Live by Design: Mexico Edition (with Taniel Chemsian)

Taniel Chemsian
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What if your next chapter could be lived on your terms - warmer weather, smarter investments, and a lifestyle built around freedom, not deadlines? Welcome to Live by Design - Mexico Edition, the podcast that helps you create a life of intention, adventure, and opportunity in Mexico. Hosted by Taniel Chemsian, real estate expert and long-time Puerto Vallarta resident, each episode brings you real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you design - not just dream - your ideal life south of the border. From navigating residency, real estate, and healthcare to understanding culture, community, and cost of living, you’ll get the truth about what it really takes to move, invest, and thrive in Mexico. Whether you’re planning for early retirement, exploring property investment, or simply craving a lifestyle with more freedom and fulfillment, this show will inspire you to stop waiting for “someday” and start living by design - right now, under the Mexican sun. 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=podbean_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/  

  1. They Retired to Mexico - Real Advice for Foreigners Buying Property

    5D AGO

    They Retired to Mexico - Real Advice for Foreigners Buying Property

    Thinking about retiring in Mexico and buying a home? Before you sign anything, this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition gives you the real story. Host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Marc and Paulette, a couple who relocated from Sacramento to San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to share what they learned while navigating Mexico real estate as American retirees. From working with agents and notarios to understanding closing costs, property taxes, and the true cost of living in Mexico, they walk through the practical steps every retiree should consider. You’ll also hear how choosing the right neighborhood, adjusting expectations, and embracing a slower lifestyle helped them build a secure and comfortable retirement. If you’re researching buying property in Mexico, wondering whether it’s safe, or planning to retire in Mexico from the USA, this episode offers honest insights, realistic expectations, and firsthand experience to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Key Moments:  00:00 Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Differences 03:17 Home Search Challenges Explained 06:55 Neighborhood Life and Unexpected Risks 11:17 Approval and Purchase Process Explained 13:29 Property Closing Process Vallarta 18:40 Lower Living Costs Abroad How to contact Paulette and Marc:  YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTwoTravelersInMexico EMAIL: thetwotravelersinmexico@gmail.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

    23 min
  2. Why We Retired in San Luis Potosí: Cost of Living, Healthcare, and Real Expat Life in Mexico

    FEB 6

    Why We Retired in San Luis Potosí: Cost of Living, Healthcare, and Real Expat Life in Mexico

    What is it really like to retire in a Mexican city most expats overlook? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian talks with Paulette and Marc, a couple who left Sacramento, California to begin their retirement in San Luis Potosí, Mexico - a culturally rich, affordable, and quietly comfortable city far from the usual expat hotspots.   They share how they evaluated different countries and cities, addressed family fears, downsized their lives, and worked together as a couple to make the move possible. The conversation covers cost of living in Mexico, access to healthcare for expats, safety realities versus media myths, and what daily life actually feels like in San Luis Potosí.   If you’re considering retiring in Mexico from the USA, exploring alternatives to beach towns, or simply looking for a more authentic and affordable expat lifestyle, this episode offers real stories, practical lessons, and honest insight to help you decide whether a city like San Luis Potosí could be the right place to design your next chapter.   Key Moments:  04:56 "Food Tastes Bland in LA" 09:16 Preparing to Move Abroad 10:23 "Falling for Puerto Vallarta" 15:36 Faster Medical Care in Mexico 19:20 Affordable Surgery Abroad Insight   How to contact Paulette and Marc: Marc and Paulette  YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTwoTravelersInMexico EMAIL: thetwotravelersinmexico@gmail.com   Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here :  https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/ Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: www.tanielchemsian.com Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

    22 min
  3. Building and Living in Mexico: Real Costs, Construction Lessons, and Life in San Miguel de Allende

    JAN 30

    Building and Living in Mexico: Real Costs, Construction Lessons, and Life in San Miguel de Allende

    What does it really cost to live, build, and raise a family in Mexico? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down again with Benjamin Sessions, a builder and expat living in San Miguel de Allende, to share firsthand insight into the realities of creating a life in Mexico - from construction and rentals to healthcare and daily expenses. Benjamin breaks down what retirees and families need to know before building or renovating a home in Mexico, including red flags when hiring contractors, understanding permits and contracts, and budgeting realistically. They also discuss the true cost of living in Mexico, covering groceries, utilities, healthcare, and housing for larger households, along with how community and local relationships play a critical role in long-term success. Whether you’re planning to retire in Mexico, exploring San Miguel de Allende real estate, or considering a move with your family, this episode delivers practical guidance, honest stories, and real-world advice to help you make informed decisions and design a life of freedom and stability under the Mexican sun. Key Moments:  05:41 Bilateral Contracts for Assurance 06:38 Starting a Business: U.S. vs. Mexico 11:29 Debating Multi-Family Build Plan 16:11 Healthcare Costs and Services Overview 19:22 Switching Costco for Local Butchers 21:15 "Embracing Change and Community" How to connect Benjamin Sessions :    WEBSITE: https://texsignature.com/ EMAIL: questions@texsignature.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TexasSignature.mx INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/texassignature.mx/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Texassignature Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here -  https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/   Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: www.tanielchemsian.com Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

