Jean Galea

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How I Appealed a €900 Traffic Fine from the Catalan Transit Agency (and What You Should Know)

Last updated: June 04, 2025Leave a Comment

catalan transit fineIn early March, I received a shocking €900 fine from the Servei Català de Trànsit (Catalan Transit Agency). The charge? Failing to identify the driver of my privately owned vehicle for a previous traffic violation. But here’s the twist: I was never properly notified about that earlier request. Like many people, I didn’t find out until it was too late—the original notice had been published in the BOE (Spain’s official government bulletin), which I never saw.

This article walks through the exact steps I took, what I learned along the way, and what I recommend to others who might be facing a similar situation.

Step 1: Understanding the Fine

The €900 fine was not for speeding or parking—it was for a failure to identify the driver. Under Spanish traffic law, vehicle owners are required to respond to certain notices identifying who was driving at the time of an infraction. If you don’t, a second fine is issued, often much larger than the original.

In my case, I hadn’t responded simply because I never received the original notice. It turns out it was published in the BOE without any attempt to notify me directly at home.

Step 2: Filing an Alegación (Appeal)

I submitted an alegación on March 4, explaining that I had not received the original driver identification request and therefore could not have replied to it. The alegación is your formal right to respond to a proposed sanction before it becomes final. It temporarily freezes the process while the Servei Català de Trànsit reviews your explanation.

You can submit this online, by mail, or in person. It’s crucial to do it within the timeline indicated in the notice (usually 20 days).

Step 3: What Happens While You Wait

After filing, the fine is put on hold. You do not need to pay anything until the administration issues a decision on your alegación. No interest accrues, and the case doesn’t move to enforcement while your appeal is pending.

I waited several weeks with no reply—which is normal. The SCT can take a few months to respond.

Step 4: Possible Outcomes

Here’s what can happen next:

  • Your alegación is accepted: The €900 fine is canceled, and the process ends. This is ideal.
  • Your alegación is rejected: The fine becomes official. You’ll receive a resolution telling you how long you have to pay (usually 15 days).

Important note: For this kind of infraction, no early-payment discount applies. That means if your alegación is rejected, you’ll owe the full €900.

Step 5: Deciding Whether to Keep Fighting

If your alegación is rejected, you still have two options:

  1. Recurso de Reposición (Administrative Re-appeal): You can request the SCT to reconsider within one month. However, this doesn’t suspend the fine, so enforcement may begin.
  2. Contencioso-Administrativo (Court Appeal): You can go to court within two months of the resolution. Legal representation is required, and costs can be high.

In my case, I decided that I didn’t want to incur legal fees. I can afford to pay the €900 if it comes to that, but I find it excessive—and I imagine most people would struggle with a fine of that size.

My Recommendation

  • If you believe the notice wasn’t properly served (like me), file an alegación immediately.
  • Wait for the SCT’s response—it may take a couple of months.
  • If rejected and you don’t want legal hassles, pay the fine promptly to avoid a 20% surcharge.
  • If you’re passionate about fighting it further, explore the administrative or judicial options.

Final Thoughts

The system is tough and unjust, especially when it relies on BOE publication instead of proper notification. But you do have rights, and the alegación process gives you a fair shot to contest unreasonable penalties.

My Case’s Outcome

My case was decided in my favor, and the €900 fine was canceled. The correspondence was delivered by courier and I had to sign for each letter I received. In my case, they first resent the letter asking for driver identification, and a couple weeks later sent me another letter saying the €900 fine was canceled due to the facts I provided as mentioned above. That should be very encouraging to anyone in the same situation as I was in. The system really does work, and if you’re right you can appeal and have a fine canceled.

Filed under: Expat life

Charming Venues in Barcelona for Small Events and Birthday Parties

Published: April 03, 2025Leave a Comment

Planning a birthday bash or an intimate celebration in Barcelona? Whether you’re dreaming of a scenic rooftop, a cozy café terrace, or a breezy beachside setup, the city offers a rich variety of venues perfect for small gatherings. Here are some local recommendations that blend style, atmosphere, and charm — ideal for memorable get-togethers.

