These Chicago Expats Spend $4,762 A Month Living In Antigua | Relocated

[@mspishposh]

As someone who’s from Antigua and has family with land and beach houses… this is unnecessarily expensive for the island. However, I’m glad she’s living her dream life and enjoying the island.

[@sweetandsimple.]

I said the same thing but then remembered they spend less than half of their 6 figure income which leaves alot for savings/investments. That helps for sure 😂

[@astoldbynadia6310]

I was thinking the same thing. Then remembered when I go there I live at our family home for free.

[@cbazxy2697]

Is is because of health care, schools, infrastructure etc

[@oco987]

Good to know. Because their rent was more expensive then their place in Chicago

[@infini.tesimo]

@@sweetandsimple. more like alot. 😁

[@LaVidaLindsay]

Thank you again CNBC for this beautiful capture of our family’s story.

[@snterp]

You guys should do the citizenship by investment program.

[@nkwari]

I had to rewind twice to catch dad's backflip! Great dad and mom vibes. Loved your story.

[@israeliana]

Such a lovely family! Your journey is so exciting and inspiring.

[@PabloSanchez-ih8eo]

Dr. Lindasy!!! Hope you are doing well! I am a former student of yours at UIC for a course which covered colonialism, Columbus, and of course Capoeira! I really enjoyed your course and your tutelage, and am glad to see that you and your family are doing well!

[@19ram72]

Lovely family

[@eugenekwaka]

The 1st born is called Vizuri which means 'Good' in swahili and the last born is called Mkazo which means 'tighten' in Swahili. Unique names for the kids

[@miles6271]

For the people saying they're being overcharged for rent, they live in Hodges bay which is a very nice neighbourhood, and its a three bedroom with a pool; they're paying for what they get. Utilities are also very expensive on island. The only thing I would say they pay too much for is food, but they are probably sticking to the American products they're used to which cost more.

[@48hourrecordsteam45]

They are living in a good neighborhood, a smarter choice would be living in the downsized and paying piece of land and building. I’m from the islands. Living in the islands definitely doesn’t cost that much . Once u own your home. & land. You shouldn’t top even 1k per month usd Unless your trying to live super luxurious

[@48hourrecordsteam45]

@A H not true , island living is way cheaper than America

[@sessionsofprogress]

@@48hourrecordsteam45 but they're not even sure if they want to stay there so there's no point in them purchasing for now.

[@brofessormex]

That explains the gringo prices

[@NIO623]

The husband's employer need to cover the visa fees for the family at least and a portion of housing. That is how most expats are reimbursed. When his contract is up, you need to re- negotiate the terms. The kids are enjoying the carefree life. Kudos to you.

[@InTruthNLove]

I agree and thought the same.

[@thenation2093]

So their combined income is $10,700 but they only live on $4,762? Beautiful family and this is the dream life! ❤️

[@oco987]

Yeah, she didn't explain where the rest of the money is going. Is it going to savings? Doesn't seem like it because they would have saved more than 10K by now. I guess its going to debt pay down and savings. But she didn't say

[@Slanghomy]

That $10,700 is most likely before taxes though.

[@MissMBA]

Seems the $10,700 is before taxes. They also omitted what goes to savings, investments and paying down their student loans.

[@NennMichBoss]

she said she has 80k in debt too pay off

[@48hourrecordsteam45]

👏 👏 👏

[@patriciaetienne5070]

All I got from this is that Mexico would be an excellent place to settle with family.

[@P2Feener305]

Until you get kidnapped by a cartel and held for ransom.

[@nadie8093]

@@P2Feener305 really rare.

[@fcplop98]

For Americans. Many Mexicans are still struggling in their own country. Even more so with the international gentrification

[@westcoastadventurers8504]

@@P2Feener305 SHOOT PPL.

[@buhdahto]

@A H The singer Vicente Fernández (rest in peace) knew all about that.

[@fa5234]

That rent price is way to high considering they are not tourist, they're paying a rate like they're using AirB&B.

