Amari Swift by Amari Swift

About Us│Long & Foster Real Estate

amariswift — 2013-11-17 05:48:07 UTC

We Are a Real Estate Leader Founded in 1968; Long & Foster has grown from a single real estate office in Fairfax, Virginia, to the largest privately-owned real estate company in the United States, and the fourth largest overall. The Long & Foster Companies now include:

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

Prosperity Mortgage Company

Long & Foster Insurance Agency, Inc.

Mid-States Title Insurance Agency, Inc.

We provide services in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Delaware, and North Carolina. We Are In Your Neighborhood as the most respected and top producing real estate services firm in the Mid-Atlantic region, Long & Foster has always been locally owned and managed. And with over 180 neighborhood sales offices, we are located near you.

We Cover All Your Real Estate Needs, our companies work together as your one-stop shop for all your real estate needs and related financial services. We are also proud of our association with our Prestige Partners settlement companies. Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or just looking, you will always receive the excellent customer service Long & Foster is known for.

http://figment.com/books/722373-About-Us-Long-Foster-Real-Estate

We are committed to providing our professional and knowledgeable agents with the latest training and technology. From online training to individual agent Web sites, our agents are armed with the skills and tools to better serve you.

Try visit:

Dorota Dyman & Associates Real Estate

http://www.flixya.com/blog/5605367/Long-Foster-Real-Estate

Meir Ezra's PR, Survey & Marketing

amariswift — 2015-08-29 06:01:11 UTC

What is the difference between PR, Marketing & Sales?

After asking this very simple question to thousands of people, I KNOW that if you look at this question for real you will have to admit you are not sure.

The field of PR, Marketing and Sales has so many “experts” - yet most companies seem to have that as their major problem.

PR and Marketing is so important to any business that often businesses fail just because they don’t understand these very simple fields. If they knew, if you knew, then any idea could be lifted off the ground – and it would be clear whether or not it will have success even before you start!

Nonetheless, it is clear that all too often something is not known in these fields. We remedy that.

This seminar will teach you:

* How to create a product that your clients will pay any amount of money to have.

* How to communicate your ideas effectively.

* How to create an endless pull from your clients with no effort.

* Why promotion fails.

* How much money you should spend on marketing.

* How to promote when you have no money.

* Why companies like Apple & Coke are so successful.

* How you can know in advance whether or not your marketing campaign will work.

* And countless other practical tools…

This seminar will change your concept of PR and Marketing forever. You will have a totally new viewpoint on the subject - but more importantly, you will know you can get results from marketing and you will not spend your money on useless marketing companies or marketing campaigns.

In fact, just the amount of marketing money this seminar saves you will pay for itself countless times over.

A major component of the seminar is the “Surveys” section. You will learn that most marketing problems stem from failure to CORRECTLY execute and evaluate surveys. It is not that people do not do surveys – they do - but they do not know HOW to do it correctly.

Ever filled out a survey for a place you go to often only to find, some time later, that there has been zero improvement in the area despite the many times you answered their survey? They simply don’t know how to survey – guaranteed.

If you want to succeed, you need to be able to create PR and Marketing – that is a fact.

If you want to know how to create PR and Marketing campaigns, or even get someone else to create them for you, you need to have this knowledge or you will waste time and money – and that is a fact.

Business Journal names "Healthiest Employers" winners

amariswift — 2015-11-05 07:39:28 UTC

Attendees at the Healthiest Employers 2011 awards luncheon walk around the exhibitors area before the awards.

Five Sacramento-area companies won top honors at a luncheon Friday for theie employee health and wellness efforts. Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services Inc. of Sacramento won in the micro category (10 – 50 employees).

Dr. Richards Isaacs accepts a Healtiest Employers award on behalf of Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Kaiser won in the mega category (10, 000-plus employees). The health care nonprofit, which has made healthy living a central message in its advertising years, has had a wellness program since 2002.

Richard Isaacs, MD: The Willingness to Serve

amariswift — 2015-12-08 05:23:28 UTC

In the modern world, the desire or the willingness to help others solve their problems is not complete without coming out of the confines of one’s comfortable world into the broader community of people struggling through life, in need or in pain.The Internet has helped to bring this eagerness to reach out to others to its fulfillment – especially in the field of medicine or medical practice, as it should be more properly called by those who are charged with administering health care to the ailing patient.

