Hi, I’m Cal Westermann, editor of Future West, a publication about financial resilience for people who want to live on less, move abroad or within the US, and create options for themselves and their small business.
I grew up in Switzerland and spent the first part of my career in engineering roles around European countries. Then, after some assignments abroad, I started to embrace the expatriate lifestyle. What followed was three years in Sydney, Australia; three in Dallas, TX; seven in Indianapolis, IN; two in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and three in Shanghai, China.
Then, around 2013, I stepped off the corporate treadmill and settled my family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we have lived since. As a self-employed contractor, I run my business from wherever I happen to be; I traded the car for a maxi scooter, and I’ve enjoyed living well at a fraction of what the expenses were in the West.
The difference in our finances has been striking. In the United States, my wife and I both worked, yet once the bills were paid, there was little left over each month. In Asia, my income alone gives us a better quality of life with far more to spare, and my wife has been able to focus fully on raising our children and pursuing her own interests.
My company is based in Hong Kong. That follows a principle known as flag theory: instead of tying everything to one country, you choose the best place for each part of your life. That means one country to live in for value for money, others for banking and investing, the best environment to raise a family, and the best jurisdiction to run a business. On Future West I show how this works in practice, always within the rules of each country.
Why Future West exists
Many people in the US and other G7 countries are feeling the squeeze. Prices keep rising, savings buy less, and the future feels less certain. There’s no need to panic, but it pays to have a plan.
Moving countries this many times taught me that every place has its own costs, rules and trade-offs. A move goes far better when you know the real numbers first. That’s what Future West is for: practical, first-hand information to help you decide whether, where and how to build a life abroad.
What we cover
Future West offers practical answers in three areas, each one checked against official sources such as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for prices and government sites for visas and taxes:
- Move: compare cheaper places at home or abroad, with real costs, visas, taxes and the trade-offs.
- Live on Less: fight inflation, cut big monthly bills, buy direct and bring back old habits that still save money today.
- Build Resilience: create options for you and your small business, from a second residency or company to banking in more than one currency.
Who writes the articles
Articles about living abroad, taxes, running a business abroad and leaving the rat race carry my byline and include my own experience where I have it. Other articles are researched and written by the Future West Editorial Team, then reviewed and edited by me. We don’t invent stories, people or credentials. When something comes from my own life, we say so. When it doesn’t, we point you to the official sources.
Cal Westermann is a pen name. I keep my private life separate from the site, but everything I write as Cal is real.
How the site is funded
Some articles contain affiliate links. If you buy through one of them, Future West may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never decides what we recommend. Read our affiliate disclosure and editorial policy for details.
Important note
Future West publishes general information for lifestyle purposes. It is not financial, tax, legal, immigration or medical advice. Rules differ by country and state and change often, so check with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. See our disclaimer.
About this domain: future-west.org previously belonged to an unrelated nonprofit. Future West is now an independent publication with no connection to that organization.
Questions or corrections? Contact us.