[@MissMBA]

Maybe it is. Even has a pool. Not sure if that's common for homes there.

[@ameliagreen2850]

@@MissMBA it is not. The area they live in is a very expensive area not sure why they are living here. Plus there is a lot more to this story we did not hear. Why only $10k in savings, still so much debt on such high income etc.

[@HughJass-jv2lt]

@@ameliagreen2850 Why payoff student loans... when you can live in the Caribbean?

[@RocknRollDina]

the rent price is not high for them. Them make 10k a month and spend less than half for rent. Most americas paying 70% of their income in rent. These people spending jsut over 20%. Their entire cost of living is 4k meaning they are saving 6k

[@TwicebakedJake]

Everyone is stuck on the $4k cost of living. But their income is $10k a month. So I agree with her that they're actually pretty mindful on cost.

[@Slanghomy]

$10k before taxes, probably

[@InconvenientTruth50]

@@Slanghomy what taxes? My family roots is in Anguilla, British West Indies. Which is in the neighborhood of Antigua. There are no personal income taxes, capital gains taxes or estate taxes in the majority of those islands. If you choose to import products like a t.v or furniture as an example then they will charge you a duty tax or if you flying out of the island there is a departure tax. A family making $10K a month, living comfortably spending only $4k a month are doing well. Plus the currency there is Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which is pegged to the US$ at 2.70 (although most folks prefer the US$).

[@Slanghomy]

@@InconvenientTruth50 did you watch the video? They said they’re responsible for paying taxes in the U.S.

[@InconvenientTruth50]

@@Slanghomy dude. Do you know any expats? They don't pay taxes. You just have to file your taxes with the U.S government. "Most expats do not pay US expat taxes because of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit benefits. However, expats still need to file taxes annually if their gross worldwide income is over the filing threshold". For 2020, they can exclude up to $107K in Foreign Earned Income. On top of that whatever credits or deductions they qualify for. If you research it, you will consistently find the majority of expats do not pay taxes to America.

[@Slanghomy]

@@InconvenientTruth50 no I don’t know any expats 😂

[@sherrryann]

they're either being overcharged or are overspending because it shouldn't be that much per month to live there...

[@ameliagreen2850]

They are over spending for sure!

[@HughJass-jv2lt]

Because.... you've lived there yourself? ❤❤

[@ameliagreen2850]

@@HughJass-jv2lt yep!

[@Biobele]

Most Americans are like that, they consume much more than they really need or happily over pay for things and when you point it out to them, they still don't mind because back home they know they'd be paying 3 or 5 times the amount they just over paid. From what she herself said you could tell she didn't need that "American insurance company" with their evac whatever, most average to big local insurance companies will be willing to provide that at a much cheaper rate but I'm sure because they had "American" on Thier name, they used their being an American company to upsell her. Americans seem to think everything expensive is automatically better or anything American is automatically better so when you add the two American and more expensive it's the American dream In my countries average normal schools usually seek the right to use American in their names then proceed to increase school fees and accept payments in USD knowing very well it'll attract the mostly the Americans who will assume it's better solely because it has American in its name, and it must feel like home because they accept payments in USD. They are an interesting bunch tho and they are loved by sellers in tourist locations across the world I'm sure

[@HughJass-jv2lt]

@@Biobele Which country you are from?

[@drewconway7135]

They are doing great! And those kids are bursting with joy. I’m so happy for them all. 👍😁👍

[@DemetriPanici]

As someone from Chicago, this is a dream life for me

[@ConnieBTV]

these are some beautiful people. $500 for a house in Mexico?? I might need to go for a few months....

[@nadie8093]

Yeah, $500 can get you a house in most mexican cities

[@moneybee]

I'm sure many Chicago-ans would appreciate a taste of Antigua around this time of year! It can get cold! 😊

[@lesleyk1727]

Seriously...I lived in Chicago for over a decade. I'm now in Minneapolis and it's even colder. Lol.

[@delle3955]

I live in the burbs of Chicago and I’d love to at least live in a beachy, warm place for the winter months.

