Understanding life insurance and annuities is essential for making informed and beneficial financial decisions when moving to America. These financial products differ significantly between the UK and the US. Decades ago, the process of getting insured in the US was much simpler, with far fewer options than there are today.  In this episode of We’re The Brits In America, Richard Taylor - dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner, and Mark Maurer - President and CEO of LLIS, discuss the complexities of insurance and annuity products in the United States that often take expatriates by surprise when they’re cross-border financial planning.  Richard and Mark take a detailed look at:  The key differences between UK and US insurance products, and the nuances of the American market.  The pros and cons of different policy types and how they fit into broader financial strategies.  Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies, their features, and why they may not always be the best investment option.  The different types of annuities, common misconceptions, and when they might be appropriate for investors.  The potential downsides of tax deferral and how taxation works with annuities.  Income riders on annuities, their benefits, and the cost implications of these add-ons.  More about We’re The Brits In America:  With the right financial advice, landmines that threaten expat wealth can be avoided. Often encountered by US-connected expats, these financial landmines are more numerous, more hazardous, and less understood than almost anywhere else in the world. As a result, non-cross border professionals, wealth advisors, and even international advisors are often unaware of them. But don’t worry, We're The Brits In America has you covered.  We're The Brits In America is dedicated to helping ambitious US-connected expats and immigrants navigate those challenges — and thrive. Whether you’ve moved to the US  for opportunity, or are an American seeking adventure and growth abroad, our job is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to succeed.  If you’re enjoying the show, please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review to help the mission, which is to help expats and immigrants thrive in America. Visit planfirstwealth.com to learn more about our services and connect with Richard Taylor on LinkedIn.  --  We're The Brits In America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.  Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

Is the AI revolution the next dot-com boom-or the start of something even bigger? From tech valuations that seem sky-high to investors leveraging risk assets at record levels, Richard Taylor - dual U.K./U.S. citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by James Boyle – Lead Financial Planner at Plan First Wealth – explore whether this moment mirrors past cycles of transformational technology, over investment, and inevitable correction-from railways to electricity to the internet. Richard and James compare today’s “AI megatrend” with historical booms and discuss the key differences this time around, including the profitability of the companies leading it. They also outline practical steps for investors-especially those at or near retirement weather potential volatility and avoid emotional, short-term decisions.   In this episode, they discuss: • Whether the current market surge signals a bubble or a paradigm shift. • What history’s great investment manias teach us about the AI boom. • How to distinguish long-term investing from short-term speculation. • The importance of asset allocation, diversification, and “sequence of returns” planning. • Why investor psychology-not just market fundamentals-drives crashes. More about We’re The Brits In America: With the right financial advice, landmines that threaten expat wealth can be avoided. Often encountered by U.S. -connected expats, these financial landmines are more numerous, more hazardous, and less understood than almost anywhere else in the world. As a result, non-cross-border professionals, wealth advisors, and even international advisors are often unaware of them. But don’t worry, We're The Brits In America has you covered.  We're The Brits In America is dedicated to helping ambitious U.S.-connected expats and immigrants navigate those challenges - and thrive. Whether you’ve moved to the U.S. for opportunity or are an American seeking adventure and growth abroad, our job is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to succeed. -- We're The Brits In America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. We're The Brits In America is dedicated to helping ambitious US-connected expats and immigrants navigate those challenges — and thrive. Whether you’ve moved to the US for opportunity, or are an American seeking adventure and growth abroad, our job is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to succeed.     If you’re enjoying the show, please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review to help the mission, which is to help expats and immigrants thrive in America. Visit planfirstwealth.com to learn more about our services and connect with Richard Taylor on LinkedIn.

