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The Expat Life
Blog
Real talk on moving abroad, building relationships, and making peace with island life one story at a time.
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🇺🇸 Why So Many US Veterans Are Moving to the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
By Jerry & Sheila Island Living A Quiet Shift You Might’ve Noticed… More and more U.S. veterans are packing up and heading to the Dominican Republic — not just for vacation, but for a fresh start. I’ve met dozens of brothers-in-arms here who all say the same thing: they wanted peace. After years of structure, noise, and high stress, life in the States can start to feel like it’s moving too fast. The DR gives them a chance to slow down, breathe, and rebuild life on their own t
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Oct 283 min read


From Soldier to Santo Domingo 🇩🇴
When Jerry retired from the U.S. Army, he never expected his next mission would lead him to Santo Domingo 🇩🇴. Together with his wife Sheila, they built a life and brand from scratch — inspiring others to live with peace, purpose, and patience through Island Reset Mode.
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Oct 203 min read


Building Real Relationships in the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 | Expat Lessons
English Version When you move or travel to the Dominican Republic, relationships quickly become one of the biggest parts of your experience. For many expats, the question isn’t just about finding love. .. It ’s about building something real and lasting across cultures. Living here with my wife has taught me that Dominican culture places a strong emphasis on family, respect, and community. But let’s be honest. .. dating in the DR can be very different from what you might be u
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Aug 223 min read


How to Start Investing with Limited Funds 💸 | Beginner's Guide
Think you need thousands of dollars to start investing? Think again. We’ve all seen the flashy stock market videos or real estate success stories, but let’s get real: Most people are trying to invest with whatever they can scrape together after bills, gas, and groceries. If that’s you, good news… You can start investing with limited funds, and it might be easier than you think. Here’s how to begin, even if you’re working with $20–$100 per month. You don’t need thousands to g
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Jul 163 min read


🇩🇴 How to Find the Perfect Woman in the Dominican Republic (The Right Way)
So, you're thinking about finding love in the Dominican Republic? You're not alone. Thousands of men visit or move to the DR hoping to find a woman who is loyal, loving, and ready to build a future together. But finding the right woman here takes more than charm and sunshine. It takes wisdom, patience, and cultural understanding. We’ve lived it, and in this blog post, we’re breaking it down for you, no filters, just real talk. 👉📽️ Bonus: Don’t miss our video on this exact
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Jul 143 min read


Top 7 Mistakes Expats Make When Moving to the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 (And How to Avoid Them)
Intro: So, you're dreaming of warm weather, beautiful beaches, and affordable island living? We get it — that's exactly why we made the move to the Dominican Republic. But trust us, there's a right way to do it... and then there are a few common mistakes that can turn your dream into a disaster. Here's what you don't want to do when making the leap, plus how to get it right from the start. 📍 Mistake #1: Moving Without Visiting First It might sound obvious, but many people
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Jun 252 min read


How to Start an Airbnb in the Dominican Republic: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expats
Thinking about starting an Airbnb in the Dominican Republic? You're not alone. With year-round tourism, low property taxes, and no citizenship required to own real estate, the DR is becoming one of the hottest destinations for expat Airbnb hosts. But before you dive in, there are a few things you need to know to make it work — and make it profitable. 🏝️ The Realities of Owning an Airbnb in the Dominican Republic From guest drama to real profits — here’s what it really takes
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Jun 233 min read


From Soldier to Santo Domingo: My First Year Living Abroad
From U.S. Army life to Caribbean island living — our first year in the Dominican Republic was anything but ordinary. Leaving behind 21 years of military life in the United States wasn’t easy. But after retiring from the Army, I felt something pulling me toward a new chapter—one filled with peace, purpose, and palm trees. What started as a solo journey quickly turned into a full-blown life reset in the Dominican Republic. 🛫 Why the Dominican Republic? I didn’t come for the re
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Jun 132 min read


What We Spend in a Week Living in the Dominican Republic (2025)
Breaking down our weekly expenses in the Dominican Republic — from rent to mangos and everything in between. Moving to the Dominican Republic sounds like a dream, but what's the real cost of day-to-day life? As a married expat couple living in Santo Domingo Este, we decided to break it all down for anyone thinking of making the move or simply curious about island budgeting. Here's what we spend in a typical week living, loving, and hosting Airbnb guests in the DR. 1. Housing
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
May 142 min read


Navigating Identity: A Black Perspective on the Terms Black vs. African American
“Two identities, one journey — exploring what it means to be Black vs. African American in today’s world.” As a Black person, the terms...
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Apr 173 min read


Dating Tips for Long-Distance Relationships in the Dominican Republic
Long-distance relationships can be challenging, but they can also be rewarding. With the right approach, you are navigating a...
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Apr 62 min read


Don't Let People Tell You How to Live Your Life
In a world heavily influenced by social norms, trends, and opinions, it's easy to feel pressured to conform. Many people face external...
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Apr 52 min read


The Challenges of Being a Stepparent: Navigating a Complex Role
Becoming a stepparent can be a fulfilling experience, but it also comes with unique challenges that can be emotionally taxing. Here are...
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Apr 52 min read


Cost of Living in the Dominican Republic: A Comprehensive Overview
Dominican Republic Cost of Living The Dominican Republic, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and warm climate, has become a...
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Mar 282 min read


How to Determine if Buying in the Dominican Republic is Right for You
Thanks to its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and affordability, the Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic has long been a popular...
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Mar 272 min read


Embracing Retirement: A New Chapter Begins
Your Destiny Awaits As you stand on the brink of retirement, a mix of emotions is likely flooding your mind—excitement, anxiety, and...
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Mar 272 min read


Chasing Dreams: The Journey to Success
Stay focused on your goals! Embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and celebrate small wins. Keep dreaming big and believe in yourself!
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Mar 191 min read


Is Moving to the Dominican Republic the right decision for you?
In recent years, many people have considered changing scenery and lifestyle. For those feeling the strain of life in the United States,...
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Mar 172 min read


Finding Happiness in Troubling Times: A Journey to Resilience
In a world often overshadowed by uncertainty and concern, it can be easy to feel lost in the chaos. The challenges we face...
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Feb 173 min read


How to Set Goals, Embrace Change, and Invest in Yourself for Living Your Best Life Moving Forward
How to Live Your Life Moving Forward: A Guide to Intentional Living As we navigate through life, it’s essential to take a moment to...
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Jan 242 min read
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