Showing 11 - 20 of 49
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.
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.
Managing UK private pension transfers
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 07/07/2013
» Although the last "Networth" column was intended to be the final in the series on UK private pension transfers, there have been many questions relating to some aspects of this important part of expat pension planning.
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.
You can love it or loathe it, but financial regulation is here to stay
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 12/05/2013
» Is the expat investor really better off today when it comes to protection than in the "good old days", when markets seemingly were simpler to understand and regulate? Is an all-encompassing regulatory framework for the financial markets even feasible? Where is the sensible middle ground between intrusive rules and the uncontrolled elements of financial services "cowboys" and consumer internet "experts"?
Personal finance: A regular banking review
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 05/05/2013
» One of the most important aspects of expat living is having access to meaningful bank accounts that afford us the greatest flexibility. As life moves on we tend to accumulate various accounts on our travels and neglect them as they become less important in our minds. A regular banking review is time well spent in streamlining your accounts and also stamping out unnecessary costs.
Renouncing your US citizenship for tax advantages? Think carefully
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 28/04/2013
» Is there an argument for renouncing your US citizenship as a tax-saving strategy? In the vast majority of cases, no; such a move would be impractical. But for a small number of US expats it might be worth considering.
Energy investing - the next frontier?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 14/04/2013
» Black or transparent gold for you _ and a silver lining? Fossil fuel commodities such as oil and natural gas may be just the ticket for investors looking for a high return in a low-yield environment. But beware of the inherent volatility in these risky assets.
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?