You need a cross-border advisory team to navigate complex international tax laws before it’s too late. Investing in pre-planning before moving to a new country is crucial to avoid financial pitfalls. This week, you’ll hear from Holly Caulder - dual-qualified U.S. and U.K. tax advisor at Buzzacott, and Aidan Grant – U.K. tax and estate planning attorney at Collyer Bristow as they unpack the financial logistics of moving between the U.K. and the U.S.   Host Richard Taylor - dual U.K./U.S. citizen and Chartered Financial Planner leads a conversation alongside Holly Caulder and Aidan Grant, delving into the complexities faced by British expats navigating the U.S.-U.K. cross border financial landscape. They explore common planning opportunities and the essential role of a coordinated cross-border advisory team.   In this episode, Richard, Holly & Aidan explore: When residency for tax purposes starts. The critical timing of tax and legal planning before moving to the U.S. Reporting requirements for non-U.S. financial accounts and the consequences of ignoring them. The issue of Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs) and how they are taxed. Challenges with holding ISAs in the U.S. and unexpected U.S. tax implications. Complications and opportunities in estate planning across borders, especially involving trusts.   More about We’re The Brits In America: With the right financial advice, landmines that threaten expat wealth can be avoided. Often encountered by U.S. -connected expats, these financial landmines are more numerous, more hazardous, and less understood than almost anywhere else in the world. As a result, non-cross-border professionals, wealth advisors, and even international advisors are often unaware of them. But don’t worry, We're The Brits In America has you covered.  We're The Brits In America is dedicated to helping ambitious U.S.-connected expats and immigrants navigate those challenges — and thrive. Whether you’ve moved to the U.S. for opportunity or are an American seeking adventure and growth abroad, our job is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to succeed. -- We're The Brits In America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

The consequences of filing your tax return incorrectly, even accidentally, far outweighs the immediate cost you’ll spend on professional advice. Cross-border finances can be confusing; you may be tempted to DIY your tax return, but you’re always better off speaking to a tax advisor. Host Richard Taylor - dual U.K./U.S. citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by James Boyle – Lead Financial Planner at Plan First Wealth – to tackle the subject of tax compliance for expatriates. They discuss the complexities that expatriates face, particularly when it comes to cross-border financial planning and seeking specialised expat tax advice. In this episode of From The Trenches, Richard and James explore: The risks of non-specialized tax advice The U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's recent tax issues – what do they tell us about the importance of getting the right advice? The importance of proactive planning The emotional and financial impacts of non-compliance More about We’re The Brits In America:   With the right financial advice, landmines that threaten expat wealth can be avoided. Often encountered by U.S.-connected expats, these financial landmines are more numerous, more hazardous, and less understood than almost anywhere else in the world. As a result, non-cross border professionals, wealth advisors, and even international advisors are often unaware of them. But don’t worry, We're The Brits In America has you covered. We're The Brits In America is dedicated to helping ambitious U.S.-connected expats and immigrants navigate those challenges — and thrive. Whether you’ve moved to the U.S. for opportunity, or are an American seeking adventure and growth abroad, our job is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to succeed. We're The Brits In America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

Building a law career and finding wealth as a UK expat can feel like an impossible task. We’re speaking to an expert in the New York legal scene to uncover the secrets to breaking into American law as a British, Scottish, or Irish expat.  This week, host Richard Taylor - dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner - has a raw and honest conversation with Allan Rooney - Founding Partner at Rooney Law - about his journey moving to the U.S., from Edinburgh to Texas and finally to New York. They discuss the evolving American landscape and the old ideals of the American Dream, and it’s not all doom and gloom. Allan shares how he built wealth in New York off the back of his successful legal career, and how other expats can too. Richard and Allan also offer insights into the challenges of obtaining a US visa and share their personal experiences with securing a Green Card.  In this episode of Ask An Expert on We’re The Brits In America, Richard Taylor and Alan Rooney give you a detailed look at:  Legal Risks for Foreign Businesses: The importance of establishing an entity for U.S. tax liability protection and legitimacy.  Trademark and Employment Challenges: Why securing trademarks and understanding employment laws are critical to avoiding costly legal battles.  Cultural and Financial Disparities: The differences in business culture and expenses between America and other countries.  Visas and Immigration Issues: Stories of businesses mishandling immigration laws and the repercussions they face.  Economic Climate and Business Opportunities: How global trade policies and U.S. regulations affect international companies.  Networking and Success: The role of community, relationships, and networking in achieving business success in the U.S.  More about We’re The Brits In America:  With the right financial advice, landmines that threaten expat wealth can be avoided. Often encountered by US-connected expats, these financial landmines are more numerous, more hazardous, and less understood than almost anywhere else in the world. As a result, non-cross border professionals, wealth advisors, and even international advisors are often unaware of them. But don’t worry, We're The Brits In America has you covered.   We're The Brits In America is dedicated to helping ambitious U.S.-connected expats and immigrants navigate those challenges — and thrive. Whether you’ve moved to the U.S. for opportunity, or are an American seeking adventure and growth abroad, our job is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to succeed.  --  We're The Brits In America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.  Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