Medical practice is obviously a wide subject and incorporates so many different aspects of health-care and variations of methods or approaches, from traditional, alternative and even emotional in nature. The majority of people, however, depend on the general field of medical practice recognized by most societies and governments as the scientific and professional field of health-care provided by products of Schools of Medicine and are referred to as Doctors of Medicine (MD’s).

The more common term “physician” has also become synonymous with MD. To be a physician, in general, is to be qualified to provide essential health care using methods recognized by most public institutions as in keeping with accepted modern medical practices. This does not mean, of course, that ancient practices which have proven to be effective are without value in the modern medical profession. It only means that we have progressed to the level of fine-tuning the human capability to provide health care and to alleviate the sufferings of millions of sick people. And the people tasked with providing such highly-specialized skills also possess higher amounts of persistence, diligence and self-sacrifice than most people.

Dr. Richard Isaacs, MD, is a prime example of the qualified modern physician who has made good use of the worldwide web to present his credentials and his services to those who require medical care or assistance. A lot of people might either be surprised or turned off by such a direct approach to promoting one’s profession to the greater virtual community out there. That is because it might come out as somewhat demeaning to the noble profession of the physician which many consider to be more altruistic or service-oriented than most other vocations.

But that was common in the older times when medical practitioners worked silently in the bigger institutions, hospitals or hole-in-the-wall clinics they worked in. Today, doctors form so-called poly-clinics to provide a para-hospital alternative facilities for providing diagnostic and consultancy services. Most doctors, in the past, made do with putting up a sign on their home front-door as simple private general practitioners with a handful of devoted patients in their immediate neighborhood or locality.

However, today, the number of physicians and medical-help providers has multiplied and the means of providing such services have become more dynamic and diverse with the aid of technology. A doctor does not need to be with the patient to provide care, especially with common ailments. Or even in more serious cases where the doctor cannot be present and as long as there are other qualified professionals who can administer the prescription in an acceptable manner. Hence, it is not uncommon for a patient to be in a hospital for a couple of days, for instance, without having been visited by a medical specialist who may be preoccupied somewhere else although she does gets proper medical care under resident doctors. Times change and the way doctors apply their skills has also evolved with the times and the needs of the growing population.

And so, seeing a doctor such as Dr. Richard “Rich” Isaacs open up his resume on a website not only changes the field of medicine in its application but also in its accessibility to those who need its benefits. For this, we have to thank the likes of him for providing a convenient way of seeking medical help without the hassle of directly interviewing or hunting for qualified medical practitioners wherever they may be found.

Just a call away, Rich Isaacs, who holds an Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, specializes in orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Moreover, he is trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and has an interest in post-tumor facial reconstruction and facial reanimation surgery. Rich is within reach to anyone needing his field of specialization in Sacramento, California where he holds his clinic.

Panama Maritime Authority to Open New Offices in U.S. - Mossack Fonseca

amariswift — 2016-02-22 05:27:55 UTC

The administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), Jorge Barakat, announced that in 2016 the AMP (sometimes referred to as SEGUMAR) will open an office in Los Angeles to serve the U.S. West Coast, and in 2017 they will move the SEGUMAR East Coast office from New York to Miami in order to provide better and more effective access to maritime policies and services linked to and developed from the Miami area market.

Established in 1977, the Mossack Fonseca Group is a leading global company which provides comprehensive legal, trust and accounting services.

With over 500 staff members across every continent, the Mossack Fonseca Groupprovides excellent services based on more than 35 years of experience. As part of its added value, the Group offers personal advice and a world-class online experience through a virtual Client Portal which is available 24 hours a day. Our web-based Client Information Portal application allows clients to reserve companies online, verify the status of companies, and pay invoices, in addition to other transactions.

Our service and research-oriented professionals specialize in trust services, wealth management, international business structures, and commercial law, among other areas.

