Episodes

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 IR...

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 ...

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 idea...

In this episode, we welcome Claire Naughton, a seasoned content and marketing consultant with a passion for helping expats, travel enthusiasts, and financial service providers. As a US expat now thriving in France, Claire shares her journey of creating a fulfilling life abroad. Claire also shares her experiences and insights on her popular blog, the Millennial Abroad. We explore her move to France, the challenges of navigating visa requirements, finding meaningful work, and transitioning to a l...

In this episode, we’re diving into a fun and relatable topic for expats: the ultimate US shopping list! We’ll share what’s on our must-buy list, how we navigate shopping trips when stateside, and the best tips for packing up and bringing those items back abroad.

With the US election results just announced, we explore how the outcome could affect Americans living abroad. In this episode, we dive into potential shifts in tax policy, immigration updates, and the ongoing debate around ending double taxation. We also discuss how a new presidency might impact international tax treaties—and share our hopes for changes that could benefit expats globally. Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more po...

In this episode of the Escaping the US series, we dive into the essential steps for finding housing after moving abroad. We start by exploring how to secure temporary accommodations for a smooth transition, whether you’re relocating to Europe, Asia, or beyond. From there, we cover strategies for finding long-term housing through top online platforms, what to look for during viewings, and the key questions to ask landlords or agents. Learn how to craft a personalized rental application, understa...

In this episode of Escaping the US, we dive into the logistics of moving your belongings overseas. We cover everything from deciding what to take with you and managing sentimental items, to evaluating the costs of shipping versus rebuying furniture and electronics abroad. We'll also discuss options for storing items in the U.S., donating what you no longer need (and the potential tax benefits!), and the practical steps for shipping your belongings to your new home. Whether you're moving a few ...

In this episode of the Escaping the US series, we explore how to successfully cut ties with the U.S. and prepare for a smooth transition abroad. We'll cover important topics like consolidating your accounts, how the length of your stay impacts your planning, and the best brokerages and banks for U.S. expats. We'll also discuss choosing foreign financial institutions, managing currency conversions, severing ties with your current U.S. state, and offer tips for families moving with children (or p...

Welcome to the Escaping the US series! We will dive into the various steps of how to plan and implement a move abroad. In this episode, we discuss how to choose a location and visa considerations when moving abroad. This includes ideal climate, lifestyle preferences, cost of living, and potential visa options. Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network

In this episode, we explore how to manage your finances during election seasons. We break down the myth that stocks underperform in election years, analyze how the election of a new candidate can influence markets, and discuss the best strategies for investors to navigate these changes. While elections can bring volatility, we explain why these market fluctuations are often temporary—and why staying calm and focused on your long-term goals is key. Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth...

In this episode, Arielle shares her story of how she ended up living in Europe. She discusses taking a semester off college to backpack across Europe, her itch to escape her comfortable life stateside, and how she ended up living in Switzerland. She dives into the visa she received allowing her to work, how she landed her first job, finding a permanent apartment, and her advice for others looking to take the leap and move abroad. If you are thinking of moving abroad, it is possible! Take the l...

In this episode, we dive into the importance of U.S. expats participating in elections and how their vote can impact tax laws that impact them while living abroad. If you’re living outside the U.S., your vote can influence policies that directly affect your finances as an American abroad. We’ll guide you through the process of registering to vote from overseas, including how to request absentee ballots, meet state-specific registration deadlines and requirements, and how to cast your vote. Stay...

In this episode, we discuss how to navigate foreign tax policy changes and how they can impact your US tax filing. We begin with a high-level review of the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), which we broke down in full in another episode here: https://www.swisscastnetwork.ch/show/passport-to-wealth/how-to-use-the-foreign-tax-credit-to-reduce-your-us-tax-bill/ As an example, we discuss a recent tax policy change in Switzerland which raised the deduction you are eligible to claim for your childcare expen...

In this episode, we discuss itemized deductions and how you can use them to decrease your US tax bill. We discuss what itemizing your deductions means, what itemized deductions you are eligible to take, how to itemize your deductions, and considerations for expats. Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network

In this episode, we discuss the standard deduction and how it it used to reduce your taxable income. We discuss how this deduction works, how it changes on an annual basis, who is eligible to use the deduction, why you should use the deduction, and a brief intro to itemized deductions. Tune in next week to hear how you can itemize your deductions.

In this epsiode, Savannah shares her story of how she ended up living in Europe. She dives into how she formulated a plan to move abroad, the job application process, visa considerations, and how her and Arielle met. As mentioned in the episode, you can find if your higher education is accepted in Germany here: https://anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html (https://anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html).

Are you considering leaving the US and moving abroad? In this episode, we discuss our initial tips and factors you should consider when planning a move abroad. We cover account consolidation, potentially changing brokerages, foreign bank account considerations, foreign pensions, and basic tax considerations. While not all-encompassing, this episode should start helping you understand the factors you need to consider to plan a successful move.

As a US expat, there are two main tax benefits available to reduce your US tax balance and avoid double taxation. In this episode, we discuss one of those benefits, the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC). We will discuss how the foreign tax credit works, the various "buckets" in which different income sources fall, what kind of foreign taxes are eligible to be used, and how it works in combination with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE). Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud ...

As a US expat, there are two main tax benefits available to reduce your US tax balance and avoid double taxation. In this episode, we discuss one of those benefits, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE). We will discuss who qualifies for the exclusion, how much you can exclude, additional exclusion for foreign housing expenses, what income can be excluded, how to claim the exclusion, and how it can impact your eligibility to take other credits. We will cover the other expat tax benefit, t...

Most foreign countries have pension plans that are offered to employees living and working in that country. These plans are to ensure that residents are saving for and set up for a successful retirement. However, these plans become increasingly complex for US citizens or those with a US filing requirement, as the tax treatment can differ from the treatment in the resident country. In this episode, we discuss the basics of these foreign pensions, how they can be treated in the US, and steps you...

Leaving your home country and moving abroad can be an isolating experience. In this episode, we discuss our top tips for meeting friends and developing a community abroad. Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network

As an American living abroad, filing your US taxes can be challenging. In this episode, we walk through charitable contributions and how you may be eligible to use these contributions to lower your US tax balance. Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network