Mirabé

Nestled on the slopes of Tibidabo, Mirabé offers breathtaking views over the city. Its elegant atmosphere, paired with excellent food and a chic terrace, makes it a top choice for a small celebration. It’s a particularly romantic spot at sunset, with panoramic vistas that impress every guest.

Xalet de Montjuïc

This classic venue, perched on Montjuïc hill, combines traditional Catalan architecture with stunning cityscape views. Xalet de Montjuïc is perfect for a slightly more formal birthday lunch or evening event, especially during warmer months when you can enjoy the outdoor space.

Terraza Miramar

Another gem on Montjuïc, Terraza Miramar offers a tranquil garden-like setting with panoramic views of the port and sea. The relaxed, stylish ambiance makes it a wonderful choice for an outdoor birthday celebration or a casual evening with friends and family.

Hotel Rooftops on Passeig de Gràcia

For a centrally located and stylish rooftop experience, check out the terrace of a hotel along Passeig de Gràcia. While some spots may come at a premium, the views, ambiance, and location are often worth the price—especially for a special occasion.

Al Sur Café – Parc de la Ciutadella

Right across from Parc de la Ciutadella, Al Sur Café offers a relaxed vibe with good food and affordable prices. Their terrace is great for a casual daytime event.

Beachside Chiringuitos

Depending on the time of year, you can reserve chairs and tables at a chiringuito on the beach. These casual seaside bars are perfect for a laid-back party with toes in the sand and a drink in hand. They’re particularly fun for kids’ birthdays or adult gatherings with a relaxed, summery feel.

Find Hidden Gems on Spathios

If you’re looking for something unique, check out Spathios — a platform that lists a variety of spaces for rent across the city. From modern lofts to boho-style terraces and artistic studios, you’re bound to discover a venue that fits your vibe and budget.

Whether you’re after breathtaking views, bohemian flair, or casual beachside fun, Barcelona has a perfect spot for your next small event. Make your celebration one to remember!

Want help booking or choosing based on your event size or style? Just say the word!

Filed under: Expat life

Tax vs. Life: Making the Right Move for You and Your Family

Published: April 01, 2025Leave a Comment

taxvslife

One of the biggest mistakes people make when deciding where to live is placing tax considerations above everything else. While taxation is certainly an important factor, making it the sole or primary reason for relocation—or for not moving—is often a short-sighted decision.

You’re saving €20,000 a year in taxes—but what is it costing you?

I’ve spent a lot of time researching the best place to live for me and my family and this is one of the most important decisions I’ve made and continue to make in my life. Conditions change and so this is not a one-time decisions. For example, Asia might be great in your twenties when your focus is on exploring the world with your partner, but once you have kids you probably want to live in a more familiar environment within the culture you grew up with. For me, that is clearly the Mediterranean basin.

Let’s take some of the most common examples of tax-focused moves (or non-moves) I hear about.

Consider someone moving from Spain to Dubai to reduce their tax burden. Sure, Dubai offers attractive tax advantages, but what are you giving up in return? Living in Spain, especially on the Mediterranean coast, provides an unmatched lifestyle: warm climate, friendly people, incredible food, and the ease of jumping in a car and being in another country within hours. Your children can receive a top-tier education, grow up in a culturally rich environment, and have access to high-level sporting opportunities. Everyday life in Spain is also more affordable in many ways. Dining out, groceries, and even housing can be significantly cheaper compared to cities like Dubai. So while you might save on taxes, you could easily end up spending more in other areas. The same applies to Andorra, which is a very popular move among people in Spain due to its proximity and significantly lower taxes.

Or take Londoners relocating to Portugal or Dubai to reduce their tax burden. While Dubai is a booming hub with luxury appeal, it may not offer the same level of creative energy, cultural richness, or professional ecosystems they enjoyed in the UK.