Our product and service portfolio is constantly updated and renewed, enabling the Group to find the appropriate solution for your business. We offer research, advice and services for the following jurisdictions: Belize, The Netherlands, Costa Rica, United Kingdom, Malta, Hong Kong, Cyprus, British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Panama, British Anguilla, Seychelles, Samoa, Nevada, and Wyoming (USA).

Our law firm has specialized attorneys experienced in all areas of law such as shipping, immigration, contracts and intellectual property, as well as commercial law in general. We also assist clients in physically relocating to Panama and supporting them with regard to all of the steps required, from handling immigration matters and buying or renting property to establishing their business in Panama.

CRIB Advisors Mentors Singapore, Women networking Singapore on how they work

amariswift — 2016-11-23 03:35:06 UTC

CRIB is in the business of creating successful women entrepreneurs. Here’s how we:

Crib Society

We are a community of women and entrepreneurs who support and inspire one another through networking forums, equipping and lifestyle events.

Crib Match

Each of us has a profile as an entrepreneur, be it as an Angel Investor, Business Manager or Creative (ABC). CRIB is your platform to find your perfect co-founder to team up for success.

Crib Incubator

CRIB EQUIP provides expert resource, advice and support throughout your entrepreneurial journey while CRIB INCUBATOR enables eligible businesses to maximize their potential for success.

CRIB Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based social enterprise which aims to empower women to become successful entrepreneurs through networking, matchmaking and business incubation. As a social impact business, we endeavor to reinvest all returns towards CRIB operations, with a portion of finances channeled towards complementary social causes that benefit women entrepreneurs.

Bowman Offshore Bank Transfers: Is it Dangerous to Transfer Your Offshore Money into the U.S.?

amariswift — 2018-04-30 04:10:06 UTC

This is a question we receive often. With the implementation and enforcement of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), the United States is increasing enforcement priority of noncompliant US account holders.

More than 100 countries and tens of thousands of foreign financial institutions have agreed to report US account holder information to the United States.

But I am not a U.S. Citizen?

This is a common misconception. The requirement for FATCA reporting is for the individual to be a US account holder – not a US citizen. In other words, whether you are a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Visa Holder who meets the substantial presence test, or a former green card holder who was considered a long-term resident – you are generally considered a US person.

As a US person, you are required to report your foreign accounts and global foreign income to the United States (the United States taxes individuals on their worldwide income). With that said, the question generally arises as to whether a person can transfer their money from an offshore account into the United States, without issue?

Transferring Your Money to the United States

The fact of the matter is, the money overseas is your money. The IRS is not seeking to penalize you for the mere fact that you are transferring your foreign money into the United States (presuming the money was received legally). Rather, the United States is penalizing you for failing to report the existence of this money to the US government while it was overseas in a foreign account.

There are many individuals who have a reporting requirement because the value of their foreign accounts/specified assets exceeds $10,000 in annual aggregate total on any given day — but do not have any taxable income. In this situation, there is a reporting requirement, but no taxation (since there was no foreign income earned). Nevertheless, they still must report the accounts properly. If the money was “earned” income and U.S. Taxes weren’t filed and/or paid to report the money, it can complicate the situation — but through voluntary disclosure a person can usually get into compliance relatively simply.

Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, you may be able to avoid penalties altogether. The following is a summary of the basic requirements of individuals who were considered “US persons” and therefore may have a foreign account reporting and/or foreign income reporting requirement:

FATCA & Reporting Foreign Income – The Basics

Golding & Golding is a flat-fee, full-service firm; we are lawyers who assist international clients in reporting their offshore accounts to the IRS. Most recently, many of our clients learned about Foreign Bank Account reporting requirements when they received a FATCA Letter from their Bank, asking them to certify their U.S. Status by submitting either a W-9 or W-8 BEN.

Who Has to Report?

We have represented numerous clients worldwide with issues similar to yours:

– Expats who relocated overseas and did not know they had to report their foreign accounts.

– U.S. Citizens who live overseas and may or may not earn significant income, but have accounts in a foreign country.

– Legal Permanent Residents of the United States who relocate back to a foreign country but are unaware that they are still required to report the foreign accounts.

– Non-Residents who meet the substantial presence test and therefore are required to report foreign bank and other accounts to the US government.

