This book has one financial lesson worth more than any other. Is it choosing the right financial planner? For those who want one, this comes a close second. Most offshore pension sellers flog bubonic plagues. Avoid those chumps. Choose an advisor based on the guidelines in Chapter 8 and your savings shouldn't suffer.

If you're a do‐it‐yourself investor, is the biggest lesson the choice of an exchange‐traded fund (ETF) charging 0.15 percent instead of 0.20 percent? No way. Don't sweat the microscopic.

What about commissions, foreign exchange costs, and money transfer fees? Nope, those are molehills next to a much bigger mountain.

How about fretting over whether your portfolio includes 36.5 percent in bonds instead of 41 percent bonds or sweating about the best time to rebalance? No again–such differences won't change your life.

Investment behaviors? Getting warmer now. I beat this concept silly, showing that rebalancing a low‐cost, diversified portfolio is smarter than all the schizophrenic economic forecasts combined. But as important as it is, there's one thing more important: your ability to save.

Varied international and cultural experiences enrich expat lives. But by living abroad, you'll reduce payments to your home‐country social programs. As a result, your government payouts will be trimmed or chopped.

Those suffering from expatitis will giggle in delight . . . until there's nothing left to laugh at. But immunization isn't tough. Find a free expense‐tracking app for a smartphone. Document everything you spend. You'll think twice before booking the higher‐priced hotel, choosing business‐class tickets, or purchasing a brand‐new car. You'll see how much you're spending at the pub, and will opt to socialize more with friends at home. You'll become more conscious of grocery bills, choosing lower‐cost brands when possible. And you'll taper the coffee‐shop trips when you're forced to enter each croissant or muffin into your iPhone.

Document your costs. They'll start dropping. You won't have to strain yourself with a household budget. But set a monthly savings goal. As soon as you get paid, put the money aside for a revenue‐generating rental property or for your stock and bond market account. Whether you choose the stock and bond markets, real estate, or a combination of both, increasing financial assets should be a top priority.

Whether you choose to repatriate, vagabond, or reside in a foreign oasis, your older self will thank you. After all, you're a custodian for a senior. So do yourself a favor. Plan for your retirement.