Consider Americans who move to Puerto Rico under Act 60. The promise of nearly zero tax is alluring, but many underestimate the challenges: cultural adjustment, limited healthcare options, infrastructure issues, and lack of top-tier education for their kids. For some, the move feels more like exile than freedom.

Eastern Europeans heading to Singapore or the UAE for higher salaries and lower tax often face similar dilemmas: a trade-off between career opportunity and losing touch with their cultural roots, family, or nature-focused lifestyles.

Another scenario of not moving is choosing to stay in Malta simply because of its lower taxes compared to somewhere like Spain. This again overlooks the bigger picture. Take Barcelona as an example: it offers not just a vibrant city life, but also unparalleled networking opportunities, exposure to high-level professionals, and personal and professional growth that can far outweigh the money saved through lower taxes. Especially if you’re earning something in the range of €100,000 a year, the tax difference becomes marginal when balanced against the benefits of being in a dynamic, opportunity-rich environment.

And then there’s your family to consider. In cities like Barcelona, your children will grow up around the kids of ultra-successful parents, especially if enrolled in good private schools. This kind of social environment can have a massive positive influence on their development and future prospects.

Clearly tax is a valid part of the decision-making process, but it should never be the only consideration. Quality of life, cost of living, career growth, education, and personal fulfillment often provide far greater value than the percentage of income you’re able to shield from taxation. Look at the full picture—and make a choice that serves your whole life, not just your bank account.

Why do so many people fall into this trap? Partly, it’s due to the over-glorification of tax optimization in online communities. Financial influencers and digital nomads often push the narrative that avoiding tax is the highest form of financial wisdom.

But life isn’t lived in spreadsheets. Real life is built on relationships, experiences, health, growth, and a sense of belonging. Optimizing for taxes is rational, but it becomes irrational if it leads you to sacrifice long-term well-being for short-term savings.

A Better Framework for Choosing Where to Live

To make better decisions, we need a broader lens. Here’s a more detailed framework to consider when choosing a place to live:

Community & Networking: Are you surrounded by people who inspire and support you? Can you connect with mentors, business leaders, or creative collaborators? How many events, meetups and conferences are held within a 1 hour radius? Think about whether you’re in a place where your circle helps elevate your vision.

Cost of Living vs. Quality of Life: What are you getting for your money? Are your basic and aspirational needs being met in a way that feels sustainable and enjoyable? A higher tax location that gives you better services, more cultural offerings, and cleaner public spaces might actually give you a better deal overall. Everyone has their own needs, but as an example, to me, the ease of online shopping makes living in a city like Barcelona incredibly time-efficient and convenient.

Education & Child Development: Will your kids be in a nurturing, stimulating environment that supports their potential? Are they exposed to diversity, good values, and the children of other driven families? Are their teachers passionate, well-trained, and inspiring? The presence of world-class schools, access to languages, extracurriculars, and even peer influence can dramatically shape who your child becomes. If you have the opportunity to raise your children in a top-tier city with excellent education, not doing so is a massive missed opportunity.

Access to Nature & Travel: How easy is it to take a weekend break in nature or hop on a short flight to a culturally rich city? This has a huge impact on mental health and a family’s sense of adventure and balance. I love hopping into one of my cars and taking a trip to the many amazing places within easy reach, whereas in other places I’d need to take a flight to make a change of scenery.

Healthcare & Safety: Can you access top-notch medical services quickly and affordably? How safe is the city for you, your spouse, and your children?

Personal Growth Opportunities: Are there cultural events, conferences, sports, and new challenges around you that help you keep growing? Is your city pushing you to evolve?

Civic Engagement & Values: Do you feel aligned with the values of the place you live? Do people care about the environment, art, family, or innovation? Are you proud to call it home?

A location like Barcelona might not be the most tax-efficient, but it scores incredibly well across all these dimensions. And when all these elements work together, they create a foundation for a deeply fulfilling life.