The Basics

These are the most basic rules when it comes to foreign accounts and foreign income:

Foreign Income

If you are either a US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident (aka Green Card holder or recently gave up your Green Card) or foreign resident who meets the substantial presence test, then you are required to report your worldwide income to the IRS. This means that even if you do not have any US-based income, you are still required to report your worldwide income (even if it is the type of income which is not taxed in your home country such as interest and dividend income in most Asian countries). And, if you have enough foreign income to meet the minimum threshold for having to file a US tax return, then you are required to do so even if it is based on your foreign income alone.

Foreign Accounts

If you meet the requirement for being a U.S. “Taxpayer” (even if you do not meet the threshold for having to file a US tax return), you are still required to file an annual FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts). The threshold is as follows: if at any time during the year, you have more than $10,000 in foreign accounts (whether the money is in one account or spread over numerous accounts), you are required to file an FBAR.

In addition, if you have significant amounts of money overseas, then you may also have to file additional forms such as an 8938 (FATCA Form) or 8621 (Passive Foreign Investment Company, which includes Foreign Mutual Funds along with as many other passive investments). There are many other forms you may have to file, but we determine those on a case-by-case basis.

Fines & Penalties

Unless you are criminal, chances are the IRS or Department of Justice will not be banging down your door to come drag you to jail. With that said, the fines and penalties can be very steep and depending on your particular circumstances, may include penalties upwards of 100% of the value of your foreign account. If the IRS believes you were willful (aka intentional), then they may launch a criminal investigation against you and the penalties and fines can get much worse from here, including Liens, Levies, Seizures…and worse.

Customs Holds and Passport Revocation

With the implementation of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), the United States is heavily cracking down on offshore tax evasion and unreported foreign accounts in general. The IRS and US government have the power to both revoke your passport as well as possibly hold you at the airport “customs hold” to question you on the spot (usually outside the presence of your attorney).

Getting Into Compliance

Getting into compliance should be mandatory on your “to-do” list. Even though our firm, Golding & Golding, is based in Newport Beach, we represent clients worldwide. A majority of our clients live overseas in over 40 countries. We have helped numerous clients get into compliance and are regarded as one of the top Offshore Disclosure Law Firms worldwide.

To that end, there are three main methods of compliance:

(1) Streamlined Compliance

This program is for individuals who were unaware of any requirement to file an FBAR and/or report their income on a US tax return. The penalties under the streamlined program are significantly reduced and may possibly be waived depending on whether a person qualifies under the strict definition of foreign resident for offshore disclosure purposes.

(2) OVDP

This program is mainly for individuals and businesses who were willful, aka were aware they were supposed to report their foreign accounts but intentionally hid or kept the account/income information secret.

(3) Reasonable Cause Statement

This is not a particular program; instead, it is a method for getting to compliance while attempting to avoid any penalty. There are many pros and cons to this method depending on your specific situation, which must be evaluated carefully with your attorney before making a decision.

Bowman Offshore Bank Transfers on Top Tips on Securing an Overseas Mortgage

amariswift — 2018-05-11 06:16:10 UTC

If you are thinking of purchasing a property abroad and require a mortgage, there are a number of aspects that need to be taken into account.

There are also added advantages of utilizing the services of an independent bank – rather than one connected to the developer or selling agent - as they will check the legalities and carry out a valuation of the property, although they will not carry out a full in-depth survey unless requested.

A lender will also ensure the property is good security for the mortgage that you require and to check the property has not been overpriced.

However, when applying for a mortgage abroad there are many different underwriting obstacles you may come up against, according to Simon Conn, the UK’s leading overseas property professional and financial advisor (www.simonconn.com). Below are some common issues.

Lenders tend to calculate how much an applicant can afford by only taking into account 30-35% of their total net personal income (after tax), to cover any existing liabilities plus the cost of the new monthly mortgage repayments. Liabilities include existing mortgages, bank and car loans, school fees, maintenance and alimony payments and credit card balances, which need to be cleared, even if it is a 0% interest deal.

Net income is normally calculated from employed, pension or, possibly, investment income. In most instances, rental income on the new property will not be taken into account as part of the calculation.

