Do you like the direction the US is headed? Are you one of the millions of Americans who think that America is headed for disaster? If so, you are not alone; let me assure you. I speak with thousands of folks every year who feel the same way.

But that said, if folks are so visibly concerned, the lack of action is alarming, especially when we can so clearly see the danger we face. I've written before about the "why" we don't take action, but today I just want to concentrate on some simple, easy steps we can take right now to protect ourselves and our families. Some of them are almost free in fact. Sadly only a few of you will actually do something. I sincerely hope for your sake, that you are one of them.

The time to consider another passport is right now

The thought of attaining a second citizenship has become more appealing to folks all over the world. With the existence of countries that don't tax income, wealth, capital gains, and inheritance, it makes sense that many Americans, Canadians, and Europeans, are acquiring second passports. Holding two passports or residencies provides you with additional security in all aspects of your life –financial, residential, business and work, safety, and travel.

Being the head of a real estate development business in Latin America, I hear quite a few comments about the price of real estate abroad. People frequently say to me, “I can buy a condo in Florida for less than what you are selling them for” and they are right. The simple truth is that it is possible to buy a condo in Miami Beach for as little as $76 per sq.ft. One such offer I located is a condo built in 1968 located at 1601 NE 191 St. just a little over a mile from the beach.

The physiology of a human being is extraordinarily complex.  Our brains work in ways that, at times, we may not even understand ourselves.  As we learn, we constantly question what we are hearing and being taught.  If it seems accurate we accept it, or we reject it if we have any doubt.  Many times, people have doubt because they just simply cannot fathom the logic and the truth behind it.  New situations are often doubted because they have never been experienced, while old situations are also doubted because people believe in exceptions and change.

As the HIRE Act begins to phase in, US Citizens and residents are already required to fill out the new 8938 form with their tax returns.  If you are reading this newsletter, you are likely to have one of these entities and be required to fill out the forms or face severe penalties including up to 5 years in jail.  Yes, 5 years in jail for failing to file the form.

In 2010, President Obama signed into law a jobs bill referred to commonly as the HIRE Act. The law provided federal funding for a variety of job creating activities (roads, bridges, police, etc). Title V of the act, referred to as the "offset provisions", created a new section of the tax code called the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) for short.

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.

Citizenships - Why Two is Better than One
The benefits and advantages to obtaining a second citizenship

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.