The Power of Social Environment

Another underestimated factor is the social environment. Being around high achievers has a profound impact—not just on adults, but on children too. If your children are surrounded by ambitious, well-raised peers at school, they’re more likely to adopt positive habits, higher aspirations, and resilience. These are invisible, long-term advantages that pay dividends for decades.

Parents often underestimate just how much influence teachers and peers have on their child’s development. The reality is, your child will spend more waking hours with their teachers and classmates than with you. Their worldview, language, confidence, and habits will be shaped more by their environment than anything else. Being in a classroom where the bar is high, the standards are clear, and the kids are driven makes a world of difference.

What many don’t realize is that children absorb everything from their surroundings. Adults have filters—we can critique our environment, see its flaws, and emotionally detach when necessary. Kids don’t. If they grow up in a place where dysfunction, chaos, or mediocrity is the norm, they internalize that as how the world works. Conversely, when placed in a thriving, world-class city, they absorb excellence, structure, and aspiration as part of their everyday experience.

Sometimes, even as parents, we’re limited in what we absorb from our environment—but our kids aren’t. I’ve seen my own children mimic vocabulary, behaviors, and worldviews that clearly came from simply living in Barcelona. They are more open, curious, and socially engaged than I ever expected, not because of something I did, but because of what they’re immersed in every day.

As an adult, proximity to driven, successful people often leads to serendipitous opportunities—partnerships, introductions, ideas that change everything. A spontaneous dinner or school pickup can lead to the next great business venture or a lifelong friendship. That kind of organic networking is hard to replicate in more isolated or purely transactional environments.

The social atmosphere of a city also impacts mental health and motivation. Do you feel energized or drained by the people around you? Are people open-minded, optimistic, and generous? Are conversations stimulating? The right social environment can lift you out of plateaus and push you to reinvent yourself.

The Hidden Impact of Baseline Shift

One of the most transformative, yet underestimated, changes that comes with moving to a major city is the baseline shift. When you live in a smaller, slower, or more disorganized place, you may not realize how much you’ve adapted to its limitations. You think it’s normal.

But when you relocate to a dynamic, high-functioning place like Barcelona, you begin to operate on an entirely different level. The standards, the systems, the pace—all push you forward. You start expecting more from your surroundings and from yourself. This isn’t about being elitist—it’s about exposure. You can’t grow if you don’t even realize there’s another level available to you.

This applies even more to children. If they grow up surrounded by mediocrity or dysfunction, that becomes their default. If they grow up surrounded by excellence, curiosity, and drive, that becomes their normal. The bar is simply higher.

Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Regret

Tax savings may feel good in the short term, but regret creeps in slowly. People often realize too late that they’ve missed out on years of community, rich experiences, or opportunities they could’ve had elsewhere. I’ve mentioned Barcelona many times in this article because it takes the number one spot for living for what my family needs right now. However, there are many other comparable cities and locations that might take your number one spot depending on how you want to live.

So when choosing where to live, ask yourself this: Are you optimizing for tax, or are you optimizing for life?

Sometimes, the best investment isn’t in your bank account—it’s in your lifestyle, your network, your kids, your joy, and your future.

Choose wisely.

This article is based on both personal experience and countless conversations with others who’ve made the move—or hesitated and later regretted it. If you’re on the fence, do the math. But also run the life audit. The right decision might not just change your tax return. It might change your life.

Filed under: Expat life

Best Travel Insurance Options for Europeans

Published: March 21, 2025Leave a Comment

n26 travel insuranceWhen planning a trip, travel insurance is something I always consider, especially if I’m venturing out of Europe. Many digital banks and fintech companies offer insurance coverage as part of their premium subscription plans, which makes things convenient if you travel frequently. In this article, I’m sharing my comparison of the travel insurance options provided by Revolut, Wise, and N26, highlighting what they offer, what they don’t, and a few alternative online travel insurance providers I’ve looked into.

