86. US Citizenship Abroad: The Hidden Costs and Why Some Expats Walk Away

89. UK Pension Risks, SpaceX’s IPO Frenzy and America’s Housing Crisis

Markets continue pushing higher, AI stocks are still surging, and now SpaceX is preparing for what could become one of the biggest IPOs in history. But beneath the surface, Richard and James unpack why some of today’s biggest market stories may be creating risks passive investors aren’t paying enough attention to.  In this episode of From the Trenches, Richard Taylor and James Boyle break down the growing concerns around index inclusion rules, passive investing, and why companies like SpaceX could fundamentally reshape how retail investors interact with the market. They also discuss rising oil prices, inflation pressure, interest rates, and whether America’s global dominance is beginning to shift.  The conversation then turns to one of the biggest issues currently facing British expats in America: UK pensions. Richard and James explain what a SIPP actually is, why so many expats leave old pensions untouched for decades, and the hidden costs, tax complications, and missed opportunities that can follow. They also unpack the upcoming UK inheritance tax changes on pensions and why these rules could dramatically change retirement planning for UK nationals living in the US.  Finally, the episode explores the fascinating “Pig in the Python” demographic theory and why baby boomers may be unintentionally reshaping housing markets, politics, retirement systems, and economic growth for younger generations.    --    Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.    https://planfirstwealth.com/ [https://planfirstwealth.com/]    --    Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.      Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

88. Portugal for American Expats: Golden Visas, Tax Traps and Big Rule Changes

Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for Americans moving abroad, but the move is not always as simple as it looks. From visas and tax residency to Golden Visa funds, PFIC reporting, retirement accounts and recent citizenship changes, there are plenty of details that can catch Americans out if they do not plan properly.  Richard Taylor - dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner - is joined by Zeev Fisher - an international advisor and founder of Fresh Legal Group - a boutique firm specialising in international wealth and cross-border tax. Together, they unpack what Americans need to know before moving to Portugal, especially those navigating US tax, expat tax advice, and complex cross-border rules.  They break down the key visa routes for Americans, including the D7 passive income visa and the D8 digital nomad visa, and when a Golden Visa makes sense. They also explain how PFIC rules can create unexpected US tax issues, why using retirement funds for a Golden Visa investment can trigger serious penalties if done incorrectly, and how these decisions fit into broader cross border financial planning.  Richard and Zeev also discuss Portugal’s new tax regime replacing the former non-habitual resident system, and what it means in practice for Americans moving over today. Finally, they break down the recent citizenship rule changes and why they have become such a major issue for current and future expats, particularly those thinking long term about expat retirement planning or building a life overseas.  –  Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.  https://planfirstwealth.com/  –  Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.  Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

87. Oil, Inflation and Immigration: Why the World Feels Increasingly Unstable

Energy prices are rising again, inflation is creeping back up, and the global economy may be entering a far more unstable phase than markets are pricing in.  Richard Taylor, Chartered Financial Planner and founder of Plan First Wealth, is joined by Brian Dunhill, founder of Dunhill Financial [https://www.dunhillfinancial.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], for another episode of Macro Aggressions to unpack the growing geopolitical and economic pressures shaping markets right now.   From the Iran conflict and rising oil prices, to China’s long term ambitions around Taiwan, the conversation explores how trade routes, energy markets and political instability could fuel another wave of inflation.  Richard and Brian also discuss the Federal Reserve’s increasingly difficult position as inflation rises again just as Donald Trump pushes for lower interest rates, alongside the political drama surrounding incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh.   The episode also explores a growing economic challenge that is becoming harder to ignore. Richard and Brian explore why demographic decline and falling birth rates may become one of the biggest long term threats to Western economies, and why anti-immigration policies could have major consequences for growth, housing and prosperity in both the US and UK.  --  Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.  https://planfirstwealth.com/ [https://planfirstwealth.com/]  --  Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.    Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

86. US Citizenship Abroad: The Hidden Costs and Why Some Expats Walk Away

For Americans living abroad, US citizenship can come with unexpected restrictions, from banking problems and mortgage issues to business ownership challenges and complex US tax reporting. Richard Taylor, dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner at Plan First Wealth, is joined by Dan Brotman, Global Mobility Specialist, and Marko Peck, investment migration advisor, for a conversation on cross border financial planning, expat tax advice, and what it really means to build more options into your life as an expat. Marko shares why he renounced his US citizenship, what the process looked like, and how life changed afterwards. Dan and Marko also explain why citizenship and residency are not the same thing, and how this impacts travelling to the US, travelling globally, and long-term planning for internationally mobile individuals. They also explore international wealth strategy through second passports, including citizenship by descent and citizenship by investment, as well as the growing importance of diversification for expat retirement planning and long-term financial growth. If you are a British expat, an American abroad, or someone thinking about your next move internationally, this episode offers practical financial advice and insight into how to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. -- Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.   https://planfirstwealth.com/ [https://planfirstwealth.com/]   --   Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.    Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

85. Markets, Retirement Tax Strategies and Plan First Wealth Updates: Our Latest Take

A big milestone for Plan First Wealth, a market that refuses to stay down, and a topic we get asked about every single week.  In this episode of From the Trenches, Richard Taylor and James Boyle share a major announcement for the business, along with a few updates behind the scenes as the firm continues to grow. They then turn to markets.  Despite constant headlines and uncertainty, equities have shown serious resilience. What is driving that, and what should long term investors focus on?  Roths are back on the agenda too. It is one of the most talked about strategies for a reason, but there is a specific window and a few details that many people miss.  There is also a broader conversation around expats and cross border planning, including a noticeable shift in where people want to live and why.  To close things out, Richard and James introduce a new segment, sharing some of the most interesting things they have been reading, watching, and listening to lately. As always, this is a behind-the-scenes look at building a cross-border financial planning firm while helping expats make smarter decisions with their money.  --  Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.   https://planfirstwealth.com/ [https://planfirstwealth.com/]    --    Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.    Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.