Contact

News & Insights

Tips for 2019 Financial Planning

Turbo Charge Your Retirement Savings Contributions

You may be able to make the most of higher catch-up and contribution limits. It is possible to invest as much as $18,500 in a 401(k), 403(b), or 457. If you’re 50 or older you can now add an additional $6,000.

You should speak with your financial adviser or wealth manager about how you can best ensure that your actions serve your plans. For example, you can set up an automatic monthly payment into your IRA so that you meet the yearly limit of $5,500 ($6,500 if you’re 50 or older). Remember, if your spouse does not work but you do, you can contribute into an IRA in their name.

Education Planning

Is there any more meaningful way to plan for the future than to invest in the education of children or grandchildren? If you gift to a 529 Plan, or, in the case of loved ones abroad, other education savings vehicles – for example an offshore or onshore regular savings plan – you can make a real difference to the futures of those who mean the most to you.

529 plans allow for tax excludable individual gifts of up $15,000 or, in the case of gifts made by couples, up to $30,000. Your tax adviser or wealth manager can discuss all these options with you, as well as any possible state-specific tax deductions or cross-border tax issues you might encounter.

Review Your Investments

Although the ideal situation is to remain committed to your long-term strategy in pursuit of your ultimate financial and retirement goals, it is always a good idea to make a yearly review of your investment portfolio. This is especially true for those with cross-border financial interests who may face multiple taxation and asset structuring challenges. For example, if you have recently moved from the UK to the United States, you may find that certain accounts such as your UK ISA are no longer efficient or viable.

You may also decide that now is the time to think about a UK pension transfer to maximise and consolidate your investment. And with certain economic and political changes on the horizon (yes, we’re talking Brexit) diversification and a change of geographical investment could be key to making 2019 a beneficial year.

Blacktower in the United States

Blacktower can help you make sense of your financial and retirement plans for the year and decades ahead.

We take a holistic approach to your wealth management and can help you consider all the important factors, including cross-border restrictions and opportunities.

For more information about how we may be able to help you effectively manage your wealth and retirement planning in the US, contact us today.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Investment advice and investment advisory services offered and provided through Blacktower Financial Management US, LLC. This communication is for informational purposes only based on our understanding of current legislation and practices which are subject to change and are not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, tax advice, tax recommendations, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Retirement Accounts for Expats: What You Need to Know in 2025

Whether or not you intend to retire abroad, one thing is certain: how you save for retirement today has a direct impact on the lifestyle you can enjoy tomorrow. For U.S. citizens and Green Card holders living overseas, retirement accounts for expats require careful planning, not least because cross-border tax rules can quickly complicate even […]

Read More

IRAs for US Non-Residents – Dumped by your Custodian?

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) has had many consequences, including some that have been both profound and unintended.

One legacy of FATCA – although positive factors such as tightened anti-money laundering regulations should also be taken into account – is the difficulty that many Americans abroad have faced in relation to their IRA accounts, with many being closed as the saver becomes US non-resident.

As a result, an increasing number of non-residents are finding themselves in an unenviable position when it comes to their retirement and IRA planning.

Read More

Select your country

Please select your country of residence so we can provide you with the most relevant information: