Showing 1 - 10 of 14
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.
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.
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.
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?
Wise investing: risks and opportunities for 2013
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 20/01/2013
» Last year is barely over and we are already in a bull market. Equities had their best single week in five years. Is this a harbinger of things to come? Is your portfolio adequately structured so that you can respond to the opportunities and difficulties that lie ahead this year? There are many key attributes that all investors will be wise to take account of when they decide on how to allocate their assets _ not just your investment portfolio but your entire net worth as an expat.
More insights on property options
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 23/12/2012
» My previous two articles on property ownership generated some good responses, with readers continuing to show interest in a better understanding of this important asset class. So let's take a look at a few more aspects of property investment in Asia, where the diverse options on offer may be different from what expats are used to back home.
Should you buy or rent your home in Asia?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 18/11/2012
» The question of whether it is right for you to own or rent your home in Asia is not always easy to answer. The final decision often depends on both commercial and emotional thinking. I was recently involved in helping a client make such a choice.
The power to make a living is priceless
News, Andrew Wood, Published on 11/11/2012
» The power to make a living is priceless. So why are you not protecting it? Perhaps back home these things are taken for granted. As an expat, you are effectively on your own when you live abroad.