UK Budget March 2024 – a summary for GCC expats

Another Spring, another UK Budget, but what will it really mean for you?

Following every Budget or Statement, I write an article to give people who are not resident in the UK a concise overview of some of the main points, with particular reference to any changes that have relevance to those of us living outside of the UK, especially in the GCC.

The UK press will cover many points in detail but much of it will not be directly relevant to expats so this article focuses on the points that will be of most interest.

Continue reading

UK Autumn Statement November 2023 – a summary for expats

Once again Jeremey Hunt, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, has delivered an Autumn Statement, this time with a claim that there would be 110 measures “to help grow the economy”. We will be the judge of that…

This article is a brief overview of some of the main points with particular reference to any cannouncements that have relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC.

The UK press will cover many points in detail but many of the points will not be directly relevant to expats so this article focuses on the points that will directly affect us.

Continue reading

Currency transfers – how to get the best rates with full security

Most expats have a need to move money between currencies and it makes sense to find a way to do this securely, easily and where you can save money.

You can do this easily, from your desk or sofa. Importantly, this is fully secure, properly regulated and in view of recent issues with some UAE companies, I only work with a currency broker with a good track record.

The online services offered by retail banks are rarely competitive and even if they do not charge a fee they make their profit on the poor rates of exchange offered.

There is a better way.  Everyone wants to make savings so this is how you can make easy savings and get value for your hard-earned money.

Continue reading

A short story about protecting your family…

Your family is important. Your children are important. When you have dependents and loved ones, you want to make sure that they will be financially okay, no matter what happens.

Have a watch of this short clip to understand why you need to have life insurance.

Continue reading

Investments in 2023. Where are we now?

When it comes to investment we are still living in interesting times. With so many unexpected global events in recent years and those that are ongoing, investing has not been a great deal of fun of late, and I fully appreciate the frustration of clients, of all investors.

This article is designed to provide some context and comfort. So read on…

Continue reading

Golden visas & second passports – making borders a thing of the past

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a passport that allows them to travel around the world with minimum hassle and without having to apply to a visa wherever they go. If you don’t have that privilege, did you know that there are options for you?

Citizenship and residency by investment is available for many countries and I can assist you in obtaining global mobility, and ultimately a second passport, for a more secure and beneficial future.

If obtaining a second passport, that gives visa-free entry to 186 countries to you and your family, that allows you to live and work where you want, is of interest read on…

Continue reading

Family matters: some things never change

Winston Churchill is a towering figure in British political history but was also an orator and writer. What I want to focus on is a quote that is relevant to most of our lives, even now, over 100 years after he said them:

Continue reading

New Year, new financial you? 10 tips for getting on track in 2021

Many of us make New Year resolutions, but how many of those are about our finances? 2020 was a tough year for large numbers of people, and we aren’t out of the woods yet, but knowing you have taken all the right steps will give you some peace of mind.

Invariably we could all spend less and save more and a little focus rarely goes amiss.

With that in mind here’s a list of 10 steps you can take to get yourself financially fitter in 2020.

Continue reading

What has a financial adviser ever done for you?

Paraphrasing Monty Python, purely to get your attention, but it’s a valid question. I am in an industry that is frequently criticised in the UAE, often for good reason, but let me explain why using a qualified adviser (rather than a salesperson pretending to be an adviser) is a good thing and how you can benefit.

Continue reading

Life Assurance and Coronavirus – your questions answered

With the spread of COVID-19 around the world, it is no surprise that people have queries about their existing life policies and that we have seen an uplift in applications in recent weeks. People have also been asking specific questions. Is it still possible to get life cover? Will my existing policy cover COVID-19? Will my premiums increase?

In this article I want to give you answers to many of the common questions I am being asked at this time.

Continue reading