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The United States of America, located in North America, borders Mexico, Canada and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It not only has the third largest population in the world, but is also the third largest country in the world in terms of land mass. It has both the highest (Mt. McKinley) and the lowest point (Death Valley) on the continent. The climate is mostly temperate but tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the Great Plains, west of the Mississippi River, and arid in the Great Basin of the Southwest. Washington, D.C. is the capital of the USA as written under Article One of the United States Constitution.
Foreign currency exchange
How not to get currency crunched
Whether you're overseas for work, rest or play, juggling currencies is all par for the course. But according to research from foreign currency experts HiFX, Brits going abroad are often getting a dreadful deal when they exchange one currency for another.. HiFX reports that, prior to departure, the average emigrating family will realise assets worth a quarter of a million pounds. This sizeable sum typically comprises proceeds from the sale of a house, a car or cars and savings. HiFX says far too many migrating families are ignoring the potential cost of leaving the actual business of currency exchange in "the wrong hands". When savings are transferred to a foreign country via a high street bank, for example, HiFX calculates the average family...
Cost of Living in the US
The United States is no doubt one of the premiere destinations for anyone seeking a new home in a new country. Aside from being the world's largest federal democracy, its economy is first-ranked, making it perfect for building a career and a bright futur. In the city areas, diversification of properties paved the way for the renovation of old buildings into apartments, houses and modern high-rise apartments, all of which can cost anything from $200 to $5,000 a month. In general, life in the bigger cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston and New York will naturally cost higher than those in the southern central portions of the country such as Jackson, Decatur, and Anniston, which are some of the cheapest to live in. According to theUS'...
Current accounts
Five top tips for banking abroad
You're moving! What's more you're on the brink of joining the 5 million Brits living overseas. You've packed up the house, despatched the pets to good homes, enjoyed a memorable send-off from family and friends. Everything is sorted. Or is it?. What about access to your money once you've left Blighty? How are you going to spend and with what currency? Come to think of it, how will you continue to run your financial affairs - be that spending, saving, investing - once you've gone? Don't panic - follow these five tips toensure your banking arrangements continue uninterrupted wherever you are in the world. 1) Start up a dossier of all necessary documentation. The following documentation is necessary to comply with worldwide Know Your...
Banking in the US
Opening a Bank Account in the US To open an account in the US you are required to submit an official document such as a passport or Drivers License and make an initial deposit. You may open a checking account, which is the most common type of account in the US to carry out most day to day transactions such as receiving wages, paying your rent and utility bills. A checking account generally allows you to transfer money between accounts, set up regular payments, use internet and phone banking...
Savings
Building Your Overseas Retirement Portfolio
This article does not provide any guidance on your options when you are at the point of actually retiring, but is concerned with how to invest your money while you are accumulating a retirement fund for later use.. The purpose of this article is to introduce you to some of the issues and concepts of retirement planning while you are working overseas. A major attraction for expatriates working overseas is the opportunity to accumulate capital, by increasing savings due to reduced cost of living and enhanced earnings. What to do with sums you are now able to set aside is a tricky issue, because the retirement and savings products available to you back home may not be available to you overseas, or in fact,...
Jobs in the US
To legally work in the US, an expat must secure a Work Visa,which temporarily allows you to live and work in the United States.You can obtain a work visa prior to entry into the United States, or an applicant may change status following entry into the US.. In general, those who seek towork in theUSneed to secure a job offer from a US-based employer before visa processing can ensue. For more information on the work visa process and conditions, visit: http://www.h1base.com/visa/work/Compare%20work%20Visas/ref/1110/ Individualsmust follow the appropriate visa process or risk deportation by the authorities. Despite the global economic gloom that shook theUS economy, its job market showed signs of a slight recovery in November 2009. According to one...
Lump sum investments
Investor – know thyself
The choice of investment 'classes’ for expatriates is wide, and somewhat mind boggling. There are opportunities in sectors specialising in equities, bonds, precious metals, property, gilts, commodities, art, antiques, wines, whiskies and more.. It is vital you research each area of investment that interests you; the more you know the better your chances of making a profit. But before making any decisions about how or where you'd like to place your investment capital, take time to undergo some financial self-analysis. Specifically, what you need to ask yourself is, 'What is my response to risk?' Low risk investors favour high interest savings accounts and government bonds, as they seek to preserve wealth and hates volatility. Medium...
Investing for Expatriates: A diversification opportunity in the booming category of domain names
This past month has witnessed a surge in volatility in the international financial markets.. This past month has witnessed a surge in volatility in the international financial markets. Bonds issued by Italy, Greece, France and Spain are suddenly not the safe haven that they once were. The bankruptcy of MF Global this month was a reminder that the ghosts and zombies of 2008 -- Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, as well as AIG, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- have yet to be full exorcised. With national governments already undercapitalized, there is a growing risk that the network of fiat...
