Why expat planning is its own category
An expatriate's financial life sits across two or more jurisdictions, and almost nothing lines up. The retirement accounts are in different wrappers. The tax treaties say one thing and the filing requirements say another. The savings are in different currencies, the insurance is in different systems, and the estate plan that worked in the home country may be meaningless in the new one.
Most financial advisors in the U.S. are built for domestic clients. They know IRAs, 401(k)s, Social Security, and U.S. tax brackets. Ask them about a foreign pension, a PFIC, or an FBAR, and the conversation stops. The expat ends up with two separate half-plans — one in each country — that contradict each other.
We sit in the middle. We build the plan that connects both sides and coordinates with the tax professionals in each jurisdiction. The plan is written, the assumptions are visible, and nothing gets lost in translation.
What working with us looks like
First meeting — in person or on video
If you are in Northern NJ, we meet at our Paramus office or at your home. If you are overseas, we meet on video. Bring whatever documents you can gather from both countries — account statements, pension summaries, tax returns, property records. We ask what the plan needs to accomplish and where the gaps are.
Second meeting — the written cross-border plan
We return with a written plan that connects both sides on one page. It covers the retirement accounts, the tax coordination strategy, the currency exposure, the insurance gaps, and the estate plan conflicts. The plan is yours to keep whether or not you work with us going forward.
A note on fit
When this might not be right for you
We are not the right fit for every expatriate. Some situations where we would say so up front:
- Anyone looking for a firm that also prepares tax returns in both countries. We coordinate with your tax professionals, but we are not your tax preparer.
- Anyone who wants an advisor based in the foreign country. We are a Northern NJ firm. We work with expats who have a connection to this area or who need a U.S.-based advisor.
- Anyone looking for offshore investment strategies designed to minimize U.S. reporting obligations. We plan within the rules, not around them.
- Anyone who needs legal advice on visa status, citizenship, or immigration. We plan the finances. The legal questions belong to an immigration attorney.
If any of that describes your situation, we would rather say so now than waste your time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be back in the U.S. to work with your firm?
No. We work with expatriates who are currently overseas, in the process of returning, or recently arrived. Most overseas meetings happen on video. Once you are back in Northern NJ, we meet in person.
I have not filed U.S. taxes in years. Can you help?
We do not prepare tax returns, but we work with CPAs who specialize in expat filings and the IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance procedures. We coordinate the financial plan with the back-filing so that the two are consistent. If you do not have a CPA experienced with expat returns, we will introduce you to one.
How do foreign pensions get taxed in the U.S.?
It depends on the pension type, the country of origin, and whether a tax treaty applies. Some foreign pensions are taxable as ordinary income in the U.S. Others may receive treaty-based deferrals or credits. We model the pension income alongside your U.S. retirement accounts so the full picture is clear.
What is FBAR and do I need to file it?
FBAR — the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts — is a filing required when the aggregate value of your foreign financial accounts exceeds ten thousand dollars at any point during the year. The penalties for noncompliance are steep. If you have foreign accounts, this is a filing your tax professional should be handling, and we make sure the financial plan accounts for it.
Should I consolidate my foreign and U.S. retirement accounts?
Not always. Consolidation may trigger taxes, penalties, or treaty complications depending on the account type and the jurisdiction. We model the options before recommending anything. Sometimes the right answer is to leave the accounts where they are and coordinate the withdrawals across both.
Do you charge a fee based on assets under management?
We offer both flat planning fees and ongoing advisory fees based on assets. The structure depends on what the engagement looks like. We publish the fee in writing before you agree to anything, and we accept no commissions on any product.
Where is your office?
Our office is in Paramus, New Jersey. We meet in person there, at your home, or on video when you are overseas. In-person service is the default once you are in the area.