If you have worked in the United States for any length of time (either as a US citizen or a foreign national) it is likely that you have paid into a US pension account such as an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) or a 401k (an occupational pension plan). The question arises as to what should be done with such an account once you give up US residency.

There are three alternatives: You can transfer it to another pension account, you can distribute the money, or you can leave it in the current account...

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• Posted by: Jamie
• Topic: Financial issues
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by Expat Focus investment partner, Tom Zachystal

For the better part of this year investment markets have been largely trendless. There have been many ups and downs but no clear breakout to either the down-side or the up-side. The current state of things, a slowing and fragile economy in Europe as well as issues with sovereign debt, better economic data in the US, and perhaps a more stable outlook in Asia with lower inflation and still good growth, support the view that we may be in for an extended period of up and down investment market performance. In such a market, and...

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• Posted by: Carole
• Topic: Financial issues
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The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living June 2011 Summary is now available here.

The EIU cost of living survey compares the cost of living in 140 cities in 93 countries providing invaluable information for both expat executives and HR managers.

• Posted by: Jamie
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"The geographical distribution of assets such as equities, bonds and property has taken a more global path in recent years as pension funds seek to spread their risk. As a result, the currency exposure of assets under management has become an increasingly important factor in the investment equation..."

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• Posted by: Jamie
• Topic: Financial issues
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"This article analyzes how the exemption from state income taxation enjoyed by most Americans abroad significantly alters the calculation that determines whether or not Roth contributions and/or Roth conversion make financial sense. It concludes that the exemption from state taxes makes Roth conversion an especially attractive financial opportunity for Americans abroad that should be capitalized on while they are still living outside the U.S..."

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• Posted by: Jamie
• Topic: Financial issues
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