The Expat Sage Podcast
Moving, Working, and Investing for Americans Abroad.
Pre-relocation planning advice and investment strategies for American citizens moving abroad.
Discover expert insights and comprehensive strategies for expats on investing in a dual taxation world, managing finances, and planning for retirement.
The Expat Sage Podcast
How U.S. Expats Should Use FEIE, FTC, and Roth Accounts For Tax-Free Growth
We break down how FEIE and FTC truly work for expats and show how that single choice drives IRA eligibility, Roth versus traditional value, and long-term taxes. We end by stressing the employer match tax “time bomb” and how to plan around it.
• FEIE erases income and often blocks IRA eligibility
• FTC records income and enables IRA contributions
• Roth 401k as first priority for most expats
• Low-tax countries favor FEIE and Roth 401k focus
• High-tax countries favor FTC and open Roth IRA options
• Backdoor Roth steps and the pro rata rule warning
• 2025 401k, IRA, and catch-up limits and strategy
• Employer match grows tax-deferred and is taxable later
For a thorough presentation, you can simply read the article Roth 401(k) and IRA.