The decision to move to another country is a huge one, and you will find yourself making hundreds of important decisions over the next few months – everything from where you will live to what you’ll take with you. A good financial adviser should help take the stress and hassle out of arranging the financial aspects of your move, including the following areas:
Pension Transfers
You may be able to transfer your UK personal pensions to New Zealand, which has much more liberal rules as to when you can access your retirement savings. You can also gain much more say in how your funds are invested, and you will never have to buy an annuity. A good financial adviser should provide advice on whether transferring your pension is best for you, at a lower cost than most “execution only” pension transfer companies. The majority of UK pension schemes can be transferred into a New Zealand superannuation fund. You may be able to hold your pension in an account (and earn a competitive rate of interest) while you wait for a better exchange rate for the transfer.
Retirement Planning
If you are about to move to New Zealand it is important to know what happens to the pensions you’re leaving behind. You’ll also need to know how pensions and retirement savings are accrued and taxed in New Zealand. Seek advice on all aspects of retirement planning.
Insurance
The right insurance will help you to protect your family’s health and welfare and provide you with peace of mind. An impartial broker should offer different options from the New Zealand insurance market - or advise you if they receive commission from specific insurers.
Investments or Mortgages
Seek independent reliable advice when considering making any large-scale investments in New Zealand.
Taxation
Get help to tidy up your tax affairs in the UK before you leave, and seek advice on any available New Zealand tax exemptions for new immigrants. If you are leaving assets in the UK or have other offshore investments, seek help you to manage them in the most tax-efficient way.
