IAM Blog
International Estate Planning Considerations for US expats
US expats face numerous financial cross-border challenges, including international estate planning. The first step to mitigating this challenge should be understanding the rules relating to domicile and residency, taxation, and asset distribution in both the US and...
FATCA Guide for US Expat Investors
Many American expats first find out about FATCA (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) when they receive a letter from their foreign bank or brokerage asking them to confirm their US tax compliance. Receiving this letter is typically unexpected, and can also be...
IRAs and Roth IRAs for American Expats Explained
As a US expat, retirement planning and investment decisions can be more complicated than for Americans in the States. Navigating two countries’ tax landscapes and understanding how different retirement accounts can be beneficially utilized is a central pillar of...
Understanding and Managing Risk as a US Expat Investor
For expat investors, navigating both US and foreign investment rules alongside fluctuating exchange rates demands a nuanced understanding and management of risk. In this article, we delve into some essential considerations for US expat investors, offering insights and...
2023 Q4 Stock Market and Economic Summary and 2024 Look Ahead for US Expats
As the curtain falls on 2023, the fourth quarter stands out as a pivotal period in shaping the stock market and economic narratives. In this summary, we highlight some of the trends, market influences, policy shifts, and economic indicators that were instrumental...
Investment Diversification Strategies for Americans Living Abroad
Financial challenges for Americans living and investing abroad include currency exchange rate risk, multi-jurisdiction tax and reporting rules, and cross-border diversification. On the flip side, residing overseas can broaden the scope of investment opportunities,...
Year-End Financial Planning for US Expats in 2023
With the holidays upon us once again, it’s an ideal time to review your finances to explore tax-saving opportunities and generally ensure that you’re in the best possible shape before the end of the year. In this article, we highlight some of the most important...
Financial Planning Considerations for US Expats with a Foreign Spouse
Living abroad as an American expat with a non-US citizen spouse introduces some interesting financial planning questions relating to asset ownership, estate planning, and tax filing, and the decisions you make can have a significant effect on your finances. In this...
Navigating Education Saving and 529 Plans as a US Expat Parent
Living abroad as a US expat comes with a unique set of financial challenges, including saving for your children's education. In the United States, there are several tax-advantaged accounts designed specifically for education savings. The most popular type of plan are...
Managing Currency Risk for Americans Living Abroad
Expats frequently need to transfer money to and from the US for regular expenses or significant purchases like real estate. However, these international transfers expose them to foreign exchange risk due to currency value fluctuations. Furthermore, investments held in...
Considerations for US Expats Choosing a Financial Advisor
Being an American expat adds a layer of complexity to your financial planning. US reporting requirements, currency considerations and investing limitations combine to make financial planning quite different from living in the United States. Finding a financial advisor...
Can Americans Keep their US Brokerage or Investment Accounts when Moving Abroad?
The excitement of embarking on an international adventure is often accompanied by an unexpected financial hurdle. A significant number of US brokerage and investment firms are reluctant to hold accounts for US expats. However, this reluctance isn't on a whim; it stems...
Upcoming US Expat Investment Events
In partnership with Tax Samaritan, IAM is proud to be hosting 3 upcoming informational events for Americans living abroad in different regions of the world. Topics covered will include: 1 - In general, how does an investment strategy differ for expats? 2 - Should...
Retirement Planning for Americans Living Abroad
Living in a foreign country brings about unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to retirement planning. One such challenge faced by Americans planning on retiring abroad is navigating two different financial and tax systems. In this article, we will explore...
A Guide to Investing and Financial Planning for Americans Living in Thailand
Thailand, sometimes known as the "Land of Smiles," is a culturally vibrant country offering an array of investment opportunities. However, navigating the financial planning landscape as an American expat requires a detailed understanding of the opportunities and...
Considerations When Investing as a US Expat
Moving abroad is a thrilling and life-changing experience. It presents opportunities for adventure, career advancement, and the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture. However, alongside the upsides, there are particular financial challenges for Americans...
Financial Planning for US Expats: A Brief Guide
Living abroad is an exciting and rewarding experience, but for American expats, financial planning is typically more challenging compared to living in the States. This is due to cross-border issues such as currency fluctuations and living with two sets of regulations,...
Wells Fargo closing accounts for US Expats
In June, and again in August 2021, US brokerage firm Wells Fargo sent letters to many of its clients living outside the USA saying that they need to move their accounts to another brokerage firm by the end of September 2021. The letter states in part that “Wells Fargo...
Five Financial Issues That Affect US Citizens Planning to Move Abroad
Around nine million Americans live abroad, and thousands more join them every year. The most common reason why Americans move abroad is for a work placement, though others move abroad due to a sense of adventure or for romantic reasons. Moving abroad can have a...
Why US Expats Should Choose a Fiduciary (not Suitability) Standard Financial Advisor
US expats looking for financial advice are faced with a number of options. Financial advisors for expats who offer investment advice can be broadly divided into two groups though: those that comply with a Fiduciary Standard, and those that comply with a Suitability...