Moving Abroad from the US: How to Find Your Ideal Country

By Arielle Tucker CFP®, EA | | 10.2.25

Have you ever dreamed of living abroad but felt overwhelmed by the endless possibilities? Choosing the right country can feel like the biggest barrier between you and your new life overseas. That’s exactly the challenge Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi, set out to solve.

In this week’s Passport to Wealth™ blog recap, Arielle Tucker CFP®, EA speaks with Jen about her journey from Alabama to Mérida, Mexico, and how Expatsi is empowering Americans to confidently choose, and prepare for, life abroad.

Why Finding the Right Country Matters

For many aspiring expats, the hardest question isn’t if they should move abroad... it’s where. With over 190 countries to choose from, each with its own visa rules, cultural quirks, and cost of living, the decision can feel paralyzing.

Jen and her husband faced this challenge firsthand when they left Alabama. They didn’t just want to escape; they wanted to build a life that aligned with their values of family, affordability, safety, and community. That search eventually led them to Mérida, Mexico, where they found a slower pace of life and a supportive environment.

Through that experience, Jen realized many Americans were craving tools to help them make this decision more intentionally and Expatsi was born.

moving boxes up against a white wall

The Expatsi Test: Matching Values to Countries

The Expatsi Test is designed to help Americans narrow down their best-fit countries. By answering a series of lifestyle, value, and preference-based questions, users receive personalized matches that reflect what matters most to them, not just visa rules, or headlines.

“It’s not about finding the perfect country on paper. It’s about finding the country where you can truly thrive.”

To date, thousands have taken the test, and the results speak for themselves. Some discover that a familiar choice like Portugal or Spain makes sense, while others realize they’re better suited to unexpected destinations in Latin America, Eastern Europe, or Asia.

Beyond the Test: The Expatsi App and Scouting Trips

Expatsi isn’t stopping with the test. Jen and her team are developing a new app that will serve as a digital companion for the expat journey: offering tools for planning, connecting, and even booking scouting trips.

Scouting trips, Jen notes, are one of the smartest steps an aspiring expat can take. Spending time on the ground allows people to test daily life, experience the culture firsthand, and decide whether it feels like home.

traditional style houses in Merida Yucatan

Adapting Abroad: Lessons from Mérida

Jen’s personal story adds depth to her work. Moving from Alabama to Mérida wasn’t just about changing location; it was about shifting perspective. She found herself embracing flexibility, learning to slow down, and appreciating a community that values connection over hustle.

For Americans accustomed to fast-paced, career-driven lifestyles, Jen encourages a mindset shift: “Living abroad isn’t about replicating your U.S. life somewhere else. It’s about creating a life that aligns with who you want to be.”

Key Takeaways for Americans Considering a Move Abroad

  • Start with values. The right country isn’t the trendiest destination; it’s the one aligned with your priorities.
  • Use tools wisely. The Expatsi Test and app can save time and provide clarity for overwhelmed expats-in-the-making.
  • Plan a scouting trip. Nothing replaces experiencing daily life in your potential new home.
  • Expect to adapt. Moving abroad isn’t just about visas and housing; it’s about embracing cultural shifts and personal growth.
two powerful business women laughing together

Connect with Our Guest

Jen Barnett is the co-founder of Expatsi, a platform designed to help Americans evaluate, plan, and take actionable steps toward moving abroad. Through the Expatsi Test, curated scouting trips, and soon-to-launch app, she has helped thousands of people align their values with their ideal lifestyle abroad.

More About the Author

Arielle Tucker CFP®, EA is a financial planner, tax advisor, and host of Passport to Wealth™. She specializes in guiding Americans pursuing lives abroad to align their finances, purpose, and lifestyle choices. Arielle combines expertise in cross-border planning with insights into intentional living to help clients design a life rich in fulfillment and meaning.