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.
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.
The cost of money – 3 ways you lose money when changing currencies
It seems odd to talk about the price of money. After all, money is what we use to pay for other stuff. Nevertheless, money is expensive. Moving money; changing money; storing money – costs money. The worst culprit of these has to be changing currencies.
What the European sustainable finance package could mean for expats living in Europe
If you’re living in Europe as an expat, it’s important to know how the newly published European sustainable finance package could affect your financial decisions. On 13 June 2023, the European Commission published regulations and…
How your favourite things can boost your wellbeing
We would like to share an article we read this past week in The Conversation. It has real resonance for expats living in Europe in a still inflationary environment. It also aligns to the Black Swan Capital philosophy and approach of being objectives…
Sell in May and go away
Is there any point to starting an investment in the summer?
The old investor’s adage of ‘sell in May and go away’ refers to the cyclical trend wherein many markets tend to take a dip in the summer, running up to a recovery that starts around September.
Understanding RISK when it comes to your investments
We are always told that all investments carry risk and that any asset can go down in value as well as up. We know that different people have different attitudes to risk and these will always factor into a personal portfolio, but should it?
The personalities of money management
We are passionate about financial education and avoiding financial jargon. There are core principles we value: access to good information that is clearly explained, and information that is backed up by research. What we don’t like are…
3 ways behavioural science can help with your financial planning
When planning for your financial future, it is important to do so from an informed position. While working with a financial adviser is something everyone should consider, it doesn’t necessarily insulate you completely from how you might react to financial news.
Expats with US-based assets - 3 reasons you need a check-up
A large proportion of our clients here at Black Swan Capital in Europe are US-connected and most of you in that position have some assets back in the States, in the form of 401k or other employment pensions, IRA (traditional or Roth) or investment portfolios…
What do higher interest rates mean for investors?
One of the largest shifts in the financial world over the last couple of years has been the return of inflation and with it, higher interest rates.
Inflation had been steadily falling since the early 1990s.
5 money lessons that could improve your child’s financial independence
Financial literacy, knowing how to manage your money, is not something that is intuitive, and it is often not taught formally. Providing this information to your children can help them, and you. Here are five helpful lessons that could improve your…
How working with a financial planner can help you as a British expat
Many UK adults are considering an overseas move either for career progression, for life experience, or in a bid to find a potentially better quality of life. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 90,000 British nationals emigrated…