In this episode of Passport To Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA talks with Blair Hoover, expat financial independence coach and educator, about what it really takes to pursue FIRE while living overseas. After losing money in an offshore savings plan early in her journey, Blair transformed that experience into the foundation of her financial education. Less than a decade later, she and her husband reached financial independence in their mid-40s.

Blair explains why expats are frequently targeted with high fee products, how fear and shame keep many people stuck in cash, and why taking imperfect action is often better than waiting for the perfect plan. She also shares how frugality, relationships, and quality of life can coexist, and how spending in alignment with your values can make the journey sustainable.

If you are dreaming about financial independence abroad but feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or behind, this conversation will show you a practical and human path forward.

1. Blair Hoover transitioned from teaching to financial coaching after realizing the complexities of expat finances.
2. Investing in proper financial education is crucial for expats to avoid losing money in bad investment schemes.
3. Living frugally and saving aggressively can lead to financial independence in a shorter time frame.
4. Social connections are important, and spending on relationships can be seen as an investment.
5. Financial coaching focuses on behavior and values, not just numbers and investments.
6. Starting your financial journey is more important than optimizing it from the beginning.
7. Opportunity costs are significant, especially for expats who may have limited investment options.
8. It's essential to seek professional advice when moving countries to navigate complex tax laws.
9. Blair emphasizes the importance of ongoing support in financial coaching for sustained success.
10. Retirement can be achieved earlier through strategic financial planning and disciplined saving.

Mentioned in this episode:

www.passporttowealth.com

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In this episode of Passport To Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Aditi Kapadia, CFA®, CFP®, founder of Wealth IQ and a cross-border financial planner specializing in US and Canada financial planning.

Aditi shares her personal journey of moving to the US as a Canadian expat, navigating two tax systems, managing cross-border income, and rebuilding her financial framework from the ground up. Together, Arielle and Aditi break down the most common challenges globally mobile professionals face, including tax residency, investment alignment, compensation planning, and major life transitions across borders.

This conversation focuses on clarity over complexity and provides practical, plain-English insights for anyone managing finances between the US and Canada. Whether you are planning a move, already living abroad, or working across borders, this episode offers essential guidance to help you make confident, informed financial decisions.

For a trusted path to expert cross-border guidance don't forget to go to passporttowealth.com .

Takeaways:

1. Aditi Kapadia is a dual citizen of Canada and the US.
2. Understanding currency exchange rates is crucial for financial planning.
3. Credit history in the US is vital and can be challenging for newcomers.
4. Many people make the mistake of leaving their finances untouched after moving.
5. Retirement accounts in Canada and the US cannot be combined.
6. The TFSA in Canada does not provide the same benefits in the US.
7. Property ownership in Canada has different tax implications than in the US.
8. Hiring a cross-border accountant can save time and money.
9. It's important to consult with professionals when moving across borders.
10. Building a community of support is essential for expatriates.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Cross-Border Financial Planning

04:26 Navigating Currency and Exchange Rates

09:24 Understanding Credit History and Financial Systems

13:52 Common Mistakes in Cross-Border Financial Planning

22:51 Retirement Accounts and Property Ownership

27:22 The Importance of Hiring a Cross-Border Accountant

Mentioned in this episode:

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www.passporttowealth.com

In this episode of Passport To Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, EA, CFP, is joined by Alex McGowin, CPA, an international tax expert with deep experience advising US expats and Americans investing abroad. Together, they break down the most common tax traps US citizens face when purchasing property in countries like Costa Rica, Panama, and across Latin America.

Alex explains why foreign LLCs rarely work the way Americans expect, how missed elections can turn capital gains into ordinary income, and why many expats unknowingly create controlled foreign corporations that lead to compliance headaches and unnecessary taxes. They also discuss rental properties, Airbnb income, personal use rules, and what happens when investors wait too long to get proper advice.

If you are considering buying property abroad or already own foreign real estate, this episode will help you understand the hidden risks, planning opportunities, and why getting advice on the front end can protect your long term wealth.

1. Specialization in international tax is crucial for providing value.
2. Many clients are unaware of the complexities of foreign tax laws.
3. Building a network of trusted professionals is essential.
4. Real estate investments in Latin America come with unique challenges.
5. Understanding local laws is key to successful property ownership.
6. Tax compliance is a continuous process, not just a yearly task.
7. Engaging with clients early can prevent costly mistakes.
8. The US tax system often conflicts with foreign tax systems.
9. Proper structuring of foreign investments can save taxes.
10. Visiting potential investment locations is important before purchasing.

Mentioned in this episode:

www.passporttowealth.com

Passport to Wealth is a proud member of the SwissCast Network

Discover more podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland

SwissCast Network