Expat Guides and Resources
Managing U.S. retirement accounts from overseas can be confusing when different countries, tax rules and financial systems overlap. These free guides from American Expat Advisors help Americans abroad understand their options, avoid common mistakes and get ready for more informed conversations with U.S licensed advisors.
Expat Guides and Resources
Navigating U.S. financial rules while living overseas isn’t simple. That’s why we create educational guides and resources to help Americans abroad understand key cross-border topics that can affect their wealth, taxes, and long-term plans.
Each guide is designed to explain complex issues clearly – without jargon or product pitches – so you can make informed decisions before speaking with a licensed advisor.
Featured Guide
The PFIC Trap: Why Foreign Funds Can Cost Americans Abroad Thousands
Most Americans abroad are unaware that investing in non-U.S. mutual funds, ETFs, or certain foreign insurance products can trigger Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) taxation. This guide breaks down what PFICs are, how they impact U.S. tax obligations, and why it’s essential to work with an advisor familiar with U.S. cross-border rules.
What’s Inside:
How PFICs work and why they exist
The real tax consequences for Americans abroad
Why foreign advisors often get this wrong
What to ask your advisor before investing
For Americans Living Abroad
Rethink Expat Starter Kit
A simple starting point if you are thinking about moving abroad or already living overseas and want a clearer picture of how your U.S money, accounts and obligations fit together.
- Understand how U.S tax rules follow you when you move
- See where 401(k)s, IRAs and other U.S accounts fit in your expat life
- Identify which topics to address first before you make big changes
401(k) Guide
An overview of what happens to your 401(k) when you leave the U.S, including your main options and key U.S tax points to understand as an expat.
- What it means to leave a 401(k) with a former employer
- When a rollover to an IRA might be considered
- Common mistakes expats make with early withdrawals and taxes
Forgotten 401(k) Recovery Guide
Many people worked in the U.S, moved abroad and left a 401(k) behind. Some know it is there but do not know what to do next. Others are not even sure where it is. This guide explains how to track down those accounts and prepare for next steps.
- Why there are billions of dollars sitting in forgotten 401(k)s
- How to make a simple inventory of past U.S employers and plans
- Practical steps to locate missing accounts and get ready for a rollover
AEA - The PFIC Trap
A plain language explanation of how some non U.S funds and investment products can trigger heavy U.S tax treatment, and why Americans abroad need to be careful before investing locally.
- What PFICs are and why they matter for U.S taxpayers abroad
- Examples of local funds and products that can create PFIC issues
- Questions to ask before buying non U.S investments as a U.S person
Get Matched with a Licensed U.S Connected Advisor
A short quiz and checklist that helps you see whether your situation really needs a U.S connected advisor, and how to prepare so your first conversation is focused and useful.
- Understand when local advice alone can create risk for U.S connected people
- Check how complex your cross border picture really is
- Get a simple list of what to have ready before speaking with an advisor
Free 5 Day Email Course
A short email course that walks through the basics of managing U.S retirement accounts and investments from abroad in clear, simple lessons.
- Daily insights on 401(k)s, IRAs and U.S accounts when you live overseas
- How tax residency and country moves affect your planning
- Practical next steps to start organizing your U.S financial life abroad
Important Disclaimer: American Expat Advisors is an educational and marketing platform. We are not a licensed financial advisory firm. We refer individuals to independent U.S licensed financial advisors who specialize in serving Americans living abroad. We do not provide financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding your individual situation.
More Guides are Coming Soon
We’re constantly preparing new guides for Americans abroad to provide financial education which will help make smarter financial decisions.
Roth IRAs for Expats
What you need to know about contributions, conversions, and access while overseas.
Rolling Over a 401(k) from Abroad
Steps and considerations when accessing old U.S. retirement accounts.
Expat Tax Traps 101
Common mistakes Americans abroad make (and how to avoid them).