ReThink ExPats

When Politics Travels With You

Living abroad does not remove you from the reach of U.S. financial rules. In this episode, Robert and Janice break down how tax reporting requirements, banking policy changes, and estate planning shifts can still affect Americans overseas. Through simple stories and practical guidance, they explain why U.S. legislation and regulatory changes can ripple into everyday life abroad. This is not political commentary. It is a clear, educational look at how to stay aware, avoid surprises, and protect y

• Chapters

U.S. Expat Banking

Banking Without Borders Banking abroad sounds simple until your account gets restricted, a wire transfer stalls, or your brokerage suddenly limits what you can do because you live overseas. In this episode, Robert and Janice break down the real banking issues Americans abroad face, including foreign address problems, stuck transfers, account closures, and brokerage restrictions. You will hear three real-world stories plus practical steps to help you build a calmer, more reliable banking setup ac

• Chapters

The 401(k) You Forgot About

A “forgotten 401(k)” is not lost - it is neglected. And for Americans living abroad (plus non-Americans who worked in the U.S. and moved home), neglect can mean hidden fees, outdated beneficiaries, poor risk alignment as you near retirement, and major friction when you finally try to access the account overseas. In this episode, Robert and Janice break down what these orphan 401(k)s are, the real risks of doing nothing, and why consolidation into a clearer structure is often explored with a qual

• Chapters

American Expats - Abroad, not off the radar

FATCA, FBAR, and the reality of being “on the grid” A lot of Americans abroad assume that once they leave the U.S., they’re off the radar. They’re not. In this episode, Janice and Robert break down the reality of staying “on the grid” as a U.S. citizen overseas, including two of the most important reporting rules expats need to understand: FATCA and FBAR. Robert shares what it felt like to discover these rules firsthand after living and working abroad, including the surprises around tax deadline

Welcome to ReThink ExPats

Moving abroad isn’t a postcard. It’s paperwork, money moves, competing rules, and real trade-offs. In this welcome episode, Janice Diaz and Robert Rigby Hall lay out the show’s mission and the core realities Americans overseas should understand: Abandoned 401(k)s, Roth IRA treatment abroad, PFIC pitfalls, FATCA-driven bank friction, FBAR penalties, currency swings, and why U.S. politics still hits your wallet from thousands of miles away. They also explain how to vet a cross-border advisor (look