life is slower and not just because of an afternoon siesta, but hanging clothes to dry and figuring out when businesses are actually open. Gone are the days of eating dinner in the car between soccer games. Instead, they’re having long family meals, playing games, and reconnecting.
“Everything about life here has forced us to slow down and it's exactly what we needed.”
Even the kids are embracing the shift. Bethany's son, once a pancake-every-day kid, announced he was giving up pancakes for the year his own small act of cultural immersion.
It’s Not Easy, But It’s Worth It
Bethany is clear: This kind of move isn’t easy. There are language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and moments of doubt. But for those willing to be uncomfortable, it's also deeply rewarding.
“It’s not meant to be easy. It’s meant to challenge you—and show you what’s really possible.”
Bethany’s Advice for Families on the Fence
If you're dreaming about taking a family gap year abroad, Bethany offers this reminder:
- Time is your real currency. You can always earn more money. You can’t earn more time.
- There will never be a perfect time. If you're waiting for everything to line up, you’ll never go.
- You don’t have to sell everything. You can keep your home, your job, your routines and still go.
- You just need courage, a plan, and flexibility.
“You can think of a million reasons not to go. But if the idea keeps calling to you—listen.”
Connect With Our Guest
Bethany Stevens is the creator of Your Sign to Siesta, where she shares her family’s journey of taking a year abroad in Spain. Through her writing and social media, she inspires other families to live more intentionally and explore bold lifestyle choices without waiting for retirement.
Read more about their family adventures here: http://www.yoursigntosiesta.com
More About Our Author
Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, is the founder of Connected Financial Planning and the host of Passport to Wealth™. As a Certified Financial Planner™ and Enrolled Agent, Arielle specializes in helping U.S. expats simplify their finances while building intentional, global lives.
With firsthand experience navigating cross-border living, tax complexity, and international relocation, Arielle provides thoughtful, personalized guidance for individuals and families living abroad. Whether you're planning a move, managing multi-country income, or just trying to make sense of your financial future; she’s here to help you do it with clarity and confidence.
To book a 1:1 Expat Expert Coaching Call with Arielle, click here.