Revolut Travel Insurance

Revolut has been a popular choice for digital banking users, and it previously included travel insurance in several of its premium plans. However, recent changes have affected its coverage:

  • Available for: Revolut Metal and Ultra plan users.
  • Coverage includes:
    • Emergency medical expenses.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption.
    • Lost or delayed baggage.
    • Travel delays.
  • Requirements:
    • You must pay at least 75% of your transportation and accommodation costs using your Revolut account for coverage to be valid.
    • Maximum trip duration is 30 days for Metal and 90 days for Ultra subscribers.
  • Recent Updates:
    • Travel insurance was removed from the Revolut Premium plan.
    • Changes to coverage limits and eligibility have been made for Metal and Ultra plan holders.

My Take: Revolut’s travel insurance is handy if you’re already on a Metal or Ultra plan, but the payment requirement adds a layer of friction. You have to remember to use your Revolut account for most of your bookings.

Wise Travel Insurance

Wise doesn’t include built-in travel insurance, which is a bit of a downside if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution.

  • Available for: Not offered.
  • Alternative option: You’ll need to purchase standalone travel insurance from an external provider.

My Take: I still love Wise for managing multi-currency spending, but it just doesn’t help on the insurance front.

N26 Travel Insurance

N26 offers comprehensive travel insurance through its premium accounts, N26 You and N26 Metal, in collaboration with Allianz Assistance.

  • Available for: N26 You and N26 Metal plan users.
  • Coverage includes:
    • Emergency medical coverage: Up to €1,000,000 for medical emergencies abroad, including dental emergencies and winter sports incidents.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: Reimbursement up to €10,000 for non-refundable trip costs due to unforeseen events.
    • Baggage coverage: Up to €2,000 for baggage loss, theft, or damage, and up to €500 for baggage delays over four hours.
    • Travel delay: Coverage up to €500 for expenses incurred due to delays over two hours.
    • Personal liability: Coverage up to €500,000 for damages or injuries caused to third parties during a trip.
  • Requirements:
    • N26 used to require you to pay with your card for some of the insurance benefits, but that’s no longer the case. Now, you’re covered as long as your premium account is active—no matter how you paid for your trip.
  • Additional Benefits for N26 Metal Users:
    • Mobile phone insurance (up to €2,000).
    • Purchase protection for high-value items.

My Take: N26 is my favorite option overall. It’s straightforward, and I don’t have to stress about which card I used to pay for the trip.

Other Online Travel Insurance Options for Europeans

If you’re like me and want flexibility—or if your bank doesn’t offer insurance—there are solid standalone options available.

SafetyWing is great for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Their subscription model makes it easy to stay insured without having to buy a new policy for every trip. They cover the essentials: emergency medical, trip interruption, and lost baggage.

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the big names in the space. They offer everything from single-trip to annual multi-trip policies. It’s reliable, well-known, and covers just about everything you’d need.

AXA Travel Insurance is another solid option. I like that you can tailor your policy depending on how much coverage you want. Their customer service reputation is strong too, which is reassuring when you’re abroad.

Europ Assistance (also known as Euros Assist) has been around for ages and has a global support network. Their coverage includes 24/7 medical help, repatriation, trip cancellations, and more. It’s a good option especially if you travel with family or have longer stays planned.

Heymondo has become a favorite among some of my friends. Their app makes it super easy to manage everything, including medical chat support. Their plans are flexible and well-priced, and they offer strong coverage limits for medical emergencies and trip issues.

American Express is also worth looking into if you already have one of their higher-tier cards. The Platinum Card, for example, includes travel insurance for cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and car rentals.

Also, don’t overlook the option of getting insurance during the booking process. Platforms like Booking.com and many airlines now offer insurance as an add-on—it’s convenient and can work well for shorter trips.

Conclusion

For me, N26 stands out as the best all-around option, especially with its no-hassle coverage and no need to use a specific payment method. Revolut is still a decent option if you already use it and don’t mind the 75% payment rule. Wise is great for money transfers, but you’ll need to look elsewhere for insurance.

