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

Moving to the UK can be an exciting opportunity, but for Americans abroad, it often comes with a harsh reality: the US tax system doesn’t stay behind. This episode delivers practical advice for expats navigating dual tax UK and US obligations. Richard Taylor, Chartered Financial Planner and founder of Plan First Wealth, is joined by Sally Hawkins, Tax Partner at Gunnar Cook, to unpack some of the biggest tax mistakes Americans make when relocating to the UK and why so many expats find themselves caught out by rules they never knew existed. As an expat wealth advisor specializing in cross border financial planning, Richard breaks down what British expat and American abroad needs to know. From citizenship-based taxation and PFIC reporting requirements to ISA pitfalls, foreign investment restrictions and complex filing obligations, Richard and Sally explain why moving overseas rarely simplifies your tax affairs and how innocent mistakes can quickly become expensive problems. The conversation also explores the challenges faced by internationally mobile professionals, including equity compensation, founder shares, restricted stock units (RSUs) and why a lack of planning before a move can trigger unexpected tax bills long after arriving in the UK. For anyone weighing expat retirement planning, UK pension treatment, or US pensions across borders, the right financial advice makes all the difference. Richard and Sally also discuss one of the most overlooked issues for Americans abroad: state tax exposure. They explain why states such as New York and California may continue to claim taxing rights even after you've left the country and what steps can help break those ties properly and the kind of US tax help that protects your international wealth. Whether you're planning a move to Britain, already living in the UK, or advising internationally mobile professionals, this episode offers practical insights into the tax landmines that can derail even the most carefully planned relocation. -- 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/ -- 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

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. -- 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/ -- 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. -- 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/ -- 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.

The American Dream is evolving. While the US remains a land of opportunity and hard work, more people are heading to Europe and other destinations in search of balance, lifestyle, and long-term quality of life. Understanding how US and international financial regulations differ can help Americans avoid costly landmines and make the most of their opportunities abroad. We’re the Brits in America has rebranded to Expat Wealth, broadening the conversation beyond the American border. In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by James Boyle, Lead Financial Planner and Partner at Plan First Wealth, to explain why the podcast is changing and what that means for listeners going forward. Here’s what to expect from Expat Wealth: 1st Thursday of the month: Richard is joined by James Boyle, Partner at Plan First Wealth. Together, they take you behind the scenes as they are building a business that serves the expat community. Get advice guidance for expats and retirement planning tips. 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month: Expert interviews featuring top voices in cross-border tax, finance, estate planning, immigration, and more. Get expat tax advice tips from experts professionals and learn more about your tax and legal obligations. 3rd Thursday of the month: A global economic and investment roundup to help you stay ahead of the game with Brian Dunhill, founder of Dunhill Financial and American investment advisor based in the UK. Get cross border financial planning advice tips to help you plan for a better retirement. About Expat Wealth: Expat Wealth is dedicated to helping ambitious US-connected expats and immigrants navigate those challenges — and thrive. Whether you’ve moved to the US for opportunity or are an American seeking adventure and growth abroad, our job is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to succeed. -- 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/ -- 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.