Moving to Portugal—How Do We Receive our Social Security?

Moving to Portugal—How Do We Receive our Social Security?

Angela A. Says: My husband and I have plans to move to Portugal when he retires. He will be turning 71 and I will be turning 64 this year. How does he receive his Social Security once he retires? Social Security Expert Steve Garfink Says: Hi Angela, First and foremost, you indicated your husband is Read more...: Moving to Portugal—How Do We Receive our Social Security?

How do I Convert my Social Security into Local Currency Overseas?

How do I Convert my Social Security into Local Currency Overseas?

Al M. Says: If I move overseas to a country that uses a different currency but my Social Security is paid in dollars, what’s the best way to convert it? Social Security Expert Steve Garfink Says: Hi Al, The good news is that in this day and age converting your money is more efficient and Read more...: How do I Convert my Social Security into Local Currency Overseas?

How do Expats Convert Their Social Security to Euros?

How do Expats Convert Their Social Security to Euros?

Craig S. Says: How do most expats handle converting their Social Security or pension income to euro, to deposit into their European (in our case Spanish) account? Social Security Expert Steve Garfink Says: Hi Craig, The good news is that in this day and age converting your money is more efficient and less costly than Read more...: How do Expats Convert Their Social Security to Euros?

Can I Get My Social Security in Costa Rica?

Can I Get My Social Security in Costa Rica?

James R. Says: I’m receiving a retirement check from Social Security and my railroad retirement. Both are combined into one check once a month. If I moved from the U.S. to Costa Rica, would I lose my retirement check?   IL Social Security Expert Steve Garfink Says: Hi James, For anyone eligible to receive Social Read more...: Can I Get My Social Security in Costa Rica?

How to Defuse the Deferred-Tax-Account Time Bomb

How to Defuse the Deferred-Tax-Account Time Bomb

Buried deep in the 2019 year-end omnibus federal budget legislation is an obscure new rule that can saddle your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews with a surprising and excessive tax liability. The SECURE Act This bill was long promoted by the financial industry and enjoyed strong bipartisan support in Congress. The most important improvement for Read more...: How to Defuse the Deferred-Tax-Account Time Bomb

Maximize Your Social Security While Living Overseas

Maximize Your Social Security While Living Overseas

In International Living magazine we often write about how a Social Security check can provide you with a comfortable, even luxurious, lifestyle in a variety of appealing locations around the world. However, when the time comes to relocate and start your life’s next chapter, it is useful to understand how, exactly, you receive that check, Read more...: Maximize Your Social Security While Living Overseas