If you’re not covered through your bank, providers like SafetyWing, Allianz, AXA, Europ Assistance, and Heymondo all offer strong standalone plans. And if you’re an Amex cardholder, you might already have decent coverage without needing to do anything extra.

For most of my trips, I usually rely on my private health insurance in Spain (which offers international coverage) combined with N26 You’s travel insurance that covers things that can go wrong with baggage, delays, etc. The nice thing is that if my family is traveling with me then the insurance actually covers all of us. This is way cheaper than taking out travel insurance policies for each trip. As an example, while checking for a recent trip to Asia visiting 3 developed countries, the dedicated insurance providers quoted me around €400-700 euro for a family policy, whereas with my N26 You account I would have more or less the same coverage for much less (€10 a month). The additional benefit is that I don’t need to think about travel insurance every time I go on a trip, as I know it will always be available for me as long as I’m on the N26 You plan.

No matter which route you go, make sure to check the fine print before you travel—having the right travel insurance can make all the difference when something goes wrong abroad.

Filed under: Expat life

Is It Too Late? Love, Family, and Reinventing Your Life at 40

Published: February 26, 2025Leave a Comment

A Conversation on Timing, Priorities, and the Pursuit of a Meaningful Life

I have many friends approaching midlife, and a good number of those who are not yet married and raising kids are grappling with the question of whether it’s too late to find the right partner, have children, and build a life that balances love, ambition, and stability.

It’s a conversation that many successful, independent, and driven individuals—especially women—find themselves having as they near 40. There’s a cultural narrative that suggests we must have it all figured out by a certain age: love, career, family, financial security. But real life is not always so neatly packaged.

Let’s break down the key concerns and explore them from different angles. I will be focusing more on women as the simple truth is that men have less of a biological clock ticking in the background. While I do strongly believe that it is best for men to have their kids between the ages of 25 and 40 so as to be able to maximise their time with kids and the physical ability to do things with them, they have more flexibility in delaying the big decisions.

So let’s go ahead and consider some typical questions that women approaching their 40s might be dwelling upon.

1. Have I Missed My Chance to Have Children?

The biological clock is real, but it’s not a doomsday device. While fertility naturally declines with age, medical advancements like egg freezing, IVF, and other fertility treatments have made having children later in life more possible than ever. Many women today are having healthy pregnancies in their 40s.

More important than biology, though, is the question: Do you truly want children, or do you feel like you “should” have them?

Having kids is an enormous, life-altering decision—one that requires emotional and practical readiness. It’s worth deeply reflecting on whether your desire is based on personal fulfillment or societal expectations.

If the answer is yes—you truly want children—then the next step is taking proactive measures. Whether that means assessing your fertility now, freezing eggs, or considering alternative paths like surrogacy or adoption, there are options.

2. Did I Spend Too Much Time Chasing the Wrong Things?

I do believe that modern feminism has gone too far and glorified the working woman over the stay-at-home mum who devotes all her time to raising kids. For most families, a traditional setup of working husband and stay-at-home mum is the ideal to aim for. I know it’s a controversial opinion, but I’m standing by it.

Having said that, if as a woman, you’re approaching your 40s and feeling a tinge of regret at spending the past twenty years focusing on your career and other things that society pushes women to aim for, all is not lost. The most important thing is to realize the lie of feminism. Your past—whether it was prioritizing career, travel, or unconventional relationships—isn’t a mistake. It was simply the path you took to get here. Regret is a tricky thing; it tricks us into believing that we should have known then what we only learned now.

The key takeaway isn’t that you “wasted time.” It’s that you’ve now gained the clarity to prioritize what truly matters to you going forward.

Instead of lamenting the past, focus on the present: What do you want now, and how do you align your actions to make it happen?

3. Will My Relationship History Scare Off Potential Partners?

There’s no sugarcoating it—dating in your late 30s and early 40s comes with different dynamics than in your 20s. But it’s not a death sentence for finding love.