The intricacies of inheritance tax issues are probably the last thing you want to think about after losing someone. We’re making it easier to make financial arrangements for receiving an inheritance after a loved one passes away on this episode of We’re the Brits in America.  Host Richard Taylor - dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner - offers practical advice for expats on navigating these challenges to promote financial security and compliance, including how to avoid the potential pitfalls of Roth IRA conversions.  In this episode of From the Trenches on We’re the Brits in America, Richard Taylor and James Boyle – Lead Financial Planner at Plan First Wealth - explore:   Navigating Inheritance for Expats Challenges when receiving an inheritance from non-US persons. The crucial importance of filing Form 3520 to avoid severe IRS penalties. Complications with Trusts and Offshore Bonds Issues with UK-centric advice for US persons. Potential tax problems with foreign trusts and passive foreign investment companies (PFICs). Roth IRA Conversions Explanation of Roth IRA conversions and their benefits. Potential pitfalls like affecting healthcare premiums and tax brackets. New considerations following recent legislative changes. Importance of a Cross-Border Tax Advisor Benefits of having a qualified tax advisor to navigate international tax intricacies and offer valuable US tax help. More about We’re the Brits in America:  With the right financial advice, landmines that threaten expat wealth can be avoided. Often encountered by US-connected expats, these financial landmines are more numerous, more hazardous, and less understood than almost anywhere else in the world. As a result, non-cross border professionals, wealth advisors, and even international advisors are often unaware of them. But don’t worry, We're the Brits in America has you covered.  We're the Brits in America is dedicated to helping ambitious U.S.-connected expats and immigrants navigate those challenges — and thrive. Whether you’ve moved to the U.S. for opportunity, or are an American seeking adventure and growth abroad, our job is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to succeed. 

"The IRS can go back over 20 years in certain instances for unfiled returns. We’re not making this stuff up,” warns Virginia La Torre Jeker, a seasoned US international tax attorney with over 40 years of experience and returning guest to the show. Virginia is a member of the New York Bar, specializing in all aspects of international tax and cross-border transactions. In this week’s Ask An Expert, host and founder of Plan First Wealth Richard Taylor talks to Virginia about the best ways to navigate the complexities of US taxation for expats. Do you know what it means for a tax return to be ‘open’? If you don’t, you should. You’ll learn about: Tax statutes of limitations and their implications on cross-border taxpayers. The consequences of missing forms and how it may leave tax returns perpetually open for IRS examination. Denaturalization and its potential tax implications. The importance of accurately filing foreign information returns and how failing to do so can result in penalties. Virginia and Richard stress the importance of informed decision-making in tax filings. Whether you’re an expat, an immigrant to the US, or assisting international families, this episode is a fundamental listen to help you thrive financially and secure your retirement. We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

Richard and James are back with more cautionary financial tales. Richard Taylor, founder of Plan First Wealth, recently spoke to a connection who “had done a bit of research, learned that mutual funds were a problem, hadn't learned what PFICs were, and switched out of a mutual fund into an investment trust... thinking he’d dodged the problem, but in fact he’d gone from one PFIC to another.” What was the result? And why is it such a problem? You’ll find out in this episode of From The Trenches. Richard and James share real-world stories that highlight how easy it is to fall into tax traps when dealing with cross-border investments, especially for UK expats living in the US. You’ll hear how well-meaning financial decisions can backfire without the right context or professional advice, particularly around things like ISAs, investment trusts, PFIC reporting, and the long-term implications of missing forms like 3520 and 8621. Plus, expert advice and insight into retirement readiness. Richard and James explores what changes when you stop earning, why even successful DIY investors often hand over the reins, and how complex planning becomes when you're managing assets across two tax systems. If you're a Brit in America navigating retirement, tax compliance, or residency decisions, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes, understand the emotional weight of retirement planning, and see the real value of cross-border financial advice. We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

