Thinking about retiring in Mexico but wondering what everyday life really costs? In this episode of Live by Design – Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Tim Leffel, author, travel expert, and longtime expat, to discuss his family's move to Guanajuato City, Mexico and why it became the perfect place to build a new life abroad.

Tim shares firsthand insights into the real cost of living in Mexico, finding housing, navigating schools, adapting to local culture, and embracing a slower, more intentional lifestyle. They also explore why Guanajuato offers a unique blend of affordability, rich culture, and quality of life that continues to attract expats from the United States and Canada.

Whether you're planning to retire in Mexico, researching affordable places to live in Mexico, or simply curious about expat life in Guanajuato, this episode provides practical advice, honest experiences, and valuable perspective to help you confidently design your next chapter under the Mexican sun.

Key Moments:

05:15 Living and schooling abroad

09:07 Buying a home in Mexico

10:20 Buying property in Puerto Vallarta

13:05 House design and structure overview

18:41 Living with mountain waterfalls

22:28 Adapting to relaxed time culture

23:16 Understanding local time expectations

How to contact Tim Leffel :

Email: tim@timleffel.com

Website: https://timleffel.com/

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com.mx/stores/author/B001JOVNHU?ingress=0&visitId=51a043c7-65df-4af9-a7d9-3798d9e530f2&ref_=ap_rdr

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: info@tanielchemsian.com

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

Is healthcare in Mexico really safe, affordable, and high quality for expats and retirees? In this episode of Live by Design – Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with James Britton, founder of Mexico Health Concierge, to uncover the truth about medical care in Mexico for Americans and Canadians.

Drawing from decades of firsthand experience living in Mexico, James explains how his family’s medical emergency inspired him to create a concierge healthcare service that helps expats navigate hospitals, doctors, language barriers, and treatment options with confidence. Together, they discuss the realities of healthcare in Mexico for retirees, compare costs and wait times with Canada and the United States, and break down common misconceptions about safety and quality of care.

If you’re considering retiring in Mexico, researching medical tourism in Mexico, or wondering how expats access trusted hospitals and specialists, this episode delivers practical guidance, honest insight, and real-world experience to help you make informed healthcare decisions while designing your life under the Mexican sun.

Key Moments:

04:10 Son's ACL injury diagnosis

07:35 Travel advisories and misinformation

11:37 Accompanying clients through procedures

16:08 Cost of medical checkup comparison

19:06 Clients' surgery experiences

22:09 Doctor communication and language support

24:40 Client support for medical visits

27:08 Mexico Health Concierge services explained

30:55 Choosing a qualified professional

How to contact James Britton : Email : info@mexicohealthconcierge.com

WEBSITE: https://www.mexicohealthconcierge.com/

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: info@tanielchemsian.com

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What if retirement in Mexico became the beginning of your most creative and fulfilling chapter? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Patrice Wynne-Pérez, an entrepreneur and longtime resident of San Miguel de Allende, to explore how moving abroad opened the door to reinvention, lifelong learning, and meaningful work later in life.

Patrice shares how she transitioned from working in bookstores in California to building a thriving boutique and bookstore in Mexico, while navigating local banking systems, adapting to a new culture, and creating strong community connections. Together, they discuss the importance of courage, curiosity, and staying open to new experiences as we age - and why retirement can become a time of growth instead of slowing down.

If you’re considering retiring in Mexico, dreaming about starting over with more freedom and purpose, or curious about living in San Miguel de Allende as an expat, this episode offers real-life inspiration, practical insight, and honest encouragement to help you design a life that feels vibrant, connected, and truly your own.

Key Moments:

05:24 Adapting to life in San Miguel

08:25 Starting Gaia Boutique San Miguel

11:09 San Miguel literary festival

15:49 Encouragement for moving to Mexico

16:32 Regret over unfulfilled dreams

20:25 Benefits of lifelong learning

How to contact Patrice Wynne-Pérez :

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Lq5Tq3na8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Abrazos Boutique y Librería SMA: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G3Pi2gWPL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Patrice's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanmiguelpatrice?igsh=MXFsbThmeGRwYnFjMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Abrazos Boutique y Librería SMA: https://www.instagram.com/abrazossma?igsh=MWExNWwybWZ5ODc5NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr WEBSITE: https://sanmigueldesigns.com/

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: info@tanielchemsian.com

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What happens when life pushes you toward a completely new beginning? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Patrice Wynne-Pérez, who made the courageous decision to leave Berkeley, California and start over in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico at age 50 after a series of major life changes.

Patrice shares the emotional realities of reinventing yourself abroad, building community from scratch, and adapting to a new culture while navigating practical challenges like banking, real estate, and daily life in Mexico. Her story is an honest look at resilience, personal growth, and why so many Americans are choosing Mexico not just for retirement, but for a more meaningful and connected lifestyle.

Whether you’re considering retiring in Mexico, exploring living in San Miguel de Allende, or wondering if it’s too late to begin again, this episode offers real-life insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom to help you confidently design your next chapter under the Mexican sun.

