Passport To Wealth™

Whether you're a U.S. expat, a digital nomad, or someone with ties to the US looking to explore opportunities abroad, join us on Passport to Wealth™. Here we dive into the nuances of cross-border living as a US citizen living abroad.
We'll be delving into essential topics such as managing your money while living abroad, staying compliant with US tax regulations, and uncovering stories of fellow expats who have forged the path to financial freedom while living abroad.
So, grab your passport and join us on this journey!

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

20 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes20

Newest first

Yesterday · 28 min
International Tax Planning for Marriage, Divorce, and Inheritance
Most people never ask what happens to their estate plan, their prenup, or their inheritance if they move to another country, and that assumption can cost families everything. This episode digs into exactly that gap. International tax attorney Christine Concepción joins Arielle to unpack how residency rules, inheritance tax, prenups, and trust structures behave differently once a US family crosses a border. ────────────────────────────────────────── CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS ────────────────────────────────────────── 00:00 - Cross-border Estate Planning: Who Needs It and Why 05:55 - US Estate Tax vs. Inheritance Tax Abroad 09:30 - How an Unplanned Inheritance Becomes Taxable in the US 12:38 - Why Your Prenup Might Not Hold Up After Moving Abroad 18:09 - Dividing Foreign Company Shares in a Divorce Settlement 26:20 - Why US Trust Structures Often Fail Once You Move Abroad ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT THE GUEST ────────────────────────────────────────── Christine Concepción is an international tax attorney whose practice covers cross-border tax planning, estate planning, pre-immigration planning, expatriation, FBAR compliance, and tax controversy for individuals, families, and closely held businesses. ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT YOUR HOST ────────────────────────────────────────── Arielle Tucker, CFP® & IRS Enrolled Agent with Connected Financial Planning, is a cross-border financial planner based in Switzerland helping Americans living abroad navigate U.S. taxes, international investments, and cross-border financial planning. ────────────────────────────────────────── LOVE THIS EPISODE? ────────────────────────────────────────── Follow the show and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, it's the single biggest thing you can do to help other cross-border families find this show. ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT PASSPORT TO WEALTH® ────────────────────────────────────────── 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. STAY CONNECTED Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineaconcepcion Website: https://www.passporttowealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passporttowealthofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passport-to-wealth/ ────────────────────────────────────────── This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified cross-border financial professional before making any financial or tax decisions. Mentioned in this episode: Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Click here to subscribe to our newsletter
July 28 · 27 min
Raising Bilingual Kids in Colombia as an American Family
A safety incident at her kids' school was the last straw. Within months, one family had traded the US for Medellín, Colombia, and started building a life around a completely different set of values. Alyssa Bolaños grew up between cultures long before she ever considered leaving the US permanently. In this episode, she shares how she and her husband decided where to raise their two boys, why they picked Medellín specifically, what surprised them about safety once they arrived, and how they built their residency status around their children rather than a spousal visa. ────────────────────────────────────────── CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS ────────────────────────────────────────── 00:00 – Raising Global Kids: How Expat Families Choose Where Home Is 04:36 – The Safety Incident That Pushed One Family to Leave the US 09:33 – How to Choose a Walkable City with Easy Access to Nature 14:28 – What Daily Life and Safety Actually Look Like in Colombia 20:33 – How to Get Residency in Colombia Through Your Children 23:07 – Healthcare Costs After Leaving the US Healthcare System ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT THE GUEST ────────────────────────────────────────── Alyssa Bolaños is the bilingual Latina creator behind Casa Belanos. She moved with her husband and two young boys from the US to Colombia, by way of a three-month world-schooling program in Uruguay, and shares the realities of raising global, bilingual kids online. ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT YOUR HOST ────────────────────────────────────────── Arielle Tucker, CFP® & IRS Enrolled Agent, is a cross-border financial planner based in Switzerland helping Americans living abroad navigate U.S. taxes, international investments, and cross-border financial planning. ────────────────────────────────────────── LOVE THIS EPISODE? ────────────────────────────────────────── Follow the show and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, it's the single biggest thing you can do to help other cross-border families find this show. ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT PASSPORT TO WEALTH™ ────────────────────────────────────────── 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. STAY CONNECTED Follow Alyssa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casabolanos/ Website: https://www.passporttowealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passporttowealthofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passport-to-wealth/ ────────────────────────────────────────── This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified cross-border financial professional before making any financial or tax decisions. Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory Click here to subscribe to our newsletter
