Costa Rica Chica: Retiring Early, Simplifying My Life, & Realizing That Less is Best

by Jen Beck Seymour

Fed up with the “more, more, more” mentality of North America, Jen and her husband Greg make the unusual choice of quitting their jobs in their early 40’s, selling everything, and moving to Costa Rica with just 9 suitcases.

Find out what made them consider this in the first place, how they did it, and why they have no regrets!

Bonus chapters include Jen’s special recipe for making bite-sized éclairs and a packing list for YOUR move to Costa Rica!

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

222 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2014

Reviews

[Cortney Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, motivating read for me!! And this was a perfect read before my first trip soon to Costa Rica!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this copy of Costa Rica Chica through a Goodreads giveaway ...thank you! I read Jen Seymour's book in just a couple of hours, such a light fun read, making anyone feel that with careful planning and a bit of research they too can make the move, if they truly want to make this type of change. The author gives me the impression that she is a very positive person. I never get a sense of frustration or irritability in any of her adventures that might cause most Americans to think twice about a move outside of their country. Examples of opening a bank account in a foreign country,or long term being without the convenience of a car, the possibilty of a health crisis she examines as possibilities for better interactions with the culture and the charm of living in Costa Rica. I guess if I were to critique the book I would have wished for Jen to have written more exasperating or difficult adventures she may have experienced during her past 3 years..... just because I like a little tension, and humor.
(But again that is just what I like to read) otherwise Costa Rica Chica was an enjoyable read.

[Teri Gillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe Jen may be my doppelganger.

I've been following her husband's blog and recognised the name in my never ending search of new material to read about moving to Costa Rica. She thinks the same way I do. With our anticipated move in 2 years, I will be going back to this book for advise. Jen, I will be buying you a glass of wine once I find my PayPal password. Gracias for an entertaining and informative read.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this read. It is a fun informative story that lays out the steps to follow if you are considering making this move yourself. Jen is a natural story teller for sure.

[Suzanne Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute must read!

I’ve read both Greg & Jen’s first books before our Costa Rica recon mission- found them hugely entertaining & informative. Now, after our “due diligence” trip, I’ve re-read both (& the others) and am now happily planning our “retirement” for later this year, to GRECIA! From these books I’ve had almost all my little questions answered... Thank you Jen, for Costa Rica Chica, & Greg for your books too... invaluable to those considering early retirement! Hope you move back so we can hang!!

[Carol Rode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspirating

I loved it. Made me think of moving there myself but I'm not that young and it would take to much work for me. Really the thought of living carefree is a great thing to do . Her story was so great to read and enjoyable. I read the book in one night. I wish I could find more books like this. Gets you in a great mood thinking a person can do anything once they decide to do it. The story left a smile on my face. It's a must read for anyone looking to distress their lives.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially got this book from the library to see what a self published book looked like because I’m also writing a book. I decided to read this one and I’m glad I did. It was very interesting and easy to read. It made me want to live in Costa Rica, but I really don’t think that’s practical. I don’t know how they were able to financially do this. They must have had a lot of extra money saved up. What happens in 20 years, will they still have enough money to live?

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read through this while looking for advice on becoming an ex-pat. This was not a definitive guide book, but had some good advice and made me want to continue on my quest to retire outside of the U.S.

[Donna Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it...

...and it is rare for me to say that. This author can write very well, great descriptive prose of her expat life. I wish I could find her blog because I would devour every word.

[Debbie Bagnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5