The UK has moved to a residency-based tax system, and the rules aren’t just complex, they’re strict. Whether you’re planning to return home full-time or just thinking about splitting your time between the US and the UK, this episode is essential listening. Richard Taylor is joined by listener favourite and raconteur Aidan Grant – a partner in the tax and trust estate team at Collyer Bristow. Aidan and Richard explore: ·      How the UK’s Statutory Residency Test (SRT) works (and how easy it is to trip over it) ·      The four key ties HMRC uses to determine how many days you can spend in the UK ·      Why pre-arrival tax planning is still critical, even under the new system ·      What happens if you inadvertently trigger UK tax residency ·      When and how to claim split year treatment or treaty relief ·      The four-year ‘foreign income and gains’ regime, and how to use it strategically ·      Why staying under the threshold in early years can protect you from UK inheritance tax down the line If you're a Brit in America considering a return home, or even just thinking of spending part of the year working in the UK,  this episode could save you a lot of money, time, and stress. To get more insights like this direct to your inbox, sign up at www.planfirstwealth.com We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

The market has rebounded from a rough April, but that period caused significant emotional stress for both clients and advisors. In these market downturns it’s crucial to put your emotions to one side and stick to your plan.  What’s happened in June? And we’re only a few days into July but so much has happened there too; Richard Taylor and James Boyle go back into the trenches to unpack it all.  Plus, a few cautionary tales: Richard has a friend who – for years – has been constantly predicting a catastrophic market crash. As a result his investment plan is needlessly conservative. Another acquaintance tells of his experience with the 2008 market crash; panic selling resulted in the loss of huge returns over the decades.  Richard and James discuss another investor who made a common mistake, siloing US and UK tax advisors and not giving his advisors on either side the full picture. Despite investing in cross-border advice from one of the better-known tax advisory firms in the business, the client might now face PFIC tax issues in the hundreds of thousands.  The bottom line: ensure you have the right advisors and they are working together. The unique workings of the US tax system and its state-based rules are confusing for expats – make sure you get the right advice.  We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

If you're an expat of means in America and you don't have a good cross-border team around you - financial, tax, and estate – there’s a high chance you’re in non-compliance. That’s especially true with UK pension holders in the US.  This week’s Ask An Expert is with Holly Caulder, partner at Buzzacott. Holly specialises in planning and advice solutions for US residents with non-US pensions, shareholders of controlled foreign corporations and beneficiaries of non-US trusts. If this is you, you won’t want to miss this episode.  The potential landmines are significant, so you’ll hear how Holly and Richard would advise you to: Report UK Pensions Correctly in the US  If you have a UK pension, it must be reported on key US tax forms like the FBAR and Form 8938, even if it’s inactive and no new contributions are being made. Holly stresses that failing to do this can lead to serious IRS penalties. Use the US-UK Tax Treaty to Your Advantage  The US-UK tax treaty can help reduce your tax bill. Filing Form 8833 lets you claim treaty benefits, such as excluding UK pension growth from US tax. Richard points out that doing this every year can save money and avoid trouble. Plan Pension Moves Carefully  Thinking about rolling over your pension or taking a distribution (e.g. transferring to a SIPP)? Talk to a tax advisor first. Holly notes that claiming treaty exemptions early and knowing state tax rules (like in California vs. New York) can prevent surprise taxes. Get advice before making any moves to stay compliant and minimise tax. If you're enjoying the show, please follow it wherever you’re listening to it now, and consider leaving a 5 star rating and review to help the mission, which is to help expats and immigrants thrive in America. Visit planfirstwealth.com to learn more about our services and connect with Richard Taylor on LinkedIn. We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

In a year of economic whiplash, staying invested is easier said than done, particularly when the market drops 20% in ten days. But that’s when the real opportunities appear. In this special 50th episode, Richard Taylor and James Boyle are back in the trenches to reflect on client behaviour during turbulent times, the emotional traps that investors fall into and the importance of holding your nerve when the pressure is on. Richard and James break down how to navigate volatility with a clear head and a smart strategy. You’ll hear their advice on how to: ·      Stay invested during downturnsand why resisting the urge to panic can preserve your wealth and even unlock powerful tax advantages. ·      Use tax-loss harvesting to your advantage including a real client example where staying the course led to over $20,000 in carry forward losses to offset future gains. ·      Avoid emotional investing traps and what the infamous (but false) “dead investor” myth still gets right about behaviour and market performance. ·      Watch the economic signals that matter like May’s surprising rally and why upcoming jobs data could shape Fed decisions and market sentiment. If you're enjoying the show, please follow it wherever you’re listening to it now, and consider leaving a 5 star rating and review to help the mission, which is to help expats and immigrants thrive in America. Visit planfirstwealth.com to learn more about our services and connect with Richard Taylor on LinkedIn. We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

