What's News?
Here you will find a series of recent articles relating our activities and advice regarding management of your personal wealth portfolio
Why I prefer conversations over fancy tech
Let’s face it—financial planning can be a dry topic. When you start throwing around words like “compound interest,” “asset allocation,” or “diversification,” most people’s eyes start to glaze over. So,
Moving abroad? Let’s talk about that knot in your tummy.
That feeling in the pit of your stomach when you’re about to make a life-changing decision – I know it well. As someone who’s moved between countries multiple times and
Heart health and your money
Having spent some wonderful years in South Africa, I’ve come to appreciate not just the rich culture and landscapes, but also the importance of health awareness, especially when it comes
Planning for caregiving
As our loved ones age, many of us will find ourselves stepping into the role of caregiver, a role that can be both rewarding and challenging. The transition into caregiving
Need a nudge?
As an international financial planner licensed in the UK, US, France, and South Africa, I’ve had the privilege of working with expats and global citizens from diverse backgrounds. This experience
Purpose, Priorities, Planning and Progress
True financial wealth isn’t just about hitting specific monetary targets. It’s about crafting a life where your resources are aligned with your values and aspirations, leading to a sense of
Back to basics
Here’s the thing about financial planning—whether you’re living in France, or juggling assets and obligations in the UK, US, or South Africa—it’s not as complicated as it sounds. I often
One size never fits all
Picture a bustling farmer’s market, with stalls brimming with colourful produce, freshly baked bread, and all sorts of artisanal goods. Each stand offers something different—whether it’s a perfectly ripened tomato
Balancing Life: What’s Enough?
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the idea of balance. I often travel overseas to visit clients, but I also try to include visits with family, friends and colleagues that I’ve
Is your financial mindset enough?
Often, when people sit down to plan their finances, they ask themselves (or their planner asks them), “How much do I need?” or, even more challenging to answer, “How much
And then there’s you, proving them wrong.
“There will be haters, there will be doubters, there will be non-believers, and then there will be you proving them wrong.” This powerful quote by Jennifer Van Allen resonates deeply
Retiring abroad
Retiring abroad is a dream for many expats, offering the promise of new adventures, cultural experiences, and a change of pace. However, planning for retirement as an expat comes with
Stuck in the middle with you
If you find yourself sandwiched between the financial responsibilities of supporting ageing parents and grown children while trying to save for your own retirement and settling in a new country,
Kindness is the most valuable currency
As I sit in my office, reflecting on the countless experiences and interactions I’ve had with clients from all walks of life, I can’t help but marvel at the power
The UK State Pension: 5 Facts Everyone Should Know
As we embark on a new tax year in the UK, it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the good old UK state pension. Now, I know what
Managing the money mind games
Picture this: you’re sitting at your desk in your recently renovated home office, staring at your computer screen with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The stock market is soaring,
Embracing the tech-driven financial landscape
It’s 4am, and while most of the city is still blissfully asleep, you’re wide awake and ready to pounce. No, you’re not a superhero about to embark on a secret
Financial planning for a life on the move
My wife and I have been fortunate to live and work in several cities! Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle is like jumping onto a thrilling rollercoaster that spans the globe.
The rise of sustainable investing
In recent years, we’ve seen a significant shift in the world of investing, with more and more people looking to align their financial goals with their personal values. This has
Balancing risk and reward in a global market
Living abroad can be an exciting adventure, but when it comes to financial planning and investing, it can also feel like working through a maze; trust me, I know! At
Financial Planners vs. Advisers
Whether you’re an expat exploring the global financial landscape or simply looking to make the most of your hard-earned money, you might be wondering about the difference between financial planners
Positive ageing
As we work with clients who are entering their later years and managing their retirement, we find that they are often tinged with the challenge of loneliness. Retirement, the loss
Retirement may not mean uninterrupted relaxation
Retirement often conjures images of leisurely days, free from the constraints of a 9-to-5 schedule. But what if the key to a truly fulfilling retirement lies in not entirely stepping
The cash that flew the coup!
Budgeting… that’s where the fun begins! When it comes to financial planning, one of the very first topics I dive into with new clients is budgeting. And it’s not always
Is it still tax-free?
In our quest for sunnier shores and new adventures, one critical financial aspect often overlooked is the tax treatment of UK pensions abroad. It’s a common assumption that the tax
Tech and your tenners
I’ve always been fascinated with technology and how is helps us with our money – right from a kid with a fistful of tenners to my current position in our
The price of coffee and inflation
In my two decades of living in various countries and working with clients worldwide, I’ve seen firsthand how inflation can influence everything from the cost of a morning coffee and
The silent struggle between financial stress and mental wellness
Financial well-being and mental health are inextricably linked, a truth that we must face with the same seriousness as we do our physical health. The challenges of mental health, particularly
Financial fads: Is an 8% withdrawal strategy sustainable?