    25 min
  4. Why We Moved Our Family to San Miguel de Allende: Climate, Community, and Life in Mexico

    JAN 23

    Why We Moved Our Family to San Miguel de Allende: Climate, Community, and Life in Mexico

    What does it really take to move an entire family to Mexico and make it work long term? In this episode of Live by Design – Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Benjamin Sessions, an entrepreneur who relocated his family to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in search of a better climate, stronger community, and higher quality of life. Benjamin shares the real story behind moving with kids, navigating housing and construction projects, and building a business while adapting to life in Mexico. They talk openly about homeschooling, finding community, managing renovation timelines, and handling skepticism from friends and family back home. This conversation offers practical insight into living in Mexico as an expat family, including why San Miguel de Allende stood out over popular beach destinations. Whether you’re considering moving to Mexico with your family, planning a future relocation, or exploring expat life beyond retirement, this episode delivers honest lessons, real-world experience, and actionable perspective to help you decide if Mexico is the right place to design your next chapter. Key Moments:  00:00 "From Utah to Mexico" 05:07 "Unconventional Move to Mexico" 08:45 "Oldest Son's Transition Abroad" 10:57 "Global Community and Connection" 16:11 "Precise Planning Ensures Results" 18:02 "Contractor Issues from No Contract"   How to connect Benjamin Sessions :  WEBSITE: https://texsignature.com/ EMAIL: questions@texsignature.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TexasSignature.mx INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/texassignature.mx/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Texassignature Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here -  https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/   Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: www.tanielchemsian.com Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

    21 min
  5. Taking the Leap: How Expats Build Freedom, Business, and Life in Mexico

    JAN 16

    Taking the Leap: How Expats Build Freedom, Business, and Life in Mexico

    What does it really take to move to Mexico and build a life that works financially and personally? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Justin Keltner, founder of Entrepreneur Expat, to explore the mindset shifts, practical steps, and real trade-offs involved in relocating abroad by choice, not by accident. Justin shares his firsthand experience of living in Mexico, building a business while working remotely, and settling into life in El Chante, a lesser-known but expat-friendly community. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about remote work, the realities of becoming an expat entrepreneur, and why waiting for the “perfect time” often leads to regret. This conversation covers cost of living in Mexico, community building, financial flexibility, and the emotional challenges of starting over - along with why so many Americans and Canadians are choosing Mexico for freedom, adventure, and long-term quality of life. If you’re considering moving to Mexico, working abroad, or redesigning your future on your own terms, this episode offers honest insight, real experience, and actionable guidance to help you decide your next step with clarity and confidence. Key Moments:  01:12 City Life vs Mountain Living 05:08 "Challenges of Remote Work Freedom" 08:01 "Relocation Services for Affluent Clients" 10:36 "Live by Design, Fearlessly" 13:54 "Time Passes, Take the Leap" 19:04 "Exploring Vallarta with Modern Media   How to connect with Justin Keltner : WEBSITE: https://entrepreneurexpat.com/ EMAIL: justin@entrepreneurexpat.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurExpat INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurexpatofficial/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/p/Entrepreneur-Expat-61552130405418/ Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!   Click here -  https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/   Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: www.tanielchemsian.com Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

    23 min
  6. Why We Chose Chapala: Real Expat Life, Cost of Living, and Finding Community in Mexico

    JAN 9

    Why We Chose Chapala: Real Expat Life, Cost of Living, and Finding Community in Mexico

    What is it really like living in Mexico beyond the headlines and social media hype? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Justin Keltner, a tech consultant and entrepreneur who shares his journey from Colombia to building a fulfilling life in Chapala, Mexico - one of the most popular expat-friendly communities in the country. Justin opens up about choosing Mexico for its affordable cost of living, strong sense of community, and balanced lifestyle, while navigating family concerns, cultural adjustment, and the realities of relocating as a couple. They discuss housing, utilities, daily expenses, and what it truly takes to feel at home as an expat in Mexico. Whether you’re planning to retire in Mexico, exploring living in Mexico as an American or Canadian, or simply curious about life near Lake Chapala, this episode offers honest insights, practical lessons, and real-world experience to help you decide if Mexico is the right next chapter for you. Key Moments:  00:00 "Learning Spanish Through Immersion" 05:44 "Finding Belonging Beyond the U.S." 09:07 "Crossroads of Love and Location" 10:53 "Winning Her Family's Approval" 14:22 "Manifesting Housing Opportunities Quickly" 16:15 Choosing Housing in Guadalajara 20:02 "Monthly Electricity Costs Explained" How to connect with Justin Keltner : WEBSITE: https://entrepreneurexpat.com/ EMAIL: justin@entrepreneurexpat.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurExpat INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurexpatofficial/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/p/Entrepreneur-Expat-61552130405418/ Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here -  https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/   Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: www.tanielchemsian.com Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

