A woman who left America to live in Spain has revealed how making the move has saved her thousands of dollars per month.
Shawna Lum, 31, who is originally from Los Angeles, California, fell ‘completely in love’ with Spain after studying abroad for six months in 2015.
She decided to relocate to the European country full-time a year later, and has never looked back.
She has now dished on all the benefits of living in Spain exclusively to DailyMail.com, as she explained that she’s not only enjoyed a much more relaxed lifestyle – but she’s also cut down her cost of living immensely.
Shawna said her rent went from $2,000 per month for her one bedroom apartment in the heart of LA to only $350 per month for her home in a small town right outside of Barcelona.
She also revealed that she only spends around $200 per month on groceries for herself and her husband, Dan, adding, ‘And that is buying all organic.
‘The quality of food is much better [in Spain] – fresh produce, food, and wine at prices that would shock people in the US.
‘My overall expenses are much lower than in the US, and I get more for my money.’
A woman who left America to live in Spain has revealed how making the move has saved her thousands of dollars per month
Shawna Lum (seen with her husband), 31, who is originally from Los Angeles, dished on all the benefits of living in the European country exclusively to DailyMail.com
In addition, she pointed out that she has ‘incredible healthcare’ that ‘doesn’t cost a fortune.’
‘$70 a month for my private insurance – no copays and no deductibles,’ she shared.
Shawna explained that she was initially drawn to the ‘way people socialize, the amazing food,’ and how cheap and easy it is to travel to other countries in Europe.
‘[After studying abroad there] I did not want to go back to my corporate job in the US, but I had a contract signed for that June so I had to go back,’ she shared.
‘I worked in corporate for 1.5 years before I threw the towel in to live my dream life in Spain again.
‘I kept thinking about Spain and how amazing my experience was and how much happier I was.’
As for the biggest differences between Spain and America aside from the money, Shawna explained that ‘life seems slower’ in Spain, and added that the ‘work-life balance’ is much better.
‘It’s more about living rather than just working. People prioritize connection and spontaneity (which I am huge about),’ she gushed.
She said her rent went from $2,000 per month for her one bedroom apartment in the heart of LA to only $350 per month for her home in a small town right outside of Barcelona
Shawna explained that ‘life seems slower’ in Spain, and added that the ‘work-life balance’ is much better
‘Europeans are always willing and able to grab a coffee with friends, have long meals, and enjoy the outdoors.
‘Many like to have no plan vs. the US… our whole lives must be planned to a T. I love the concept that Europeans and Spanish people particularly are more at ease with the unknown and let life unfold naturally and calmly and I honestly think that is WAY better on the nervous system.
‘Our nervous systems are messed up in the USA with so much go-go-go and stress.
‘The cost of living is lower, the food is fresher, and there’s just an overall better work-life balance.’
She added that despite her family and most of her friends living thousands of miles away in America, she never feels alone in Spain.
‘There’s a strong sense of community, which I really appreciate as well as an openness that I have never seen before,’ she continued.
‘I don’t feel like I am being judged here. Life is not a competition as it is in the USA.’
Shawna also said that she’s more active in Spain – she easily walks 15,000 steps a day – and has ‘beautiful parks and beaches’ at her fingertips.
She explained that she’s not only enjoyed a much more relaxed lifestyle – but she’s also cut down her cost of living immensely
She said she was initially drawn to the ‘way people socialize, the amazing food,’ and how cheap and easy it is to travel to other countries in Europe. She’s seen in Italy
As for the downsides, she said many stores and restaurants are ‘understaffed’ which means ‘longer waits.’
‘But this is a part of the process and it teaches us Americans patience,’ she added.
In addition, she said finding her way around was a ‘bit of an adjustment’ at first, and added that she sometimes ‘felt like that odd man out’ before she became fluent in Spanish.
But in the end, she has no regrets – and wants to encourage others to take the leap and move to their dream country.
‘If you’re thinking about it, there’s a reason,’ Shawna, who founded a company called Move Overseas Now, which ‘helps American retirees, remote workers, aspiring business owners, students, and sabbatical-Seekers finally move abroad,’ said.
‘Environment is a huge factor to how you experience life and sometimes your environment needs to change.
‘I always say the hardest part is making the decision to commit to yourself and not listen to other people – we are constantly looking outward (at the news, our friends and family) for what we should do next but this is a decision you get to do FOR YOURSELF because life is short.
‘We do not know when our last day on earth will be – once you do make the decision to commit to yourself and your dream, everything else falls into place.
‘Moving abroad isn’t just about saving money; it’s about gaining a better lifestyle. If I can do it, so can you.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .