Expat Wealth - Cross-Border Financial Advice for Expats in America and Americans Abroad

Geopolitical shocks, market volatility, and policy uncertainty can create a lot of noise for investors, especially those managing wealth across borders. For expats, the challenge is not just understanding the headlines, but knowing what they actually mean for currency exposure, inflation risk, portfolio construction, and long-term financial plans. When markets move quickly, reacting emotionally can be costly. A measured approach, grounded in strategy, is often what matters most. 

In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by Brian Dunhill, his UK-based counterpart serving Americans in the UK, Europe and futher afield. Together, they unpack the latest macro developments affecting cross-border investors, from the market implications of rising tensions with Iran to the knock-on effects of oil price volatility, inflation fears, and shifts in the US dollar. They also explore concerns building in private debt markets and why liquidity still matters just as much as yield. For internationally mobile families and retirees, the key message is clear: market headlines may change fast, but disciplined portfolio positioning remains essential. 

Richard and Brian discuss: 

How oil shocks affect expat investors: Rising tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices higher and renewed concerns about inflation, consumer pressure, and market instability. Richard and Brian explain why energy price spikes matter so much for global portfolios and why expats should pay close attention to how geopolitical events filter through to daily costs, investment returns, and central bank policy. 

Why dollar strength can create planning opportunities: While the US dollar briefly strengthened as investors moved toward perceived safe-haven assets, Richard and Brian explain why this may be a temporary move within a longer-term period of dollar weakness. For expats planning retirement abroad, funding major overseas purchases, or rebalancing assets between currencies, short-term FX moves may offer useful opportunities. 

The risks emerging in private debt markets: Private debt has grown rapidly in recent years, but concerns are mounting around defaults, underwriting standards, and liquidity. Richard and Brian discuss why these products can look attractive on the surface, why they may not suit many retail investors, and why access to liquid, transparent fixed-income options remains a priority for cross-border financial planning. 

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Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management. 

https://planfirstwealth.com/ 

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Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.   

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

Traditional retirement is evolving. For many senior executives, stepping away from corporate life is not about slowing down; it is about redefining purpose and supporting long-term financial growth. While many plan to “do some consulting,” few have a clear strategy for what their next chapter will look like. Transitioning from a high-performance career can be challenging, but a wide range of post-career opportunities, from mentoring and teaching to advisory work and portfolio careers, allows experienced leaders to apply their expertise in meaningful and flexible ways.   

In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by Naomi Kent – Founder and CEO of The Boardroom Company. They explore when and how professionals should begin preparing for retirement. The conversation covers what it takes to build a successful post-retirement career, from clarifying long-term goals to setting realistic expectations. Regardless of the path ahead, one principle is clear: retirement portfolios should be built intentionally throughout a career, not left as an afterthought, especially when managing international wealth and cross-border obligations.   

Richard and Naomi discuss:     

The impact of a polished post-retirement portfolio: Senior executives can build a well-rounded mix of activities, including paid board positions, advisory roles, fractional executive work, teaching, coaching, selective consulting, and personal pursuits such as travel, family, and health. This combination offers purpose and structure while enhancing their appeal to potential consultees.  

The value of board work: Effective board members bring oversight, insight, and foresight, along with attributes such as curiosity, communication skills, and a manageable ego. Retirees don’t have to have been a CEO or even in the C-suite to be a strong director; niche expertise can be just as valuable.     

The importance of networking and personal branding: Clear goals are essential for retirees targeting board roles. Defining the types of boards they aim to join, cultivating a board-ready personal brand, and developing a focused relationship strategy help candidates get off to the right start. Many opportunities already exist within established networks, and when board aspirations are clearly communicated and the right conversations are happening, new opportunities often emerge. 

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Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management. 

https://planfirstwealth.com/ 

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Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.   

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

In an era of political turmoil, rapid technological change, and shifting tax rules, internationally minded investors, especially expats, face a landscape that feels more uncertain than ever. Yet within that uncertainty are clear, practical steps you can take to protect your wealth, manage risk, and live well. When you’re a British expat or US-connected family navigating dual tax UK and US rules, even small misunderstandings can lead to outsized financial consequences. The difference between confident decision-making and costly mistakes often comes down to working with the right international advisor and having a clear long-term plan.

In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by James Boyle – Lead Financial Planner at Plan First Wealth to unpack the real-world financial conversations happening behind the scenes with globally mobile families. As technology evolves and more people turn to artificial intelligence for quick answers, it’s becoming easier to find information, but harder to interpret it correctly. Tax language is nuanced. American tax reporting rules can carry severe penalties if misunderstood. For anyone moving to the US, moving to America, or building wealth while living internationally, context matters just as much as the rule itself.

You’ll hear insights on:

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Trump-era tariffs, the political fallout, and what all the uncertainty means for markets.

Growing anxiety around AI – shifting from pure optimism to a more mixed, sometimes fearful outlook – and how to stay invested and optimistic despite the noise.

