Understanding the Role of Cash in Your Financial Position
Holding cash often feels sensible. It offers flexibility and a sense of security, particularly for expats managing finances across multiple jurisdictions. As a result, many internationally mobile professionals accumulate substantial cash balances over time. The question is not whether cash has a role. It does. The more important consideration is whether the level of cash […]
Retirement Planning: Moving from Accumulation to Distribution Phase
For much of your working life, financial planning is focused on accumulation. Building assets, growing investments and increasing pension value tend to dominate decision making. Retirement marks a fundamental shift. The priority moves from growing wealth to generating sustainable income while preserving capital for the years ahead. This transition from accumulation to distribution is one […]
Retirement Income Options: Drawdown vs Annuities for UAE Expats
For many UAE based expats, retirement planning is not just about accumulating wealth. It is about translating assets into a sustainable and reliable income that can support lifestyle objectives across borders, currencies, and differing tax environments. Two of the most commonly discussed retirement income strategies are drawdown and annuities. Each approach serves a different purpose […]
Reviewing Your Financial Plan Annually: What Should Be Covered
For internationally mobile professionals and high earning expats, a financial plan is not something that can be set once and left untouched. Markets evolve, regulations shift and personal circumstances change, often more quickly than expected. An annual financial review acts as a structured checkpoint, allowing you to assess whether your strategy remains aligned with your […]
Understanding the Impact of Inflation on Portfolios
Inflation is often viewed as a background economic issue rather than an immediate financial risk. However, over time, it can have a significant impact on portfolios, income planning, and long-term purchasing power. For investors, understanding how inflation interacts with different asset types and financial structures is an important part of informed financial planning. Inflation and […]
How Much Do You Really Need to Retire in Dubai? A Data-Driven Overview for Expats
Retiring in Dubai is an attractive prospect for many expats due to tax-free salaries, modern infrastructure, and access to high-quality healthcare. However, planning a sustainable retirement in the UAE requires careful consideration. Unlike some countries with state pension systems, retirement here is largely self-funded, and expenses can be higher than many anticipate. This blog provides […]
UK Pension Schemes vs UAE Gratuity and DEWS
If you are a British expat living and working in the UAE, one of the most important financial decisions you will consider is how to build long-term retirement savings. Many individuals find themselves comparing continued UK pension contributions with the UAE’s end-of-service gratuity system or, for those working in the DIFC, the DIFC Employee Workplace […]
Cross-Border Gift and Inheritance Tax for Expats: How to Plan and Protect Your Estate
Understanding the Challenge For expats, managing gift and inheritance tax (IHT) across multiple countries can be complex and requires careful consideration. Every jurisdiction has its own rules around residency, domicile, and the taxation of worldwide assets, which means that even well-prepared individuals may face unexpected obligations if their affairs are not correctly structured. This article […]