Passport to Wealth™

In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Vlastuin, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and founder of Make the Memory Financial Planning. Jordan’s firm focuses on helping people use their finances to maximize life experiences.Jordan shares his journey of moving abroad, offers a brief overview of financial planning considerations for military families, and talks about adapting to cultural differences between countries. He also discusses the transition from military contracting to living abroad as a resident, the complexities of navigating taxes as a military contractor, and the challenges of opening financial accounts as a U.S. person living overseas.If you are a current or aspiring expat, be bold! 

In this episode, we’re joined by Chad Hatalla, a U.S. tax expert who specializes in financial planning and tax strategies for both inpats and expats. With extensive experience guiding U.S. and non-U.S. citizens through the complexities of cross-border taxation and Social Security, Chad helps clients stay compliant while maximizing tax efficiency.We dive into the recent repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and what it means for Americans living abroad. Chad breaks down who stands to benefit from the changes, how Social Security payments work across borders, and what expats should keep in mind when planning for retirement outside the United States.

In this episode, we are joined by Emily Haines, CPA and founder of Xpatax Solutions. Emily is an expert in U.S. taxation for expats, with years of experience helping individuals navigate the complexities of cross-border tax compliance. She specializes in making tax planning more accessible and stress-free, especially for Americans living in or connected to Germany.We dive into the key 2024 tax updates that could impact your filing this year. While most of the changes were relatively minor, adjustments to the standard deduction and the foreign earned income exclusion due to inflation are worth noting. We also look ahead to potential major tax changes expected in 2025.Other topics covered include how to set up an ID.me account, which you can read more about here, important tax deadlines to keep on your radar, and updates on Beneficial Ownership Information reporting and its evolving deadlines.

In this episode of the Escaping the US series, we guide you through settling into a new country and making it feel like home. From setting up internet and utilities to registering with local authorities, opening a bank account, and navigating transportation, we cover everything you need to make your transition smooth. We also dive into key topics like bringing medications, finding healthcare, and building a community so you can feel at home faster.Whether you’re a first-time expat or a seasoned traveler, these tips will help you hit the ground running.

In this episode, we chat with Katrina Nacci, a cross-border CPA and US expat, who shares her journey of moving overseas, navigating work sponsorship, and ultimately founding her own international accounting firm.We dive into her experiences navigating immigration in different countries, career changes, building a business as an expat, and the lessons she learned along the way. As the founder of KN Tax, she offers valuable insights into US expat taxes, the realities of cross-border careers, the entrepreneurial mindset, and how to find success while living abroad.If you’re curious about the expat lifestyle, cross-border careers, or starting a business in a foreign country, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

In this episode, we break down what the WEP repeal means, who is affected, and how it could change your retirement planning and Social Security payments. This repeal could have a significant impact on expats who receive foreign pensions and were previously subject to reduced benefits. We discuss how this shift impacts Americans abroad, key considerations for maximizing benefits, and what expats should do next to ensure financial security. If you’re a US citizen living overseas, this update could reshape your retirement strategy.

In this episode we chat with Nathalie Goldstein co-founder of MyExpatTaxes about her journey to Europe and entrepreneurship. We discuss how she made the move abroad, transferred within her company to a foreign office, navigated language and cultural differences, built a family, and launched a globally recognized firm.Nathalie Goldstein, founder and CEO of MyExpatTaxes, is revolutionizing tax services for US expats. Originally from California, Nathalie moved to Austria where she built a successful business and embraced the expat lifestyle. With a degree in Finance and International Business, Nathalie combines her expertise as an enrolled agent to simplify the complexities of US expat taxes. Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, she’s dedicated to helping Americans abroad navigate their financial challenges with ease.

In this episode, we chat with Sasha Young da Silva, an American tax and estate planning attorney based in Portugal. Sasha shares the journey that led her to Portugal, the inspiration behind her move, and the unique benefits of holding multiple passports.We explore her experience adjusting to life abroad, navigating the cultural and identity shifts that come with learning a new language, and raising a child with a multicultural background. Sasha offers insightful perspectives on third-culture kids and adapting to different work environments.She also delves into her professional work serving American expats in Portugal, addressing the complexities of U.S. tax and estate planning issues for those living abroad, and how she discovered her passion for this niche. Connect with Sasha on LinkedIn or through her company website.

In this episode, we dive into practical tips and strategies for setting meaningful financial goals tailored to your unique expat journey. We break it down into three essential steps: reflecting on what matters most to you, setting clear and specific goals, and understanding your current financial landscape.Building on insights from our previous episode on SMART goals, we discuss how to prioritize immediate goals, explore budgeting apps to help you stay on track, and share methods to hold yourself accountable.We also cover common financial goals that may resonate with expats and offer advice on tackling one of the toughest challenges... staying motivated.Life as an expat is ever-changing, making flexibility key to crafting a sustainable and adaptable financial plan.

In this episode, we dive into the power of setting SMART goals, those that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.We explore why these types of goals are especially important for expats navigating new environments and life changes. You’ll hear examples of SMART goals tailored to expats, tips for staying on track, and a peek into some of our own personal goals.Whether you’re planning for career growth, personal development, or settling into your new life abroad, this episode will help you make 2025 your best year yet!