Showing 1 - 10 of 27
When your house is not a home
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 02/11/2014
» Many expats have conflicting views of the difference between domicile and residence. One school of thought is that they are easily interchangeable, not realising the impact this may have when they die. The vast majority do not understand that probate will have a significant effect on the administration of their estate. Whether you like it or not, your domicile and the probate process are closely tied together.
The business of living life as an expat
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 07/09/2014
» Expats living abroad are often surprised at the effort required to effectively manage their affairs. Those of us who have left our home countries have usually not emigrated in a single step, yet many resolve not to go back to live in their home country if they can help it.
The underlying costs of having children
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 24/08/2014
» Children are expensive. We hear this all the time from any parent. There is no getting away from the fact that if you start a family your life changes in almost every way. For many, their uppermost thoughts are that their social life will transform into something new; there will be sleepless nights, while changing nappies and feeding become 24/7 tasks that quickly turn into tiresome chores.
US citizens take note: Fatca has landed
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 13/07/2014
» After years of talk, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (Fatca) is finally in effect. How will it affect you if you are a US citizen?
The intricacies of self-managed investing
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 01/06/2014
» Many expats manage their own investment portfolios and in doing so experience varying degrees of results. It would be easy to measure these as success or failure, but investment decisions do not really result in success or failure — they are simply subject to consequences.
When the expat shoestring breaks
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 18/05/2014
» Asia is tantalisingly attractive and living here makes us feel elated and happy. The carefree lifestyle can distract us from the realities of unexpected events. This can become a trap, leaving you financially vulnerable and exposed.
If it generates revenue, they will tax it
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 04/05/2014
» The economics of living our everyday lives can be painfully cruel for most people, from a financial perspective. Yet we often fall victim to the reality that we sometimes do things because they are for our own good even if they make no practical sense.
Is Fatca just for fat cats? US expats beware
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 23/03/2014
» The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (Fatca) will take effect on July 1. If you are a US expat what does that mean for you?
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.
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.