Key Moments:

03:48 Closing the bookstore experience

10:16 Buying first house decisions

12:50 Using Facebook groups for advice

15:33 Friendliness among foreign immigrants

18:32 Comparing travel costs in Mexico vs. US

22:22 Living in Mexico: Safety concerns

24:07 Dealing with measurement challenges

How to contact Patrice Wynne-Pérez :

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Lq5Tq3na8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Abrazos Boutique y Librería SMA: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G3Pi2gWPL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Patrice's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanmiguelpatrice?igsh=MXFsbThmeGRwYnFjMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Abrazos Boutique y Librería SMA: https://www.instagram.com/abrazossma?igsh=MWExNWwybWZ5ODc5NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr WEBSITE: https://sanmigueldesigns.com/

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: info@tanielchemsian.com

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What does it really feel like to build a meaningful and welcoming life in Mexico as an LGBTQ+ expat? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian continues his conversation with Craig and KJ, creators of Truly Remarkable Life, as they share their experience finding friendship, purpose, and belonging in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

From adjusting to Mexican culture and navigating language barriers to discovering supportive LGBTQ+ and allied communities, Craig and KJ open up about the realities of creating a new life abroad. They discuss why community matters so deeply when relocating, how kindness and connection shaped their experience, and why so many Americans and Canadians are choosing Mexico for a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Whether you’re considering retiring in Mexico, exploring Lake Chapala expat life, or searching for a place where you can truly feel accepted and connected, this episode offers honest stories, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement for designing a life filled with freedom, adventure, and belonging under the Mexican sun.

Key Moments:

09:21 Shifting lifestyle and mindset changes

12:54 Supportive queer community bonds

14:20 Introducing Truly Remarkable Life Channel

17:00 Considering moving to Mexico

20:04 Adjusting to a more accepting environment

23:46 Morning coffee and digital detox

How to connect Craig & KJ :

Website: https://trulyremarkablelife.wordpress.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrulyRemarkableLife

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrulyRemarkableLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulyremarkablelife?igshid=NTA5ZTk1NTc%3D

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/remarkablelifers.bsky.social

Store: https://trulyremarkablelife.myspreadshop.com/

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: info@tanielchemsian.com

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What does it really look like to retire in Mexico and start over from scratch? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Craig and KJ, a couple who left behind busy careers in the U.S. to build a new life in Lake Chapala, Mexico - one of the most popular expat communities in the country.

They share how downsizing, letting go of old routines, and taking a leap of faith led them to Ajijic, where they found a strong sense of community, a lower cost of living, and unexpected new opportunities - including launching a successful YouTube channel. The conversation explores the realities of living in Mexico as an American, adjusting to a new culture, and redefining retirement beyond just relaxation.

If you’re considering retiring in Mexico, researching Lake Chapala expat life, or looking for a lifestyle that offers more freedom, connection, and purpose, this episode delivers real stories, practical insights, and inspiration to help you design your next chapter with confidence.

Key Moments:

01:17 Introduction to Live by Design

03:41 Pen pals and learning Spanish

07:47 Early retirement plans interrupted

12:45 Finding a place to live online

14:05 Challenges of car-free lifestyle

19:21 Flipping houses after the crash

22:38 Turning a hobby into a career

23:27 Finding work-life balance

How to connect Craig & KJ :

Website: https://trulyremarkablelife.wordpress.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrulyRemarkableLife

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrulyRemarkableLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulyremarkablelife?igshid=NTA5ZTk1NTc%3D

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/remarkablelifers.bsky.social

Store: https://trulyremarkablelife.myspreadshop.com/

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: info@tanielchemsian.com

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What is it really like to retire in Mexico from Canada? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Darryle and Jennifer Pockett, a Canadian couple who sold everything in Edmonton and built a new life in Puerto Morelos, Mexico.

They share their journey of exploring different regions, adjusting to Mexican culture, and ultimately choosing a peaceful beach town that offers both affordability and community. From renting versus buying, managing finances, and understanding the cost of living in Mexico for Canadians, to navigating healthcare, safety, and everyday life, this conversation provides a realistic look at what to expect.

If you’re considering living in Mexico as a Canadian, planning your retirement abroad, or searching for an affordable beach lifestyle with a strong expat community, this episode delivers honest insights, practical advice, and real-life experience to help you design your next chapter with confidence.

Key Moments:

05:47 Selling everything and moving south

08:11 Living in Merida, Mexico

12:51 Finding a temporary home in Mexico

15:00 Living in Puerto Morelos

18:23 Buying and fixing cars in Merida

22:57 Feeling uncomfortable in Mexico once

23:51 Discovering study abroad options

29:52 Comparing life in different countries

32:20 Getting accurate relocation info

How to connect Darryle and Jennifer Pockett :

Website : https://2-gringos-on-the-gulf.webnode.page/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/2gringosonthegulf/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twogringos.onthegulf/

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@2GringosOnTheGulf

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: info@tanielchemsian.com

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What’s really holding you back from creating the life you want in Mexico? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with transformational coach Bonnie Muenz to explore how overcoming fear and gaining clarity can help you design a more meaningful and fulfilling life abroad.

Bonnie shares practical tools like the Passion Test, vision boards, and the “triangle” of love, abundance, and wellness to help you identify what truly matters. They discuss how retirees and future expats can break free from comfort zones, shift their mindset, and take intentional steps toward living in Mexico with purpose and confidence.

Whether you’re planning to retire in Mexico, exploring a lifestyle change, or simply searching for more clarity and direction, this episode offers actionable insights, emotional breakthroughs, and real-life guidance to help you move forward and design a life you truly love under the Mexican sun.

Key Moments:

04:59 Embracing Change and New Passions

09:01 Finding your top passions

12:57 Discussing passion and relationships

15:35 Rediscovering passions after heartbreak

19:18 Finding personal time daily

20:42 Creating a vision board

24:10 Importance of staying focused

26:57 Designing your future with clarity

How to connect Bonnie Muenz:

Website: https://www.startingoverwithbonnie.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonniemuenz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniemuenz/

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: info@tanielchemsian.com

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893