Many investors are happy to chat socially about stock market movements, how their property investments have fared and where the next carpet bagging opportunities are likely to arise. But mention retirement planning and the eyes of all but the most assiduous actuary glaze over.
Indeed, the very words "pension provision" are soporific. The ostrich approach, however, is not to be recommended. If you fail to plan ahead, you can kiss goodbye to any notions you had of lazy, hazy days and a comfortable lifestyle as you see out your twilight years.
It is imperative that you seek expert advice and assess your income requirements in retirement as early as possible. Only in this way can you combine all your relevant investments to ensure you are setting aside sufficient surplus income today to provide the capital from which to draw the required income tomorrow.
Whist it is true, there is no such thing as a true internationally recognised retirement planning vehicle, there are many options available to you, from personal pension savings plans to corporate offshore arrangements.
To find your way through these products will require the assistance of a dedicated, knowledgeable Independent Financial Advisor. Click here for my tips on creating an expat pension plan
The opportunities for expatriates who are looking to build up a retirement nest egg are many and varied, but you need to tread with care, particularly if you want to avoid excessive charges.
If, like many expatriates you are unsure of your physical location over the coming years. I would strongly advise that any long term arrangements into which you enter are kept at a level of contribution which is likely to be sustainable irrespective of where in the world you live.