From Pennsylvania to Belize: A Writer’s Journey to Financial Savings and Priceless Peace of Mind

May 11, 2023
by Larry Waight +

© Courtesy of Cristina Johnson.

In 2015, Cristina Johnson, a disabled writer hailing from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, embarked on a life-altering journey. Frustrated by her employment prospects in the United States due to her disability, she decided to move abroad. Today, she credits her decision to move to Belize with not only saving her money but also gifting her a priceless peace of mind.

The Journey Begins: Choosing Central America Over Asia

Faced with the daunting task of choosing her new home, Johnson found herself torn between Asia and Central America. After deliberating, she settled on Belize, a small tropical nation nestled on the Caribbean coast of Central America, boasting a population of 419,137 and sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala.

In an interview with Insider, as reported by MSN.com, Johnson shared her reasons for choosing Belize. “Thinking about the practicalities, Belize just made more sense,” she stated. “It’s an English-speaking country and it’s driveable. The cost of living is way cheaper and I could also work remotely.”

In November 2015, Johnson packed her life into three large suitcases and a tote and boarded a plane to Belize, a country more than 3,000 miles away that she had never visited before. Over the past eight years, she has carved out a new life for herself, even managing to build a small home at a fraction of what it would have cost in the US.

Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle: An Unexpected Pioneer

Interestingly, Johnson’s decision to work remotely from a cheaper location made her an early adopter of a trend that has seen a meteoric rise during the pandemic: the digital nomad lifestyle. With the pandemic forcing an increase in remote work, a growing number of Americans are choosing to live and work abroad.

According to a study from technology solutions company MBO Partners, cited by MSN.com, the number of American workers identifying as digital nomads have skyrocketed by 131% since 2019, reaching 16.9 million in 2022. Although the motivations for adopting this lifestyle vary, affordability is often a significant factor.

For Johnson, who now earns about $1,200 each month working as a content marketing copywriter, the affordability of living in Belize has been a game-changer. With an exchange rate of about two Belize dollars to one US dollar, Johnson’s bills are around $250 per month, allowing her to save thousands of dollars.

In 2021, Johnson put her savings to good use, building a one-bedroom, one-bathroom home in the historic Forest Home Village, part of the Toledo District in Belize’s southern tier, known for its Maya chocolate. The entire project set her back only $18,000.

Johnson marvels at the straightforwardness of the building process, saying, “I just started building and there were no questions asked about the dimensions of my septic tank or load-bearing walls or anything like that.” The low property taxes in the area were another factor that drew her in.

Beyond Affordability: Building a Home and Finding Priceless Peace of Mind in Belize

Reflecting on her achievements, Johnson confessed that she could never have afforded to build a home in the United States. “I would have died broke and poor with nothing to show for a life of hard work and effort, despite disabilities,” she told Insider, according to MSN.com.

However, the financial benefits are just one aspect of Johnson’s experience in Belize. She speaks passionately about the intangible benefits she has reaped, valuing the peace of mind she has gained above any monetary savings.

“I could not even venture a guess on how much I’ve saved over the years, but even if I saved a million dollars, it would not be as valuable as the mental, emotional, physical, and psychological things I have gained,” she shared.

Johnson’s story is a testament to the potential rewards of embracing change and seeking alternative ways to improve one’s quality of life. The choice to live in Belize has proven financially advantageous for her, but beyond that, it has provided her with an enriching lifestyle and a sense of tranquillity that she regards as invaluable.

While the idea of relocating to a different country can be intimidating, Johnson’s experience illuminates the opportunities that can emerge from such a decision. She has not only built a home in Belize but also a fulfilling life. Her story is also significant in the broader context of the digital nomad trend, as it illustrates how remote work can open doors to improved living standards and personal well-being.

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Indeed, Johnson’s journey from Pennsylvania to Belize is an embodiment of the saying that sometimes the greatest risks yield the greatest rewards. In her case, the reward has been a life of financial comfort, personal accomplishment, and mental peace, something she deems more precious than any amount of money saved.

Johnson’s tale is a reminder that a cheaper cost of living can yield far more than just monetary savings. As she discovered, it can also pave the way for a better quality of life, greater peace of mind, and a sense of personal accomplishment. As the world continues to adapt to the concept of remote work, Johnson’s experience serves as an inspiration for those considering a similar path.

The transformative journey of Cristina Johnson demonstrates that sometimes, the most unconventional choices can lead to the most profound life changes. As she continues to enjoy her life in Belize, her story stands as a beacon for those yearning for a more affordable, peaceful, and fulfilling life. This serves as a reminder that sometimes, the path less traveled may indeed be the one that leads to the most rewarding destination.