254 Comments
User's avatar
The Thinking Barn's avatar

wow, so helpful!!

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Hey, I’m glad :) You can also check this video for further info: https://retiredabroad.co/neutral-zone-account

The Thinking Barn's avatar

Sweet, thnk you!

Star Massing's avatar

ACCOUNT

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Hey, check out this video for more info, and if you want to open up your own account, feel free to book a call with me (booking link is below the video): https://retiredabroad.co/neutral-zone-account

DCWASHING's avatar

Account

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Sent via mail, and you can also check this video for further info: https://retiredabroad.co/neutral-zone-account

sally's avatar

ACCOUNT. Very helpful, thank you.

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Hey Sally, check out this video for more info, and if you want to open up your own account, feel free to book a call with me (booking link is below the video): https://retiredabroad.co/neutral-zone-account

Jennifer Chamberlin's avatar

Account

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Hey Jennifer, check out this video for more info, and if you want to open up your own account, feel free to book a call with me (booking link is below the video): https://retiredabroad.co/neutral-zone-account

Randyzpdx's avatar

Not specifically a question about expat banking, but a large share of my retirement saving is in an uninsured tax-defferred 457 account with a govt-contactor/financial services company, not an actual bank. My portfolio, such as it is, is mostly invested in a relatively low-risk low-yield manner. I'm trying to figure out a way to better protect my money w/o incurring a huge tax liability and secondarily increase my earnings. Any suggestions would help.

Benjamin Hies's avatar

I DM’d you!

Steve's avatar

I have been running on similar lines but had not thought of the Neutral Account to hold the pot. Where do you suggest?

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Hey Steve, you can find more info here: https://retiredabroad.co/neutral-zone-account And you are interested to open such an account, feel free to reach out!

Stprdr's avatar

ACCOUNT

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Hey Steve, check out this video for more info, and if you want to open up your own account, feel free to book a call with me (booking link is below the video): https://retiredabroad.co/neutral-zone-account

Amador's avatar

Very interesting perspective. Im curious what do you think having Revolut for US SS and use it as bank account in Italy let’s say.

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Revolut is good for converting currency, same as Wise. I don't see any issue with using it alongside a local account. I would however not use it to store wealth, only "spending money".

Peter Markus's avatar

Crap. Self custody Bitcoin.

Benjamin Hies's avatar

I also hold BTC in self custody, yes. But it's not the solution for everything.

JANE MCGINN's avatar

I’m confused. When my Swiss daughter-in-law was getting her fiancé visa, and in the process of the green card and in the process of getting married to mine to us a US citizen she had to immediately close her Swiss bank accounts. So I’m confused.

Benjamin Hies's avatar

That's really common. Her Swiss bank didn't want to deal with FATCA reporting once she became a US person, so they tell her to close the accounts. That's the bank's decision, not the law, and every bank can do it. Americans can legally hold foreign bank accounts, but you have to find banks that are willing to do so.

Kate Herford's avatar

Very interesting, thanks for the share. I’m in Australia and the overreach by banks is crazy. Every withdrawal over the counter is questioned if it’s more than $1,000. You know the curious bank teller being friendly but asking because they are required to report it in case it’s a scam or being used for illegal activities 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

What are your thoughts on banks on the blockchain, like Wefi bank?

I’ve made a small investment and just haven’t had the energy to learn more. It’s something I’ll do over the coming months.

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Very welcome! I would stay far away from any bank that questions withdrawals, and even further away from Wefi. They aren't even a bank, they are involved in scammy MLM schemes, and their ROI promise (last time I checked something around 18%) is another red flag. Feel free to DM me, for other options.

James North's avatar

I'm retired with money sitting on TSP. Take it out without a rollover and pay 20% tax at the time of withdrawal. But I don't know if TSP is still safe. Any thoughts?

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Good question. There are paths out of TSP, both with and without a tax event. It depends on your numbers and timeline. You can e-mail me here: ben@clubcitizen.co and I'll send you more info.

Susan's avatar

It’s getting more complicated every year In the UK pensioners pay tax on their pensions and savings

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Sadly true! The overreach is getting more and more.

An Observer (Teresa L)'s avatar

Wow, I think your article came to my attention in the nick of time! Will dive more into all this soon! Thank you!

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Hey Teresa, I'm glad! :) For any questions, feel free to send me a DM or mail to ben@clubcitizen.co

Reading the Tape's avatar

Thanks for this great information. It did not occur to me to consider this four account approach. Now I realize there’s so much more I need to learn. It seems like this is a good idea even if you are not leaving the United States, but are just someone who needs to protect your money. As you said in the video, no single point of failure.

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Thanks, appreciate it! Yes, there are many things that can be done. Unfortunately, not many ppl know about it. Priority number one should always be a calm nervous system, and having money secured surely helps with that.

Rod Burke's avatar

I’m in the process of moving 3/4 time to France. I opened an account online at Revolut. It’s located in England, but I have a French RIB (in €’s) for my utilities and an ATM card for local purchases. I’m able to add (deposit) funds w my US credit card. The exchange rate seems fine and there are no exchange fees) I don’t know that deposits are insured, but I keep the balance under $10k. So far so good.

Benjamin Hies's avatar

Nice! Just make sure to treat Revolut as what it is (a fintech) and not as a proper bank, which you seem to be doing with the low balance. And for investing as an EU resident, you can check this out: https://digital-citizen.kit.com/money-guide

Nico's avatar
Jun 14Edited

account please, informative video, thanks

Benjamin Hies's avatar

https://retiredabroad.co/neutral-zone-account here the video! DM me for more information

JB's avatar

What if there's a currency devaluation and greenbacks are no longer accepted?

Benjamin Hies's avatar

I would always hedge by holding different currencies.