Book excerpt: Make sense of international personal finance with expat-specific expert advice The Cross-Border Family Wealth Guide is the long-awaited financial handbook for cross border families, with expert insight from a financial advisor who specializes in expat issues. Whether you're an American living abroad, or foreign-born and living in the U.S., this book demystifies the complex issues surrounding the worldwide tax system, international information reporting, sensible investments, international real estate, and retirement planning. When your wealth crosses international borders, managing even the most mundane financial affairs can become wrought with time-consuming complexity; moving money, opening accounts, dealing with currency risks and translation, and setting up investments suddenly involves a whole new set of rules and regulations. Your 401(k), IRA, or annuity must be handled properly to retain certain tax benefits, and retirement planning takes on a brand new dimension of difficulty. This book shows you how to navigate the maze to make sure your money keeps working for you. Real world examples illustrate solutions to common problems, and real, actionable advice gives you a solid plan for your next steps. While personal finance management is rarely simple, the recent crackdown on tax havens and increased tax collection vigilance has made things even more difficult for cross border families. This book answers your questions, and shines a light on the way forward to long-term financial security for international families. Navigate the complexities of international taxation Get specific guidance on retirement planning Make sense of how real estate fits into your financial picture Invest appropriately to maximize growth for the future Manage your assets and tax benefits across borders With the right know-how, cross border professionals can make sensible investment and financial planning decisions, but credible guidance is rare and difficult to find. Simple and practical, with targeted advice, The Cross-Border Family Wealth Guide is the international family's solution for avoiding financial confusion.