American expats moving to Germany face a mix of financial decisions: visas, tax treaties, retirement accounts, and currency shifts. In this episode of Passport to Wealth, host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, talks with Jordan Vlastuin, CFP® based in Germany. Jordan shares his own journey from a traditional U.S. advisory firm to building a practice that serves globally mobile individuals.

The conversation covers practical steps for preparing a move abroad, including how visa type affects financial flexibility, why local tax advisors matter more in Germany than in the U.S., and the planning opportunities that disappear once tax residency shifts. They also discuss currency risk, real estate, and the treatment of U.S. retirement accounts under German rules.

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction
1:45 – Why a financial planner moved to Germany
4:30 – Visa strategies: employer, spousal, and EU Blue Card
7:50 – The role of local tax advisors in Germany
11:15 – Pre‑move planning and timing
14:40 – Currency risk and living in euros
18:20 – Real estate as a hedge or a risk
20:35 – Retirement accounts: US IRAs and German pensions
23:50 – Advice for a smooth transition to life in Germany

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About the Host & Guest
Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, is a cross‑border financial planner and host of Passport to Wealth. She helps globally mobile Americans, especially those in Europe, navigate personal finance across borders.

Jordan Vlastuin, CFP® is a cross‑border financial planner and founder of Make the Memory (MTM) Financial Planning. Based in Germany, he is also a member of Passport to Wealth's Advisory Circle and works with individuals and families preparing for life overseas.

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About Passport to Wealth
Passport to Wealth is a platform for current and aspiring U.S. expats. We connect a global community of expats with vetted, licensed cross‑border advisors who understand the financial, investment, and social complexities of life abroad. Our podcast, courses, newsletters, and professional directory give you the tools and trusted connections to make informed decisions, wherever you live.

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Resources & Links

Listen to the full episode

Book an Intro Call with Jordan: https://calendly.com/d/ctj9-xpf-fpv/introduction-with-mtm-planning-jordan?month=2026-03

Search for More Expat Advisors: https://www.passporttowealth.com/directory

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https://www.youtube.com/@passporttowealthofficial?sub_confirmation=1

For more free resources and guides:
https://www.passporttowealth.com/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passport-to-wealth/
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