Showing 1 - 10 of 28
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 From April 6, 2015, any private pension scheme held in the UK may be liquidated and the entire pot withdrawn.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.
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.
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.
Young expats need to take an interest
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 27/10/2013
» Financial planning for the young expat _ what does this really mean? The last Net Worth column on this subject stimulated a number of queries. Most of these revolved around the practicalities or creating financial reserves and their use during retirement.
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.
Finding safe and sound alternative investments
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 15/09/2013
» Investors' expectations have been reshaped since the turmoil of the 2008 financial crisis. Whereas solid returns from traditional investments were once the norm, today's investor is happy to beat inflation expectations. Finding good opportunities is another matter altogether.
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.
Balancing debt with investment and tax advantages
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 18/08/2013
» It pays to consider your options carefully when you have the opportunity to repay debt. Depending on your tax and investment situation, a careful analysis may yield surprising results.
Essential expat health care
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 04/08/2013
» The majority of comments and inquiries from my last Net Worth article on expat pitfalls related to medical insurance. I note this with some interest as medical or health insurance tends to be a subject that expats love to hate, and certainly hate to think about. But it is something you should seriously evaluate.