Happier Than A Billionaire in Costa Rica: 5th Anniversary, The Book, and The Journey

Happier Than A Billionaire

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 15 ounce Country Crock margarine — $3.33

It’s been just over five years since the official release of my book, Happier Than A Billionaire. Some things have changed, while others have stayed the same, and this may cause some confusion to many who are new to our story. This post is a short recap to clarify why we started this journey, how it has changed along the way, and where we hope it will take us.

So why did I name my first book Happier Than A Billionaire? After working seventy hours a week in order to live the American dream, we were still stressed out and miserable. We had no time for each other or anything else outside of work. We started to suspect that more stuff was not the key to finding real happiness.

Studies prove this, and it is evident by stories like those of the Tyco executive who stole his company’s cash to fund lavish parties, complete with Jimmy Buffett playing guitar and an ice sculpture of Michelangelo’s “David” urinating Stolichnaya vodka. The executive was later convicted of embezzlement and spent six years in jail, where I’m certain his urination issues did not involve vodka or ice sculptures. And our suspicions were correct. We moved to CR with a few suitcases and started living the happiest times of our lives. We were not billionaires, but happier than the ones we read about.

Happier than a Billionaire is about making the most of our resources and being grateful for everything we have. It was never our plan to be “living in a van down by the river” although we did live near a river, where Rob tested our handgun that he had just set on fire after hiding it in our fireplace. He shot into the ground, blew out our water pipes, and at that point, I’m sure our landlord would have preferred we lived in a van down by the river.

So what has changed and what has remained the same? From the very beginning, we had the dream of owning our home in Costa Rica. While we were very happy renting, that dream never died. Even when it took a heavy hit years ago as we lost most of our money in a bad real estate investment. I discussed some of the problems with that property in Happier Than A Billionaire: The Sequel. It took eight years and four books to recover those losses. But we are back on track and proud to say we do in fact own a home in Costa Rica today.

So our adventure took us to The Happier House. A place where we can share what we have learned from living here, as well as assist others in their quest to explore this amazing country. Our dream was put on hold while we saved and struggled and rode our scooter to get back on our feet. Rob still rides it today. A friend recently said, “I think I saw Rob riding his scooter with ten bags of dirt between his legs. Is that possible?”

“Did he also have a mango tree balanced on the handlebars? Because if so, that was definitely him.”

We still live on a tight budget of around $1400 to $1500 per month and the two of us manage as many aspects of house maintenance, as we can (cleaning, gardening, and preparing for our guests). We still own our red 1998 Mitsubishi, and the good news is that the parts are not glued on anymore. The bad news is that they have all fallen off, one by one, at a time when there is positively no room in the budget for a new car. But Rob insists he can keep it running, and he did so by hitting the battery with a hammer the other day, which surprisingly started the car. I’m always amazed by this and think it is an excellent approach to mechanical repairs.

Some of this behavior is by necessity, but some of it is because we have become accustomed to it. We enjoy getting things done in the most inexpensive, least wasteful, and most productive way possible. It is safe to say we have learned a lot, and respect immensely, the ways of the local people.

In the end, the struggle was worth it. Writing about these adventures and debacles has created the strong connections I have with so many of you. It turns out that Rob and I were never alone in this struggle. We had all of you behind us reading our books, sharing our story, and emailing us with encouraging words the entire time.

Although a few things have changed over the years, so much has remained the same. The love and optimism of my husband continue to be my foundation, and my unrelenting neurosis insists that I record all of our hijinks down on paper. We look forward to making more of our shows, songs, books, productions, and hopefully in time Happier Than A Billionaire the book will become Happier Than A Billionaire the movie. If this ride ends today, we are happy knowing that this journey has taken us further than we could ever have imagined. We often say we have lived more in the past eight years than we had in the previous thirty, and we believe that with every bit of our hearts.

So a huge hug and thank you to all who have followed us on this quest from the beginning, and to all who are new to this story we have this simple message:

No matter how impossible it may seem, follow your passion to the end of the world if that is where it leads you. Never stop believing, because truth be told, there are more non-believers out there than there are believers. And all those non-believers are eager for you to RSVP for their annual  Rain On My Parade Party. It’s a delightful event that includes parlor games like: “You are going to fail miserably,” “Have you lost your minds?” and my favorite, “You’ll be back in a year.” The door prize is regret and trepidation.

So if you have an idea to start a sushi and scooter repair stand in Costa Rica, give it a shot. It can’t be any worse than spending your life doing something that makes you unhappy. It’s going to be a transition, but no matter what your dream is, don’t let anyone try to convince you it’s not worth it.

I know it is, and I’m Happier Than A Billionaire for following mine.

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:14-04:00 September 6th, 2016|Categories: Cost of Living, The Happier House|Tags: , , , , , |27 Comments

About the Author:

Nadine is the author of the best-selling series, Happier Than A Billionaire. Join her as she navigates living as an expat in the sometimes confusing, always beautiful, country of Costa Rica.

27 Comments

  1. Jason March 21, 2017 at 12:15 am - Reply

    I just read your first book and loved it, very nice accidental find on Amazon. My wife and I are traveling to SJDS and Granada Nica again in a couple of weeks. We constantly dream of picking up and getting out of this American lifestyle rut. Thanks for the story telling! It has me all kinds of happy about my future.

