When a US citizen moves abroad, their investment accounts don't automatically come with them. Custodian restrictions, PFIC rules, currency exposure, and gaps in cross-border tax knowledge can all affect how (and whether) your existing portfolio continues to work. In this episode, cross-border financial planner Otto Rivera, EA, CFP® breaks down exactly what changes the moment you leave the US, what it costs to get it wrong, and how to build a portfolio that actually works from abroad.

Otto is the founder of Mindful Wealth Planning and Emergent Tax Services and specializes in cross-border investing, PFIC rules, and tax strategy for Americans living outside the US. He joins host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA for a candid, technical conversation that covers everything from custodian restrictions to currency risk to how divorce and Roth conversions work differently when you live overseas.

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WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS
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0:00 – Introduction: Otto Rivera, EA, CFP®, founder of Mindful Wealth Planning and Emergent Tax Services
1:56 – What actually changes for US investment accounts when moving abroad: custodian policies, mutual fund restrictions, and why ETF access may require an advisor
6:03 - Financial accounts, custodians, and how to check for international coverage before a move
8:20 – Multi-custodian access, the Schwab Italy exit, and finding advisors who can hold and invest in foreign currency
10:06 – Emerging wealth vs. complex strategy: when adding layers makes sense and when it doesn't
14:07 – Why US persons should keep account records and foreign address information current
18:00 - Cross-border tax compliance: why withholding rules, PFICs, Roth conversions, IRA distributions, and ETF restrictions require specialized planning for US expats
27:17 – Why working with a domestic US advisor after moving abroad can create problems at tax time
29:22 – Cross-border divorce, ERISA retirement plans, and why a foreign decree is not enough

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ABOUT THE GUEST
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Otto Rivera, EA, CFP® is the founder of Mindful Wealth Planning and Emergent Tax Services. He specializes in cross-border financial planning and tax strategy for US citizens living and investing abroad, with deep expertise in PFIC rules, custodian restrictions, and multi-currency portfolios.

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ABOUT PASSPORT TO WEALTH™
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Passport to Wealth™ is the platform for current and aspiring US expats. We connect globally mobile Americans with vetted, licensed cross-border financial advisors, tax professionals, and relocation experts who understand the financial and legal complexities of life abroad.

Our podcast, directory, courses, and newsletter give you the trusted tools and connections to make informed decisions, wherever you live.

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RESOURCES & LINKS
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Find a vetted expat financial advisor or tax professional:
https://www.passporttowealth.com/directory

Subscribe for weekly US expat finance tips:
https://www.youtube.com/@PassportToWealthOfficial?sub_confirmation=1

Free resources and guides for US expats:
https://www.passporttowealth.com/

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STAY CONNECTED
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectedfp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passporttowealthofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passport-to-wealth/
Website: https://www.passporttowealth.com/

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