Smarter Planner Podcast Advising Immigrants: Culture, Compliance, and Cross-Border Complexity - Jane Mepham, CFP® [Founder & International Advisor]
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Oct 8, 2025 
Jane Mepham, a Certified Financial Planner and founder of Elgon Financial Advisors, shares her expertise on the complexities of financial planning for immigrants in the U.S. She discusses the unique needs of various visa holders and the impact of being temporary on financial strategies. Jane highlights the importance of collaboration between financial planners and immigration attorneys. Insights include tips on retirement accounts, investment preferences, and the significance of understanding tax compliance to avoid pitfalls. Her personal journey enriches the conversation.
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Immigrant Journeys Vary Greatly
- About 50 million U.S. residents were born abroad and occupy different immigrant journey stages.
- Each stage (citizen, green card, nonimmigrant visa) demands different financial planning considerations.
Personal Visa Experience Shapes Practice
- Jane recounts her own H-1B experience and spouse's L-1 visa to explain empathy with clients.
- Her lived journey shaped how she advises immigrants on banking, taxes, and cultural expectations.
Get Advice Before You Arrive
- Find cross-border financial advice before relocating to the U.S. to avoid early mistakes.
- An educational session prior to arrival makes setup and tax compliance much easier.