Episodes

  • Ep 34: What is English For "FBAR"?

    Ep 34: What is English For "FBAR"?
    Dec 25 2024
    We discuss the FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) and why it is important to be aware of it.

    It's a FORM that needs to be filed under the Bank Secrecy Act if you have a financial interest or signatory authority over a foreign financial account.

    And the aggregate value of these accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the reporting year. The FBAR filing requirement applies to all types of financial accounts, not just bank accounts.

    Failure to file the FBAR can result in substantial penalties.


    Episode Links & Resources

    • Are you Tax-compliant With Your Overseas Assets? - Free Guide - Scroll to the bottom of the page.
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    The speakers' views and opinions discussed in this episode should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your advisor for any legal, cross-border tax, and financial advice.

    Be sure to join the conversation by visiting our page The International Money Cafe

    Or by following us on social media:-

    Follow us on social media:- LinkedIn; Instagram; Twitter (X); Facebook
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    10 mins
  • Ep 33: Guided By The Stars No More: A Roadmap To Retiring Abroad! (Part 1)

    Ep 33: Guided By The Stars No More: A Roadmap To Retiring Abroad! (Part 1)
    Dec 11 2024
    There has been an uptick in the number of people looking to retire overseas. In Part 1 of this episode, we discuss the essential considerations for the decision.

    We start by grouping those who want to move into the following groups
    • Those like us, who came to the US ages ago and are now retiring.
    • Those who have worked overseas and now want to return
    • Those who've only visited as tourists.

    We explore the motivations behind such a decision, the importance of choosing the correct country, navigating visa and residency requirements, and the practical steps needed to prepare for the move.

    Other topics that we cover here, amongst others, are:
    • Maintaining connections and communication while living abroad.
    • Safety and political stability are key factors in choosing a country.
    • Visa and residency requirements.
    • Visiting a country as a tourist for valuable insights before moving.
    • The cost of living to ensure affordability.
    • Maintaining a US address for various logistical reasons.
    • Healthcare access etc.

    In part two of this episode, we'll address the financial and tax aspects of retiring overseas.

    Episode Links & Resources

    • CNBC: Retiring Abroad Could Lower Your Cost Of Living
    • Ep 23: Receiving Social Security From Overseas: Answering FAQs
    • Are you Tax-compliant With Your Overseas Assets? - Free Guide - Scroll to the bottom of the page.
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    The speakers' views and opinions discussed in this episode should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your advisor for any legal, cross-border tax, and financial advice.

    Be sure to join the conversation by visiting our page The International Money Cafe

    Or by following us on social media:-

    Follow us on social media:- LinkedIn; Instagram; Twitter (X); Facebook
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Ep 32: What Is English For "Job Loss on a Work Visa"?

    Ep 32: What Is English For "Job Loss on a Work Visa"?
    Nov 27 2024
    What happens to you if you lose a job on a work visa?

    It's the biggest threat to your financial life in the US. In this short episode, we detail your options based on your specific work visa.

    Generally, you have to leave the country in 60 days or less, depending on your visa type, visa stamp, home country, and where you are in the visa process. However, there are some unique nuances regarding your other options based on the type of visa.

    In this episode, we address the H-1B, L-1, E3, TN, and O visas and the specific repercussions of losing a job.



    Episode Links & Resources

    • How to Prepare For a Job Loss on Work Visa
    • U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services - Become a Student of Your Visa
    • Are you Tax-compliant With Your Overseas Assets? - Free Guide - Scroll to the bottom of the page.

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    The speakers' views and opinions discussed in this episode should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your advisor for any legal, cross-border tax, and financial advice.

    Be sure to join the conversation by visiting our page The International Money Cafe

    Or by following us on social media:-

    Follow us on social media:- LinkedIn; Instagram; Twitter (X); Facebook
    Show more Show less
    8 mins
  • Bonus Episode: Post Election -Thoughts and Mitigating Concerns.

    Bonus Episode: Post Election -Thoughts and Mitigating Concerns.
    Nov 15 2024
    The 2024 elections are behind us. In this episode, we discuss the aftermath of the US elections, focusing on the concerns of foreign-born clients and US expats.

    We explore the uncertainties surrounding immigration laws, visa changes, and the emotional impact of the election results.

    Our conversation emphasizes the importance of financial preparedness, including maintaining an emergency fund, being flexible with career plans, and ensuring proper estate planning.

    We include practical advice for navigating potential job loss and the complexities of financial planning in uncertain times.

    We remind you to lock your credit to protect your identity, especially if you have to leave the U.S.



    Episode Links & Resources

    • Ep 29: Stay A Step Ahead of Cyber Criminals. Protecting Your ID and Other Important Matters.
    • U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services - Become a Student of Your Visa
    • Are you Tax-compliant With Your Overseas Assets? - Free Guide - Scroll to the bottom of the page.