Why the US is still likely to be the key engine for monetizing AI and human ingenuity, and why global diversification is still non‑negotiable.

A deep dive into the upcoming UK inheritance tax (IHT) changes on pensions (including SIPPs) from April 2027, and the potential strategy of using non‑UK situs assets (e.g., US ETFs) within Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP).

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Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.

https://planfirstwealth.com/

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Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. 

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.

ABOUT RICHARD:

Richard Taylor is a British expat, dual citizen (UK & US). Originally from Bolton, he now lives in Greenwich, CT, where Plan First Wealth has its head office.

As the firm’s leader, Richard launched Taylor & Taylor, now Plan First Wealth, and continues to fuel the firm’s growth. Richard is a Chartered Financial Planner (UK – CII) in addition to holding the IMC (CFA UK) and Series 65 (US – FINRA).

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn

Failing to formally surrender a green card can have serious consequences, including triggering expatriation rules, a potential exit tax, and even long-term inheritance tax implications for US heirs. While most people know that renouncing US citizenship can lead to an exit tax, far fewer green card holders realize that many of the same rules can apply to them. Simply leaving the United States does not end your US tax residency, but too many assume that moving abroad automatically closes the chapter. 

Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by Debra Rudd, Certified Public Accountant at Hodgen Law PC, to unpack the lesser-known tax landmines facing green card holders who relocate overseas. They emphasize that approaching Form I-407 and your departure from the US as a planned, coordinated strategy rather than a last-minute border formality can make all the difference between a smooth transition and a sudden exit tax bill with lasting consequences. 

In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard and Debra discuss:  

Why holding a green card for as little as six years can classify you as a “long-term resident” and potentially a covered expatriate.  

The three tests that determine whether an expatriating individual (including long-term green card holders) becomes a covered expatriate.  

How failing to properly surrender your green card, or signing Form I-407 without planning, can unexpectedly trigger exit tax and future inheritance tax exposure for your US-based children.  

How large language models (LLMs) can help expats and prospective expats decode complex tax language, empowering them to ask better, more informed questions of their advisers. 

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Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management. 

https://planfirstwealth.com/ 

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Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.   

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

Gold is reclaiming its spotlight. Prices have leapt sharply, and demand is spilling beyond financial instruments into tangible bullion. Global politics, currency swings, and market volatility are colliding in a mix that feels both chaotic and strangely familiar. Amid the relentless news cycle, distinct patterns are emerging: a revived fascination with gold, growing doubts over the US dollar’s dominance, and a long‑anticipated revival in non‑US markets.  

In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen, Chartered Financial Planner, and experienced International Wealth Advisor – is joined by Brian Dunhill – founder of Dunhill Financial – to discuss the new phase in the global economy: the American dollar’s dominance being gently eroded, non‑US markets are finally having their moment, AI is changing workflows more than it’s destroying jobs (so far), and for expats and cross‑border families, thoughtful Cross-Border Financial Planning is more important than ever.  

In this episode, Richard and Brian take a detailed look at:  

Why gold and silver have surged, and why they should be seen as trades rather than long‑term investments.  

The political devaluation of the US dollar, what a weaker dollar means, and how expats should think about currency risk.  

The gradual decoupling from the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency, and how China and others are positioning themselves.  

The outperformance of International Wealth and emerging markets vs the US, and why Brian thinks this is part of a bigger structural shift, not a flash in the pan.  

The AI investment boom, the “magnificent seven,” and whether large language models are truly transformative or just efficiency tools. 

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Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management. 

https://planfirstwealth.com/ 

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Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.   

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

Changes are coming to UK inheritance tax legislation. From April 2027, many expats with UK Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) could face a 40% UK inheritance tax hit on pension values above the £325,000 nil-rate band, but the way the new rules are drafted may allow non-long-term UK residents to structure their SIPPs so that non-UK underlying assets sit outside the UK inheritance tax net. 

Richard Taylor, dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner, is joined by Tobias Gleed-Owen, Senior Associate at Birketts, to discuss the upcoming changes to SIPPs and inheritance tax. This episode of Expat Wealth explores how UK expats, or future recipients of a UK inheritance or pension, can prepare for the April 2027 changes. Richard and Tobias unpack how the draft UK rules will treat pensions for inheritance tax, why the position most people have assumed is likely wrong, and how looking through to the underlying investments in an SIPP may keep large portions of a UK pension outside the UK inheritance tax net. 

In this episode, Richard and Tobias take a detailed look at: 

The big picture: An overview of the 2027 UK inheritance tax change on pensions. 

Practical planning opportunities: How to structure or restructure your SIPP investments. 

What to do if you have an old defined benefit pension. 

Pension Commencement Lump Sums: Whether or not the UK 25% “tax-free lump sum” is tax-free in the US. 

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Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management. 

https://planfirstwealth.com/ 

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Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.   

