There are legal fees and expenses to consider too and now surprisingly Bank of America has been spending plenty.

FORBES: Bank Of America's Mortgage Tab: $42B And Counting

Smith and his attorney-protectors control the Cook Islands Trust and the transferred assets, which are used as instructed by Smith to fund his personal expenses and legal fees.

FORBES: Smith: Cook Islands Asset Protection Trust Results In Special Circumstances Allowing Less-Than-Three Creditors Involuntary Bankruptcy Petition

Otherwise, they may have to wait months and pay legal fees before having access to money they may need to pay funeral costs and other urgent expenses.

FORBES: Is Lack of Planning Putting Your Family in Danger?

The cost of buying property will be highly dependent on the destination, but nonetheless you should budget for the usual additional expenses involved, including legal fees, taxes and insurance.

BBC: How to budget for living abroad

Zimmerman has been in hiding since the case drew national attention, and he has solicited the money not only for legal fees but also for living expenses.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS