Pivot, Pack, Repeat: Lessons From a Global Life with Vivian Najib of FTB Home

By Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA | | 7.20.25

In this week’s episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, sits down with Vivian, founder of FTB Home and curator of intentional living spaces. But this conversation goes far beyond rugs and reading nooks. Vivian shares her candid, globe-spanning journey of reinvention, from the streets of New York to the rivers of Vietnam and finally, the sunny lanes of Portugal.

“I got on a plane the next day and started this brand new life.”

Nine years ago, Vivian stood at the corner of Mulberry and Prince in New York City, tears in her eyes, knowing life was about to shift dramatically. With nothing more than a plane ticket to Thailand and a curiosity for what could be next, she launched herself into the unknown.What followed was a whirlwind of soul-searching, language classes, and unexpected detours, including a particularly rough stop in Cambodia that led to her booking the next $3 flight to Vietnam.

“I rented an apartment and within three weeks I had lost three sizes. I couldn’t keep anything in my body... I was like, when’s the next flight and where is it going?”

Building Home from the Inside Out

Vivian is no stranger to reinvention… not just personally, but professionally. Through her work with FTB Home, she helps people design homes that serve their life transitions and routines. It's fitting, given how much she’s had to rebuild “home” from scratch, repeatedly.

One of her most moving insights? Vietnam unexpectedly gave her a sense of belonging she hadn’t anticipated:

“I found a group of people that I didn’t have to explain my life choices to... we had all made those same decisions.”

Still, the language barrier proved too much. Enter Portugal. A country she had visited multiple times and one that checked the boxes for lifestyle, weather, and residency requirements.

Portugal, Paperwork & Pandemic Curveballs

Vivian’s journey to settling in Portugal was anything but smooth. Applying for the D7 visa required an entire stack of documents (yes, including her high school transcripts), only for her visa interview to be canceled due to the COVID shutdown.

“I was stuck in New York for six months... I thought this dream is over. I’m going to have to go back to work as a lawyer.”

But just when it seemed like the dream might end, the consulate called. Within three days, she was on a flight back to Europe.

Life in Portugal & Learning the Language

Today, Vivian is firmly planted in Portugal, working toward B-level Portuguese fluency, taking government-sponsored classes, and building a life in alignment with her values.

When asked about cultural adjustments, her answer is surprisingly simple: it wasn’t that hard.

“At heart, I may be Portuguese... a lot of their values mesh with where I am.”

Still, there were moments, especially navigating bureaucracy where she found the directness a little jarring:

“They just give you the meat. Here you go. Deal with it.”

Advice for Aspiring Expats

Vivian leaves us with two powerful tips for anyone considering life abroad:

1. Enroll in a language course right away. It gives you structure, social connection, and a foundation for success.

2. You don’t need a perfect reason to go, just the courage to try. But make sure you’re legal.

“There’s a million reasons not to, and maybe no good reason to do it. But if you want to go—go.”

yellow tram on street inortugal

Final Thoughts

Vivian’s story is a reminder that living abroad isn’t just about escape. It’s about curiosity, flexibility, and the courage to keep pivoting until something feels right. From navigating visa requirements to learning a new language as an adult, she offers both inspiration and practical wisdom.

Connect with Our Guest

Want to learn more about Vivian and her work helping others create homes that support their goals and lifestyles?

You can connect with her here:

Whether you're navigating a life transition or dreaming of your own international move, Vivian offers insight, support, and a fresh perspective on what it means to feel at home, wherever you are.

More About the 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.

Book a 1-1 Expat Expert Coaching Call with Arielle to discuss how you can create your own passport to wealth while living abroad.