“The US system of tax reporting and FBAR reporting is exceedingly complex, and materially differs from the reporting requirements in most other countries in the Western world.” So says Dan Price, my guest on this week’s Ask An Expert show. That’s why there’s a high chance of non-compliance if you’re an expat in the US, and why you need to hear this week’s episode.  Dan is a distinguished tax attorney, two years into running his own firm but with almost 20 years of experience at the IRS Office of Chief Counsel. While there he established programs designed to aid individuals in becoming tax compliant, and covered both criminal and civil IRS audits. He knows his stuff, so it’s a privilege to have him on the show to take us behind the scenes at the IRS and give you expert advice on staying tax compliant.  We talk about: ·      The cost of compliance for middle-class tax payers. What qualifies as middle-class? And what are the costs of being in non-compliance? Hint: they’re significant. ·      How to streamline your filing with the IRS. As Dan explains, there are myriad systems and procedures in place to catch wilful non-compliance. You can’t beat the algorithm, so don’t try. ·      The difference between true ignorance, or wilful blindness, and knowingly ignoring tax obligations.  if you're an expat or an immigrant and you came here mid-career, there's a very good chance you're in some form of non-compliance. Don't bury your head in the sand. It's very possible the IRS already has information about you and it might one day catch up with you. There are solutions, palatable solutions, as you’ll hear in this episode. For more information on Daniel N Price LLC, visit pricetaxlaw.com We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

There’s a well-known fable on investing that claims that from 2003 to 2013, Fidelity conducted an internal performance review of customer performance. They wanted to see who the best investors were, so they trawled through millions of records to map returns over a decade. Who do you think was the best performing customers?  Fidelity found that they were the ones who had died; the accounts that accumulated the most wealth over time for which the account holders had stopped managing after they passed away. It’s slightly morbid but the lesson – and it’s one we at Plan First Wealth talk about every week – is that trying to time the market is impossible, and you just need to stick to your plan, and buy and hold. That’s especially true at the moment: so much happened in March, and yet it seems as if nothing happened in April; month-on-month, minimal changes in the markets. The S&P fell less than 1%. The NASDAQ closed up 1%.  So what are the lessons for your portfolio management and retirement planning in these times of volatility followed by relevant calm? To find out, Richard Taylor and James Boyle are back in the trenches, showing you behind the scenes at Plan First Wealth and analysing the market movements (and lack thereof).  This week you’ll hear how: You can ignore the short-term noise You can manage the emotions that influence your financial decisions  The major tax implications for expats around PFICs (listen back to the previous episode with Brian Dunhill for more on this) We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

Are your foreign investments quietly wrecking your US tax situation? They might be.  This week’s Ask An Expert show features Brian Dunhill, a seasoned financial planner based in the UK, to tackle one of the trickiest topics in expat finance: PFICs (Passive Foreign Investment Companies).  Host and founder of Plan First Wealth, Richard Taylor, and founder of Dunhill financial Brian walk you through:  What PFICs are and why they’re a major tax trap for US citizens and expats. How IRS rules make foreign investing more complicated, and costly. Ways to avoid harsh penalties, including using the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures. Smart investment strategies that steer clear of PFIC issues while still diversifying internationally. How the DF Direct platform lets you invest in non-U.S. currencies without triggering PFIC rules. Brian shares real-life stories of expats who’ve navigated PFIC trouble - and how they got out of it. Brian is the founder of Dunhill Financial, a firm that specialises in cross-border financial planning and wealth management. The firm is based in London and focuses on assisting Americans living abroad and expatriates in the United States. Brian and his firm are adept at handling financial advisory needs that cross national borders, particularly involving US and European regulations. We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

