The European Union was flawed in its conception. The idea that more than a dozen disparate European nations could come together permanently in a monetary union without a much tighter fiscal and political union was always unrealistic given the gapping differences between the member nations in terms various criteria: economic, social, political, and, perhaps most important of all, cultural.

Now the member states of the EU are reaping the frightful harvest of this extraordinary misadventure in ways that will harm them for at least a generation.

Many British nationals have made their home in Portugal, and when you consider the lifestyle and attractions it is easy to understand why.  However there are some drawbacks.  You have to deal with unfamiliar local bureaucracy and a foreign tax system.  Your new circumstances mean you have to rethink your investment strategy.  You may need to consider all the complex options for your UK pensions, and how they work for a Portugal resident.

Here we are at the start of a new year, when we tend to reflect on the previous 12 months and ahead to what the coming year may bring.
It is a good time to review your financial planning to ensure it is up to date, forward looking and designed to protect your long-term wealth.

Affinity Global Wealth is pleased to announce its new Portfolio Valuation and Optimisation Service.

We have found that most people we meet have several investments, savings and pensions accounts, often with different advisers and companies. Most people have a financial adviser in the UK, a private banker offshore, an old private and/or company pension and bank accounts both in the UK and overseas.

Premier FX are pleased to announce their new online trading system PFX ON-LINE, a  new service from Premier FX for new and existing Customers.

Trade from £100 up to £30,000 on line - 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  

Competitive rates, free transfers, all from the comfort of your own computer.

A few announcements in the UK Autumn Statement may affect expatriates, depending on your circumstances.
Where necessary you should seek professional advice to establish how the changes impact you and if you need to take action.

Many British people on holiday in the Algarve fall in love with the local lifestyle and start making plans to move here.  Or perhaps you are at the final stages of your move, or have recently arrived in your new country.  There are many important financial considerations to plan for, and the sooner the better.  

Residence is a curious beast.  For nearly all countries, it determines what income and gains are taxable, and where, with many countries taxing residents on their worldwide income, and often gains.  Some countries have a relatively simple system, whereby if you spend six months there during the tax year, you are resident.  Others have systems which include day counting over several years, the application of several tests, or simply considering where your main home is located.