US investment accounts do not automatically follow a move abroad. Custodians have their own policies for international clients, and many of them are more restrictive than most people expect.
In this episode, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Otto Rivera, EA, CFP®, founder of Mindful Wealth Planning and Emergent Tax Services. Otto spent years at Charles Schwab before becoming both an IRS Enrolled Agent and a CFP®, a combination that gives him a working view of custodial policy, tax law, and financial planning that most cross-border advisors cannot offer from a single seat.
Topics covered, include:
- What actually changes for US investment accounts when moving abroad: custodian policies, mutual fund restrictions, and why ETF access may require an advisor
- Financial accounts, custodians, and how to check for international coverage before a move
- Multi-custodian access, the Schwab Italy exit, and finding advisors who can hold and invest in foreign currency
- Emerging wealth vs. complex strategy: when adding layers makes sense and when it doesn't
- Why US persons should keep account records and foreign address information current
- Cross-border tax compliance: why withholding rules, PFICs, Roth conversions, IRA distributions, and ETF restrictions require specialized planning for US expats
- Why working with a domestic US advisor after moving abroad can create problems at tax time
- Cross-border divorce, ERISA retirement plans, and why a foreign decree is not enough
Resources
- Find a vetted cross-border financial advisor or tax professional at passporttowealth.com/directory
- Are you a qualified professional serving US expats in France or Europe? Apply to passporttowealth.com/join
Mentioned in this episode:
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