If an applicant has existing rentals, lenders may not take that income into account. However, if that rental income is from multiple properties and separate audited accounts are available, the net profit from that source may be taken into account. They are then likely to request a tax return to substantiate this additional income.

A lower loan-to-value or a higher deposit will not affect the maximum amount you can borrow, as, since the world economic crisis, it is primarily down to affordability, but you may benefit with enhanced lending terms – i.e. lower interest rates, reduced setting up costs etc.

If you are employed, it is ideal if you have been employed in that current job for at least 6-12 months. If it is shorter, a potential lender will need to know of any remaining probationary period, and you are likely to be asked for your latest CV showing your job experience/history.

If there is a bonus, overtime or commission to be included, it is only likely to be included if it is guaranteed, or proof of a long-term track record is available.

If you are self-employed, you will ideally have at least three years’ trading history with a minimum of two years’ profitable accounts (confirming both gross turnover and net profit for those years). There must be a full explanation for any drop in turnover/profit and, of course, any losses incurred.

Please note, if an applicant has more than 20-25% shareholding, then they are normally deemed by a potential lender to be self-employed. If the self-employed applicant is based outside of the UK, their accounts must ideally be prepared by a recognized international firm of accountants to be accepted by a potential lender.

However, if a loan or other expense is paid for by a business, then any of these costs may not affect a personal mortgage application. In this case, you must show at least 3-6 months’ history of the business account paying these expenses, but if you have any defaults, missed payments or CCJs, you are not likely to be accepted.

The maximum age a mortgage can finish differs from country to country, and this ranges from age 65 to 75. However, the majority of lenders will ask for any proof of income to be received after the normal state retirement age.

Please note, that by applying for a mortgage, it could slow down the sales process and it could be beneficial to apply for an “Agreement in Principle (AIP)” before finding a property, should the lender offer this option. With an AIP in place, it could be advantageous when negotiating with a seller.

There may also be additional bank, local taxes and legal costs applicable to the cost of raising a mortgage.

How much can I borrow?

Overseas banks generally promote repayment mortgages rather than interest only. The information below - as at January 2018 - is a general guide to what is available in some of the current most popular countries. These are available on a case-by-case basis and are subject to a client’s overall financial profile and property valuation.

Portugal

Portugal has always been a popular country with Brits looking to buy abroad, with many recognizing its good value for money, nice weather and ambience when compared to other Mediterranean countries. It is not as stiflingly hot as some places as it is mostly on the Atlantic coast rather than the Med and there is also the Golden Visa programme and other tax benefits which are available to retired people.

Mortgages are available up to 80% loan-to-value, although better lending terms are available for loans of 70% or less. The most popular areas include the Algarve and the Silver Coast north of Lisbon, but there has been more interest for Madeira and even the odd enquiry for The Azores. Interest rates are currently available from approximately 1.75%-2.00% above 12-month EURIBOR (the interest rate at which some European banks lend funds to one another, where the loans have a maturity of 12 months).

Spain

Spain continues to be popular with its great weather, Mediterranean coast and laid-back lifestyle, whilst holiday home and investment purchases seem to be increasing. Mortgages are available up to 70% loan-to-value (better lending terms are available for loans of 60% or less). Interest rates are currently available from approximately 1.50%-2.00% above 12-month EURIBOR.

France

As usual, France remains in the list of top countries. Transport links from the UK are excellent so it is easy to get to, and it offers a more relaxed lifestyle with fewer people and better weather. Mortgages are available up to 80%-85% loan-to-value (better lending terms are available for loans of 70% or less). Interest rates are currently available from approximately 1.50%-2.00% above 12-month EURIBOR.

Italy

Certain areas are still of interest – such as Umbria & Tuscany, whilst Puglia and Sardinia are becoming more popular. Mortgages are available up to 60% loan-to-value and lender underwriting can be more onerous than other European countries. Interest rates are currently available from approximately 1.50%-2.50% above 12-month EURIBOR.

The USA

Interest in the USA has waned a bit since the Brexit vote and the exchange rate between the US dollar and the pound has led to a reduction in the number of potential purchasers. Popular areas include Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, New York and other parts of the East Coast. West Coast destinations are always of interest, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle. Maximum loan-to-value rates are 70% (up to 75% in Florida) and interest rates are from approximately 4.50% fixed for 3 years, or 4.875% fixed for 5 years.

