
A big advantage associated with being an expat is that moving abroad can bring you a substantial increase in your salary and many expat ‘perks’ – like having your children’s education and even the rental on your accommodation paid for. In fact, many expats embrace the expat lifestyle in order to try and save as much money as possible, so they can return to their home country in a far better financial position than when they left.
Unfortunately, expats can also quickly get absorbed in ‘high-living’ expat social circles where savings can quickly be depleted on lavish lifestyle habits and expensive retail opportunities. If you’ve got a wise head on your shoulders, you’ll try and maximise your expat salary with these top tips.
Make the most of your expat salary with these top money-saving tips
Live within your means
You no doubt lived within a budget on your old salary, so keep up the habit in your new country. Set a strict budget where you can still enjoy a good quality of life and save a substantial amount of money. To create a realistic budget, look at all your living expenses (without the extras of champagne and caviar) and work out a comfortable living budget.
Are you a Expat? Here are 8 expat money-saving tips you might want to consider https://t.co/Vrvr34pHfW #saffa #expattips #savemoney
— FinGlobal (@FG_Emigration) December 18, 2016
Become accountable
Yes, it can be tedious going through your expenses at the end of every month – but unless you do, you won’t know if you are exceeding your budget by spending on unnecessary items. You might even discover the budget you have set is too strict and doesn’t allow for essential items. In which case, redo your budget and monitor it accordingly.
Financial Emigration 101: probable expenses and possible income https://t.co/3AobhAW5lL #emigration #saffa #expats
— FinGlobal (@FG_Emigration) January 28, 2017
Set a savings goal
It’s very rewarding to watch your savings grow, particularly if you have a target goal you are aiming for. If you have a goal in mind, you’ll be less likely to dip into your savings for unnecessary purchases.
Are you an expat? Here are 8 tips for saving money you might want to try https://t.co/0GgnpsViak
— FinGlobal (@FG_Emigration) November 27, 2016
Get tax savvy
In most western countries and many eastern ones, expats are not exempt from paying tax on the salary they earn in their new country. In order to get a clear understanding of how much money you will be able to save each month, it’s essential you have clarity on your net income – your income after tax.
Here is why obtaining a Tax Clearance Certificate is important to South African expatriates https://t.co/dZ9r32nJUy #SARS #expats #tax
— FinGlobal (@FG_Emigration) January 21, 2017
Network and network some more
Find a circle of expats who live a similar lifestyle to your own and are equally committed to responsible saving. Speak to them about prices and how to save money. You’ll find there are many expat online portals that will have ideas on where you can find bargains and good value.
Think you’ve spotted a saffa abroad? Here are a few tips for spotting a fellow South African expat https://t.co/cxD09XVzMn #saffa #expat #SA
— FinGlobal (@FG_Emigration) November 7, 2016
Live like a local
Local residents will know the best places to shop for food. In many countries, this will be the local market where you can find fresh produce on a daily basis. They’ll also know where the best places to live are, if you are looking for reasonable rentals.
Want to immigrate to Spain? Here’s a couple of tips to help you look like a local https://t.co/MWVWb8e0o1 #Spain #relocatetospain #Tips
— FinGlobal (@FG_Emigration) October 12, 2016
Open up an offshore bank account
Offshore bank accounts enable expats to manage their investments and savings in a tax-efficient way and have many products that are aimed at people with international lifestyles. They will be able to offer you better exchange rates if you are sending money back home and investment opportunities you won’t find in your local banks.
Here are some of the advantages of having an offshore bank account: https://t.co/VUHEdtUeWN #ExpatBanking #bankaccount #financialfreedom
— FinGlobal (@FG_Emigration) April 19, 2017
If you’re thinking of immigrating or are an expat abroad and need advice concerning your finances, contact us today. We’re here to help you unlock your South African wealth and put you on the path to financial freedom in your new home.
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