    21 min
  7. Is Moving to Mexico Right for You? Unfiltered Expat Insights | Live By Design Mexico Edition

    JAN 2

    Is Moving to Mexico Right for You? Unfiltered Expat Insights | Live By Design Mexico Edition

    Is moving to Mexico really the lifestyle upgrade people claim it is, or is it just another online dream? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Travis Bembenek for an honest conversation about what actually changes when you relocate to Mexico. From leaving behind a consumer-driven culture to embracing a slower, more intentional way of living, Travis shares what surprised him most after making the move. They talk openly about the emotional side of starting over, the real cost of living expectations, and why so many Americans and Canadians are choosing Mexico for reasons far beyond saving money. If you are questioning the rat race, craving community, or wondering whether Mexico fits your values and lifestyle, this episode delivers unfiltered insight and real experience to help you decide if this move is truly right for you.   Key Moments:  01:11 Moving to Mexico: Not Alone 05:45 San Miguel Housing Costs 08:39 "Overbuying: Too Good to Resist" 11:41 "Starting A New Chapter" 15:18 "Unbiased News About Mexico" 17:53 Mexico's Unique Appeal Explained 22:06 Shifting Real Estate Buyer Trends 24:27 "Happiness: Why Wait?" Want to connect with Travis?    WEBSITE: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/ EMAIL: travisbembenek@gmail.com INSTAGRAM:   / mexiconewsdaily   YOUTUBE:    / @mexiconewsdailytv   X: https://x.com/mexicond?lang=es FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mexiconewsdaily Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here -  https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/   Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: www.tanielchemsian.com Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

    27 min
  8. Beyond Comfort Zones: Life Lessons from Moving to Mexico

    12/26/2025

    Beyond Comfort Zones: Life Lessons from Moving to Mexico

    What happens when you step outside everything familiar and choose a different way of living? In this episode of Live by Design Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Travis Bembenek, whose journey to Mexico began as a college study abroad experience and later became a permanent lifestyle choice in San Miguel de Allende. Travis shares how he and his wife left demanding corporate careers in the U.S. to create a more meaningful, intentional life rooted in culture, community, and connection. They talk honestly about the challenges of relocating, adapting to a new way of life, and redefining success beyond titles and income. Whether you are considering a move to Mexico or simply questioning what fulfillment really looks like, this episode offers real-life lessons, thoughtful reflection, and inspiration to help you grow beyond your comfort zone and design a life that truly feels like your own. Key Moments:  00:00 "Study Abroad: Semester Essential" 03:59 "Growing Up Through Challenges" 06:57 "Study Abroad: A Vital Experience" 12:17 "Seeking Life Beyond Corporate" 14:18 "Pandemic Sparked Future Planning" 18:32 "Life Abroad, Stuff in Storage" 22:03 "Defining Success in Life" 25:23 "Prioritizing Joy Over Comfort" 28:02 "Embracing Life as an Immigrant" Want to connect with Travis?  WEBSITE: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/ EMAIL: travisbembenek@gmail.com INSTAGRAM:   / mexiconewsdaily   YOUTUBE:    / @mexiconewsdailytv   X: https://x.com/mexicond?lang=es FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mexiconewsdaily Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here -  https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/   Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: www.tanielchemsian.com Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

    29 min
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About

What if your next chapter could be lived on your terms - warmer weather, smarter investments, and a lifestyle built around freedom, not deadlines? Welcome to Live by Design - Mexico Edition, the podcast that helps you create a life of intention, adventure, and opportunity in Mexico. Hosted by Taniel Chemsian, real estate expert and long-time Puerto Vallarta resident, each episode brings you real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you design - not just dream - your ideal life south of the border. From navigating residency, real estate, and healthcare to understanding culture, community, and cost of living, you’ll get the truth about what it really takes to move, invest, and thrive in Mexico. Whether you’re planning for early retirement, exploring property investment, or simply craving a lifestyle with more freedom and fulfillment, this show will inspire you to stop waiting for “someday” and start living by design - right now, under the Mexican sun. 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=podbean_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/  

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