How I Actually Make Money Living Abroad in Mexico (The REAL Tea)

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to jaw-dropping ocean views, palm trees swaying, and a life that actually feels like yours… baby, look no further than Mexico. These are the views I get every single day here in Puerto Vallarta. And if you’ve been thinking about moving abroad or even visiting? What are you waiting for? Let’s get your life.

Welcome to Black Gay Boy Abroad, where we talk about life abroad, being Black and gay abroad, and what it actually looks like to rebuild a new version of yourself in another country.

And one of the biggest questions I get — constantly — is: “Nick, how do you make money? How are you living abroad?”

So today, I’m giving you the full breakdown. No fluff, no pretending, no influencer fantasy. Just the truth.

First Things First… No, I’m Not Rich 💀

Let’s clear the air. I am not rich. In fact, there was a day just last week where I had $60 in my bank account. No savings. Credit card debt that could swallow me whole. Literally wondering what I was going to eat.

Fast-forward to today? About $2,000 in the bank — still not “rich,” but definitely progress. And part of why I moved abroad was to create a life I could actually afford and enjoy.

So now let’s talk about how I actually make money abroad.

1. Talent Manager / Career Coach / Social Media Strategist

This is the work I’ve done for years — and honestly, it pays the bulk of my bills.

Clients hire me for 3, 6, sometimes 12 months to:

• Develop their marketing strategy

• Build or refine their content

• Coach them on personal branding

• Help them grow their platforms

I love this work, but I’ll be real: The client world has slowed down, and long-term I want to shift out of this lane. I want my income to come from content, not consulting.

But for now? It’s still one of my main income streams.

2. Content Creation (My Fave) — YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram

I LOVE creating content. Love it. And the wild thing is: People pay you for being yourself on the internet. YouTube AdSense, TikTok monetization, Instagram bonuses (when they exist), but honestly?

Facebook pays the best.

Yes… Facebook. Shocking, I know.

If you want a whole video on how to get paid by Facebook, drop a comment and I’ll make one — because y’all are sleeping on easy money.

This income grows as my channels grow, which is why I’m showing up every day for Vlogmas. We’re building this together.

3. Brand Partnerships (Where the REAL Money Is)

Partnerships are the “cash money” lane — and I just started leaning into them.

In the last month, I made about $1,000 from partnerships alone. As a small creator, I charge around $250 per video/post, usually for:

• Restaurant features

• Local event coverage

• Food or travel reviews

• Sponsored content

And once my audience grows? Baby, the price will grow too. Next year? I’m aiming for $3,000 per partnership. Mark my words.

4. Digital Products — The Most Underrated Passive Income Ever

Listen…Digital products changed my life.

You make something once — in Canva (which is free!) — and then you can sell it thousands of times.

That’s income while you sleep.

My first new digital product was my Puerto Vallarta Guide, and in less than a month it earned $500. From ONE product.

I’m already working on my next guide — probably on the plane to Paris.

If you have any kind of knowledge or expertise, you can turn it into:

• A guide

• A checklist

• An e-book

• A template

• A course

And yes, if y’all want a webinar on digital products, comment below. Because more people deserve to know how life-changing this is.

5. Affiliate Marketing

My newest income stream — and one of the easiest.

You recommend something → someone buys it → you earn a commission.

I use Stay22 on my blog, BlackGayBoyAbroad.com, and it:

• Scans my site

• Automatically places hotel/tour affiliate links

• Pays me whenever someone books through them

From Stay22 alone, I made $120 in my first month.

With ZERO extra work.

Affiliate income grows as your blog grows, and it’s a game-changer for anyone living abroad.

So, How Do I Make Money Abroad? (Recap)

My current income stream mix:

1. Client Work – strategy, talent management, coaching

2. Monetized Content – YouTube, TikTok, Facebook

3. Brand Partnerships – sponsored posts

4. Digital Products – guides, workbooks, templates

5. Affiliate Marketing – Stay22, Amazon, etc.

And baby, this is just the beginning.

Why I’m Sharing All This

Because there is so much money out there, and you deserve a life that isn’t controlled by a 9–5 you hate.

If you’re thinking about starting a blog or creating content — do it.

If you’re thinking about selling digital products — do it.

If you want to live abroad — create the income that supports it.

The money is out there. You just need to show up.