Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Bringing your UK pension to sunnier climes
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 01/02/2015
» In our last article on UK private pension liberalisation, we looked at schemes in the UK and how they are affected by the latest government regulations. From April 6, 2015, any private pension scheme held in the UK may be liquidated and the entire pot withdrawn. While this is a very attractive option for many, the reality is that income tax will be levied on these proceeds at the individual’s marginal tax rate for that year. As a consequence, taking the pot in one go will not be as tax-efficient as taking staged drawdowns each year, or as required.
Which is better for you: Active or passive investing?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 15/06/2014
» A passive armchair investor and an active day trader have two things in common. They both depend on making the right decision at the front end of their investment cycle; in other words, active decisions.
Essential insurance planning
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 09/03/2014
» Hoping for the best is not the same as planning for the worst. Making provisions for eventualities that could happen to you is a very serious business.
A different view of property investments
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 09/02/2014
» Property is a very popular long-term investment. This is because most expats own their home in their country of origin. It is thus second nature to be accustomed to property ownership. When living abroad one can find a multitude of different profitable investment opportunities, but property seems familiar; because of previous experience it gives investors a degree of comfort, helped further by its visible and physical presence.
A brand new year or just another day?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 12/01/2014
» Every year we enter a new era in some people's eyes, and with it an opportunity to begin anew. We make resolutions which we feel will improve our lives or bring us what we were lacking in the previous year.
Key strategies for wealth accumulation
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 10/11/2013
» Becoming financially secure is so simple that almost no one wants to believe it: Save regularly, reinvest your interest and dividend income, maintain your contributions even during down cycles, and you will accumulate wealth. It is that simple.
Why it's never too early for the young expat to start planning
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 13/10/2013
» The younger expat community is growing in Southeast Asia, attracted by the opportunities on offer in one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. This downward trend in age has also revealed a more prevalent integration of expats into local communities. They have left their welfare states behind and are catapulting into the future with enthusiasm. But what provisions must they make for the financial challenges they will face in the future? A more independent lifestyle also carries with it the responsibility of taking care of their own long-term financial independence.
The older expat and medical coverage
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 01/09/2013
» Since our column on essential expat healthcare on Aug 4, a discussion has developed about the plight of the older expat and medical care. While this group may look like a minority, there have been a number of questions about how they can survive in their current positions. Caught between a rock and a hard place, they are damned if they try to secure insurance and damned if they do not.
What happened to QROPS? New challenges for UK pensioners
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 07/10/2012
» Are you up to date with all of the advantages and possible pitfalls of a Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS)? There have been sweeping changes this year which could be significant for you if you have deferred pension schemes in the UK.