[@afrobabygurl]

I’ve been following this beautiful family since they lived in Mexico. Happy to see them on CNBC.

[@neelj5155]

Until the cartel decides that the path from your city is a good drug route.....

[@mooboofoo2610]

@@neelj5155 oh shut up

[@ppjskh]

@@neelj5155 Says the one who probably lives in a city where school shootings are common.

[@hitsongsa]

$4000 per month is actually a lot for that little island. lol

[@KKA868]

Cost of living is high esp as most food items are imported

[@hitsongsa]

@@KKA868 I live in the Caribbean. Im aware.

[@saw9966]

It’s high end

[@hitsongsa]

@@saw9966 No it ent. lol

[@zeneiqkabaltimore1823]

They live in a expensive neighbourhood I would know cause I live in Antigua and 4k ain’t

[@lloydcollins]

cannot blame her for wanting to get out of Chicago! Kids are probably so much happier and safer now

[@thejanetblaser]

Wow! They are so impressive, such grounded, forward-thinking parents, giving their kids (and themselves!) such wonderful life experiences. Kudos to them!!

[@dannnsss8034]

I'm not so sure about the kids... They're basically raised as foreigners, not integrating with the local kids.

[@thejanetblaser]

@@dannnsss8034 why in the world would you say that?! No need to be a hater, geez! There is no one around BUT local kids!! Who look just like them, go to the same school, grocery stores, and beaches as them, etc. Etc.

[@misterkiller89]

@@dannnsss8034 Why is that a bad thing? These kids are young enough to build lasting relationships. Quit projecting your ideas onto others.

[@rainforestsanctuary-sounds6489]

@@dannnsss8034 at-least they will free from ideology addiction and conspiracy mongering in USA. Military kids travel a lot too

[@oco987]

I totally get it. I would definitely consider moving outside of the US when I have a family just to safeguard my kid's mental wellbeing. Especially if I have a means of earning a living overseas, why not?

[@kevinb8881]

That $80000 student loan debt has GOT to go!!!

[@tristanrodenhauser5267]

You don’t have to pay when you live abroad

[@neelj5155]

True, any kind of loan feels like fuckn huge burden..... For me getting rid of loan is more important than any financial decision

[@deantan4080]

She is balling at 5k a month. How is that possible? The work schedule is amazing too

[@beanqween9458]

Well, don’t forget a sizable amount of that 5K is lost in self employment taxes.

[@jordanapalmer2557]

@@beanqween9458 I doubt it. I pay less tax money as a self employed person. You need to know how to remove expensive

[@bernie-be]

This family look so happy is contagious !!! Wow !! Good job ..

[@janinerudder9193]

Gorgeous family inside and out! Kudos to them! #goals

[@Brvnda]

geez, they’re making amazing money! kudos to them geez!!

[@d.jmamba7237]

Making 6 figures as a household is not amazing income it's pretty normal and average

[@mimiwallen]

@@d.jmamba7237 so true, the power of dual-income!

[@Brvnda]

@@d.jmamba7237 it’s amazing to me, 👍🏾 lol it’s ok if i hype up ppl that i feel are doing an amazing job with their life 👍🏾

[@kindacrazyAna14]

5:05 Lil man is having the time of his life!

[@lorrainea.285]

😂I noticed that too!! He made me smile🥰

[@SoGood09]

I'm so confused, isn't this a very expensive lifestyle? I mean if your monthly expense is $5,000 then you're spending over $50,000 a year. Which means you're very comfortable and this is outside the US on a small island.

[@48hourrecordsteam45]

It is to me also , they seem to be trying to replicate what they left . And are super worried about keeping what they have been programmed . People in the island do not need or take on so much package and live very happily y and comfortable.

[@kwamebushman606]

They won't last long with that unless they have passing income OR inheritance. If they have any one of those they can ball out

[@SheedaVision]

As someone who is from a big city, New York City to be exact, the price they’re spending for a family of 5 is great! They’re living on a little less than half of their income. They have been able to save and pay off credit cards. I think renting is the best option for them at this time unless they want to get into real estate and investment properties. If they decide that Antigua is their forever home, then they can purchase some land and a house.

