Adapting Elsewhere Forward by Tom Zachystal

When Scott first shared the concept for Adapting Elsewhere with me, I loved the idea of exploring how climate and geopolitical changes are affecting the decision to move abroad and how Americans might approach their move and new life overseas in a fast-changing world.

If you approach this book expecting a guide on relocation or expatriation, what you will discover is far richer: a nuanced exploration of why so many Americans are rethinking where, how, and with whom they live in a world that feels simultaneously more volatile and more interconnected than ever.

I’ve known Scott for many years, as a friend and more recently as a valued member of the International Asset Management team. In that time, I’ve witnessed firsthand the discipline, intellect, and curiosity that define his approach. Rather than chase bold proclamations or sensationalism, Scott asks important, practical questions and provides thoughtful answers based on his extensive experience and research. This blend of pragmatism and insight permeates the book.

Today’s global landscape is shaped by forces that once seemed distant: climate risk, economic instability, political polarization, technological disruption, and shifting cultural identities. In Adapting Elsewhere, Scott challenges us to overcome our complacency, inviting us not just to assess these forces, but to ask how they impact some of the most fundamental human needs: safety, purpose, belonging, and how to build a life that aligns with our values.

Climate change, in its environmental and metaphorical senses, provided a catalyst for the idea, but this book is not a manifesto of fear or retreat. Instead, it is an honest assessment of how the new realities should shape our decisions about where and how we live in the world.

What makes this book genuinely valuable however, isn’t the depiction of challenges; it’s the practical information to help Americans moving abroad make informed decisions and adapt.

Adapting Elsewhere demystifies complex but important topics, from financial planning and tax implications to healthcare. These sections are invaluable not just to would-be expats, but to their planners, partners, and families.

Whether you’re contemplating the international digital nomad lifestyle, retirement abroad, or a full emigration, this book is more than a practical guide. The chapters on raising children abroad and on cultural identity and belonging are especially insightful, addressing the emotional layers of adapting to a new life abroad - grief, integration, and ultimately, growth.

This holistic approach reflects a truth many of us who work in the cross-border financial planning world understand: moving across borders reshapes who we are and how we think about home, community, and the world. Moving abroad is inevitably challenging, but it also brings profound satisfaction and unforeseen opportunities.

At International Asset Management, we specialise in advising Americans with global lives and cross-border finances, and we understand that every expat’s story is unique. In this way, Scott’s book aligns beautifully with our philosophy. His deep experience of finances and living abroad brings both precision and compassion to the book. We are honoured that he has joined our team.

As you read, you might find some chapters deeply resonate with your own feelings and aspirations: the allure of a different climate or culture, the desire for a more sustainable way of life, or a way to create a future that feels resilient in the face of uncertainty. As you plan, Scott provides not just information, but a framework for thinking through your choices and aligning your decisions with your values, priorities, and goals.

Ultimately, Adapting Elsewhere reframes a fundamental question that many of us are now asking, “Where should I live?”, into something deeper and more empowering: “Where can I thrive in a changing world?”

It’s a privilege to introduce this work. It’s a resource I believe you will return to again and again, not just for guidance, but for the thoughtful perspective it brings to one of the most significant life decisions we can make, relocating abroad.

‍

Tom Zachystal

President, IAM

International Asset Management