July 21 · 26 min
Trump Accounts Explained: Who Qualifies for the $1,000 Deposit Abroad
A Trump Account, officially called a 530A account, is a new federal retirement account for children, funded by a $1,000 seed deposit for every eligible US citizen baby born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028. For US expat families, the eligibility rules and account-opening process raise questions the law doesn't answer yet. Cross-border tax advisor Christie DuChateau, EA, of BNC Tax joins host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA to break down who actually qualifies for the $1,000 seed deposit, what it takes to open and fund one from outside the US, and where the process breaks down for parents with a foreign address or a child without a US Social Security number. Christie and Arielle also compare notes from opening their own accounts, one through the Trump Account app and one through the web at trumpaccounts.gov, with different results for foreign addresses and phone verification. They cover how a Trump Account stacks up against a 529 plan, a UTMA, and a kids' Roth IRA, and explain why it may be one of the only ways for a US citizen child living in Europe to legally hold a US ETF. ────────────────────────────────────────── CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS ────────────────────────────────────────── 00:00 – What Is a Trump Account and Who Is It For? 02:31 – Who Qualifies for the $1,000 Trump Account Seed Deposit 05:16 – How to Open a Trump Account from Outside the US 16:07 – Funding a Trump Account Without a US Bank Account 20:12 – Trump Account vs. 529, Roth IRA, and UTMA: What's the Difference 25:09 – How a Trump Account Lets US Citizen Children Abroad Buy US ETFs ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT THE GUEST ────────────────────────────────────────── Christie DuChateau is a tax advisor with BNC Tax, based in the Netherlands, working with US expat families on cross-border tax planning. ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT YOUR HOST ────────────────────────────────────────── Arielle Tucker, CFP® & IRS Enrolled Agent, is a cross-border financial planner with Connected Financial Planning, based in Switzerland, helping Americans living abroad navigate U.S. taxes, international investments, and cross-border financial planning. ────────────────────────────────────────── LOVE THIS EPISODE? ────────────────────────────────────────── Follow the show and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify; it's the single biggest thing you can do to help other cross-border families find this show. ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT PASSPORT TO WEALTH™ ────────────────────────────────────────── Passport To Wealth™ is the platform for current and aspiring US expats. We connect globally mobile Americans with fiduciary, licensed cross-border financial advisors, tax professionals, and relocation experts who understand the financial and legal complexities of life abroad. STAY CONNECTED Website: https://www.passporttowealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passporttowealthofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passport-to-wealth/ Follow Christie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christietalkstax/ ────────────────────────────────────────── This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified cross-border financial professional before making any financial or tax decisions. Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory Click here to subscribe to our newsletter
July 14 · 29 min
Why Americans in Europe Can't Buy US ETFs (And the Workaround That Does)
Can you keep buying US ETFs after you move to Europe? Austin Davidson found out the answer is more complicated than it should be. Most Americans moving to Europe don't realize that a regulation called MiFID II can quietly cut off direct access to the ETFs they've always used. In this episode, Austin Davidson, an American investor living in Germany, shares exactly what happened when his brokerage account stopped working the way he expected, and Blair Hoover, founder of Choose Your Own Finance, breaks down why the restriction exists, who it actually targets, and what Austin did to start investing again. ────────────────────────────────────────── CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS ────────────────────────────────────────── 00:00 – Why Americans Abroad Lose Access to US ETFs 05:48 – MiFID II and the Professional Investor Exemption Explained 09:33 – Investing Options for Americans Blocked From US ETFs 15:01 – How to Learn Options Trading for Cross-Border Investors 19:18 – The Legal Way to Acquire US ETFs Using Cash-Secured Puts 26:01 – Rebuilding a US ETF Portfolio After Losing Direct Access ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT THE GUESTS ────────────────────────────────────────── Austin Davidson is an American living in Germany who lost direct access to US ETFs when MiFID II came into force in 2019. He spent years exploring workarounds before learning to use options strategies to legally acquire US ETF shares again. Blair Hoover is a financial independence coach and founder of Choose Your Own Finance, where she helps clients navigate the practical realities of cross-border investing and personal finance. ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT YOUR HOST ────────────────────────────────────────── Arielle Tucker, CFP® & IRS Enrolled Agent, is a cross-border financial planner based in Switzerland helping Americans living abroad navigate U.S. taxes, international investments, and cross-border financial planning. ────────────────────────────────────────── LOVE THIS EPISODE? ────────────────────────────────────────── Follow the show and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, it's the single biggest thing you can do to help other cross-border families find this show. ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT PASSPORT TO WEALTH™ ────────────────────────────────────────── 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. ────────────────────────────────────────── RESOURCES MENTIONED Options Education: https://www.optionseducation.org/strategies/acquire-stock SMB Capital's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg0ts5NGr0o&t=207s ────────────────────────────────────────── STAY CONNECTED Website: https://www.passporttowealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passporttowealthofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passport-to-wealth/ ────────────────────────────────────────── This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified cross-border financial professional before making any financial or tax decisions. Arielle Tucker, CFP® operates as a fiduciary in accordance with applicable professional regulations. Mentioned in this episode: Click here to subscribe to our newsletter Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory
July 7 · 26 min
Using AI to Prepare for a Cross-Border Move
Can ChatGPT replace a cross-border financial advisor? Aditi Kapadia, CFA, CFP® says not yet. Most people using AI for a cross-border move are getting confident, plausible answers to the wrong questions. In this episode, Aditi Kapadia, a cross-border financial planner serving US-Canada families and one of the most AI-forward advisors in the industry, joins host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA to break down how AI is changing financial planning, where it's dangerously incomplete, and how to use it well before you ever book a call with an advisor. ────────────────────────────────────────── CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS ────────────────────────────────────────── 00:00 – Introduction: Aditi Kapadia, CFA, CFP®, founder of WealthIQ 01:08 – From robo-advisors to cross-border planning 03:36 – Why clients now show up with "I asked ChatGPT" already in hand 04:48 – ChatGPT connecting directly to bank accounts 05:57 – How accurate is AI really — and why the question matters more than the answer 08:29 – Cross-border planning as a series of "ginormous decisions" AI can't prioritize 12:32 – Compliance, client data, and moving carefully on AI 16:30 – The hidden cost of DIY cross-border tax planning 17:38 – How to use ChatGPT to prepare for your first advisor meeting 20:07 – "Is my situation complex enough for cross-border planning?" 22:20 – Why the most "optimal" AI answer isn't always the right one for you 26:06 – The one thing AI can't give you: accountability ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT THE GUEST ────────────────────────────────────────── Aditi Kapadia, CFA, CFP® is the founder of WealthIQ, where she serves US-Canada cross-border families. A Canadian living in the US, she previously built a robo-advisory investment product and is known as one of the most AI-forward voices in cross-border financial planning today. ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT YOUR HOST ────────────────────────────────────────── Arielle Tucker, CFP® & IRS Enrolled Agent, is a cross-border financial planner based in Switzerland helping Americans living abroad navigate U.S. taxes, international investments, and cross-border financial planning. ────────────────────────────────────────── LOVE THIS EPISODE? ────────────────────────────────────────── Follow the show and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, it's the single biggest thing you can do to help other cross-border families find this show. ────────────────────────────────────────── ABOUT PASSPORT TO WEALTH™ ────────────────────────────────────────── 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. STAY CONNECTED Website: https://www.passporttowealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passporttowealthofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passport-to-wealth/ ────────────────────────────────────────── This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified cross-border financial professional before making any financial or tax decisions. Arielle Tucker, CFP® operates as a fiduciary in accordance with applicable professional regulations. Mentioned in this episode: Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Click here to subscribe to our newsletter
June 30 · 2 min
What's Ahead for Americans Building a Life Abroad: Season 4 Kickoff!