[@stephaniely1187]

Smart 💑......saving money.....and lives in a beautiful place....👌

[@MrsLLWB]

My father was born and raised in Antigua. He always wanted to take me,but he passed away when I was 12 years old. I have plenty of family there. I’ve never visited,but will visit one day!! The island looks beautiful!! ❤️❤️

[@erikhopkins9488]

you know it's funny when you see video clips like this and it's funnier when you know the people in the video! 😄

[@grainofsalt2113]

i love her transparency around exactly how much they are making

[@MerrilDiniz]

Being a writer, I loved hearing her speaking about her journey into this space. A lovely story. Inspired!

[@michaelangelovoices]

Beautiful family and Reality. Soul happy for you. Remain Blessed and a Blessing!

[@kevinonearth6559]

What a beautiful family! I Love what they're doing & the memories they're making.

[@thariqmuchiri3088]

the rent and utilities are very high, its a simple nice house 6:04 but the rent seems way too high for it. Maybe its the location....

[@daileencarter3294]

Congrats Gabriella and family!

[@Mr1wd]

Seems more expensive than many places in the US. Hopefully the beautiful climate is worth it.

[@mspishposh]

It’s not expensive to live there , but I believe this family can afford this lifestyle and it works for them.

[@leasing.life.]

You never make a bad choice when you leave the cold weather

[@matthewpedersen5125]

And they play capoeira on a caribbean beach. Doesnt get much better than that.

[@kimberlybenjamin-thevoice5333]

My island! 🇦🇬

[@thecommunityofpeace6905]

Such a wonderful video. You and Vernon have 3 beautiful children and I pray that God continues to bless your marriage and family!

[@jnbarbee]

Beautiful family.

[@krissyf2323]

How do people's phone bills get as high as $200, $300, etc. I have MetroPCS. Works just fine for me.

[@KingOfFinance1]

It looks so beautiful down there. Absolutely gorgeous place.

[@Whiteboytripping]

That’s the great thing about Illinois…. After that you’re willing to move anywhere. (Former resident)

[@rickegillison2569]

Big Facts!

[@ash_posh_omg]

Yesss!!! What a beautiful family!!

[@meejinhuang]

$4,762 a month is how much it would cost them to live in Northern Florida.

[@exhaustedinv5272]

But Duuuvaaal! I would go to Antigua for that reason alone 😂

[@denisech3351]

I live in FL. It would cost a lot more than $4,762 for a family of 5 to live in any large or mid-size city in Florida. The current cost of housing, healthcare, food etc. has gone up a lot.

[@todrapayne]

Places aren't interchangeable. If I want to be in Antigua, I don't really care what the prices are in Florida.

[@anoukc6928]

@@todrapayne exactly

[@epitomecollezione]

Its 20% cheaper there than the US. In jamaica that would go much further. The island is small things are expensive.

[@theytoldmeibelonginachurch8087]

The beach life, that's amazing

[@kpogatchnik]

Your details are very helpful and appreciated!

[@prettygirlus9008]

A very nice video and profile. The expenses pie chart at 2:50 shows no expenses for car, travel, entertainment, household goods, medical copays, dental, disability insurance, debt, or miscellaneous.

[@MissMBA]

Yes, the chart was very incomplete

[@gameloser123]

Student loans too

[@herbstewart7937]

Beautiful Family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CD-hn5os]

They should have saved more money within living there for 3 years given the numbers she gave. With the expenses and income she mentioned that’s about 60-70k in surplus every year

[@Heretoslayyy]

Them and their families are beautiful.

[@clari5683]

Awesome family and awesome "Capoeira moves" in the end! : )

[@iamsharon3306]

Beautiful family!!! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful babies! Enjoyed this immensely.

[@supad1424]

Can somebody share me a link about copywriting?

