#12 Finance Now #12

  Navigating FIRPTA Withholding When Selling U.S. Real Estate Selling U.S. real estate as a foreign investor? There’s a good chance you’ll encounter FIRPTA—the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act. This U.S. tax law requires buyers to withhold a portion of the sale proceeds when the seller is a non-resident foreign person. But with the right planning, you can reduce or even eliminate unnecessary withholding. This guide walks you through what FIRPTA is, how it works, and how to navigate it successfully. 📌 Table of Contents What Is FIRPTA? How the 15% Withholding Works How to Reduce or Eliminate FIRPTA Withholding How to File for a Refund (or Credit) Best Practices for Foreign Real Estate Sellers What Is FIRPTA? FIRPTA stands for the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act. It requires that when a non-U.S. person sells U.S. real estate, the buyer must withhold 15% of the gross sale price and remit it to the IRS. This is not the final t...

  Multinational Retirement Planning Using QROPS and IRAs In a globalized world, retirement planning often spans multiple countries — especially for professionals who’ve worked in both the U.S. and the UK. Managing pensions across jurisdictions brings unique tax challenges, currency risks, and transfer rules. Two powerful tools in multinational retirement strategy are QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes) and U.S.-based IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts). This guide explains how to combine these options to reduce tax liability and simplify cross-border retirement planning. 📌 Table of Contents What Is a QROPS? QROPS vs. IRAs: Key Differences Transferring a UK Pension to a QROPS Tax Considerations for Dual Residents Cross-Border Planning Tips Further Resources 🌍 What Is a QROPS? QROPS are pension schemes located outside the UK that meet HMRC requirements to receive tax-deferred pension transfers from UK pension funds. ...

  Cash Value Life Insurance as a College Funding Tool 📌 Table of Contents What Is Cash Value Life Insurance? Why Use It for College Funding? Comparison: Cash Value vs. 529 Plans Loan Strategies for Education Costs Risks and Considerations Conclusion What Is Cash Value Life Insurance? Cash value life insurance is a permanent life insurance policy that accumulates savings over time. Part of your premium goes toward life insurance, and the rest builds tax-deferred cash value that can be accessed through policy loans or withdrawals. Popular types include whole life, universal life, and indexed universal life insurance. Why Use It for College Funding? Cash value can be borrowed against to pay for college tuition, books, housing, and other expenses—without triggering taxes if managed properly. Unlike 529 plans, life insurance cash value doesn't count against FAFSA financial aid calculations. It also offers protection if the policyholder dies unexp...

  The Role of Commodity Pools in Diversified Portfolios In a world where investors are constantly seeking ways to diversify and protect their portfolios, commodity pools have emerged as a valuable alternative investment. By pooling investor funds to trade commodities like oil, gold, agricultural products, and financial futures, these vehicles provide exposure to markets that often move independently of stocks and bonds. This article explores how commodity pools work, their advantages, risks, and how they fit into a diversified investment strategy. Table of Contents What Are Commodity Pools? How Do They Work? Benefits of Including Commodity Pools Risks and Challenges How to Access Commodity Pools What Are Commodity Pools? Commodity pools are investment funds that aggregate capital from multiple investors to trade in commodity futures, options, and other derivatives. They are typically managed by Commodity Pool Operators (CPOs), who are registered with the...

  Angel Investing for Tech Startups: How to Get Started Safely Angel investing in tech startups has become an exciting way for individuals to access early-stage innovation while potentially earning outsized returns. But with high rewards come high risks—many startups fail, and angel investors can easily lose money without proper preparation. In this guide, we’ll explore how to safely enter the world of angel investing, from sourcing deals to managing risk and building a balanced portfolio. Table of Contents What Is Angel Investing? Why Invest in Tech Startups? How to Get Started as an Angel Investor Risk Management Strategies Building a Diversified Portfolio Final Thoughts What Is Angel Investing? Angel investing involves providing capital to early-stage startups in exchange for equity ownership or convertible debt. Angels often invest before venture capitalists get involved, helping startups bridge the gap between idea and product-market fit. They m...