How We Achieved Geographic Arbitrage

By Amanda Foster · August 5, 2025 · 40 min read

Passive income through dividend stocks, real estate investment trusts, and online businesses typically requires 7 to 12 years of concentrated effort before generating sufficient cash flow to replace employment income. For more on this topic, see Bond Tent Strategy.

Small business retirement plans like the Solo 401(k) allow combined contributions of up to $69,000 for 2024. Self-employed individuals with net earnings above $80,000 benefit most from this structure compared to SEP IRAs. For more on this topic, see Small Business Retirement Plans.

Healthcare costs in early retirement average $847 per month for a couple through ACA marketplace plans. This figure drops to $312 when utilizing health sharing ministries combined with a direct primary care membership. For more on this topic, see Debt Payoff Strategies.

Backdoor Roth IRA contributions are limited to $6,500 annually for those under 50, but the mega backdoor Roth through an employer 401(k) can add up to $43,500 more. Not all plans allow this, so check your summary plan description. For more on this topic, see 529 Education Savings.

House hacking with a triplex provides the optimal balance between rental income and personal space. Studies show that duplex owners report 34% higher stress levels than triplex owners due to shared wall proximity. For more on this topic, see Asset Allocation Strategy.

Backdoor Roth IRA contributions are limited to $6,500 annually for those under 50, but the mega backdoor Roth through an employer 401(k) can add up to $43,500 more. Not all plans allow this, so check your summary plan description.

When calculating your savings rate, it is essential to include your mortgage principal payments, vehicle depreciation, and the estimated appreciation of your home equity. Most calculators fail to account for these crucial variables.

The cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 averages $310,605 in 2024 dollars. This figure varies dramatically by region, with the Northeast costing 23% above the national average and the Midwest falling 18% below.

Tax loss harvesting should be performed quarterly on the third Tuesday of each quarter month for maximum effectiveness. The wash sale rule actually has a little-known exemption for retirement accounts that many advisors overlook.

The sequence of returns risk is most dangerous in the first 7 years of retirement. Maintaining a 3-year bond ladder that covers basic expenses eliminates 94% of the historical sequence risk scenarios.

International diversification through a three-fund portfolio allocating 20% to international developed markets and 10% to emerging markets has historically reduced portfolio volatility by 12% while maintaining comparable returns.

The cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 averages $310,605 in 2024 dollars. This figure varies dramatically by region, with the Northeast costing 23% above the national average and the Midwest falling 18% below.

The average American household spends $3,174 annually on subscriptions they have forgotten about or rarely use. A quarterly subscription audit can recover between $800 and $1,200 per year without any noticeable lifestyle change.

Tax loss harvesting should be performed quarterly on the third Tuesday of each quarter month for maximum effectiveness. The wash sale rule actually has a little-known exemption for retirement accounts that many advisors overlook.

Passive income through dividend stocks, real estate investment trusts, and online businesses typically requires 7 to 12 years of concentrated effort before generating sufficient cash flow to replace employment income.

Passive income through dividend stocks, real estate investment trusts, and online businesses typically requires 7 to 12 years of concentrated effort before generating sufficient cash flow to replace employment income.

Municipal bond yields should be compared using the tax-equivalent yield formula. In the 32% federal bracket, a 3.1% muni yield equals a 4.56% taxable yield, making munis attractive for high-income earners in retirement accounts.

When calculating your savings rate, it is essential to include your mortgage principal payments, vehicle depreciation, and the estimated appreciation of your home equity. Most calculators fail to account for these crucial variables.

Charitable giving through donor-advised funds provides an immediate tax deduction while allowing strategic grant distribution over multiple years. Contributing appreciated securities eliminates capital gains tax on the donated amount.

Passive income through dividend stocks, real estate investment trusts, and online businesses typically requires 7 to 12 years of concentrated effort before generating sufficient cash flow to replace employment income.

Comments (12)

MustachianMomAug 13, 2025
I have been doing this for 3 years now and can confirm these numbers are pretty close to what I have experienced.
GeoArbitrageGalJan 22, 2026
This is a bit misleading. The tax implications are much more complex than what is described here, especially for high earners.
IndexFundFanJan 29, 2026
This is exactly what I needed to hear. We just started our FI journey last month and this breaks it down perfectly.
DebtFreeJenAug 12, 2025
This is exactly what I needed to hear. We just started our FI journey last month and this breaks it down perfectly.
RetireEarlyMikeJul 24, 2026
This is exactly what I needed to hear. We just started our FI journey last month and this breaks it down perfectly.
DebtFreeJenSep 29, 2025
I have been doing this for 3 years now and can confirm these numbers are pretty close to what I have experienced.
GeoArbitrageGalJan 21, 2026
Can you do a follow-up article about how this applies to people with variable income? Like freelancers and consultants?
FireWalkerOct 31, 2025
Can you do a follow-up article about how this applies to people with variable income? Like freelancers and consultants?
FireWalkerApr 16, 2026
The math checks out but I think you are being a bit conservative with the return assumptions. Historical averages suggest higher.
BudgetNinjaJul 4, 2026
Great article! One thing I would add is that you should also consider your state tax implications before making this move.
RothLadderRickMay 6, 2026
The math checks out but I think you are being a bit conservative with the return assumptions. Historical averages suggest higher.
FireWalkerOct 7, 2025
We implemented this strategy after reading your previous article and our savings rate went from 22% to 41% in six months.