Season 4 of Passport To Wealth™ is here, and it's picking up right where the conversation matters most: what actually happens to your money, your family, and your identity once your life crosses a border. Host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA is a certified financial planner, IRS enrolled agent, and fellow US expat living in Switzerland. In this short kickoff episode, she previews everything coming this season. What's ahead in Season 4: US Social Security for expats: what you need to know before and after you leave Currency exchange and currency risk for globally mobile families The promise and the limits of AI when it comes to answering complex cross-border tax, legal, and immigration questions Cross-border planning in Singapore Building a family life in Colombia Caring for aging parents who live on a different continent Practical tax and financial planning guidance for anyone who is already abroad, planning a move, or just trying to understand what life outside the US could look like This season also marks a major milestone. Arielle's new book, The Expat Money Playbook, is now available for pre-order through Wiley. It's a practical roadmap for Americans navigating the financial, tax, and lifestyle decisions that come with moving abroad, full of checklists and frameworks to make the process less overwhelming. The goal of Passport To Wealth™ has never been just to help you move abroad. It's to help you build wealth and a life that actually aligns with your values, wherever in the world that life happens to be. Whether you're dreaming about leaving, already living overseas, raising a family abroad, planning for retirement, or just trying to make sense of the cross-border rules that follow Americans everywhere, this season is for you. Subscribe to Passport to Wealth wherever you listen to podcasts. Watch the full video conversations on YouTube. Pre-order The Expat Money Playbook at passporttowealth.com. Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network
May 26 · 29 min
How Americans Build a Life Abroad: Carl Richards on Risk & Mindset
Carl Richards is a certified financial planner, the New York Times Sketch Guy, and the author of Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in 101 Simple Sketches. He moved from Utah to New Zealand with his family in a matter of weeks. His wife bought plane tickets ten days after hearing about a friend's available house. Ninety days later, they had moved. This episode covers: How Carl became the New York Times sketch guy (a desperate drawing on a whiteboard) Why showing up and being consistent matters more How Carl's wife pulled the rescue cord and moved the family to New Zealand The detox from US money and work culture that Carl did not see coming Moving teenagers abroad during a senior year of high school Why New Zealanders ask about holidays and weekends, not jobs The French cafe lesson: you think this is about money. It is about food. The worry list: a blank page. Nothing is helped by worrying. The cognitive load of a simple grocery store in a new country Carl's daughter's advice: you thought you were going to have an adventure without it being hard Why Carl would spend his savings again without thinking twice Carl and host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA discuss why most of what we worry about never happens and why moving abroad does not require a perfect plan. Resources Read Carl's latest book Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in 101 Simple Sketches Subscribe to the Passport to Wealth newsletter: passporttowealth.com/contact Find a vetted cross-border advisor: passporttowealth.com/directory Are you a qualified professional serving US expats? Apply to passporttowealth.com/join Mentioned in this episode: Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory Stay up to date on what's happening globally.... Click here to subscribe to our newsletter
May 19 · 25 min
Moving to Europe as a US Expat: Taxes, Incentives, and the Mistakes That Are Hardest to Fix
Christian Gulizzi is a cross-border tax advisor licensed in the United States as a CPA, in Germany as a Steuerberater, and in Italy as a Dottore Commercialista. He was born to an Italian and German parent, grew up navigating cross-border complexity, and built his entire academic and professional career around it. He currently lives and works from the Italian Riviera. This episode covers: The biggest misconception Americans have about taxes when moving to Europe Why leaving money in US accounts does not protect it from European tax authorities The 183-day rule and why it does not mean what most people think How German residency can begin on day one simply by having a home there Why a US LLC provides no protection from the tax authority where you are physically working Italy's €300,000 foreign flat tax for high net worth individuals The 7% flat tax for retirees moving to southern Italian towns under 30,000 inhabitants The Impatriati regime: up to 90% income exemption for workers and researchers The Forfettario regime: 5% flat tax for self-employed people earning under €85,000 Why German courts have blocked tax incentive regimes as unconstitutional Italy vs. Germany inheritance tax: €1 million exemption at 4% vs. €400,000 at 19-33% Christian's single most important piece of advice before any move to Europe Why pre-immigration planning is critical: fixing mistakes after residency is almost impossible We discuss the specific misconceptions that create the most expensive problems for Americans moving abroad, the legal incentive regimes Italy offers that most people never find in time to use, and why the country you choose to move to is itself a financial decision. Resources Connect with Christian on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Passport to Wealth newsletter: passporttowealth.com/contact Find a vetted cross-border advisor: passporttowealth.com/directory Are you a qualified professional serving US expats in Europe? Apply to passporttowealth.com/join Mentioned in this episode: Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory Stay up to date on what's happening globally.... Click here to subscribe to our newsletter