Your relationship history isn’t a liability—it’s part of your story. It’s true that some men might prefer a “clean slate,” especially when talking about previous marriages or having kids, but the right man will see your experiences as growth rather than baggage. When we date someone we don’t only look at the statistics of that person; we get to know their story.

The question isn’t whether your past relationships will scare someone off. It’s whether you’re looking for someone who values the person you’ve become because of those experiences.

4. Is It Too Late to Find Someone to Build a Life With?

The idea that love and meaningful relationships are reserved for people under 30 is simply false. People are finding love—and starting families—later in life more than ever.

What’s more important than age is alignment: finding a partner who shares your vision, values, and long-term goals.

The thing here is that most women who have delayed kids and possibly relationships have done so due to prioritizing things like career and travel. So we have to consider whether finding someone who fits into that life is possible. Unless the woman is ready to make a drastic change to her lifestyle, she will be seeking to form a “power couple” dynamic. This entails building a life, a business, and a family together.

It’s absolutely possible, but it requires a level of intentionality in dating that many people don’t practice.

Instead of approaching dating from a place of fear (“Am I too late?”), reframe it:

  • What kind of partner would thrive in the life I envision?
  • Where would I realistically meet someone like this?
  • How can I communicate my vision and desires clearly from the start?

Dating with purpose means being upfront about what you want, filtering out mismatches early, and focusing only on those who share your goals.

5. Can You Have Kids and Still Build a Business?

Raising kids while running a business is challenging—but doable. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs have found ways to integrate family life with their professional ambitions.

However, there are trade-offs. The idea of a high-intensity startup while raising young kids is unrealistic. But a sustainable, well-structured business? Absolutely.

It helps to be clear about expectations:

  • Would you be okay stepping back from full-time entrepreneurship while raising young children?
  • Would your ideal partner be able (and willing) to take on more of the financial load during this period?
  • Could you build a business that operates more passively rather than requiring constant hands-on work?

With the right strategy, you can have both—a fulfilling career and a family. But the key is designing your business model around the life you want, not the other way around.

6. How Do I Transition from a Nomadic Lifestyle to Stability?

If you’ve spent years traveling and embracing an adventurous lifestyle, transitioning to a more stable, family-oriented life can feel overwhelming. But it’s entirely possible. The key is to be intentional about where you settle, who you surround yourself with, and how you adjust your routines.

Some steps to consider:

  • Choose a base that aligns with your long-term goals. For example, if the Mediterranean is your preference, focus on a city or town that offers both stability and community. You’re unlikely to find your long-term power couple partner in a rural village in Italy. However, places like Barcelona offer a wide range of possibilities and can accelerate your transition.
  • Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Join groups, attend local meetups, and immerse yourself in a community that values both entrepreneurship and family.
  • Adjust your mindset from constant movement to deep-rooted fulfillment. Being settled doesn’t mean losing excitement—it means shifting toward meaningful engagement in a chosen place.

Making this transition isn’t about “giving up” travel; it’s about integrating it into a more balanced lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

You haven’t “missed your chance.” You’re just at a crossroads where intentional decisions matter more than ever. I would say that most people start asking questions around this point in their life, whatever their life situation is. I certainly went through and am still going through this period of asking many questions and realigning my life to make sure I transition gracefully into the second half of my life. Be cognizant that you’re in the same boat as everyone else, and forget about what people might say or think. I went out and bought a sports car when I turned 40, and it was the best decision I ever made. I love that car and it’s giving me awesome experiences. People want to call it a midlife crisis car? No problem; the important thing is how I feel and how my family feels about things.

Instead of seeing midlife as an endpoint, consider it a turning point—a time to realign your life with what truly matters to you.

Some people get everything lined up early, but many don’t find their stride until their 40s or later. So take stock realistically of your situation, strengths and weaknesses, and be very specific of what you want for the future, then take the appropriate steps to get there.

What matters is not where you are today, but what you do next.

Filed under: Thoughts & Experiences

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