{"id":12064,"date":"2017-06-17T09:00:26","date_gmt":"2017-06-17T13:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=12064"},"modified":"2020-09-17T08:39:48","modified_gmt":"2020-09-17T13:39:48","slug":"first-flag-planted-offshore-ira","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/blog\/first-flag-planted-offshore-ira\/","title":{"rendered":"Your first flag planted offshore should be your IRA"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first flag planted offshore is often the most important for the American expat. It signifies your intent to protect your assets and begin the process of joining the international community. To become a global citizen. To find better and more secure investments, no matter where that quest takes you. <\/span><\/p>\n

In this article I\u2019ll consider why your IRA should be your first flag offshore. Then we\u2019ll look at how to move your IRA out of the United States and under your control. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most portable investment we Americans have is our retirement account. And, after our homes, these accounts are also our largest investments. The average IRA holder at 50 years of age has $215,000 in their account. <\/span><\/p>\n

Since we can\u2019t do much to protect our homes from creditors, or diversify that investment out of the dollar and out of the <\/span>risks in the US<\/span><\/a>, this leaves our retirement accounts. IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401ks and most defined benefit plans can be moved out of the country and used to plant that first flag offshore. <\/span><\/p>\n

I think your US retirement account should be the first flag offshore because it accomplishes four basic goals: <\/span><\/p>\n

First, an offshore IRA moves free cash offshore where investment returns are typically higher and more diverse than what’s available in your Schwab account. From here you can invest as you see fit. For example, rental real estate, <\/span>physical gold<\/span><\/a>, stocks and bonds, timber such as <\/span>teak<\/span><\/a> (this has become the top investment in 2017), or use your retirement money to get <\/span>residency in Panama<\/span><\/a> or Nicaragua. <\/span><\/p>\n

Many of us are earning 2% or less in the United States. When we take these accounts offshore offshore, they often jump to 12% or more. <\/span><\/p>\n