May 12 · 29 min
Visas, Taxes & Healthcare in France: A Paris Immigration Attorney Explains
Daniel Tostado is a naturalized French citizen, a dual-qualified attorney (US and France), and the founder of Tostado Avocats, an immigration law firm dedicated to helping Americans navigate the French legal system. He moved from San Diego to France in 2010, completed a French master's degree, passed the bar on both sides of the Atlantic, and has since built a practice focused exclusively on French visas, residency permits, and citizenship pathways. He also runs a winter homeless shelter for refugees in Paris. This episode covers: The four main visa categories for Americans moving to France (visitor, student, entrepreneur, and family-based) Why the visitor visa is the most popular route and who it's right for The legal gray area around remote work for US employers on a French visitor visa How the Franco-American tax treaty protects American assets including Roth IRAs France's healthcare system and how Americans access it from day one The entrepreneur visa: what France wants to see in your business plan Why selling your US home after establishing French residency can trigger unexpected capital gains Naturalization by marriage and the timeline to a 10-year residency card How quickly you can realistically get a French visa (spoiler: faster than most countries) We discuss the legal pathways Americans actually use to move to France, the tax and healthcare systems that await them, and the cultural realities of building a life in a country that does not automatically trust the stranger. Resources Follow Daniel on Instagram @tostadoavocats Listen to our episode with Céline Flores-Tavukcuoglu Are you a qualified professional serving US expats in France or Europe? Apply to passporttowealth.com/join Subscribe to the Passport to Wealth newsletter: passporttowealth.com/contact Find a vetted cross-border advisor: passporttowealth.com/directory Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Stay up to date on what's happening globally.... Click here to subscribe to our newsletter
May 5 · 29 min
The $60K Estate Tax Trap for Non-US Citizens Holding US Assets
Hui-chin Chen, CFP®, is the managing partner of Jade & Cowry and has spent her career working with globally mobile families across Asia-Pacific; including her own, as the spouse of a US diplomat who has lived across multiple countries and tax systems. She is one of a small number of practitioners who understands both the technical US tax obligations that reach across borders and the cultural dynamics that make compliance so difficult to achieve. This episode covers the compliance traps that consistently catch non-US citizens, US-connected individuals, and globally mobile families who never anticipated owing anything to the IRS. In this episode Accidental Americans and the US tax net - how people become subject to US taxation through birth, the substantial presence test, green card status, or a US spouse, without ever identifying as American Planned citizenship and generational wealth in Asia - how affluent Asian families deliberately acquire US citizenship for the next generation and why, without comprehensive cross-border planning from the beginning, that decision creates compounding reporting obligations for decades The $60,000 US estate tax threshold for non-citizens - why a non-US citizen holding US stocks, real estate, or RSUs from a US employer faces a 40% estate tax above $60,000, how that threshold has never been indexed for inflation, and why almost no Asian countries have estate tax treaties with the US The non-US spouse filing trap - how a US citizen claiming a non-US spouse as a dependent or filing jointly to reduce tax liability can unknowingly pull that spouse's entire foreign financial picture into the US reporting system, creating obligations the non-US spouse never agreed to and may not know exist Joint accounts, family business signatory authority, and FBAR - why common Asian estate planning structures (joint accounts with parents, signatory authority on family businesses) trigger US reporting requirements the account holder never considered Territorial tax regimes across Asia-Pacific - how Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and other territorial systems interact with US citizenship-based taxation, and why holding assets in the US for diversification can create estate tax exposure that offsets the investment benefit entirely The four-to-six month pre-move planning window - why cross-border planning needs to begin months before a move, not after arrival, and why a full financial audit including family account involvement is the mandatory starting point Resources Connect with Hui-chin on LinkedIn Are you a qualified professional serving US expats in France or Europe? Apply to passporttowealth.com/join Subscribe to the Passport to Wealth newsletter: passporttowealth.com/contact Find a vetted cross-border advisor: passporttowealth.com/directory Mentioned in this episode: Stay up to date on what's happening globally.... Click here to subscribe to our newsletter Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network
April 28 · 29 min
Moving to Italy as a US Expat: Italian Tax Incentives, Raising Kids Abroad, and the $25K Tax Mistake
