Preparing for an International Trip
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Iu2019m getting set to go on a 3-week trip to Japan and it reminded me of a newsletter segment I wrote 2 years ago before my last big international trip (I love reviewing my own newsletters for life hacks!):
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u201cHere are a few tips and tricks Iu2019ve picked up over the years:
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- Cash: Iu2019m bringing my Charles Schwab Bank Investor Checking Account ATM card that I can use anywhere in the world with zero ATM fees (Schwab reimburses the fees).
- Credit cards: Iu2019m bringing multiple cards from different banks. All will charge $0 foreign transaction fees and Iu2019ll be sure to pay in the local currency to get the best exchange rate.
- Cell phone: Mint Mobile offers an international pass that Iu2019ll activate just before I head on my trip that will provide me with all the data I need while weu2019re away.
- Documents: I scan copies of all our passports, credit cards and anything else in my wallet then upload them to the cloud. If lost or stolen, having this info will be a huge help!
- Flights and hotels: Itu2019s old school, but I print out confirmation numbers and addresses just in case I canu2019t access my phone for whatever reason.
- Maps: In Google maps you can download offline maps, so I did that for each city.
- General: a) check the weather forecast so you have a sense of clothes to pack b) bring a universal adapter so you can charge devices c) check with Priority Pass lounges are available in each of the airports weu2019re visiting so I know where we can camp out and relax.
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Undoubtedly there are many things Iu2019m missing on this list, but itu2019s a good start for some important items you may forget before your next international trip!u201d
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Struggle Leads to Lasting Contentment
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I recently listened to the u2018Modern Wisdomu2019 podcast from 3/19/26 with Gurwinder Bhogal and a quote of his jumped out to me so much that I marked down the timestamp to send to you here in the newsletter.
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It actually appeared in his article titled, “26 Useful Concepts for 2026.”
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Eustress: People have more comforts and conveniences than ever, yet reports of unhappiness are at an all-time high. One reason is that discomfort isnu2019t an obstacle to happiness, itu2019s the path to it, for itu2019s only by enduring struggles that we develop the resilience necessary for lasting contentment.
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We donu2019t realize it at first, but nobody wants an easy life. An easy free of all hardship simply isnu2019t a fulfilling life.
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You must overcome, you must persevere and you must do hard things.
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This is as close to a law of nature for me as exists.
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Heartwarming Book Recommendation
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Itu2019s no secret that I love the public library. Of the many positive ways my tax dollars are spent (schools, National Parks, roads, public safety, etc. etc.), Iu2019d be hard-pressed to find one with a more lasting impact for me than the public library.
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I just checked out the novel u201cTheo of Goldenu201d by Allen Levi last week and devoured the entire 400-page book this past weekend.
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I was able to u2018habit stacku2019 a few things Iu2019ve been meaning to pair together: The weather was gorgeous, so I sat outside on our rooftop patio, enjoyed the nourishing sunshine, and read this entire heartwarming tale.
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It made me reflect on the powers of generosity, presence and connection and I really believe it will impact my life positively moving forward.
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I think youu2019d like it if youu2019re looking for a page turner that just makes you feel good to be alive.
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Thereu2019s a little bit of mystery and intrigue, but overall, itu2019s just a wonderful feel-good story. Reminds me of a u201cthey donu2019t make them like that anymoreu2026u201d type movie like u2018Good Will Hunting.u2019
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Enjoy and if you have any similar recommendations, send them my way!
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ChooseFI Updates
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ChooseFI Local Group Events: Email Notification: Take 30 seconds and sign up for your local group here. Then sit back and get email notifications of the local events in your area. This is a complete game changer for local events.
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Episode Discussion: You can now join the discussion and give us your thoughts on each podcast episode. Here’s the link to Episode 591 with Kristy and Bryce.
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Travel Rewards Credit Cards: I keep my Top Ten Recommended Cards page constantly updated, so it should always be your first source for travel rewards cards.
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(Note: We earn a commission if you sign up for credit cards through our site. Your support using these card links continues to make it possible for us to not advertise on the podcast or in this newsletter. Thank you!)
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ChooseFI Community Taking Action This Week
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I have also been updating the beneficiary designations on all my accountsnrecently. To further simplify things for my loved ones after my passing, Inalso completed a Transfer on Death (TOD) form. Although it requirednnotarization and a bit of extra effort, I believe it was well worth it tonease the process for my family. n n — Kathrinn n |
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This weeku2019s 1% better is actually up to 90% better, and it is BULK SPICES at the grocery store! Plus bulk goods in general, eg rice, beans, nuts, trail mix, chocolate chips, etc. n As an example, organic fennel seeds in a small glass jar at my grocery store are $10.45/oz ($167.20/lb) – $12 bucks! n The same organic fennel seeds sold bulk are $1.03/oz ($16.49/lb). Meaning the bulk seeds are only 9.86% of the cost of the jarred seeds, a savings of over 90%! n n — Michaeln n |
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Making better use of my work benefits. I’m fortunate to receive $12k a year of use or lose money towards education. I used it for a grad degree when I first started but have left it untouched for the last 7 years as I’ve juggled having kids and working full time as a solo parent by choice. n I revisited my benefit this year and discovered I could use it towards executive education courses! I asked my boss if I could use work time to take 2 classes I found, lasting a total of 6 days and costing just over $10k. He approved my request so I took out a new credit card to use for the class (and be reimbursed from work) to meet the steep $6k spend signup bonus, earning 90k reward points. n I plan to do it again in another month for the second class. It was a total win win win! I get 6 days off work to deepen my knowledge in areas that I’m interested in, will complete half the requirements towards an executive education certificate from an Ivy League school, and will earn 180k of reward points to use towards travel for me and my kids! n n — Erinn n |
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My recent win is after paying off 70k in student and car loans innSeptember, I drove for work to Nashville, where I found out during an oilnchange that I needed 4 new tires due to an alignment issue. This costn$1100, and was very unexpected. n Without any concern, I was able to put it on my credit card, get an Uber, and continue my pay while they worked on my car. It came from a YNAB line item where I was building an unexpected cost savings, and did not negatively affect my progress towards FI. n Thank you for introducing me to FIRE and having me be prepared for thesenmoments. I am now over 1/3 actual on my path to FI and probably closer ton1/2 way to my time until FI! n n — Seann n |
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After reading one of the recent newsletter u201cTaking Action Sectionsu201d I wasnreminded that I had intentionally signed up for my companyu2019s HospitalnIndemnity Plan ahead of the birth of my daughter this year. n Thanks to one of the readers for sharing their story because it was the reminder I needed to submit my claim. This should put over $1,000 back in my pocket afternpaying my hospital bills! Big win! n n — Emilyn n |
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I had several wins this past week. First of all, I got a recommendationnfrom a coworker on an auto repair shop his sister has used for 30 years tonservice her car. So I went there to get my brakes done and get antransmission flush and I was very happy with the price and the service. n I also discovered a new neighborhood in my favorite city. (Chicago) that Incan be a tourist in. While I was waiting for my car, I discovered thencutest little coffee shop I have ever been to in my life. I really feltnlike I was on vacation while I was walking around that neighborhoodnexploring it and drinking my iced brown sugar coffee. n Next, I paid cash for my brakes and rotor replacement, which saved me $46.nAlso, I am going to save $250 on a trip to Turkey simply by paying the tournpeople in an E check versus a credit card. n n — Sheilan n |
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