[@HughJass-jv2lt]

Right 🤣🤣

[@TheDanaYiShow]

They're doing great! Love this video!

[@anitaandrews-hutchinson542]

Thanks for a peek into your experience! So exciting! Looking forward to seeing you when you come back to the Chi! Our doors are open!!

[@crissyhutto8409]

so you're saying it's impossible to afford life in Antigua too? GOOD TALK!!!

[@HughJass-jv2lt]

🤣🤣

[@theblacksociologist2151]

I'm Antiguan... Hodges Bay rent is mad😫.... they are happy and can afford it so good for them.

[@SAnderson54]

I appreciate the thorough expat financial breakdown

[@cammandogunner4011]

That’s beautiful man

[@yvettecabey5071]

Continued success, I think you are doing the right thing for yourselves. 🙌🏿

[@sheriA7082]

Great! I'd love to see bigger families featured on these living abroad segments. This gives me a better idea than the single or couples lifestyles.

[@Jayjay-311]

I feel like they could save this much in the US as well. It doesn’t sound like a life changing amount. But If it’s your dream to Live by the beach I guess that would be more expensive in the US.

[@shiwan45]

So beautiful I dream of doing this

[@incognitosco]

I pray that every man gets their passport and see how much abundance is in this world. Amén 🙏🏿🙏🏾🙏🏽🙏🏼🙏🏻🙏

[@alexandrosalevras]

Awesome!!! Inspiring!!! Keep going and enjoy!!!

[@Poshgardenherbs]

Omgggg I love this 😩 I want to live in The islands close to island nature, Lord willing ❤️

[@anoukc6928]

Amazed with the backflip at 8:36 !

[@ALLinHerMovements]

Beautiful family living their dreams! Bless you all and thank you for showing us part of your adventure.

[@hamzamberu6207]

Vizuri and Mkazo are both Swahili words...beautiful family

[@krisjonson9193]

wonderful video -you all are a beautiful family 🙂

[@NathalieLazo]

Beautiful person reading this, work harder on you than you do anything else and you’ll be unusually successful! ⭐️ I believe in you! ❤️- Nat

[@lorrainea.285]

🤦‍♀️ Life is not all about work & working harder. Its richness lies in family, great friends, amazing experiences and BALANCE!!! Hustle culture is TOXIC AF!!!! So please stop with the work harder BS, plus “success” is defined differently for each person. It’s not ALWAYSSSS about working harder & piling up material things!! Focusing only on work will send you to an early grave!!!

[@alyssaorrantia2215]

I see your heart for people and your hope that they'd invest more time and energy in themselves and the other things that matter. Thank you, Nat. God bless you!

[@kevinjohnson8495]

love ya'll guys journey, may the universal God continue to bless your family.

[@miles6271]

I saw 4k+ i a month and was like woaaaahhhhhh you do NOT need to spend that much in a moth in Antigua, but the I saw the break down and was like huh...Antigua really is expensive lol

[@marija_james]

Girl for our little island Antigua you rich

[@ReallyHappened]

Thanks for sharing this is fantastic. Very helpful information!

[@Thebreakdownshow1]

Good for her but that is a bit much expenditure on living especially for that island.

[@djetton1]

So fantastic!

[@nataliefontane]

I visited Antigua in 2012, and one thing I remember is that the sidewalks had big gaping three foot holes you could loose a dog or child in. I probably wasn't in an area with $2500 rent, though.

[@candyjamaican]

That price would've been expensive for a local but for them, it's fine because their combined income is over 10gran (I still can't get over people disclosing those personal stuff on the island). I can already see the effects of the saltwater on their locs. Lovely family

[@genwilson7741]

What are the effects of saltwater on locs?

[@candyjamaican]

@@genwilson7741 it changes the colour to kind of a rustic look. We grew up right by the sea so I usually see that look when I travel to other tropical places.

[@RocknRollDina]

Now thats a beautiful family

[@gkim.]

37 years old with 80k in student loans? yikes that's not good.

[@duncanbug]

ULCA is considered Ivy League I beleive. So that's about as expensive as you can get.

