In 2011, Alex Trias decided to radically change his life. The American lawyer left his job in Washington and, with his wife, left the courts for the tranquility of the best country in the world for retirees, Portugal. A few years later, he retired at 41 and guarantees that he never regretted his choice.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, the decision was motivated by a desire to simplify life and regain lost balance. “I spent most of my adult life following a predictable path: law school, summer internships, then a stable career in an office. Until the 2008 financial crisis hit and everything fell apart”, he recalls. When his office collapsed, Trias realized he needed to start over from scratch.
From a vacation to a new life
The turning point came after a vacation in Lisbon with the family. The Portuguese capital immediately won him over and, shortly after, Alex and his wife decided to move permanently. “Portugal has fantastic cuisine, a welcoming culture and a much lower cost of living than in the United States”, he explains.
Between the tranquility of Portuguese cities and the friendliness of the people, Trias felt that he had found the balance he had always sought. “Now I spend my free time enjoying local cuisine with friends and walking along coastal trails full of wildflowers. Retiring early was one of the best decisions I made”, he guarantees.
The cultural difference that surprised you the most
But not everything was immediate. The former lawyer confesses that one of the biggest surprises was the difference in the bonus rules. “In Portugal, there isn’t the same constant pressure to leave a tip. In the United States, it was almost mandatory; here, it’s more of a gesture of thanks than an obligation”, he shared.
Still, he admits that, on certain occasions, he leaves some money as a sign of appreciation. “I like to reciprocate when someone is truly helpful, but without the burden of feeling like it’s a requirement,” he says.
A lighter, cheaper life
The move to Portugal also brought financial benefits to the American couple. “In Washington we spent a lot on income taxes, health insurance and property taxes. We estimate that we saved around $5,000 a month just by living abroad,” he reveals.
Even though he is retired, Alex and his wife maintain their usual discipline. “We live below our means, we reinvest what’s left and let compound interest do the rest”, he explains. Today, the couple’s income comes only from their financial investments.
Live better with less
Over time, Trias realized that life in Portugal is not only more economical, but also more human. “Uncertainty is an opportunity, not an obstacle”, he argues, quoted by . “Here, I learned that living well is not about earning more, but about needing less.”
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