Dear Readers,
Read below the fourth in a series of articles to be presented at an upcoming conference. This article is by Maurice Glazer, CEO of the Glazer Financial Network, who writes about how to buy real estate with your retirement plan.

If you are interested in more information about the Global Asset Protection Conference November 7-11, 2012, let me know and we’ll send over more details. Right now, enjoy the article by Maurice Glazer.

Michael Cobb
Editor and Publisher
www.HemispheresPublishing.com

The biggest concern of most investors today is having enough monthly income to support their lifestyle through retirement.  Far too many people are forced to liquidate their equities, and unfortunately will outlive their available money. In fact, a Wells Fargo Bank report indicates that 60% of the middle class will outlive their money.

Business passive income is the number 1 investment of the wealthiest 5% in the world. Business income is how the rich keep getting richer by living off passive income and compounding their equity investments.

You’ve been hearing for years how Central America has become an increasingly desirable location for North Americans to reside.  With its beautiful palm tree-lined beaches, tropical climate year-round, and affordability, it is no wonder that so many folks are making the move.

One of the most important reasons that people decide to protect assets abroad is to find strong jurisdictions that resist or eliminate many of the traditional threats against wealth. Yet compliance with US laws and regulations has never been more important than today. That begs the question: is it possible to do both? The simple answer is "yes".
 
 Regulatory compliance for foreign based structures and assets held abroad has increased over the past years. Just some of the forms that need to be filed include:
 
 A) The Report for holding a foreign bank account with more than $10,000 commonly referred to as the FBAR. This is an annual form required to be
 filed with the US Treasury.
 

Freedom and responsibility are two sides of the same coin. In part one of this article, we looked at the macro factors and theoretical basis that underlie the challenge business owners and entrepreneurs in the region. In part two, we will dig into the specific issues that spring forth from these basic foundations.

Real risk and the perception of risk are two distinctly different things. And understanding the distinction can make the difference between being a day late and a dollar short – and reaping rewards that can last a lifetime. Let me explain.

Many people drive cars, yet are deathly afraid of flying. This is irrational, because we all know that statistically, flying is between 60 and 200 times safer than driving depending on how you measure it.

For many reasons, Nicaragua is generally not on most people’s short list as a place to visit. Believe me, I felt the same way as you may feel thirteen years ago before my first visit. But now I’ve lived here for 10 years and watched many folks become excited about the country after seeing it.

Wow. Think of it. No more Big Brother in your face. No more over regulation, excessive taxation, and meddlesome bureaucrats getting in the way of your unbridled enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. Fantastic right? Mostly, yes, but watch out. Galt’s Gulch south of the border is a wonderful idea, but reality has a way of throwing some curve balls your way. Latin America is a left-handed pitcher with a 102 Mph fastball and a wicked curve. Forewarned is forearmed.

I spoke at a conference in Florida recently and during the Question & Answer session after my speech, one of the attendees asked me “what was the most erroneous assumption made by folks with regard to international business and investment”?

“The timing of taxation on global profits”, was my immediate response.  You see, many people operate under a false assumption that if they make money abroad, they only pay taxes when they bring their money back into the United States.  And while that may be the case in certain limited circumstances (which we will discuss below), the assumption as a starting point for global business and investment is false.

I have recently returned from a fact-finding, relationship-enhancing trip to Lima, Peru. While meeting with local business owners, government officials and entrepreneurs, I was amazed by the commercial potential existing in the country. Not only were the people of Lima welcoming and hospitable, they also quickly demonstrated their thriving entrepreneurial culture and eagerness to do business with the United States.