expat network
UK Self Assessment

Do I Need To Complete The UK Self Assessment?

If you are classed as self-employed or have a source of untaxed income, you will be required to complete a Self Assessment. However, this criteria is vague and many are left confused as to whether they actually need to file the tax return or not.  Written exclusively for Expat Network by Mike Parks of  GoSimpleTax...

social media

Social Media Can Prevent Approval Of Your Overseas Based Mortgage

According to Simon Conn, the overseas mortgage specialist, an increasing number of lenders and insurers are using online activity, including social media posts and profiles, to help them judge the suitability of applicants. So your social media profile can impact your credit rating and potential overseas based mortgage. Written by Simon Conn of Simon Conn Overseas...

make money

Be Your Own Boss: 3 Ways To Make Money When Living Abroad

Who doesn’t want to be their own boss nowadays? Thanks to the internet, getting started has become a pretty simple process. To make things better, all you’re going to need is a laptop and a little creativity. It gets even better too, as the internet also allows you to make money even when you’re living...

global life insurance

Securing Global Life Insurance – The Easy Way

No one really wants to deal with the matter of life insurance. That’s because it’s so often confusing, mind-numbingly dreary, and a gloomy topic. Yet for most of us, it’s difficult to be financially secure without it. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Global1Life If you have loved ones in your care, or someone...

Power of attorney

A Power Of Attorney Could Protect Your Overseas Property Purchase

Overseas property expert, Simon Conn, has reached out to his peers to comment on the importance of a Power of Attorney when protecting property and assets abroad, especially with Covid-19 ever present. Written by Simon Conn of Simon Conn Overseas Property and Finance With Brexit looming and the UK in its second official lockdown,...

Mortgage Payments

Beware The Mortgage Payment Holiday For Buy To Let

With the current Covid crisis many banks are offering mortgage payment holidays in accordance with UK government policy.  However, the consequences for buy to let investors need to be considered to ensure it does not impact your credit for future investments. As England moves into its latest full lockdown and banks once again offer...

UK based adviser

Can a UK-based adviser continue to support you from 2021?

The UK has left the EU and as there has not been an agreement on services the UK is no longer subject to EU financial regulation and as  this has had an impact on British residents living in the EU.  In this article from Blevins Franks they look at the implications for British citizens who...

transfers

Ums, Ahhs, Buts And Maybes…. Are QROPS Transfers Dead!?!?

Over the last 14 years we have seen many reforms in the pensions industry some for better, some for worse. One thing that does stand out is the human nature of wanting something we cannot have which exists in our everyday lives. Making difficult decisions in a timely manner has always been uneasy for us...

Starting a business in the EU

Things To Consider When Starting A Business In The EU

With a wide range of distinct governments bound together by mutually-beneficial agreements, the EU presents some interesting business opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. If you’re considering starting a business in the EU, though, you need to be prepared to do some research and confirm that it’s the right move — particularly if you’re currently based...

record-keeping

A Guide To Record-Keeping And Expenses For The Self-Employed

If you’re new to self-employment, record-keeping might sound like hard work – even for those who have been filing for years it can be daunting. While that may be true, it does come with its own reward – namely, that sole traders can claim back allowable expenses and pay less tax on their earnings. Written...

currency exposure

5 Tips For Managing Your Currency Exposure As An Expat…

Managing exchange rate risk and transferring funds internationally are a part of life for expats and making sure that you do this effectively can make a significant difference to the cost of covering regular expenses and major purchases.  Currency Index, the expert currency consultants, set out their top tips for managing your exchange rate exposure...

Your Assets Can Be Legally Stolen

The Hidden Expat Trap – Your Assets Can Be Legally Stolen!

Many expats have assets such as bank accounts, pension funds, life insurances, and real estate in multiple countries. We all believe that if anything happened to us, these assets would go to our families.   Unfortunately, it is quite possible that your hard-earned money and assets would be legally “stolen” if anything happened to you, instead...