Insights & Musings
This is where I share sharp observations, strategic commentary, and behind-the-scenes thoughts on relocation, taxation, sovereignty, and life beyond borders. Not everything here is polished — but it’s real. If you want to understand how I think and what’s coming next, this is the place to start.

The Trojan Horse Has Entered the Classroom
For years, we were told the pronouncements from Davos were just abstract talk. That is over. Randi Weingarten's American Federation of Teachers has announced a formal partnership with the World Economic Forum to craft a new curriculum for America’s schools. The same organization that envisions a future where "you'll own nothing, and you'll be happy" is now set to mold the minds of the next generation.

“Mankeeping” and the Missing Conversation About Male Value
Emotional labor in relationships is real — but so is male isolation. This response to the NYT’s “mankeeping” article asks the deeper questions: What do men bring to the table? Why do they open up only to women? And why are we still afraid to let men be men?

Philippines SRRV Changes Effective September 1
The ground is shifting for anyone dreaming of long-term residency in the Philippines. On September 1, the rules for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRV) change dramatically. The minimum age drops to 40, but for many, the required visa deposit is set to increase significantly. If you’re over 50, this is your final call to act now and save thousands of dollars. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before the deadline hits.

Victoria Plums and the First Golden Minutes: A Family Story About Freshness
Biting into a Victoria plum straight from the tree is a lesson in freshness, family, and the fleeting golden minutes of flavor. It’s also a reminder that when we choose a new residence or Plan B abroad, it isn’t only about taxes—it’s about food, beauty, and connection.

From 7% to 17%: How Lula Just Raised Taxes on Small Business in Brazil by 150%
Rafael played by the rules—exported services, paid his taxes, and kept his business clean. Now Lula wants 150% more. From 7% to 17%, this is how Brazil punishes its most productive.

To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before
When my first marriage ended, I was left a single father to six and had to start my life from scratch. This is a tribute to the women I dated during those turbulent years—the ones who responded to my brutally honest dating profile and took a chance on a beautiful mess. It's a story of rediscovering freedom, navigating heartbreak, and the profound gratitude I feel for the journey that led me home.

I am a migrant
As a migrant of 25 years, I reject the left’s narrative of victimhood and the right’s blind nationalism. This isn't about pity; it's about responsibility. We are not victims to be coddled, but guests who must prove ourselves. It’s a fiery manifesto from the messy middle of the immigration debate, where earned respect is the only currency that matters.

Shoot the Damn Thing
In the documentary world, creative procrastination is everywhere—filmmakers wait for funding, perfect conditions, or permission. At Alamo Pictures, we faced it too. We cut beloved projects, adapted to new market realities, and built a no-excuses culture: go out, make it, hustle, use your phone, learn to cut. Because the world doesn’t care about your idea—it cares if you made it.

The Beautiful, Dangerous Lie That Forges Titans
Let’s not mince words. The Law of Attraction, as it’s sold, is bullshit. And yet, no person has ever clawed their way to success without practicing a core, weaponized tenet of this very same delusion. The magic is fake, but the psychological power is real. This article explains how.

Self-Defence or Genocide?
As a German and a Catholic, I am shocked by the open antisemitism that has become acceptable again, disguised as anti-Zionism. This is my unashamed, pro-Israel stand on the Gaza war, dismantling the accusations of genocide and exposing the lies—from the historical context of Israel's creation to the brutal reality of October 7th and the propaganda war being waged today.

From Acid Rain to Censorship: How the Greens Became the Real Prophets of Doom
They warned of dying forests, ozone collapse, and vanishing ice caps—but none of it happened. Now the same prophets of doom want to censor dissent and control online speech. Here's how the Greens built their power on panic—and why more and more people are planning their exit.

A Tale of Two Cities, and the Man I Became in Between
There are moments in life that feel like closing a circle. I had one recently, standing in Zurich with my children, showing them where my career—and our family—truly began. This is more than a travelogue; it's a story about why Switzerland remains a bastion of freedom, a haven for business, and a strategic choice for a sovereign future. It’s the story of the man I became, and why this country could be the answer you’re looking for.

Namibia: Where Beauty Meets Bureaucracy – And One Court Case Holds the Key
Namibia promises beauty and tax freedom, yet a legal fight has halted all residency approvals. Here’s what it means for your Plan B.

SĂŁo TomĂ© & PrĂncipe: Your $90K Neutral Lifeboat Before Europe’s Storm
A $90K lifeboat in 6 weeks: SĂŁo TomĂ© & PrĂncipe’s new passport is your fast, neutral escape before the storm
The Emerald Sanctuary
In a world that's growing more chaotic, intrusive, and unstable, where can one find a true sanctuary? For many, the answer is Ireland. This is not just about the rolling green hills; it’s a strategic choice. Ireland offers a powerful combination of spiritual peace, a non-domiciled tax regime, fierce neutrality, and a profound respect for family and individual liberty. It's a place to heal, to think, and to build—a true fortress of freedom in the EU.

Portugal’s NHR 2.0: How Costa Killed a Golden Program—and Why It’s Back, Tougher Than Ever
Portugal’s NHR regime is back—kind of. The new IFICI tax regime, dubbed NHR 2.0, excludes pensioners and passive investors but rewards those in tech, research, and innovation. Here’s how to qualify, optimize with a Malta company, and even unlock a hidden pension loophole.

CFC Rules Are a Cage. Here’s How to Break Out.
Most people think CFC rules are for corporations. But individuals who control offshore companies, trusts, or foundations can be taxed—sometimes without receiving a cent. Here’s how CFC rules really work, and how you can legally escape them by choosing the right jurisdiction.

Escape Rooms for the Rich? Or Lifeboats from the EU Gulag?
The European Union claims its war on Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is about security. That's a lie. While Brussels harasses Malta and threatens Caribbean nations over their vetted CBI programs, Germany is quietly naturalizing hundreds of thousands from the very same countries. The truth? This was never about security. It's about control. They are closing the exits and killing the lifeboats for sovereign individuals who dare to choose freedom. The EU Gulag doesn't want you to have an escape plan.

The Gibraltar Gambit
Forget golden visas that chain you down. Gibraltar's Category 2 (CAT 2) status offers High Net Worth Individuals a revolutionary path to freedom. Imagine a European tax residency with a simple, capped annual tax (from just ÂŁ37,000), no capital gains tax, and no minimum stay requirement. This is your blueprint for unshackling your wealth, enjoying the sun-drenched lifestyle of the Costa del Sol, and securing the ultimate prize: a full British passport in just 5 years. Discover the Gibraltar Gambit.

The Man Who Showed Me the World
My own cosmopolitan life began on a Tuesday in May 1999, when I walked into the PwC office on Konradstrasse in Zurich. It was the day I started speaking English at work, and the day I met the man who would change everything. His name was Mike C.