The best SIPP for EU residents is an International SIPP. Sometimes referred to as a ‘non-resident SIPP’, it can be a useful retirement planning tool for expatriates. Many of us live, work or retire in an EU country and have a long ‘to-do list’ that needs ticking off before we can settle into everyday life. […]
The truth about pension fees and charges
New disclosure regulations for investments into financial products have obliged providers to make major changes to how pension fees and charges are presented to investors. These rules apply to all investment funds, pension plans, and QROPS trustee fees. Not only must pension fees and charges be disclosed before an adviser can complete an application, but […]
Investment risk management
Investment risk management is an on-going exercise if we wish to meet our financial planning goals. As our personal situation changes, it’s important that we alter our investment portfolio to reflect new needs and requirements. While it’s relatively easy to assess risk at the point of investing, unforeseen events can force a rethink. The most […]
Pension scams and new QROPS rules
The UK government recently published a paper on regulations designed to combat pension transfer fraud, including new QROPS rules. Pension scams are the scourge of the professional financial services industry. Unfortunately, too many consumers have lost some or all of their funds to unscrupulous, so-called advisers. The idea behind the legislation is to stop scams […]
The UK Budget – Autumn 2021
The UK budget contained a mixture of giveaways and takeaways; its impact on the public depends on individual circumstances. One consistency with each Chancellor is that the budget is always presented as a positive initiative from a forward-thinking politician! Rishi Sunak followed the trend, basing his tax and spending decisions on “levelling up” and “a […]
Cash management in uncertain times
Never has it been more important to be aware of cash management in our financial planning. Markets are going through a period of high volatility where even traditionally low-risk sectors don’t offer a safe haven. An effective cash management strategy can plug the gap in unpredictable times. Fixed Interest funds are suffering due to gilt […]
Wealth Tax in Spain
Wealth tax in Spain is regarded as being a ‘blunt tool’ used by the government to raise revenue. It seems particularly unfair as an individual’s wealth has been accumulated from assets and income which has already been taxed. The good news is there are ways to significantly reduce liability for wealth tax in Spain by […]
Retire in Italy
If you are planning to retire in Italy there are some interesting options available to you. Many EU countries are considered relatively high cost from a tax perspective. However, things have been changing as Member States realise that lower tax rates are a great way of attracting wealthy individuals who provide much-needed income to local […]
Investments and Brexit: the end of passporting
Just when we all thought the EU/UK withdrawal agreement was done and dusted, it looks like we will have to suffer many more months, or possibly years, of uncertainty over investments and Brexit. There has been much publicity surrounding the Irish border question and fishing rights, but many other issues need to be negotiated before […]
QROPS tax on transfers post-Brexit
What type of QROPS tax should we expect post-Brexit? An important part of working in the financial industry is predicting future changes to legislation that will affect clients. Sometimes we have clear deadlines to beat; other times, it’s more a question of being prepared with contingency plans just in case. QROPS tax rumours The rumour-mill […]
QROPS Overseas Transfer Charge
What will happen to the QROPS Overseas Transfer Charge is still unclear, despite the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020. Until we know the full extent of the UK/EU relationship it will be difficult to prepare for the ‘new normal’. The UK economy is heavily reliant on financial services. This sector […]
Financial planning: time for a spring clean!
The COVID-19 lockdown has prompted many to look for ways of using their extra spare time as productively as possible. For some, this includes reviewing their financial plan. We should always keep a close eye on our finances. It’s even more critical now that the fiscal effects of the COVID-19 crisis become apparent. Stock markets […]
QROPS pensions and divorce
Resolving issues relating to QROPS pensions and divorce requires a specific understanding of what can and can’t be done in accordance with the law. It’s an unfortunate fact of modern life that many marriages end in separation. Even in the most amicable of cases, financial problems tend to focus the mind. Negotiations can become fraught […]
Inheritance Tax Planning and Double Tax Treaties
Inheritance tax planning is a complicated issue that requires careful attention. Under current legislation, UK Inheritance Tax is levied on estates valued at over £325,000 at a rate of 40%. It is little wonder that around £5.4 billion in revenue was collected in 2018/19 by HMRC! If you are an expat, inheritance tax could apply […]
British in France Seek Expat Pension Advice on Brexit
Understanding the full ramifications of Brexit is likely to be impossible for some time to come. Many people need guidance on their tax situation and also expat pension advice. The British in France can attend meetings and receive valuable guidance from the Embassy regarding a whole host of post-Brexit concerns. A series of meetings have […]