Psychology of Expat Money: Candid Truths, Hard Lessons, and A Better Way Forward

Why does your salary keep climbing but your savings feel like they're on vacation?
If you're an expat working hard abroad but still struggling to build wealth, this book was written for you. The Psychology of Expat Money is not your typical finance guide. It's a brutally honest, sometimes funny, and always relatable look at the emotional and cultural tug-of-war that expats face when it comes to money.

Drawing from real-life stories and hard-earned lessons, longtime Dubai expat Melvin B. de Guzman unpacks the habits, beliefs, and invisible money scripts that quietly sabotage your finances-even when your income looks good on paper. From emotional spending after a homesick day, to the guilt-driven remittances that leave you broke, this book explains why we do what we do with money, and how to finally do better.

Inside, you'll discover:

• Why emotional spending is more common than you think (especially after bad days or big discounts)

• How to stop treating your salary like it's running away from you

• The power of your "money identity", and how to rewrite it

• Why sending money home is noble, but so is investing in your future

• Practical ways to build wealth without giving up shawarma, mangoes, or weekend brunches

Whether you're in Dubai, Singapore, Canada or any expat hub in between, this book is your funny, friendly, and eye-opening financial wake-up call.

Ready to take control of your money without losing your mind or your lifestyle?
The Psychology of Expat Money is your better way forward.