Which currency?

Agents generally recommend that an overseas mortgage and the income used to service the mortgage repayments are in the same currency, thus avoiding exchange rate issues. This income received could come from rental received from the new property.

In the past buyers have come unstuck by being misadvised to take out mortgages on, for example, Cypriot properties with a Swiss franc mortgage, but then exchange rates swung disastrously against them.

Win on exchange rates

When buying property in another currency, exchange rate fluctuations will affect the purchase price and mortgage payments. Foreign currency exchange companies are usually a better option, according to Meyrick Green, an Account Manager at currency specialist Moneycorp (www.moneycorp.com).

“A specialist can provide guidance and support so that you then understand fluctuations in the market and what they mean for you. Together with rates that are often much more favorable to those offered by high street banks, this could save you a lot of money on your deposit payment,” he said.

Some currency firms also offer the opportunity to lock in exchange rates up to 18 months in advance. “The exchange rates are always changing, and that can make the cost of your foreign mortgage payments unpredictable. We have tools that can fix regular payments in a simple, cost-effective way,” Meyrick added. This suits those who like to take control of their budget as it offers protection from currency fluctuations.

Top tips

Ask questions about where a property has been built. For example, if it has been built on an area that should have been set aside for green belt or agricultural land, then the chances are there is a risk. Make sure you take advice from an independent, English speaking lawyer - preferably not from the same area as the property.

In some cases, there can be problems with properties that have been constructed with the wrong permits, granted as a result of corruption, or with no permits at all. An independent lawyer should be able to save you the heartache of seeing your newly purchased dream home demolished.

Consider planning permission and which licenses the property needs. Not having the correct licences could have an impact on what utilities you can obtain.

Poor construction is a common problem. Always obtain an independent valuation, ideally from a professional surveyor expert in that country, even if it is a new property, as this will highlight any problems. New properties can sometimes be built in poor soil and with insufficient foundations, substandard building materials, or in dubious locations such as floodplains.

One of the most important warnings when purchasing abroad is when it comes to contracts. It is common to only receive one contract in the local language, in which case, you must get a professional translation completed. If you are given two copies of a contract which include the original and a supposed translation, get the translation checked by a professional.

If you are buying a property to rent out make sure you check what licenses are needed in the area as you may not even be allowed to rent your property out. Also, consider the cost of maintaining the property. Decide if it is worth employing a managing agent to look after it for you but do not forget to factor in their costs as it will reduce your profit.

How often do you intend to visit the property yourself to ensure it is kept up to date? If it is a long-term let, think about the wear and tear on furniture and other fixed goods.

Distance away – if the property is a long way from your main home, you may need to get there to sort out any major problems.

Who is going to vet your tenants? If they damage your property, you must have suitable cover and a deposit in place.

“Re-locating overseas permanently or just buying a holiday home abroad does not need to be a headache. Go through the proper channels and take advice from an independent lawyer and surveyor and your dream could be turned into a reality,” Simon Conn said.

Bowman Offshore Bank Transfers on Expat Guide to Offshore Banking and Money Transfers

amariswift — 2018-05-21 03:02:50 UTC

Expats do not have to be wealthy to switch their money to an offshore bank or building society.

The stigma of offshore comes from individuals trying to evade taxes by not reporting their earnings from offshore accounts.

But hundreds of thousands of people send money around the world through offshore intermediaries every day without a problem.

Although some offshore banks have a poor reputation, the service provided by the majority is important to the financial well-being of expats.

You know you are banking offshore when you have an account that is based in a country where you do not live.

Offshore branches going under

A tax crackdown led by the USA and Europe coupled with poor rates of interest paid by offshore banks has led to demand for the service shrinking.

Thousands of British expats need offshore banking but are finding money laundering regulations a problem.

The rules mean UK banks and credit card providers do not want expat customers, so are closing their accounts. The expats still need a bank, but many have closed leaving them high and dry.

A few well known British banks still have offshore branches, including Santander, NatWest, Lloyds and Barclays. Ireland’s Permanent, along with Standard Life and Kleinwort Benson also offer some expat services.

