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Road Tripping Italy: How Discover Cars Saved Us a Fortune (and a Headache)
If you’ve ever planned a road trip through Italy , you know the dream: cruising past Tuscan vineyards, navigating the rugged coast of Sicily, and finding those hidden trattorias that aren't on any bus route. But you also know the potential nightmare: the confusing world of Italian car rentals, hidden fees, and the dreaded "insurance talk" at the rental desk. On our last big trip, we tackled both the Italian mainland and Sicily by car. To keep things simple (and affordable),
itllbefunretiremen
12 minutes ago3 min read


Building Your It'll Be Fun Life!: Spain—The Vibrant Dream vs. The Tax Reality
We Should Have Done This Sooner - It'll Be Fun! Welcome back to "Building Your It'll Be Fun Life!" We have looked at France (colder, more expensive), and we have looked at Italy (chaotic, interesting). Now, we have to talk about the one that got away. The original dream. Spain . If you have been following our journey, you know we live in Northern Portugal (Caminha) . We love it here. But recently, we took a trip across the border just north of us, up to Vigo and the charmin
itllbefunretiremen
Jan 246 min read


Building Your It’ll Be Fun Life: Italy — La Dolce Vita vs. the 7% Solution
Italy has a rare ability to work for both retirees and young entrepreneurs — but for very different reasons. Retirees are drawn to the slower pace, rich culture, affordable housing in smaller towns, and powerful tax incentives like the 7% flat tax on foreign income. Younger entrepreneurs, on the other hand, benefit from new digital nomad visas, startup incentives, and global connectivity. Add world-class food, walkable towns, and deep community roots, and Italy becomes more t
itllbefunretiremen
Jan 95 min read


Building Your It’ll Be Fun Life
Wolf & Lessa Paris, France By Leslie – It’ll Be Fun France vs. Portugal: The Adventure, the Dream, and the Math That Keeps Us Grounded One of the great myths of moving abroad is that once you choose a country, the other options fade quietly into the background. That you “decide,” settle in, and never look back. That hasn’t been our experience at all. As we begin a new year and continue our Building Your It’ll Be Fun Life series, we want to be honest about something most expa
itllbefunretiremen
Jan 14 min read


The Long Game: Why We’re Still Choosing Portugal (Even After the Rules Changed)
Alan & Wolf By Leslie – It’ll Be Fun Lately, it feels like every conversation about Portugal starts the same way: “Are you still staying?” “Is Portugal still worth it?” “Didn’t they change everything?” And honestly — We get the anxiety. First, the real estate Golden Visa ended. Then the Non-Habitual Resident tax program closed to new people. And in late 2025, the headline that really rattled nerves: citizenship timelines potentially stretching from five years to ten for immi
itllbefunretiremen
Jan 14 min read


The Long Game: Why We're Sticking with Portugal (Even with the 10-Year Rule)
Why Living In Portugal Is Worth It. Even with all the political issues, policy changes and high taxes. There is something to be siad for this country. Come join us to see how we have built our It'll Be Fun Life.
itllbefunretiremen
Dec 12, 20258 min read


Rethinking Retirement: 9 U.S. Places Where We Could Live Well Without Being Millionaires
Discover how to retire in the USA and still travel the world—without needing millions. The team at It'll Be Fun, share their strategy for building a comfortable, travel-rich life with a paid-off home, smart budgeting, and flexible investing. Explore nine affordable U.S. states perfect for creating a stable base while enjoying months of slow travel abroad each year.
Leslie and Wolf
Nov 9, 202511 min read


Portugal's Citizenship Changes: What You Need to Know - UPDATED
Father and son in palermo Italy
itllbefunretiremen
Oct 26, 20255 min read


U.S. Expat Retirement in Europe: A Looming Tax Storm?
How Much Is too Much to Pay In Taxes? For the millions of Americans retired or retiring across Europe, financial planning has long been a balancing act between local tax laws and the unique demands of the U.S. tax system. Favorable regimes, like Portugal's recently ended Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program, have offered years of stability and significant savings.
itllbefunretiremen
Sep 12, 20256 min read