  2. David Elliott September 12, 2016 at 6:00 pm - Reply

    Do you know of a good accountant that converses well ? Sounds like a question for another post but frankly people in America suck!
    i want to live in Costa Rica maybe I could get started by hiring an accountant to do my taxes form there. Please save me from Americans ! 🙁

  3. Michelle September 10, 2016 at 7:07 pm - Reply

    I love following your blog and FB posts. You are such a talented writer and photographer. You and Rob are a true inspiration to us dreamers. Hopping to make it reality very soon. Pura Vida! xo

  4. Victoria Ramírez September 9, 2016 at 12:56 pm - Reply

    We’ll be at Tamarindo on December 23th. Is there any place there where we could buy your books…

  5. Nadine Hays Pisani September 7, 2016 at 1:10 pm - Reply

    If you guys enjoyed the humor in this post, I think you’ll also enjoy my comedic adventures in Happier Than A Billionaire: Quitting My Job, Moving to Costa Rica, and Living the Zero Hour Work Week.

    https://www.amazon.com/Happier-Than-Billionaire-Quitting-Moving-ebook/dp/B0056ZWPWK/ref=zg_bs_159973011_2

  6. Suzanne Plave September 7, 2016 at 9:09 am - Reply

    your blog post said it all follow your dreams no matter what they are yours to hold

  7. Valorie September 6, 2016 at 11:35 pm - Reply

    We are so very HAPPY for your success! Following your dreams and never giving up!. You have inspired us to try and make a go of it. I LOVE your posts and pictures so much! If I could be there tomorrow I would. It really makes my heart happy as well. Keeping it real.

  8. Bev September 6, 2016 at 9:03 pm - Reply

    You are the bright spot in my every day and sharing your posts brighten many of my friends’ days as well. If it weren’t for one family related responsibility I would.have been there llong ago. I actually have a B&B as well and am also a realtor. I so hope to someday share conversation with you over a beautiful dinner and wine overlooking the ocean. Thank you for sharing your life with us!!

    • Nadine Hays Pisani September 7, 2016 at 8:13 am - Reply

      Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay Bev?

    • Wanda Cooper September 7, 2016 at 10:54 am - Reply

      Bev, it seems we have one more thing in common….our love of Costa Rica and the hope to one day live there. I, too love reading about your life in CR, Nadine.

  9. Sue September 6, 2016 at 7:16 pm - Reply

    I love your email updates and your books! We have followed your journeys and feel like you and Rob are friends. You’re on a first-name basis at our house, anyway! We are leaving for our 2nd trip to Costa Rica this Friday. You can rest assured we’ll think of you. 🙂 Thank you for following your dream. You are certainly an inspiration.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani September 7, 2016 at 8:14 am - Reply

      You are wonderful Sue. Thanks so much and hope you have an awesome time on your trip!

  10. Sheri Tuchscherer September 6, 2016 at 6:38 pm - Reply

    Thanks for making me laugh again!

  11. Belle & Webb (Bay Area) September 6, 2016 at 6:18 pm - Reply

    Our dream soon to be lived out in the Philippines(side jaunts to Taipei for stinky tofu anyone!)..but whether SE Asia..Costa Rica or Timbuktu..our favorite ‘Happier than..” Couple continues to inspire awe & guide those coming after. Congrats on the book anniversary & continued blessings to Nadine & Rob. You two continue to remind us who are still sitting in traffic expressing amazement at a new & inspired road rage incident…there’s a better way!

    • Nadine Hays Pisani September 7, 2016 at 8:17 am - Reply

      Hi Belle and Webb,I remember that lifestyle all too well. Blessings back to you, and know that my traffic usually consists of a few bulls that will not get out of the road.

  12. Linda Beasley September 6, 2016 at 3:38 pm - Reply

    Jim and I have been here two years, your books, etc. was a great influence for us moving here… I want to be NO WHERE ELSE…..

    Our lives are stress free, and even tho I have a mechanical valve, my heart doctor tells me it is the best life for me…

    We hope to visit you soon, I still have the quilt I made for you.

    Jim and Linda Beasley

    • Nadine Hays Pisani September 7, 2016 at 8:18 am - Reply

      Hi Linda! So happy to hear you are doing well. Costa Rica does have a medicinal property. I would love to do a study of people’s blood pressure before and after coming to Costa Rica!

  13. Pam September 6, 2016 at 1:58 pm - Reply

    My dream ~ to find a way to make a living while being near a beach ~
    Your book and your FB posts are helping to keep the vision alive.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani September 7, 2016 at 8:19 am - Reply

      Hi Pam. Keep that dream alive!!!! And when giving the opportunity, don’t hesitate, and don’t look back. Just race right toward that dream.

  14. Ann Ellison September 6, 2016 at 1:42 pm - Reply

    Loved the update and it has been so much fun following your adventures there.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani September 7, 2016 at 8:22 am - Reply

      Ann, you’ve always been so supportive of us. We enjoy so much your lovely comments on Facebook. Rob and I always smile when we see them.

  15. Malene September 6, 2016 at 1:37 pm - Reply

    Happy Anniversary for the Happier couple that daily brighten and encourage more than you will ever know! It helps those of us here realize that we are not totally nuts for being here, and helps remind us to stay out of the “Debbie downers” club!
    For those of you pondering the move, there is no #1 rule to follow, each of us must captain our own ship.
    Continued success to Nadine and Rob !!

    • Nadine Hays Pisani September 7, 2016 at 8:25 am - Reply

      Hi Marlene, thank you so much for the kind words. We all have to be careful of that Debbie Downer club. No matter where you go, there is an active organization trying to remind you of all the pitfalls you’ll likely encounter. But like you said, we captain our own ship, and if I accidently sail mine into the dock… well… at least I tried.

  16. Greg Hurst September 6, 2016 at 12:24 pm - Reply

    Loved the update. Your sense of humor keeps me in stitches, lol. Your story is an inspiration to all of us that, maybe we don’t move to CR, but we learn about the important things in life and embrace minimalism.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani September 7, 2016 at 8:27 am - Reply

      Thanks Greg. I learn more and more on this journey, but what always remains constant is that I’m happy in the moment. I’m grateful for it all. I can’t imagine, or need it to, get any better.

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