Quick heads-up: we’re doing the annual Expat Money birthday party again this year.

If you’re coming to the WFP Conference on March 6-7, you’re invited to the birthday party. Full stop.

Every year for the last five or six years, we’ve had clients fly in from all over the world, and it turns into one of those nights you remember for a long time.

Now, every year I say the same thing: please don’t bring me a birthday present.

And every year, many of you completely ignore me. (It’s honestly impressive.)

So here’s the deal for 2026:

If you feel you must bring something, bring a book.

The last two years, I asked for books, and I ended up with an absolutely incredible stack—meaningful, personal, and honestly some of the best surprises I’ve ever received.

This year I’m doing it a little differently. I built a reading list of what I’m planning to read this year—and I put the whole thing into an Amazon list that works like a registry.

That means:

• You can see the full list in one place (maybe interesting to see my taste in books?)
• Once someone buys the gift, it disappears from the list
• We don’t end up with five copies of the same book (which is exactly what would happen otherwise)

Here’s the list: [AMAZON BOOK LIST / REGISTRY]

The “how to” (so it actually becomes special)

If you decide to do this (1,000% optional), here’s what I’m asking—because the real value isn’t just the book, it’s the inscription:

1. Choose a book from the list: Click Here
2. Hard copy is best (hardcovers last longer)
3. Ship it to your own house (so you can write in it first)
4. On the first page (front inside cover is perfect), write:

• What being part of this community has meant for you—and your family
• The date
• Your name/signature

1. If you’re coming to the party, bring it with you.
2. If you’re not coming, send it to my freight-forwarding address (below).

Why I’m doing this (and why it’s bigger than my birthday)

We’re building the Expat Business Center in Panama City, and inside it, we’re building a proper library—real shelves, real books, the kind of place you can sit down and actually think.

That library will be for:

• People visiting Panama and stopping in
• Members of the Hub Membership/community
• Anyone in our world who values family, sovereignty, investing, taxes, legacy, and building something that lasts

These books aren’t just “my books.” They’re seed bricks for the knowledge base of the community—and your note in the front turns each one into a timestamped story of who we’re building this with.

Also: I’m a big believer in physical books. Information gets edited. Platforms change. Search results get… curated. But a book on a shelf, signed by someone I know, with a real message inside it—that survives.

If you’re not attending but still want to participate

You can still grab a book off the list and send it in.

Amazon list again: Click Here

Freight forwarding address (Miami):

Mikkel Thorup

2292 NW 82ND AVE HB-4494

MIAMI, FL 33198-1525

United States

Phone number: ‪+13055939350‬

If you are coming to the conference, I’ll see you on March 6-7.

If you’re on the fence about coming: this is your highly rational excuse to end up in Panama surrounded by good people… and then accidentally stay for a birthday party.

See you soon,

Mikkel

PS. If you want the WFP Conference details (and to make sure you’re on the invite list for the birthday party), start here: https://expatmoney.com/conference

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No advice: This newsletter, EMS Pulse®, contains information about going offshore and being an expat. The information is not advice and should not be treated as advice. You must not rely on the information in the newsletter as an alternative to legal, financial, or tax advice from an appropriately licensed professional. If you have any specific questions about any such matter, you should consult an appropriately licensed professional. You should never delay seeking legal advice, disregard legal advice, or commence or discontinue any legal action because of information in the EMS Pulse® newsletter or in our work at Expat Money®. Limited warranties: Whilst we endeavour to ensure that the information in the newsletter is correct, we do not warrant or represent its completeness or accuracy. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, we exclude all representations, warranties and conditions relating to this newsletter or our work at Expat Money®. We will not be held liable for any decisions you decide to make as the consumer of this content. Law and jurisdiction: This disclaimer shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Panama Law. Any disputes relating to this disclaimer shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Panama. This message is sent to you because your email address is on our subscribers' list. If you are not interested in receiving more emails like this one, just hit unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.