Tag: International Man

Spotting New Trends: Knowing When to Go Against the Grain

Posted on by The INO.com Team

By Darren Kaiser, International Man

It is said that hindsight is 20/20. It's easy to think, "If I had just bought apartments in Paris in the 80s, or tech stocks before the bubble, or gold in 2000 or 2001, I'd be sitting on a fortune right now." The thing is, kicking yourself for lost opportunities doesn't do you much good. A better strategy is to start focusing on not missing "home run" type investments like these in the future.

So, how does one go about cashing in on fast-moving trends and identifying "the next big thing"? Many will tell you that making money like this is all about chance, that you just have to be lucky. Well, I'd be lying if I said there wasn't some luck involved, but the quote "the harder I work, the luckier I get" by Samuel Goldwyn comes to mind. Continue reading "Spotting New Trends: Knowing When to Go Against the Grain" →

Deflation or Inflation?

Posted on by The INO.com Team

John Mauldin, International Man

I am frequently asked in meetings or after a speech whether I think we will have inflation or deflation. "Yes," I readily reply, trying hard not to smirk, as the questioner tries to digest the answer. And while my answer is flippant, it's also the truth, as I do expect both outcomes. Following the obligatory chuckle from the rest of the group comes a follow-up request for a few more specifics. And they are that I expect we will first see deflation and then inflation, but the key is the timing. Continue reading "Deflation or Inflation?" →

Choosing an Overseas Bank: First Ask These Questions

Posted on by The INO.com Team

Colleen Murphy, International Man

International Man readers are a savvy bunch, well-familiar with the benefits of a foreign bank account. To recap just a few: financial diversification, access to investment opportunities in other countries, a measure of privacy, and the potential to earn a higher interest rate than your low-yield "savings" account at home. The advantages are numerous, but so are the considerations. Will my money be safe? How will I access the funds? How do I start the process?

Answers to these questions depend entirely on your personal circumstances, and anyone beginning to diversify should seek advice from a qualified professional. Before seeking (and paying) for any advice, it helps to think seriously about your needs and goals. Considering the following points will save you time and money. Continue reading "Choosing an Overseas Bank: First Ask These Questions" →

June Gloom for US Tax Filers

Posted on by The INO.com Team

Kevin Brekke, International Man

June brings privacy gloom for US tax filers. June 30 is the filing deadlinefor Treasury Form TD F 90-22.1 (the FBAR), wherein US persons get to stand financially naked by reporting their foreign held financial assets or accounts. The pat down was turned into a strip search with the introduction of the new IRS Form 8938 that greatly expanded the types of foreign assets now required to be reported to the US tax authorities.

Over the past 18 months, a series of changes to the reporting requirements for foreign assets held by US tax filers were introduced, including the release of the new form 8938 mentioned above. With each change came questions, as the instructions were not always clear and left tax filers hanging about how they should be interpreted - an unsettling situation, as the penalties for failure to file are absurdly extreme. However ...

There is some good news to report Continue reading "June Gloom for US Tax Filers" →