Passport to Wealth™

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!

In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Weinstein, a fractional CFO for business owners looking to scale or sell their business. She hosts the top 1% podcast, Keep What You Earn, where her real talk and relatable examples make financial information a source of inspiration, not intimidation. She is a financial literacy advocate, volunteer, donor, investor and a sought-after speaker for masterminds and business communities. Shannon shares the thought process behind her decision to take the leap and move to Costa Rica. We dive into her experience of settling into a new country, navigating the visa process and housing markets, building a sense of community, and making Costa Rica feel like home. You can contact her on her website or find her on LinkedIn if you want to connect. 

This discussion delves into the nuances of IRA contributions for Americans living abroad. It highlights the challenges posed by the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and its impact on both traditional and Roth IRAs. Key income thresholds and tax implications are explored, along with practical insights on optimizing contributions. Listeners learn how local tax laws and residency duration can affect retirement strategies, making personalized financial planning essential for expats.

In this episode, we cover key end-of-year tax and financial planning strategies for those living abroad. We dive into:Charitable Giving: Learn about strategies like charitable bunching and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). You can explore a list of qualified charitable organizations here.Capital Gains and Losses: Discover ways to optimize your investments through tax-loss harvesting and portfolio rebalancing.Retirement Planning: Maximize your year-end opportunities with tips on IRA contributions, Roth conversions, and catch-up contributions.Additional Strategies: We also discuss managing currency exchange rates and efficient gift and estate planning.Tune in to make the most of 2024 and start 2025 with a strong financial foundation.

In this episode, we welcome Sandra Morno, a seasoned tax strategist and adventurous MoneySmart Travelnista with over 15 years of experience. Sandra is dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs and expats navigate the complexities of cross-border taxes and make smart financial choices while living and working internationally. Her passion lies in simplifying taxes and empowering her clients to hold onto more of their hard-earned income.Sandra shares her inspiring journey of living and traveling across South America, offering insights into building a social network abroad and the invaluable life lessons she’s gained along the way. Tune in as she provides her top tips for relocating overseas, covering both personal and professional strategies to help you thrive in your global adventure.You can contact her via her website or find her on LinkedIn if you want to connect.

In this episode, we explore practical strategies for maintaining meaningful connections with friends and family while living abroad. From navigating time zone differences and leveraging technology to scheduling virtual activities, we cover tips for staying close despite the distance. We also discuss setting healthy boundaries with loved ones back home, evaluating relationships to ensure they continue to enrich your life, and managing holidays when travel isn’t an option. Finally, we share ideas for staying connected to U.S. traditions through local events and organizations, as well as preserving ties to your culture and roots.