David Kuenzi, CFP®, Thun Financial Advisors Updated, December 2011; Originally Published December, 2009 Introduction Even under the most conventional of circumstances, American taxpayers struggle to fully understand the myriad of tax advantaged retirement investment options they have. IRAs, 401(k)s, Roths, Individual 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 527s, and defined benefit employer pension plans are some of the many … Read more
by Property Lynx Lda based on information provided by Davis Langdon LLP After the 2009 Budget, it was announced that the ‘Furnished Holiday Lettings’ (FHL) rules were to be extended to any country within the European Economic Area (EEA). It was also announced that the rules would be withdrawn from April 2010, but following a … Read more
by Tom Zachystal (CFA, CFP), Expat Focus partner and President of Individual Asset Management You have worked hard to build a nest egg and would like to invest your money in order that it work for you to provide for the lifestyle you desire; but while searching for investments or investment advisors you find it … Read more
by Tom Zachystal This is the second installment of a two-part column on the process involved in transferring UK pensions to Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS). In part one we looked at the people, agencies, and costs involved in the transfer process and here we will summarize the paperwork that typically needs to be … Read more
There are many ways of sending your money from one country to another without ending up in a mess. As in many things, expats can save themselves a LOT of trouble and cost if they do a little research and shop around. Standard International Bank Transfers Let’s consider the basic sort of expat money transfer … Read more
by Tom Zachystal A number of readers have asked how the process of transferring UK pensions overseas typically works. In this part one of a two-part column we will look at the people and agencies involved in the transfer process and the various associated costs. In part two, we will look at the paperwork that … Read more
Many of us still dream of buying a property in Italy. Buying a property overseas involves a big financial outlay, with foreign exchange being an aspect that is often overlooked. Planning ahead, talking to a foreign exchange expert such as World First and doing your homework on the different currency exchange arrangements, will pay off. … Read more
If you are receiving, or planning to receive, a pension then this quick fact sheet may prove useful. It is, though, aimed at those who have pension fund savings in a UK based scheme. If your pension is held in another jurisdiction, do remember that these points may not necessarily apply to you. – You … Read more
This FAQ has been kindly provided by April Medibroker Q: Who can buy Expatriate Health plans?A: Expatriates of all nationalities can purchase international Health Plans Q: Is there an age limit at joining International Health Plans?A: The maximum age when joining International Health Plans varies from company to company. Some companies allow entry to healthcare … Read more
A commonly held and mistaken belief amongst new or potential expats is that overseas one cannot secure a commercial mortgage. A commercial mortgage can be many things but here for simplicity’s sake let’s call it a mortgage to secure a commercial property such as a shop or warehouse etc. Excluding a few countries in the … Read more