EXPATRIATES LIVING ABROAD
For those Canadians and Americans moving or living abroad, careful cross-border financial planning considerations must be given to ensure tax and regulatory compliance in both your home and adopted countries.
EXPATRIATES LIVING ABROAD
For those Canadians and Americans moving or living abroad, careful cross-border financial planning considerations must be given to ensure tax and regulatory compliance in both your home and adopted countries.
Expat Financial Planning Services
Implementing a proper investment and financial plan requires thoughtful analysis that protects your estate while living abroad and offers flexibility if and when you were to return home to Canada or the United States. For Canadian and U.S. expats living abroad, finding an expat financial advisor skilled in financial planning for expatriates is crucial. Cardinal Point specializes in these areas, providing comprehensive services tailored to the unique needs of expatriates from Canada and the U.S. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of cross-border taxation, investment management, or estate planning, our team ensures that your financial strategy is compliant and aligned with your goals. Our experience as expat financial advisors enables us to assist Canadian and U.S. expats with a suite of services designed to secure and maximize your financial well-being abroad. Additionally, we offer the added benefit of a seamless transition should you decide to return to your home country.
- Advice on assets that should transfer abroad or remain in your native country
- Management of investment accounts that remain in Canada or the United States
- Advice on Canadian and U.S. retirement distribution strategies while residing abroad
- Tax planning exit strategies to prevent tax residency questions or issues
- Holistic advice on cross-border financial and estate planning
- Incorporation of U.S. gift and estate strategies within the financial plan
- Assistance with cross-border tax planning strategies, including annual foreign account disclosure filings
- Guidance on retirement benefits, such as CPP, OAS, Social Security and Medicare
- Assistance with currency conversion
- Residential and commercial real estate advice
- Financial transition planning when returning to Canada or the United States
- Assistance with the preparation of Canadian and U.S. tax returns
- Health, life, disability, long-term care, business and property insurance review
Who We Serve
Private Wealth Services for Residents of Canada
At Cardinal Point, we work with individuals and families who have made a commitment to excellence and expect it from others. Our clients come to us for a variety of reasons: the expertise of our investment management services; the integration of their tax, retirement, and estate plans; and the simplicity we bring to their complex financial lives.
Moving from Canada to the U.S.
Moving to the U.S. from Canada requires thoughtful financial planning strategies that address departure taxes, transitioning assets and investment interests across the border, managing Canadian dollar investment accounts while tax managing them based on the U.S. tax rules, as well as creating a cross-border estate plan.
Moving from the U.S. to Canada
Many people make the mistake of moving to Canada before addressing their financial affairs, resulting in missed tax-saving opportunities and potential double taxation. Our services are specifically designed to minimize tax liabilities for Americans relocating to Canada. Managing investments, taxes, and financial planning across borders is complex and requires a deep understanding of both U.S. and Canadian laws.
OUR RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Cross-Border Wealth Management Video with Jeffrey Adema, Cross-Border: Navigating Life as a Canadian or U.S. Expat
Are you a U.S. citizen planning to retire in Canada, or a Canadian moving to the U.S. for work? Cross-border transitions bring complex financial challenges that demand careful planning. In this insightful video, Jeffrey Adema, President of Wealth Management, Cross Border at Cardinal Point Wealth Management, breaks down the key elements of successful cross-border wealth [...]
Understanding British Columbia’s Property Transfer Tax and the 1084204 B.C. Ltd. Case
British Columbia's real estate market is known for its dynamic nature, attracting both domestic and international investors. To regulate this market and generate revenue, the province imposes the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) on property transactions. This article delves into the intricacies of the PTT, its implications for foreign entities/nationals, and examines a recent pivotal case: [...]
Navigating Cross-Border Retirement Benefits in 2025: US Social Security and Canadian CPP/OAS
Cross-border retirement planning has never been more relevant. In 2025, many Canadians living in the U.S. and Americans living in Canada face complex questions around Social Security, CPP, and OAS benefits. Our updated article explores how longstanding agreements like the totalization agreement (1984–2025) and the U.S.-Canada tax treaty continue to shape eligibility and taxation rules—while addressing key developments such as the 85% inclusion rate, new e-filing systems, and the growing importance of residency status. Whether you’re planning to retire soon or already drawing benefits, understanding where and how your income is taxed is crucial.