Most are based in Gibraltar, the Isle of Man or Channel Islands.

Opening offshore bank accounts

Offshore bank accounts are opened direct with the branches or through their UK high street networks.

The rules are the same as in the UK. The bank will want to identify you, confirm an address and seek a financial history to make sure you are not bankrupt or steeped in bad credit.

They will ask about:

Why you want to open an account
The source of the money paid in, particularly if the sums are £10,000 or more
Your future financial plans

Paying tax on offshore money

Too many investors and savers failed to report wealth they held offshore in a bid to minimize their tax – often by telling lies about their fortunes.

Everyone should report their holdings on an annual tax filing.

Two new international laws make hiding money and investments offshore almost impossible.

The Foreign Account tax Compliance Act (FATCA) covers more than 100 countries and thousands of overseas financial institutions.

The financial institution must pass a report of any accounts controlled by American customers to the Internal Revenue Service each year.

The rules apply to any offshore accounts worth $50,000 or more held by US residents. The bar is raised to $200,000 for US expats.

The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) works in the same way as FATCA, but rather than lots of countries reporting to the US, around 50 nations send financial information between each other. Unlike FATCA, the CRS has no reporting threshold.

The information collected by the tax authorities is cross-checked against tax filings to make sure the correct details of overseas accounts have been reported.

Deposit safeguards for expat cash

Protecting your money should a bank go to the wall is vital due to the sometimes huge sums concerned.

Onshore, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) offers protection on across all accounts held by one bank for the same consumer up to £85,000.

Offshore banks have different compensation schemes depending where they are – outside Europe safeguards are rare, while centres such as Gibraltar and the Isle of Man have developed their own.

However, the rules are different for each, so make sure money on deposit is not over-exposed.

Foreign currency accounts

Expats can open foreign currency accounts with UK offshore banks – generally in Sterling, US dollars or euros.

A good rule of thumb is to have an account denominated in your local currency to avoid losing money if exchange rates move too much.

Expats transferring money overseas

Moving money overseas with a bank can cost a fortune, but specialist money transfer firms are willing to do the job for much less.

Disruptive technology firms, such as TransferWise or the new expat app deVere e-Money Vault have made the process quicker, cheaper and easier.

Services like these can handle one-off or regular transfers direct from the bank through a smartphone.

Another difference is the exchange rate and transfer cost.

Many banks and bureau de change advertise fee-free transfers, but adjust the currency exchange rate to collect a margin on the deal. That’s why the rate on a receipt is different from the advertised rates posted by the financial media.

Logically, if the transfer was really free, the provider could not keep trading.

The key is study any written estimate carefully and look for lots of small, unexplained charges that look innocuous but bump up the cost.

Tracking down the best exchange rate

Searching for the best exchange rate is a waste of effort. Most firms claim they cannot publish them anyway as they change so quickly.

It’s better to look at the bottom of the quote or receipt for the amount of foreign currency you are getting from the transaction.

A professional money transfer firm should give information in writing covering:

The exchange rate
Any fees or other charges
A reference number
Details of how to collect the money transfer and if the operator receiving the cash makes any charge
How long the transfer will take and the final cost

It’s a good idea to ask if the operator has enough foreign currency on hand to complete the transaction right away.

Is your cash safe during a money transfer?

The UK financial compensation scheme does not cover money exchange services, but companies transferring more than £2.5 million a month into foreign currencies must be authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

They must have a client money protection scheme to separate your cash from that in the business.

The protection scheme will safeguard some money transfers.

Check if the compensation paid is restricted and if sending smaller amounts would give improved protection.

Smaller operators will say they are registered with the FCA, but this offers no formal consumer protection.

The FCA lists registered firms online

Cheapest money transfer options

Try sending regular payments overseas through an offshore account with an international branch of your bank or building society.

As a customer, the bank may preferential rates.

Sending emergency cash overseas

In an emergency, the money transfer services provided by MoneyGram and Western Union are expensive but fast.

If you can hang on for 24-hours, other services will certainly work out cheaper.

Both services have thousands of outlets in newsagents, post offices and small stores.

The cost can be eye-watering – transferring £1,000 from the UK to Sweden may be as much as £85.