Showing 1 - 10 of 47
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 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.
Do you have adequate retirement reserves?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 10/08/2014
» Following the last Net Worth column, "Boom or bubble?", a number of readers asked questions about their personal situations and whether they had adequate retirement reserves. "Is there a bubble that is about to burst?" was the question that left many believing that they would be personally affected if that were to happen. In that light, if you are currently reliant on income from investments, are your reserves sufficient and should you be moving them to areas where they will be better protected?
A boom or a bubble?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 27/07/2014
» The world seems to be in a state of fervour with appreciating investment assets. Could the apparent nascent global economic recovery be disrupted by mere interest rate rises or even geopolitical threats? On the one hand everything appears to be chugging along very nicely in the boom. However, there are other influencing factors which many opt to overlook as most of the world joins the ever-growing herd stampeding onwards in their quest for wealth accumulation. Or are they really inflating a bubble?
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.
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?
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.
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.