Contact

News & Insights

Expats should consider short-term appeal of regular savings, says report

Of course, this does not mean that those looking to save for their retirement should automatically look to put their cash into savings; it simply means that those looking for a low-risk strategy could do worse – Lewis’s study found that unlike shares, savings always produce profitable returns.

“People who prefer the safety of cash can make returns that beat those on tracker funds,” said Lewis. “Over the longer-term shares are likely to do better but I wanted to find out when the boundary is. My research shows that it’s only at about 18 years that the balance turns in favour of shares over cash.”

Lewis’s data showed savings accounts outperforming shares in the majority of five-year periods beginning each month from 1 January 1995 to the present. However over the course of 21 years the tracker yielded a compound annual return of 6%, superior by one percentage point to that produced by best buy savings accounts.

It should be noted, however, that in order to achieve the best possible returns on regular savings, expats need to become what Lewis terms “active savers”. This means that every year they need to move their savings between ‘best-buy’ accounts.

What Lewis’s study certainly underlines is the importance of good expat financial advice. There are so many variables applying to both people and the products they choose that good guidance is imperative.

Other News

Disclosure of assets

In light of the Panama Papers and their revelations, it would appear that it is not only tax evasion is in the headlines but also tax avoidance schemes. Evading tax by concealing income is illegal, avoiding tax by exploiting the tax rules technically is not.

panama papersTo help tax authorities in various countries hunt out those individuals and companies trying to hide assets, the UK has recently signed a disclosure of asset agreement with Spain, Germany, France and Italy. What does this mean? It means that the UK, in partnership with France, Germany, Spain and Italy, have passed regulations that will lead to the automatic sharing of information about the true owners of companies, complex shell companies and overseas trusts.

Read More

Tax changes for second home owners in France after Brexit

Paris Street, FranceIf you’ve moved overseas or have a second home in France, you may be used to calling several places home. After all, living in France won’t always mean completely cutting ties with your country of origin as you may still have family living there or own other property.

But when you own property abroad, it’s crucial to stay up to date with any tax legislation and law reforms in that country, or you could be in for a nasty shock. That’s why it’s so important to take charge of your wealth management to make the most of your second property in France.

Read More

Select your country

Please select your country of residence so we can provide you with the most relevant information: