Showing 1 - 10 of 18
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.
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.
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.
Easing into property-related holdings
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 29/09/2013
» In our last article we looked at alternative investment opportunities available via equities and the S&P 500. This general topic was clearly popular and some readers have asked for more details. Others were keen to explore the possibilities of additional alternative investments. Some want to invest in property assets but do not wish to actually buy the physical asset as they find the cost prohibitive.
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.
Do you really understand your investments?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 07/04/2013
» Many expat investors believe they are well informed when in reality they would have a difficult time explaining the risks and opportunities of investments they have made. Why? Do we believe we know it all just because a quick Google search throws up a plethora of information?
Asset managing fraught with unknowns, but it's no roll of the dice
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 17/03/2013
» Making the right choices based on long-term planning rather than short-term thinking is the best way to manage unforeseen events. Although we would like to think that the status quo will never change, in reality such an attitude could be a recipe for financial disaster.
Dividends vs growth: It's a balancing act
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 03/03/2013
» Are equity investors approaching a bubble scenario in terms of yields? The flight to dividend-paying shares over the last few years has pushed underlying stock values to the point where a correction could result in a sharp reduction of capital values of income-producing shares.
Opportunities and pitfalls for investors in 2013
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 27/01/2013
» Last week, we looked at some topical considerations for new investments in 2013. Although 2012 was a mixed year, we noted that there were some exceptional winners and unusual losers.