Expat Money Newsletter - May 2017

Expat Money: Get The Right Financial Advice

Welcome to the Expat Money Newsletter for May. We are once again focusing on the personal finance issues that matter to you as an expat, or would-be expat.

In this month’s edition we consider how expats should choose a financial adviser.

We also look at how you can get your expat money questions answered by experts.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter. I welcome your thoughts on other topics you would like us to cover. Or do you have your own tale to tell or question to ask about expat money? Let me know.

Feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who you think may benefit from reading it. Just click on Forward to a friend or colleague below.

Iain Yule

Editorial & Publishing Director
Expat Network
iain@expatnetwork.com

Register To Vote For The UK General Election

Lots of UK citizens who live overseas don’t know that they may be able to vote in the upcoming UK general election. Wherever you are in the world, don’t miss out on having your say.

Make sure you’re registered to vote by 22 May. It only takes five minutes. Once registered, apply for a proxy vote, which means appointing someone you trust in the UK to vote on your behalf. Now you’re ready to vote!

Register to vote online now before it’s too late: gov.uk/register-to-vote

Choosing An Adviser 1: Get Independent Expat Financial Advice

Many expats may not be confident making their own financial decisions, especially as there are important residence and tax factors to consider. So you may want to turn to a financial adviser with experience of dealing with expats to guide you through the options for your money. If you have British roots it may be best to choose an adviser who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Choosing An Adviser 2: Bad Expat Financial Advice Costs Money

British expats face losing tens of thousands of pounds through overly risky and poorly diversified investment portfolios, according to a financial advisory firm. Undertrained advisers operating in expat hotspots such as Spain, the Middle East and Asia, are jeopardising investors’ cash by recommending high risk funds while also failing to properly diversify clients’ portfolios, it is said.

Expert Answers To Expat Questions

Our readers regularly ask us questions about their expat finances. Our panel of experts is happy to help. One expert recently helped a reader decide it was better to save for retirement through a pension or by buying property. They may be able to assist you too.

Expats And Their Families Missing Support Network

New research by an international health insurance specialist has found that expats and their children are finding it difficult to be away from close friends and family. Two-fifths of expats and 32 per cent of their children cited that being away from their support network was one of the most difficult aspects of their transition to life abroad.

Sponsored: Premiums Cut On Expat Contractor Health Plan

As expat insurance specialists, Bellwood Prestbury have negotiated reductions of up to 25% on the Contractors International Health Plan. The new rates deliver savings of 25% for contractors aged up to 49 years and 20% for anyone over the age of 50. The plan offers a range of medical insurance options designed for expats working in the oil & gas, energy, aviation, engineering, security, NGO, humanitarian, telecommunications and technology industries. Get a quote now.

Top Three Ways To Save On Your US Expat Taxes

Ah, filing expat taxes… One of the necessities of living overseas. While it may not be the most enjoyable thing about your adventure abroad, fortunately the IRS provides a number of ways to avoid double taxation so you can save money come tax time.

Best Savings Rates In Expat Banking

The best current offering for sterling offshore savers is Standard Bank’s 1.2%, if you have £10,000 and can give 196 days’ notice of withdrawals. You can beat this rate if you can leave your savings untouched for three years. Skipton International offer 1.6% annually over this period for a £10,000 minimum.

For dollars, Standard Bank pays 1.05% for $10,000 or more, with 196 days’ notice. Standard Bank is also best for euros, paying 0.15% for €10,000 or more, with 196 days’ notice

Understanding Expat Medical Insurance

A new website, expathealthcare.com, provides fully-independent answers to the many questions you may raise as an expat about making sure you are healthy – and have proper insurance cover – while overseas.

Expathealthcare.com is a resource you can use to find out all about healthcare and insurance cover for expats, what you need to know and where to find assistance.

Learn About Life In India & France; Expat Pensions & Insurance

The Spring edition of Expat Living magazine is now available to read completely free of charge. You can learn about what it is like to live and work in India and how to retire to France. We also ask if you have proper expat insurance cover and have planned your pension properly.

Remember To Register!

Sign up for free at the Expat Network to enjoy the following benefits: access the latest overseas jobs; get help with writing winning CVs and social media profiles; and upload your CV so that our unique network of recruiters and employers can find you.

You will also find expert answers to the most frequently asked expat questions and receive regular news bulletins on contract awards and other expat news. Registration is free of charge – and you can unsubscribe at any time.