News & Resources
We are dedicated to sharing our knowledge and experience with our clients, both existing and prospective, to promote a wider and more accessible understanding of the value of financial services.
10 vital pieces of financial admin to do over the festive season
As the end of 2023 approaches, the festive season can offer a great opportunity to take some extended time away from work. Having a few days to yourself or with family can give you a much-needed break and for you to recharge your batteries ahead of the new year.
Are you an Accidental American and if so, what you need to do about it
Accidental American. It’s a strange term, making one wonder how you could do something innocuous and accidentally become an American. The reality is that millions of people around the world fall into this category as US-connected individuals…
Our 2023 Wrapped investment questions!
According to Eurostat, life expectancy at birth in the EU increased by 2 years for women and 2.9 years for men between 2002 and 2021. As people continue to live longer, the way your life will look after the age of 50 is likely to be very different to previous generations.
The GAS Principle and managing your investments
With everyone talking about their Spotify wrapped playlists and most-listened to artists for 2023 this week, we thought we would create the equivalent of in terms of the most discussed investment topics of 2023, as asked by our clients and expats across Europe.
Become a better investor – with the help of a 19th-century Hungarian physician
A 19th-century Viennese hospital may not seem like the most obvious place to begin when looking for practical ways to be a better investor. Yet, in the mid-1800s, the backlash to a new theory developed by a Hungarian physician working at the…
How to avoid investor biases and reactive decisions
While investment decisions should be based on facts, many investors find their decisions are sometimes influenced by emotions. Whether you’re excited about an investment opportunity, or worried about market volatility, keeping emotions in check…
Explainer: Fixed interest, what is it and how does it work?
We are following other recent articles in this series to break down financial jargon and explain a part of investing that can be counter-intuitive: fixed interest. It is often presented in a complicated manner and is considered the less exciting component…
Demystifying investment speak – what is the difference between risk and volatility?
We like to cut through the complexity of jargon that exists in the investment world and explain things so that everyone can understand. You shouldn’t have to be a finance professional to understand financial and market analysis.
What is “home bias” and how could it affect you?
Leaving the comfort of “home” can often be a step too far for investors.
Indeed, as an expat, it may be tempting to just stick with what you know and invest your wealth in familiar assets from either the country of your birth or the country you are now residing in.
How decision making can impact your finances
Decision making, and the result of decisions you make, can be minor to the point of trivial or can have profound impacts on your finances and your life. As we saw this week in international football, the decision by a referee to overturn a decision to…
5 questions expats need to ask before making investment changes
When it comes to investing, we always advocate starting with the end goal firmly in mind. Sticking with this position, it’s often best to create a tailored financial plan and position the investments for the long term without tinkering.
Two key elements expats must address when managing their money
It is important for expats and international professionals to keep a firm view of what is most important to them, what their goals and objectives are, and to understand what they are trying to achieve. This shapes our investment advice and how assets are managed.
5 steps you can take if you are an expat in Europe and have been made redundant
If you are an expat or international professional living in Europe away from your home country, the prospect of redundancy can cause far bigger complications to your life. As economic uncertainty in some sectors continues while…
Handling major life events as an expat
The chance to live and work abroad can be an enriching experience, bringing excitement and satisfaction in many ways. It also causes challenges and complexity. Black Swan Capital Europe have made a list of 5 important considerations for people…
Black Swan Capital on the expert panel at Amsterdam property event
We are very pleased to be on the expert panel for this exciting event for expats seeking to find out more about how to buy a house in the Netherlands. Buying a home can be one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, and doing it as…
Shaping the future – the big issues Central Banks are debating that can shape our future
We are zooming out this week to look at the big picture, at the issues that may shape our future, our lives, the economy and how we manage our money. The European Central Bank President, Christine Lagarde, gave an insightful speech at the…
Staying the course
I am going to address 2 core investment principles in this article. 1) Investment markets go up and down over time. We know this for a fact and see it day in and day out. Investment management theory tells us that there is an almost equal probability of…
What expats are asking in 2023
We thought it would be valuable to share some of the most frequently asked questions expats and international professionals in Europe have been asking us this year, so here they are. If you have a question reach out to us directly.
How to protect yourself from scams if you’re an expat living in the Netherlands
Relocating to the Netherlands to live and work may well have been a dream for you, giving you the opportunity to expand your horizons and develop your career. However, living and working in a foreign country often comes with different challenges and obstacles.
Tracking your expenses to reduce stress
Inflation may be falling but it is still high and for many people, the increase in cost of living can cause stress when it comes to managing your finances. In this article, we discuss how you can manage this stress by taking steps to manage your money.
