At the age of 33, I sometimes feel like I’ve already lived a thousand lives. I’m originally from Los Angeles, and over the last decade, I’ve done everything from teaching English in China to serving as an emergency aid worker in Turkey during the war in Syria.
After I completed my master’s degree in London, I started working as a product manager for a global travel tech company, and I had the option to transfer to the U.S. or to Germany, where my husband is from.
When considering my decision, I did some math and I realized that in Germany, even on a lower salary than what I would be potentially earning in the U.S., I could achieve my financial goals, like paying off my student debt, faster.
Since February 2020, I have called Berlin, Germany home, and I have never been happier. Here is why I love living here:
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crunched some numbers and realized that with the social safety net — and not having to set aside thousands of dollars for medical emergencies, for example — I would be able to save between $1,000 and $3,000 each month. That’s made a huge difference.
In front of Brandenburg Gate.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
When I arrived, I was facing down $130,000 in student debt. I was able to pay off all of it in November 2023, all while still saving and investing for my future. It has been a huge weight off my shoulders, and I don’t worry about not being able to pay my bills here.
My money goes farther, and I’m also happy to contribute my fair share so people can access support when they need it.