Offshore savings
Ten top savings tips
Top tips to help you protect and profit from your savings ambition.. 1) Protect against inflation - The real return is the actual profit made on an investment after taking into account the effects of inflation - the rise in prices for goods and services. Advisers also urge all savers to include the impact of tax when estimating potential profit to get a true picture of potential returns. 2) Protect against bankruptcy - As more and more financial institutions merge with each other, check that yoursavingsare not spread amongst deposit-takes with the same ultimate...
Specialist Features of International Bank Accounts
For many business people, expats and world travelers, the thought of losing money somewhere in a tangled system of international law and customs procedures is a terrifying prospect.. International banking may seem like a complex process, but many international banks have developed methods of taking the anxiety and worry out of handling your money across national lines. Banking laws and procedures can vary greatly from country to country, adding even more complication to international money matters. Enhanced security features, along with streamlined transfer and currency exchange options make facing international financial situations a great deal less daunting. One of the...
QROPS
Moving Your Pension Abroad
Deciding whether to move your pension offshore. Your pension is your security blanket for your retirement. Its sole purpose is to provide a steady stream of income for you well past your working years. You will spend the bulk of your working life adding to that investment in the hopes that when the time comes, it will have accumulated enough wealth to keep you living at the same level to which you have become accustomed. When your pension is secure, stable and profitable it can be a tough decision to move it into a different style of...
Should I Transfer My UK Pension Fund to a QROPS?
There may come a time when you will wonder if moving your UK Pension fund to a Qualifying Recognized Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) would be beneficial to your financial plan.. QROPS are pension funds set up outside of the UK, allowing UK expatriates to attain greater control of their investments for retirement as well as circumvent the red tape, restrictions and taxes imposed on UK Pension Funds by the government. QROPS funds must by recognized by the HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) and must be governed by the federal laws of the country of origin (If the fund will be held in a United States bank then the QROPS account – and bank-- must be regulated by...
Overseas mortgage
Choosing a Mortgage for an Overseas Property Purchase
A dream home overseas can very quickly become a nightmare for expatriates, retirees or those simply looking to enjoy a holiday property abroad.. It is difficult enough to navigate the mortgage market back home, but when you are considering purchasing a property overseas the issues become more complex, while the consequences for failing to choose correctly can be very expensive. Which Currency Should Be Used? The very first issue is to decide whether you want a mortgage denominated in the same currency as that of the country where the property is located. If you choose to apply for an overseas mortgage, it is probable the domestic...
Basic Principles Behind Overseas Mortgages and Expat Home Buying
Our evolving global marketplace has made it affordable for more individuals to consider moving overseas and purchasing property in foreign countries.. Expatriate home buying can be an exciting and enjoyable process once one understands a few basic principles of purchasing overseas property and overseas mortgages. Contracts should never be signed if they are not fully understood, especially if you have not translated it into your native language. Advice from specialists is a must have. Seek out independent architects, surveyors and solicitors that are proficient in the property's country laws. You will want an expert in the process of that...
Tax advisory US citizens
What’s New For American Expats in 2011? Key US Expat Tax Rules You Should be Aware Of
The author of this article, David McKeegan, is a director of www.greenbacktaxservices.com, a US Income Tax provider that specializes in tax preparation for US expatriates. All information was correct at the time this article was written (February 2011).There have been a number of changes implemented in the closing moments of 2010 that will directly affect US taxpayers who are living or working abroad. This guide will answer some commonly asked questions about the 2010/2011 US expat tax...
Tax advisory Expatriates
Do I Still Pay US Taxes If I’m Living Overseas? How the IRS Can Hurt and Help You
If you are a US citizen, it is a myth that by living overseas you do not have to pay US taxes.. This is a major misconception which results in serious ramifications and consequences for those thinking they can evade their tax liabilities back home. Even giving up US citizenship in order to evade your US tax liability is illegal! That is the bad news, but there is a lot of good news to make up for this, so read on to understand how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can help you before they hurt you. All US citizens living overseas must file a tax return with the IRS by the normal filing...
Pet relocation
Preparing Your Pet for Relocation
Moving abroad is a stressful time that involves packing, unpacking and organizing people and belongings. If you have pets that are going to move with you then remember that this can be a stressful time for your pet too.. Here are some tips to help you prepare your pet for relocation…• Recognize That This Is Difficult For Your Pet Too The change in routine triggered by the entire relocation process and any stress that you may be experiencing is bound to be noticed by your reasonably befuddled pet. While you can talk, share and sometimes even vent out your frustration your pets can only express it or withdraw in to themselves. Recognize that this is difficult for your pet to because your pet has to...
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ExpatFinder.com is a website designed to bring support to people and families living abroad or planning to move overseas. It provides the user with information to help make informed decisions when looking for International health insurance with global cover around the world. Expat life insurance are explained for review at the same time as a choice of selected International medical insurance companies are displayed and free quote by direct contact available. Other sections of the website include online broker and offshore banking reviews including a choice of offshore savings accounts to make the most of your expat money. Users can also transfer money abroad and learn more about QROPS and overseas foreign currency exchange. The one stop place to answer all your needs will bring you information on expat health insurance and US Expat Tax. Should you be preparing to move abroad or living overseas you might be looking for a room for rent or else expat often start with an extended stay in serviced apartments