What does it actually cost — financially and logistically — to move to Italy as a US expat and raise a family there? In this episode of Passport to Wealth, financial planner Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Danielle Shumway, founder of Ciao Family Travel, to break down the real numbers: Italy's Rientro dei Cervelli tax incentive, US expat tax obligations, Italian healthcare and schools, and the $25K mistake that comes from not filing US tax returns abroad. Danielle Shumway moved to Italy in 2015 with her Italian husband, an 18-month-old, and a four-month-old. The original plan was five years: take advantage of Italy's Rientro dei Cervelli tax incentive, let the kids grow up bilingual, stay near family, and return to the US. A decade later, she has four children, Italian citizenship, and a family travel business called Ciao Family Travel — and she is still in Italy. In this episode, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Danielle to cover the financial and logistical realities of raising a family in Italy as a US citizen. The conversation covers what the Italian tax incentive actually offers, why Danielle's husband stopped his US citizenship process the month he was set to sign the papers, and what it cost when years of unfiled US tax returns caught up with them. In this episode: Italy's Rientro dei Cervelli tax incentive - how it works, who qualifies, what happens after year five, and why holding three or more children plus a home can reduce your Italian tax rate to near zero US citizenship-based taxation and non-US spouses - why Danielle's husband halted his citizenship application, what green card holders face if they hold status outside the US for more than eight years, and the exit tax implications most families do not see coming Corporate relocation as a move-abroad strategy - how an Amazon internal transfer handled immigration, housing, and dual-tax-system support, and why starting with your current employer is one of the lowest-friction paths to living abroad Italian healthcare for pregnancy and birth - monthly blood work, structured prenatal appointments, the epidural decision that must be made four weeks before delivery, and why postpartum recovery felt cold compared to US standards Italian school system from age three - the Montessori-forward scuola dell'infanzia, government versus private spots, the points-based enrollment system, and what the transition into first grade looks like The $25,000 tax compliance mistake - what happens when a US citizen abroad stops filing tax returns, how Danielle found out, what it cost to fix, and why a cross-border CPA is not optional Traveling 50+ countries with children - the 70/30 outdoor rule, why stress gave Danielle a phantom toothache in the Czech Republic, and how private guides changed how the family travels Resources Follow Danielle on Instagram @ciaofamilytravel Are you a qualified professional serving US expats in France or Europe? Apply to passporttowealth.com/join Subscribe to the Passport to Wealth newsletter: passporttowealth.com/contact Find a vetted cross-border advisor: passporttowealth.com/directory Mentioned in this episode: Stay up to date on what's happening globally.... Click here to subscribe to our newsletter Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network
April 21 · 29 min
Americans Moving to Canada in 2026: Taxes, Healthcare and Money
US retirement accounts, estate plans, and investment structures do not automatically survive a move to Canada. The two countries share a border and a language but operate under entirely separate financial and tax systems; and the decisions made before you leave determine whether your existing structures are protected or become expensive problems. In this episode, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Brian Wruk, MBA, CFP® (US), CFP® (Canada), TEP, CIM, RFP®, founder of Transition Financial Advisors Group and author of The American in Canada. Brian is a dual citizen who moved his American wife to Canada, navigated the compliance requirements firsthand, and has been doing US-Canada cross-border planning since 1997. Topics covered, include: Why moving to Canada does not end your US tax obligations The Roth IRA rules that can protect your retirement savings across the border The TFSA trap that creates phantom US taxable income How revocable living trusts can trigger Canadian taxes What Canadian healthcare actually looks like in 2026, including 3-year waits for a primary care physician in Ontario How to plan for retirement across two countries The one thing Brian tells every client before they board the plane The conversation covers the Roth conversion window that closes the moment Canadian residency begins, why TFSAs generate phantom US taxable income that foreign tax credits cannot offset, how revocable living trusts can trigger punitive Canadian taxation, and what Canadian healthcare actually delivers in 2026; including current wait times for primary care and what private options are beginning to emerge. Resources Connect with Brian Wruk at Transition Financial Advisors Group: passporttowealth.com/brian-wruk Are you a qualified professional serving US expats in France or Europe? Apply to passporttowealth.com/join Subscribe to the Passport to Wealth newsletter: passporttowealth.com/contact Find a vetted cross-border advisor: passporttowealth.com/directory Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Stay up to date on what's happening globally.... Click here to subscribe to our newsletter Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook"
April 14 · 34 min
Cross-Border Investing: What Changes When US Expats Move Abroad
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: Stay up to date on what's happening globally.... Click here to subscribe to our newsletter Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory
