In 2017, Carlos Grider set out on what was supposed to be a one-year experiment abroad. After 65+ countries and nearly a decade on the move, he now writes about personal finance, FIRE, and the real-world logistics of living internationally—visas, costs, housing, and the tradeoffs nobody mentions—so readers can make smarter global moves with fewer surprises.
Carlos is a former Big 4 management consultant and a DoD cultural advisor. He holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and Boston University’s Certificate in Financial Planning. He’s the author of Digital Nomad Nation: Rise of the Borderless Generation and is currently writing The Sovereign Expat.
What I cover
I focus on the intersection of money and mobility—how to build financial independence while designing a life abroad.
- FIRE & personal finance (savings rate, investing basics, withdrawal strategies, downside risk)
- Geo-arbitrage & cost of living (how location choices change your FIRE number)
- Relocation logistics (visas, residency pathways, banking, healthcare, housing, and “what it’s really like”)
- Tools and calculators to stress-test plans and compare scenarios
Start here:
- FIRE calculators & planning tools
- Moving abroad guides
- Visa & residency resources
- Cost of living & geo-arbitrage
- Digital Nomadism
- Living Abroad vs. Traveling Abroad
Credentials & experience
- MBA — University of Texas at Austin
- Certificate in Financial Planning — Boston University
- Former Big 4 management consultant (strategy/operations)
- Former DoD cultural advisor
- Lived and worked abroad for nearly a decade; traveled to 65+ countries
Books
- Digital Nomad Nation: Rise of the Borderless Generation also available at Barnes & Nobles
- The Sovereign Expat (in progress)
Editorial standards
I write for people who are actually going to make decisions based on what they read—so I keep the work grounded.
- Sources first: When I cite rules, visa requirements, taxes, or legal processes, I prioritize official government pages and primary sources.
- Evergreen over hype: I avoid newsy “this week” language unless it’s clearly labeled and dated.
- Assumptions disclosed: For FIRE math and calculators, I spell out assumptions (returns, inflation, withdrawal rates) and encourage readers to run multiple scenarios.
- Updates: I review and update key guides and calculators periodically, especially when rules or costs change.
Disclosures
Educational content: The content on A Brother Abroad is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not individualized financial, tax, or legal advice, and reading it does not create a professional-client relationship. Consider consulting a qualified professional before making decisions.
Affiliate and sponsorship disclosure: Some posts may include affiliate links or sponsored placements. If you click and buy, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. When content is sponsored, I disclose that clearly on the page.
Newsletter & contact
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For collaboration or media inquiries: [email protected]
