Showing 1 - 10 of 19
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 From April 6, 2015, any private pension scheme held in the UK may be liquidated and the entire pot withdrawn.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.
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.
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.
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.
Pitfalls and curveballs: Common errors expats make
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 21/07/2013
» Ignorance and inertia are often the biggest hurdles expats must overcome when living in Asia. Today we'll look at some of the more common and costly errors.
Good reasons to transfer your UK pension to QROPS
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 09/06/2013
» Despite the dull name, Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) are a hot topic. For any expat who once worked in the UK and has a frozen or deferred pension, there are persuasive reasons to export it, especially if it is a defined-contribution scheme in which an investment pot belongs to you. Defined-benefit schemes, where a calculated pension will be paid, are often difficult to evaluate and many expats make the mistake of not scrutinising them properly.
Offshore private pension transfers: growing clarity for QROPS
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 26/05/2013
» If you have ever worked in the UK, no matter what your nationality, you probably were enrolled in a private pension scheme to which your employer and maybe you made contributions. The UK government continues to tweak legislative changes affecting the expat's ability to move this pension offshore. On the surface, these changes appear to limit transfer options, but in reality they have strengthened the legal framework, offering expats continuing advantages.
Peaking Dow: Will history repeat?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 24/03/2013
» Recent advances in stock markets are pointing to a brighter future, reflecting improvements in the US economic outlook. But are we really basing expectations on solid fundamentals, perhaps treading on thin ice? Markets reflect recent volatility, yet the fear factor is declining. Where are we heading?