April 7 · 31 min
US Expats in France: Real Life After 8 Years and What to Expect
What does it really take to build a life in France as an American expat? In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, we explore the practical and personal side of moving abroad, from navigating French visa requirements to finding meaningful work, building a career, and creating a sustainable long-term lifestyle in Europe. Our guests share their journey from the U.S. to France, including the realities of adapting to a new culture, launching a consulting business abroad, and finding professional purpose while living internationally. We also discuss the growing trend of younger Americans and aspiring expats looking beyond traditional career paths and exploring entrepreneurship as a way to create more flexibility, freedom, and stability overseas. Whether you’re dreaming of moving to France, already living abroad, or wondering how to turn a love of travel into a real life and career, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make expat life work. Resources Find a vetted cross-border financial advisor or tax professional at the Passport To Wealth Directory Are you a qualified professional serving US expats in France or Europe? Join the Passport To Wealth community here. Mentioned in this episode: Find your cross-border expert on the Passport To Wealth™ directory Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network
March 31 · 28 min
Moving to Germany: Expat Taxes, Visas, and Money Tips
Thinking about moving to Germany? In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, sits down with fellow cross-border financial planner Jordan Vlastuin, CFP®, to unpack what Americans really need to know before relocating. From choosing the right visa to understanding German tax treaties, federal pensions, and the realities of setting up life abroad, this conversation is packed with insights for expats and future movers alike. Arielle and Jordan discuss the nuances of tax residency, planning before you move, currency risk, and how local advisors can make, or break, your financial plan overseas. Whether you’re living in Germany or just dreaming about it, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to make your transition smoother and your finances stronger. Passport to Wealth™ connects Americans living abroad with trusted cross-border financial experts. Visit passporttowealth.com to find vetted advisors, expat resources, and expert interviews. Mentioned in this episode: Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network
March 24 · 29 min
Retiring Abroad: Hidden Tax and Currency Risks for Americans
Retiring abroad sounds like the dream. For Americans, the financial reality is far more complex. In this episode of Passport To Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, is joined by Ramin Olson, founder of Nomad Financial and a cross border expert specializing in helping US citizens retire overseas. Drawing from his global career and personal experience living across Europe, Ramin breaks down the hidden financial risks that many Americans overlook when planning a life abroad. From unexpected tax exposure to currency risk that can quietly impact your purchasing power, this conversation highlights what you need to know before making a move. Whether you are actively planning your retirement abroad or just exploring the idea, this episode will help you understand what is at stake and how to plan with clarity and confidence. We cover: Why your US investment strategy may not work overseas How currency fluctuations impact your real purchasing power The tax traps many expats miss, including inheritance tax What changes when you become a tax resident abroad How to structure your finances before relocating Mentioned in this episode: Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook"
March 17 · 30 min
How Americans Can Move to Spain: Visas, Taxes, and Planning
Spain has become one of the most popular destinations for Americans looking to live abroad. But moving to Spain involves much more than choosing a city and applying for a visa. In this episode of Passport To Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, speaks with Carlos Lorenzo, J.D., LL.M., a Spain-based immigration and tax lawyer and founder of American Legal Spain. Carlos works closely with Americans planning a move to Spain, helping them navigate immigration law, tax planning, and long-term residency strategies. They discuss the most common visa pathways for Americans, how Spain’s tax system differs from the US, and why pre-planning is essential before relocating. Carlos also explains why many US business structures, such as LLCs and S corporations, may not work the same way in Spain and how digital nomads, retirees, and remote workers should think about structuring their move. If you are considering relocating to Spain, this episode highlights the legal and tax considerations you need to understand before making the move. In this episode you will learn: The most common visa options for Americans moving to Spain How Spain’s tax system differs from the US Why LLCs and common US business structures can create tax issues abroad What digital nomads and remote workers should know before relocating How Spanish regions compete to attract residents through tax incentives Why pre-immigration tax planning is critical for US expats Mentioned in this episode: Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network
March 10 · 27 min
Wealth Taxes in the Netherlands: What US Expats Need to Know