The financial world is often abuzz with the latest advice from soi-disant gurus and experts, but it’s essential to parse fact from opinion, especially when it comes to safeguarding your
Unravelling the mind’s influence on financial decisions
Investing is a complex interplay between financial acumen and psychological influence, a concept well-articulated by Charlie Munger, the renowned investor and vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. He once said, “Understanding
Understanding the allure of today’s hot investments
As long as I’ve been doing this, there have been countless inquiries about the latest market trends and investment opportunities. A recent encounter in the U.S. perfectly encapsulates the challenges
Lessons and learning from diverse financial landscapes
Can you remember the first moment you thought about leaving your home country to live somewhere else? This question often evokes a mix of excitement and apprehension, reflecting the very
Exploring the flavours and friendships of rich financial planning
Ten years have swiftly passed since my wife and I bid farewell to the lively streets of Accra, Ghana. Our departure marked the end of an enriching two-year sojourn where
Crafting a future with smart financial planning
Financial planning is a multifaceted process that goes beyond just picking stocks and hoping for the best. It’s about strategically aligning one’s financial decisions with their life goals and finding
Latest exam certificates earned by our team
We are delighted to announce that our Managing Director has recently completed two new qualifications! As part of our commitment to providing you with the very best information and staying
MASTHEAD FAIS COMPLIANT SEAL FOR 2023
Northern Cross Wealth Management are proud to announce that we have been awarded the Masthead FAIS Compliant Seal for 2023. This is the seventh consecutive year we have been awarded the Seal, which provides
Global inflation trends and how it could affect you
The global economy is an ever-shifting landscape; understanding the trajectory of inflation is crucial for savvy financial planning. Here, we delve into five key insights about global inflation and its
Balance in life isn’t a rigid 50/50 split
Recently, I’ve been pondering the concept of balance. It’s a term we often associate with the well-worn phrase “work-life balance,” but that’s just skimming the surface of its true depth.
Understanding the UK’s new consumer duty
The UK’s financial landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of the Consumer Duty by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Set to take effect from this month (officially
Cash-flow modelling and why you want to know all about it
Plotting the future of your finances doesn’t have to be a journey into the unknown, thanks to the clarity provided by cash-flow modelling. At its core, cash-flow modelling is a
Take your finances off autopilot
Ever caught yourself driving home and suddenly realized you barely remember the journey? It’s a classic case of running on autopilot, a state we often unknowingly slip into during our
Priceless financial planning
Between the ebb and flow of daily life and the cacophony of financial jargon, tools, and evolving strategies, it’s alarmingly easy to lose sight of the path ahead. What often
Engage. Plan. Reflect. Adjust. Repeat. (Prosper!)
Every new beginning, whether setting foot in a foreign country, meeting someone new or trying out a novel hobby, comes with its unique rhythm of discovery, learning, adapting, and evolving.
The ultimate out-of-office email
At Northern Cross Wealth Management, we believe that being wealthy goes beyond accumulating vast sums of money through relentless hard work. If you’ve achieved financial success, do you still find
How’s your life balance looking?
It’s not just about bank balances; it’s about life balances. The more we understand the psychology of money, the more we are reminded that wealth isn’t just a number in
No translations required
If you’ve ever lived abroad or dealt with international finances, you know how the seemingly simple can become complicated. Add to this, the language of finance and financial planning itself
The ‘WHY’ behind your financial planning
Navigating the financial planning landscape can sometimes feel like wandering in a maze. Without a clear sense of direction, it’s easy to take a wrong turn. What if I told
Simplify Your Tax: Assurance Vie Investments
Amid the ebb and flow of our daily lives, it’s always wise to pause and examine our financial situation. Regardless of the time of year, taking stock of our fiscal
Financial Planning for a ‘good life’
What constitutes ‘The Good Life’? For me, it’s as simple as spending quality time with my wife and daughters, caring for our chickens in the backyard, or going for a
Are you restraining your financial journey?
Before diving into today’s topic, let’s unpack what we mean by ‘playing big’ or ‘playing small’ in the context of financial planning. ‘Playing big’ doesn’t imply taking reckless risks; rather,
Some Pros and Cons of Investing in Property
Investing in the South African property market has gained increasing interest from both local and international investors, drawn by the prospect of capital growth and steady rental income. The diverse
Navigating a new financial landscape
As a British expat living in South Africa, you might find yourself navigating a complex financial landscape that differs from what you were accustomed to back in the UK. Adjusting
C’est la Diversité: Embracing Diversification
When it comes to building a successful investment portfolio, one piece of advice rings true across the board: diversify. Diversification is a crucial component of comprehensive financial planning and a
UK State Pension – Knowing the numbers helps
We believe that comprehensive financial planning is about so much more than the numbers, but… sometimes knowing the numbers helps! As a British expat, it’s easy to lose sight of
Breaking Boundaries: Investing in the Global Investment Arena
At Northern Cross Wealth Management, we’ve found that global investing is an essential aspect of comprehensive financial planning that is often not given enough consideration, and expanding one’s investment focus
The Great British Pension Puzzle: Unlocking the Secrets to a Successful Retirement
A well-planned financial future is essential for achieving your long-term goals and maintaining your peace of mind. At Northern Cross Wealth Management, we pride ourselves on providing qualified independent financial
Where there’s an asset… there should be a Will
In the last few years, I have helped some clients with their Wills, estate planning and managing estates after their passing. It’s a hard time for the family, and it’s always more challenging when there isn’t an adequately structured Last Will and Testament in place.
The power of a POA (Power of Attorney)
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf. It can be a valuable tool for protecting your interests, as well as for ensuring that your wishes are carried out if you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions for yourself.
Do you know what CFP® stands for?
A CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) is a professional designation awarded to financial advisers who have completed a rigorous education and training program, passed a comprehensive certification process, and demonstrated their commitment to the highest ethical standards in the industry.
What happened to international markets in 2022?
After a difficult 2022 for investors, 2023 has begun by offering a welcome change with stocks rising and inflation rates declining. But why exactly was 2022 such a challenging year for international markets?