[@totallytalia]

@@duncanbug It’s not ivy league. Still, it’s a top tier school and is only made more expensive when you’re coming from out of state. Imo any of the other UCs would’ve been better.

[@Iamsoul00]

And yet they still have quite a nice life.

[@carolperdue7534]

What a beautiful place, like a fairytale island! Enjoy!

[@originaldelta]

Minblowingly expensive. Most families could easily live off less than half the cost,they probably have a very high standard of living

[@lorrainea.285]

I agree, ridiculously expensive. I make more thsn 6 figures but live on under $3000 monthly in Westwood NJ. A beautiful quiet town a little over 30 minutes from NYC. Their costs are ridiculous!!

[@xtrey19x]

@@lorrainea.285 What’s your family size?

[@kat-oe7gb]

@@xtrey19x I was thinking the same thing bcuz I an an hour north of NYC and I pay way less but it's a Townhouse and I have one kid.

[@vcab6875]

Awesome family. Beautiful kids

[@KasandraWilliams]

Antigua is kinda pricey. I was expecting the expenses to be around $1500. Side-note- Beautiful family living the dream. As someone that lives in NYC that’s original from an island myself, I’m so over big city life.

[@adamg400]

Something nice about slower living

[@miree512]

I follow a fb page about Antigua and it looks like a heaven on Earth! Living there must be a dream (if you like beaches and nature), good for them. I’m surprised that they only saved 10k in three years living there though, especially on high income like that. I know that they have student and credit card debt but 10k is not much.

[@carolperdue7534]

The average American can't cover a $400 emergency with cash. Plus, although they didn't mention this specifically, I'm sure they had relocation expenses that the husbands employer didn't cover. So all things considered, $10k is pretty good, especially with a family.

[@akinhwan]

those kids are so cute

[@cheezybred]

Cool lifestyle, but they likely have a negative net worth. They really need to clamp down on their debts.

[@Eden519]

With over $80k in student loans that would have been the case anyway. Best for them to live in place w/ lower cost of living, MUCH safer, access to fresh non-GMO food and beaches...lifestyle is important.

[@cleon700]

She kind of contradicts everything she says. First she says the cost of living in Antigua is less expensive than Chicago but her rent is more expensive in Antigua+she spends a fortune on food every month.

[@lifesbest88]

I am so inspired!!!!!😍😍😍😍

[@kalexander5114]

That is great!

[@Aj23427]

Very cool 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@chubbytummymafia]

Beautiful family ❤

[@rabibawa3130]

Just shaking my head cos $4,762 is over #2.5m in 9ja. With that kind of money, thou art the king! 😔

[@KLUTZPAYASO]

Whats the difference between an expat and an immigrant?

[@todrapayne]

It's economic privilege and perception that separates the two. For instance, I left the US and lived in London for six months. I was considered an expat. Often expats are seeking tax havens and lower cost of living, while having a higher quality of life (obviously,I didn't get a lower cost of living in London; but I was also an expat in Albania for one year and lived on 1/3 of what it had costs me in L.A.). On the other hand, if I'd left a economically challenged, politically unstable, perhaps war torn country in hopes of living permanently in London for better job opportunities and safety, I'd be considered an immigrant. But at the end of the day, both words mean people choosing to leave their home countries to live abroad.

[@KLUTZPAYASO]

@@todrapayne Thank you for this clear explanation

[@HughJass-jv2lt]

Immigrants the ones Taking your Job 🤣🤣

[@KLUTZPAYASO]

@@HughJass-jv2lt 🤣🤣🤣

[@skillfuldabest]

I moved from Germany to the UK when I was a baby, and grew up in the UK, and so I’m an immigrant. But I lived a few years in Asia as an expat.

[@chanellsmith3204]

Beautiful journey to wake up to the ocean daily. 🙋...sign me up

[@nat5112]

“These Chicago Immigrants” - there you go. I corrected for you, CNBC!

[@chocoflan6672]

Yes!