(and other lessons from the chicken coop)
I know I’ve said this before, but the Scouts had it right when they coined their mantra; “Be prepared.”
It is a brilliant motto for life in general. But when you live an international life, balancing your family, your career, and your finances across different countries, it becomes an absolute necessity.
I saw this great meme, it was a joke about a chicken going for a very important job interview… at KFC! It is a bit of dark humour, I admit, but it highlights a very real truth. Life has a habit of throwing unexpected curveballs our way, and hoping for the best is simply not a reliable strategy.
Being prepared means getting the unglamorous, foundational work done so that you can relax and actually enjoy the life you are building.
If you want to avoid the “axe”, here are the three areas where preparation matters most.
Protecting the coop
We have talked about life insurance before. It is not an exciting investment to track on an app, nor is it a fun topic to discuss over a coffee and a croissant. It is the sturdy fence that keeps the foxes out.
If the worst happens, the very last thing your family needs is a financial crisis on top of an emotional one. Having the right term policy in place means they are protected, no matter what. It is the ultimate act of preparation.
Wills and power of attorney across borders
This is the task that almost everyone puts off. Nobody likes thinking about their own mortality or losing their capacity to make decisions.
But if you’re an expat, a standard will from your home country might not hold up in your new country of residence. A cross-border will ensures your assets go exactly where you want them to go without getting tied up in foreign courts.
Meanwhile, a power of attorney means that if you are ever unable to manage your own affairs, someone you trust can step in immediately. It is about maintaining control during chaotic times.
Planning for the long term
Retirement should be the reward for decades of hard work. Whether that means settling down in the South of France, moving back to the UK, or splitting your time between continents, it takes careful planning to get there.
You need to know what pensions you have, where they are sitting, and how you are going to draw an income efficiently without getting caught out by unexpected tax bills or currency swings. You cannot just wing it and hope the numbers add up on the day you decide to stop working.
The peace of mind premium
Whether you are going for a big interview, moving to a new country, or just trying to get your financial ducks (or chickens) in a row, preparation is everything.
Once the heavy lifting is done, you can stop worrying about what might go wrong and start focusing on what is going right.
If you feel like your foundations could use a little bit of work, let’s talk. Feel free to reach out whenever you are ready.