The Netherlands has long been one of the most attractive destinations for US expats in Europe. But recent and proposed tax changes could significantly impact how Americans living there build and protect wealth. In this episode of Passport To Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA is joined by Kaitlin Krozel, CPA, founder of Krozel Capital, a firm specializing in tax and financial planning for US expats and globally mobile families. Together they unpack the Dutch tax system, including the controversial Box 3 wealth tax and proposed reforms that could tax unrealized investment gains. Kaitlin explains how the Netherlands’ approach differs from the US tax system and why Americans may face unexpected tax consequences on brokerage accounts, Roth IRAs, and even college savings plans. They also discuss the famous 30% ruling, recent policy changes affecting expats, and why pre-immigration tax planning has become more important than ever. If you are considering a move to the Netherlands or already living there, this conversation will help you understand the evolving tax landscape and how to prepare. In this episode, you will learn: How the Netherlands’ Box 3 wealth tax works Why unrealized investment gains may be taxed How Dutch tax rules treat US retirement accounts Why Roth IRAs and 529 plans may create unexpected issues How the 30% ruling has changed for expats Why tax planning before moving abroad is critical Mentioned in this episode: Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network
March 3 · 30 min
Understanding US and Canadian Financial Planning: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating life and finances across the US.–Canada border can feel overwhelming especially when taxes, investments, citizenship, and estate planning collide. In this episode of Passport To Wealth™, host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Lucas Wennersten, CFA, CFP® (Canada), CFP® (USA), founder of 49th Parallel Wealth Management, to unpack the real-world complexities of cross-border financial planning between the United States and Canada. Lucas shares his personal journey into cross-border planning, explains the key differences between the US. and Canadian tax systems, and highlights the most common (and costly) mistakes expats and globally mobile families make. From dual citizenship and tax treaties to deemed disposition taxes, estate planning pitfalls, healthcare costs, and retirement planning across borders. This episode is packed with practical insights for US. expats, Canadian snowbirds, dual citizens, and anyone considering a move across the border Takeaways: In this episode, we discussed the complexities of cross-border financial planning, particularly between the United States and Canada. Lucas Vennersen emphasized the importance of understanding tax treaties, which can significantly impact clients' financial decisions. We highlighted that moving from Canada to the U.S. introduces deemed disposition taxes, affecting the taxation of assets. The podcast explored how dual citizenship can influence taxation and financial planning strategies for families and individuals. A critical takeaway was the necessity of advanced planning for those transitioning between countries, especially regarding tax implications. Finally, we concluded that consulting with experienced financial professionals can prevent costly mistakes in cross-border financial matters. If your life, family, or money touches more than one country, this conversation is essential listening. Mentioned in this episode: Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network
February 24 · 32 min
Achieving Financial Independence Abroad: Financial Coaching for Expats
Financial independence is possible for US expats, but numbers alone are not enough. Your mindset, habits, and values matter just as much as your investment strategy. In this episode of Passport To Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA talks with Blair Hoover, expat financial independence coach and educator, about what it really takes to pursue FIRE while living overseas. After losing money in an offshore savings plan early in her journey, Blair transformed that experience into the foundation of her financial education. Less than a decade later, she and her husband reached financial independence in their mid-40s. Blair explains why expats are frequently targeted with high fee products, how fear and shame keep many people stuck in cash, and why taking imperfect action is often better than waiting for the perfect plan. She also shares how frugality, relationships, and quality of life can coexist, and how spending in alignment with your values can make the journey sustainable. If you are dreaming about financial independence abroad but feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or behind, this conversation will show you a practical and human path forward. Takeaways: Blair Hoover transitioned from teaching to financial coaching after realizing the complexities of expat finances. Investing in proper financial education is crucial for expats to avoid losing money in bad investment schemes. Living frugally and saving aggressively can lead to financial independence in a shorter time frame. Social connections are important, and spending on relationships can be seen as an investment. Financial coaching focuses on behavior and values, not just numbers and investments. Starting your financial journey is more important than optimizing it from the beginning. Opportunity costs are significant, especially for expats who may have limited investment options. It's essential to seek professional advice when moving countries to navigate complex tax laws. Blair emphasizes the importance of ongoing support in financial coaching for sustained success. Retirement can be achieved earlier through strategic financial planning and disciplined saving. Mentioned in this episode: Pre-order "The Expat Money Playbook" Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network