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    The speakers' views and opinions discussed in this episode should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your advisor for any legal, cross-border tax, and financial advice.

    Be sure to join the conversation by visiting our page The International Money Cafe

    Or by following us on social media:-

    Follow us on social media:- LinkedIn; Instagram; Twitter (X); Facebook
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • Ep 31: Five Important Financial Planning Questions For Foreign Born Families!

    Ep 31: Five Important Financial Planning Questions For Foreign Born Families!
    Nov 13 2024
    In this solo episode, Jane Mepham discusses the five questions she asks to create the financial planning framework for foreign-born families.

    Each question has many nuances and determines which way we go with the plan.

    Jane believes any foreign-born individual should ask themselves these questions as part of the settling process in the US. Money is tied to all aspects of our lives.
    • What's your Immigration status?
    • What's tax residency status
    • What are your long-term residency status?
    • What's your home country of citizenship, what other citizenships do you have, and if married, what's your spouse's citizenship?
    • What assets do you have in foreign countries?

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    The speakers' views and opinions discussed in this episode should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your advisor for any legal, cross-border tax, and financial advice.

    Be sure to join the conversation by visiting our page The International Money Cafe

    Or by following us on social media:-

    Follow us on social media:- LinkedIn; Instagram; Twitter (X); Facebook
    Show more Show less
    24 mins
  • Ep 30: What Is English For "Green Card"?

    Ep 30: What Is English For "Green Card"?
    Oct 30 2024
    Yeah, it's not green anymore, but the name has persisted.

    Do you know why the Permanent Residency Card is called the Green Card?

    We answer this question and provide many more details about this "magic" document, which permits you to live and work permanently in the US if you are foreign-born.

    We know quite a bit about it, having previously held this card.

    We discuss the tax obligations and financial planning implications of being a green cardholder rather than a US citizen.

    It's challenging to get, based on your home country, but once you get it, you must be careful if you want to abandon it to do it right.

    Are you a green card holder? What questions do you have?

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    The speakers' views and opinions discussed in this episode should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your advisor for any legal, cross-border tax, and financial advice.

    Be sure to join the conversation by visiting our page The International Money Cafe

    Or by following us on social media:-

    Follow us on social media:- LinkedIn; Instagram; Twitter (X); Facebook
    Show more Show less
    12 mins
  • Ep 29: Stay A Step Ahead of Cyber Criminals. Protecting Your ID and Other Important Matters.

    Ep 29: Stay A Step Ahead of Cyber Criminals. Protecting Your ID and Other Important Matters.
    Oct 16 2024
    Assume that your information is already out there. Your goal is to ensure that nobody misuses your data.

    In this episode, we discuss the importance of protecting yourself from identity theft.

    We provide practical steps and tips for safeguarding your personal information and financial accounts.

    Key takeaways
    • Place fraud alerts on your credit and consider extended fraud alerts if your identity has already been stolen.
    • Place a credit freeze on your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
    • Use a password manager to generate strong, unique passwords for each account.
    • Enable two-factor authentication on all your financial accounts.
    • Create a separate email address for your financial accounts, and be cautious of suspicious emails.
    • Monitor your account activities regularly and set up alerts for any unusual transactions.
    • Create a social security account to monitor your earnings and prevent unauthorized access.
    • Create an IP PIN with the IRS to prevent fraudulent tax filings using your social security number.
    Take proactive steps to protect your identity before leaving the country.

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    The speakers' views and opinions discussed in this episode should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your advisor for any legal, cross-border tax, and financial advice.

    Be sure to join the conversation by visiting our page The International Money Cafe

    Or by following us on social media:-

    Follow us on social media:- LinkedIn; Instagram; Twitter (X); Facebook
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Ep 28: What Is English For "Health Insurance Options"?

    Ep 28: What Is English For "Health Insurance Options"?
    Oct 9 2024
    In this episode, we discuss the various health insurance options available during open enrollment.

    We break down all the different insurance plans - including PPO, HMO, EPO, and HDHP plans.

    We discuss the differences in premiums and coverage and the benefits of flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA).

    The conversation also touches on the implications of Medicare for those over 65 and considerations for ex-pats and retirees living abroad who are considering the HSA plan.

    It's important to check with your provider about using the HSAs abroad.

    It's essential to consider your length of stay in the US when choosing an HSA.

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    The speakers' views and opinions discussed in this episode should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your advisor for any legal, cross-border tax, and financial advice.

    Be sure to join the conversation by visiting our page The International Money Cafe

    Or by following us on social media:-

    Follow us on social media:- LinkedIn; Instagram; Twitter (X); Facebook
    Show more Show less
    13 mins