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

For expats, financial mistakes are not usually the result of bad decisions; they stem from incomplete information in an incredibly complex system. Different professionals can interpret the same treaty differently, and multiple defensible positions can coexist. In cross-border taxation, especially when tax treaties are involved, ambiguity is the norm.

In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by James Boyle – Lead Financial Planner at Plan First Wealth. They explore real-world examples of how even well-informed expats can misinterpret reporting requirements, sometimes resulting in costly mistakes, especially as retirement approaches. Richard and James also address listener questions on Pension Commencement Lump Sums (PCLS) and provide insights into Federal Reserve rates and the US financial markets.

Richard and James discuss:

Pension Commencement Lump Sum confusion: Why tax professionals may give different answers on whether the UK 25% pension commencement lump sum is taxable in the US.

DIY cross-border taxes: Why handling the US system alone can be risky, given its complexity and the severe penalties for mistakes.

The danger of "scaremongering": How US offshore reporting penalties can compound through penalty stacking, and how working with cross-border tax professionals can help avoid costly mistakes.

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Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.

https://planfirstwealth.com/

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Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. 

Information presented is for educational purposes only

Proposed policy changes in the US could result in increased taxation for American dual citizens, green card holders, and Americans living abroad. From forced loss of US citizenship by inaction, to deemed expatriations, exit taxes on worldwide assets and foreign pensions, and potential impacts on Social Security and even US military pensions, the ripple effects of the proposed Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 are far-reaching and, in many cases, devastating. 

Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by Virginia La Torre Jeker – US international tax attorney - to unpack what the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 could mean, even if it never passes through Congress. They explore how the proposal could transform the expat experience for Americans and other immigrants in the US, compare it to existing immigration and tax rules, and examine how exit taxes may apply to anyone who loses or renounces US citizenship or green card status. 

In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard and Virginia discuss: 

How the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 would require dual citizens in the US to renounce all non-US citizenship within 12 months or be deemed to have voluntarily lost US citizenship. 

How Supreme Court precedent bars Congress from stripping citizenship without voluntary intent, and how this bill attempts to bypass that protection.  

What forced expatriation could mean for dual citizens, Americans abroad, and green card holders, including exit taxes on worldwide assets, punitive treatment of foreign pensions, and potential loss of Social Security or military pensions. 

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Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management. 

https://planfirstwealth.com/ 

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Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.   

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

In cross-border investing, where you invest matters just as much as how you invest. This is especially true for fixed income. Although 2026 has only just begun, it’s already shaping up to be a busy year on the macro front. A weaker US dollar could impact portfolios more than ever, and bonds may not be the ideal place to take on currency risk. How are global macroeconomics, geopolitics, and currency dynamics shaping investment decisions for cross-border expats? 

In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by Brian Dunhill – founder of Dunhill Financial – to take a big-picture look at currency markets and explore practical ways to mitigate risk as the US dollar fluctuates. Despite geopolitical noise, markets have largely shrugged off concerns about the dollar’s currency cycle. Richard and Brian explain why they remain constructive on global equities, and what steps they’re taking in portfolios for expats who live, earn, spend, and retire across multiple currencies. 

Richard and Brian unpack: 

Why your investment strategy needs to match your global lifestyle. Where you earn income, where you spend it, and where you plan to retire should all influence your investment decisions: the currency denomination of your bonds, your asset allocation, and your liquidity requirements. 

The good news: markets are holding steady. Despite political uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, inflation is moderating, and tariffs have had limited impact. Potential interest rate cuts could support equity markets, particularly if the US dollar weakens. 

Be cautious with high-risk strategies. Leveraged approaches like yen carry trades, cryptocurrency, and exotic private investments carry significant risks. As an expat, stay informed about these strategies but don't be drawn into them. Focus on liquid, transparent public markets where you have clear visibility and access to your investments. 

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Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management. 

https://planfirstwealth.com/ 

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Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.   

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas. 

Upcoming changes to financial legislation mean many British expats should seriously rethink how and when they access their UK pensions. From April 2027, unused UK pensions are expected to be included in the UK inheritance tax (IHT) net as UK‑situs assets. For long-term expats with sizeable pensions, this could mean a potential 40% tax hit on what’s passed to heirs.

In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by Chris Hall – International Income Tax & Social Security Specialist at PKF O’Connor Davies – to discuss the upcoming UK IHT changes. They explore the importance of UK pension reporting upon arriving in the US, whether opening a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) makes sense, and how to design a coordinated retirement income and inheritance strategy.

Richard and Chris take a detailed look at:

IRS pension reporting requirements and how they apply for expats in the US.

Pension Commencement Lump Sums (PCLS) and whether they are truly tax-free for UK expats in America.

UK inheritance tax changes and what they mean for unused UK pensions held by persons living abroad.

Strategic financial planning before, during, and after moving abroad, including retirement and estate considerations.

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Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.

https://planfirstwealth.com/

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Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. 

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.