"When selling feels right, that's when it's most dangerous," warns James Boyle in this week's From The Trenches. Richard Taylor sits down with James to look at one of the most turbulent weeks in the market in recent history. The S&P 500 took a massive 12% dive over four days, stirring up investor panic similar to past financial crises. This panic often leads to hasty decisions; James and Richard stress the need to stay on course, even when the stock market feels like a rollercoaster. A steady investment strategy is key to preserving long-term gains and avoiding reactive trading pitfalls. Right after the market dropped, the S&P 500 bounced back with a 10% gain the third-highest since World War II, a perfect example of the volatility that can trap you into trying to time the market. Richard emphasises that while it's natural to want to act during downturns, a buy-and-hold strategy helps you benefit from market recoveries instead of locking in losses by selling at a low.  Also, consider how taxes impact your financial returns. Using strategies like tax-loss harvesting during downturns can boost your after-tax returns. This involves selling losses to offset gains, reducing taxable income, and is valuable for long-term portfolio health. In times of market volatility, make sure your investment strategy matches your risk tolerance and financial goals.  We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

We’re The Brits In America is a Plan First Wealth podcast dedicated to helping ambitious expatriates and 1st generation immigrants THRIVE in America, hosted by Richard Taylor, founder of Plan First Wealth.  We work with successful expatriates, immigrants and internationally-minded Americans living across the US to make the most of their opportunity and avoid the expat landlines. We’re The Brits In America consists of three show formats: We have “Ask An Expert” where a fellow professional is invited on to share useful and important information that expats and immigrants need to know. “Always An Expat” where Richard invites in a fellow expat/immigrant with an interesting story to tell “From The Trenches” where Richard Taylor and James Boyle from Plan First Wealth bring you behind the scenes, analyse the market movers and forecast what they mean for you.  If you aren’t already receiving our regular emails please go to our website, www.planfirstwealth.com and sign up there - it’s free - and you’ll then be notified every time we drop a new episode, and so much more. We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

Many green card holders mistakenly believe they are no longer liable for US taxes after expiration. Properly relinquishing a green card requires completing Form I-407. If this is news to you (or you’ve never heard of this form) then you better listen to this week’s Ask An Expert.  Richard Taylor is joined once again by Virginia La Torre Jeker, a member of the NYS Bar since 1984 and preeminent US tax professional. Together they talk about what green card holders and US citizens need to know before giving up their status. They break down the risks of becoming a “covered expatriate,” how the exit tax works, and why signing the wrong form at the border can have big consequences.  Plus, Virginia shares tips on how to plan ahead to avoid major tax issues. One of those is the exit tax: covered expatriates are treated as if they sold all their assets the day they expatriate - even if they haven’t. In the case of IRAs and similar retirement accounts, the IRS treats the entire balance as a taxable distribution, potentially triggering a tax bill without the expat actually accessing any of the funds.  If you’ve got a million dollars in an IRA, the IRS is going to treat it like you've just received a million dollars of IRA income - taxable at the highest rate, up to 37%. That hurts.    Find out how to avoid this, right here. We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

You might already have missed the market bounce-back. That’s the warning from Richard Taylor and James Boyle in this From The Trenches episode of We're the Brits in America, where they break down the latest market movements and what they mean for investors and, in particular, expats.  With a mix of market updates and personal insights, they explore why staying invested during turbulent times is crucial, how tax loss harvesting can boost returns, and why diversification is key for long-term success. Plus, you’ll get practical strategies to navigate financial uncertainty. As we always say on the show, keep calm, stick to your plan, and ride out the uncertain times.  Beyond the numbers, Rich and James dip into the pick-n-mix, with book recommendations like Die with Zero by Bill Perkins and 4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, which encourage you to rethink wealth and time. If you're an expat or immigrant looking to make smarter financial moves in the US, this one’s a must-listen. We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

There are tax changes coming in the UK - new rules replacing the domicile system with a tax residency-based system. This could affect your inheritance tax exposure, among others if you’ve been out of the UK for over 10 years.  To find out what it all means, Richard Taylor welcomes back Aidan Grant, a partner specialising in Tax and Trust Estates Planning at the law firm Collier Bristow. Aidan advises cross-border families and expats on navigating complex taxation and estate planning issues. The new rules in the UK are certainly complex.  Plus, for those moving back to the UK or coming for the first time after being abroad for over 10 years, you can leverage the FIG regime; it allows a four-year tax exemption on foreign income and gains. This can be strategically used to manage assets and liquidate investments without UK tax burdens. How do you do it? Aidan and Richard discuss. We're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.