Showing 1 - 10 of 38
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 From April 6, 2015, any private pension scheme held in the UK may be liquidated and the entire pot withdrawn.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.
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.
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?
Property and the power of leverage
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 20/04/2014
» Property is generally seen as a very secure investment. But are you aware that property can be used in some enterprising ways to achieve multiple financial goals simultaneously, at little or no cost to you as the investor? It just takes a little ingenuity to make this happen.
The UK budget and the expat
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 06/04/2014
» The recently announced UK budget has raised a number of eyebrows. Initial responses are mixed, as there are perceived tax disadvantages and pension advantages, so what do the changes really mean for expats?
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?
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.
Year the snake bit, but not fatally
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 29/12/2013
» The Year of the Snake, 2013, has been mixed in many ways. We have witnessed some unexpected surprises while certain expectations have not come to fruition. Will this uneven trend continue into next year and beyond? Here is a recap of current trends and a look ahead.
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.