Essential Steps to Take Before Relocating to Another Country
Portugal with Wolf Relocating abroad is an exciting adventure filled with new opportunities and experiences. However, it also requires...
itllbefunretiremen
Sep 8, 20254 min read


Our Portuguese Dream Condo Became a Full-Time Airbnb: The Legal Loophole We Never Saw Coming
We thought Portugal's new housing laws protected our condo from short-term rentals. We were wrong. We understood the rules but missed the math. A legal loophole allowed wealthy investors to gain a majority in our small building, legally turning our home into a hotel. This is our cautionary tale so you can avoid our costly mistake and understand the risks before you buy.
itllbefunretiremen
Aug 15, 20256 min read


Social Security for US Expats: Will the Rules Change? (2025)
Your Social Security Abroad: The Rules, The Rumors, and What You Can Actually Control.
Let's talk about the single biggest financial question that lands in our inbox. It’s a one-two punch of worry that can stop a beautiful dream in its tracks. This is a huge deal. Your benefits are the financial bedrock of your retirement, and uncertainty around them is paralyzing. So, let’s tackle both parts of this fear head-on, and then talk about the only mindset that will actually get yo
itllbefunretiremen
Aug 3, 20254 min read


The 2025 Definitive Guide to Retirement in Portugal: Navigating a New Landscape of Opportunity
Madeira, Portugal Bom dia!!!! If you've been following our "It'll be fun" channel, you know we're all about making the dream of moving...
itllbefunretiremen
Jul 13, 20256 min read


What to Expect When Starting a New Life in a Foreign Country
Moving to a new country can be an exciting yet daunting experience. You might be dreaming of beautiful landscapes, unique cultures, and...
itllbefunretiremen
Jul 10, 20253 min read


Buying a House in Portugal with a Mortgage? Our Unfiltered Guide
Dreaming of buying a home in Portugal but need a mortgage? It's a minefield. Sellers want cash and won't wait for bank approvals. We're Alan & Leslie from It'll Be Fun, and we've cracked the code. Our guide gives you the real scoop on how to navigate Portugal's hot market, beat cash buyers, and secure your dream home without losing your mind (or your deposit!). Learn our strategy and get the expert team you need.
itllbefunretiremen
Jul 9, 20256 min read


🌍 How to Outsmart the Exchange Rate
Struggling with today’s exchange rates? Learn how to manage international money transfers smartly—even when the USD is down. This guide covers timing your exchange, protecting large transfers, and using tools to avoid losing thousands. Perfect for anyone moving abroad or funding overseas accounts.
itllbefunretiremen
Jun 15, 20255 min read


The Shocking TRUTH About Living in Portugal: What No One Tells You
The Shocking TRUTH About Retiring in Portugal: What No One Tells You Let Us Guide You
itllbefunretiremen
May 27, 20256 min read


Moving Overseas - Takes More Than You Think
Thinking of moving to Portugal from the U.S.? Don’t wing it. From visa types (like the D7 or Digital Nomad visa) to real income requirements and unexpected costs, we break down what it really takes to start a new life abroad. This isn’t a vacation—it’s a life reset. Get clear, get organized, and do it right the first time. Bonus: use our 30% off code for the Ultimate Moving Abroad Program!
itllbefunretiremen
May 10, 20254 min read


What to Expect When Starting a New Life Overseas
Thinking of starting a new life overseas? Discover essential tips on housing, cultural adaptation, finances, work, and building a support network abroad. Whether you're moving to Lisbon, Paris, or Tokyo, this guide helps you navigate challenges, embrace local culture, and thrive in your new environment. Perfect for expats and digital nomads seeking a smooth transition and personal growth.
itllbefunretiremen
Apr 30, 20255 min read


America’s Man-Made Crisis:
How Tariff Wars Are Threatening Your Future —
and What You Can Do About It
itllbefunretiremen
Apr 29, 20255 min read
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