Is there a way to successfully manage your finances while living abroad?
Without leaving money on the table — or making costly, irreversible mistakes across two tax systems.
Most US expatriates have historically worked with consultants who lack the specialist cross-border expertise required to navigate the intersection of two tax systems, two legal frameworks, and investment restrictions unique to their situation. The result has been ineffective and costly advisory relationships.
Our goal is simple: to make our clients' time abroad a catapult to a secure financial future — as well as the adventure of a lifetime.
What makes cross-border planning genuinely different.
Cross-border planning is not a standard financial plan with a passport. It requires simultaneous analysis across multiple countries' tax systems, treaties, and legal frameworks.
Analyzing your current investment strategy
Cross-border planning analyzes your current investment and tax strategy as an American living abroad, accounting for two or more countries simultaneously — not as an afterthought.
Optimising US state and federal income taxes
Helps you optimise US state and federal income taxes before moving or while living abroad, considering the interaction of two or more tax systems — not planning for each in isolation.
Analyzing host country taxes and treaties
Analyzes host country taxes and applicable US tax treaties to avoid expensive financial mistakes in both the US and the host country — including issues most domestic advisors never encounter.
Analyzing estate planning across borders
Analyzes deficiencies in domestic estate planning when considering two or more legal systems — ensuring your will, trust, and beneficiary designations work as intended in your new country.
American expatriate issues commonly addressed.
Every area where living across two countries creates financial complexity — from daily tax exposure to long-term retirement and legacy planning.
Answer these before moving abroad.
Five cross-border wealth management questions every American should address before — or soon after — relocating. The answers shape your tax exposure for years to come.
How will my host country treat my US investment and retirement accounts?
Each country treats US investment and retirement accounts differently. Roth IRAs, for example, are not recognized as tax-free in Germany, Italy, Japan, or Spain. Meanwhile, the UK and France honour the Roth's tax-free nature under their double taxation treaties with the US.
The Netherlands and Denmark allow tax-free withdrawals but impose annual taxes on the balance. Without this knowledge you may face unexpected tax bills on accounts you assumed were protected — making pre-move analysis critical, especially for anyone with large Roth IRA balances.
Can moving abroad save me on US state taxes?
Potentially — but only if you deliberately and formally break state residency. Simply moving abroad does not end your US state tax obligations. You must take definitive steps: selling property, closing bank accounts, surrendering your vehicle registration, and in some states filing a formal declaration with state tax authorities.
You will also need to file a final part-year or non-resident state return. Getting this wrong means continuing to owe state taxes unnecessarily for years after you leave — especially in high-tax states like California and New York, which are notoriously aggressive about domicile claims.
Will my existing estate plan work in my new country?
Not automatically. Each country has its own estate and inheritance laws, and a US will may fail if its stipulations conflict with local succession rules. Many countries impose forced heirship rules that require a fixed portion of your estate to pass to certain heirs regardless of your wishes.
Revocable trusts designed for US tax efficiency may have no legal standing in your new country and can trigger higher tax rates on distributed assets — some countries ignore the trust entirely and treat assets as if directly owned. Cross-border estate planning requires specialist coordination across both jurisdictions to ensure your wishes are honoured.
Will my current advisor and custodian be able to continue serving me abroad?
Many US advisors and custodians terminate client relationships once they learn a client is living abroad, due to regulatory complexity around serving non-US residents. It is critical to confirm your custodian is expat-friendly before you move — compatible institutions include Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab.
Cross Border Wealth Advisors maintains a special partnership with Charles Schwab and is purpose-built to serve Americans living outside the US. You will not face the disruption of being dropped by your advisor at the moment you need guidance most.
Beyond a standard financial plan.
Our cross-border engagement adds six critical components that no domestic financial plan provides — each one addressing a specific trap American expats fall into.
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Customised investment strategies Unique to your situation and host country — MIFID II aware and PFIC-free
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High-level overview of host country tax systems Including applicable US treaties, so you understand exactly what you owe and to whom
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Investment account management recommendations Specific guidance on what to do with each US account upon relocating
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Customised US tax implications report A tailored report covering your specific situation as a US citizen living abroad
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Tax recommendations for your specific situation Actionable guidance on FEIE vs FTC, Roth conversions, state exit strategy, and more
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Referrals to specialty professionals Access to our global network of local tax, legal, and immigration specialists
Services addressed in our comprehensive financial plan
Personal financial planning built for expats.
Nine reasons why Americans living abroad choose Cross Border Wealth Advisors over a domestic advisor who treats the international dimension as an afterthought.
CFP® designation with a legal fiduciary duty to act in your best interest at all times — not just recommend "suitable" products.
Credentials ranging from Master of Finance to Ph.D. in Economics across the team — deep academic grounding in cross-border financial theory.
From federally licensed Enrolled Agents with unlimited IRS representation rights to state-specific CPAs — all tax bases covered.
Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and French — no language barriers when coordinating with local advisors or clients.
Purpose-built for the intersection of two countries — not a domestic firm that dabbles internationally as a side service.
Designation recognising demonstrated competency in cross-border financial planning: international tax treaties, multi-currency portfolios, and multi-jurisdiction environments.
Our team has lived in Europe, North America, and South America — we understand expat life from the inside, not just the spreadsheet.
Access to a network of tax, legal, immigration, and financial professionals across multiple countries — so you get coherent, coordinated advice.
Over 17 years of financial services experience, with cross-border expertise at the core from day one — not a pivot after the fact.
Primarily serving Americans in Spain and Mexico.
While we serve American expats across the globe, our deepest expertise — and the majority of our clients — centres on the US–Spain and US–Mexico corridors.
We also work with Americans throughout Europe, North America, and South America. Contact us to discuss your specific country.