Tag Archives: independent financial adviser

UK Budget March 2024 – a summary for GCC expats

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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.

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Want to become a US citizen? Want a US Green Card? Want to live & work in the USA?

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You could become a permanent resident, leading to citizenship in just five years. You and you family can obtain US passports and live the American dream.

Join us for an online presentation on one of the most popular investment migration programmes in the world.

Thursday 15th February. 1pm UAE time.   

Link to register: Registration – US citizenship presentation

If you read this after the live presentation, get in touch with me for a copy of the recording.

Citizen by investment is a US Government approved investment migration scheme.

While you need to invest a significant sum up front, you could receive all of it back within five years.

With one of our investment schemes, you could even receive all money back in just three and a half years.

 

The EB5 schemes are not easy to navigate but that is where we come in. Our in-house experts will guide you through the process, liaise with the appropriate government departments, and be with you every step of the way until you receive your new USA passport.

We work with the US Immigration Fund (USIF) which assisted over 5,000 investors in arranging an EB5 visa. You need to work with an approved company to obtain these valuable visas.

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New Year, new financial you? 10 tips for getting on track in 2024

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Whether or not you make formal resolutions at the start of a year, I am willing to bet that you have certain hopes when it comes to your financial situation.

You may dream of retiring at age 55. Perhaps you want to buy a holiday home or an investment property? Do you want to take a year off to travel the world? Maybe you know you need to put a few things in place to get properly organised?

You need to take action to turn these hopes into reality.

Invariably we could all do a little better 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 2024.

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UK Autumn Statement November 2023 – a summary for expats

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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.

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Invest in UK property without a big deposit? Yes, you can!

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You may think that you need to save up for ages to save up a deposit to buy a property in the UK but there is another way. There is no need to wait until you have saved 30-35% before you buy.

This is for direct ownership and makes it much easy for you to get on the property ladder.

Secure the purchase price now, but pay the deposit of 30% over a period of 15 to 30 months, before you arrange a mortgage to finance the balance.

No need to wait to get on the UK propert ladder and you can buy an investment property at today’s prices, not at an increased rate in a few years’ time.

  • Article updated 16/02/2026

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

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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 without leaving home, from your desk or sofa. Importantly, this is fully secure, properly regulated with excellent rates of exchange.  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. Other services are the same. They may look easy but you can save more, especially on larger transfers.

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. All with absolute security.

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A short story about protecting your family…

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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.

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Investments in 2023. Where are we now?

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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…

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Financial Wellness. What is it and can you improve yours?

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Wellness is a term that has become very popular in the past few years. We tend to think of it in terms of mental or physical health but it is time we looked at financial wellness.

Simply put, financial wellness is a relative measure of how well a person manages their financial life. We all want to be financially well and this article is about what it means and how you can improve your financial wellness.

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Time to update that QROPS?

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If you are looking at this wondering what on earth I am on about, a QROPS is a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme – an overseas pension arrangement into which existing UK pension plans were transferred. A strange acronym but there will be many UAE residents who have one.

If you have one you need to read this article as there may be a better, more suitable, and cheaper option for you.

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