Behind the Advice
The go-to Podcast for Aussie Expats
The go-to podcast for Australians living abroad who want to take control of their finances and make the most of their Expat experience. Hosted by Mitchell Kelsey, the Director and Financial Adviser at Runway Wealth Management - one of the leading firms specialising in financial advice for Aussie Expats - this podcast dives into expert insights, strategies, and real-life stories.
Each episode features conversations with professionals from various industries, along with Mitchell's own firsthand advice, helping you navigate the financial challenges and opportunities of life overseas.
Navigating the US Visa System: Immigration Pathways & Financial Planning for Australian Expats in the US
For Australians living in the United States or considering a move, understanding the US visa system is about far more than immigration paperwork. Visa choices can have lasting consequences for your career flexibility, financial planning, and tax obligations, often in ways Expats don’t anticipate until it’s too late. In this episode of the Behind the Advice podcast, host Mitchell Kelsey speaks with Tara Gray, New York-based immigration attorney and Founder of The Law Office of Tara Gray PLLC, about the complexities of the US visa system for Australians. Tara specialises in helping Australians navigate US temporary visas, green cards, and citizenship, and brings an informed perspective to one of the most complex immigration systems in the world. Together, Mitchell and Tara explore the most common visas Australians use, such as the E3 visa, when it makes sense to think about obtaining green cards or citizenship, and how immigration decisions intersect with financial issues like PFICs, superannuation, and US exit taxes. Key topics include: -Why the US visa system feels particularly complex compared to other countries; -Key changes and trends in the visa landscape that Australian Expats should be aware of; -Which visas offer the most flexibility from a lifestyle and career perspective; -When Australians typically start considering green cards or US citizenship; -How US tax residency impacts Australian investments under PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Company) rules; -The complex US tax treatment of Australian superannuation; -An overview of the US “exit tax” regime under the HEART Act of 2008 and what it means to be classified as a covered expatriate; Visa choices can shape your tax status, investment strategy, and even your ability to exit the US cleanly in the future. This episode highlights why early, coordinated immigration and financial advice is essential for Australians heading to or already living in the US. To learn more about Tara Gray and her work supporting Australians in the US, visit: https://taragraylaw.com/
2025 Share Market Review & What to Expect in 2026
In this episode, we dive deep into the biggest market moments of 2025 and unpack what investors should be watching as we move into 2026. It was a year marked by shifting economic conditions, standout sector performances, and a rapidly changing global landscape. Hosted by Mitchell Kelsey, this episode welcomes back returning guest Adam Bolton, Director and Financial Adviser at Bolton Financial Services. Together, Mitchell and Adam delve into the dynamics of emerging markets, sector performances, commodities, inflation, and economic updates, while also looking ahead to 2026 and discussing investment strategies and the importance of diversification. Key discussion points from this episode include: - The US market significantly influenced global market sentiment despite concerns about valuations. - Emerging markets showed strong performance amidst geopolitical risks. - Technology sector, particularly the Magnificent Seven, dominated market performance. - Commodities, especially gold and silver, saw significant price increases due to demand and economic uncertainty. - Inflation trends in Australia and the US raise concerns about future interest rate policies. - Investors should prepare for potential headwinds in 2026, including national debt and inflation. - Diversification across asset classes is crucial for long-term investment success. - Recency bias can lead to poor investment decisions. Historical performance does not guarantee future results. - Long-term investing remains the best strategy for navigating market volatility. This episode offers a clear recap of 2025’s defining market trends and an outlook for 2026, giving listeners a practical framework to navigate the year ahead.
Optimising Your Tax & Finances as an Australian Expat in Canada
In this episode of Behind the Advice Australia, we unpack managing your tax and finances as an Australian Expat in Canada. Whether you're planning a move to Canada, already settled there, or preparing to return home to Australia, this episode aims to help you navigate the complexities of cross-border finances with confidence. We’re joined by Jonathan Bell, a CPA and Chartered Accountant at Phillip & Company LLP in Ontario, who specialises in supporting individuals and businesses through the complexities of cross-border tax. With a substantial cohort of Australian clients, Jonathan offers practical insights drawn directly from real expat experiences. In this episode, we break down: - Key differences between the Canadian and Australian tax systems, including federal vs. provincial taxes and mismatched tax year timelines. - How tax residency is determined with a chat on qualifying as a Canadian tax resident and the Australia-Canada tax treaty. - Managing Australian-based assets from Canada, including taxation of rental income, shares, ETFs, and the complexities of selling property while abroad. - How Canada treats Australian superannuation, including how withdrawals are taxed in Canada. - Cross-border tax and financial planning strategies with a dive into RRSPs and TFSAs, contribution rules, tax treatment, and how they fit into an expat’s broader financial plan. - Returning home to Australia with a discussion on what you need to know about deemed dispositions, the 60-month rule, and avoiding unexpected exit taxes. If you're an Australian expat in Canada, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed financial decisions at every stage of your journey.
Repatriating to Australia: What Every Australian Expat Needs to Know
In this episode of Behind the Advice Australia, we tackle one of the biggest financial challenges facing Australian expats - repatriation. Returning home isn't just about booking flights and packing your belongings. Determining residency rules, understanding capital gains tax, managing foreign pensions and assets are a critical part of an Expat’s repatriation that can have serious tax implications if not properly planned. Our guest on this episode is Tara Buchanan, an experienced Tax Accountant and Managing Director at Worldwide Advisory, who specialises in working with Australian Expats. Tara brings deep insight into the common mistakes expats make when returning to Australia and the proactive steps that you can take for a smoother transition home. In this episode, we cover: - When and how the ATO considers you a tax resident again - Timing strategies around your return date - How overseas assets, including shares and property are treated upon return - The concept of "deemed acquisition" and resetting your cost base - Tax treatment of foreign pensions like 401(k)s, CPFs, and MPFs - How to re-engage with superannuation once you're back - Practical timelines and planning tips to make your return smoother and more tax-efficient This episode is packed with must-know tips. It’s never too soon to start thinking strategically about how a return to Australia can impact your financial position.
Exploring the Australian Lending Landscape for Australian Expats
Buying property in Australia while living abroad can feel like navigating a maze, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Mitchell Kelsey is joined by Joe Perrone, Partner at Ortus Financial and an experienced finance broker, to demystify the lending process for Australian expats. We explore how lending policies differ for expats, what challenges you’re likely to face, and what banks look at when assessing your overseas income and situation. Joe breaks down key topics such as: - Which lenders are expat-friendly (and which aren’t) - Why the lending process is different, and often longer, for expats - Whether you’ll pay higher interest rates or have access to features like offset accounts - What foreign income discounting means for your borrowing capacity - Why starting with a clear view of your borrowing power is essential We also touch on broader market insights, including where interest rates and property prices might be heading over the next 12 months, and Joe shares his #1 piece of advice for expats looking to buy in Australia. If you're an Aussie living overseas and thinking about buying back home, this episode is a must-listen.
Protecting your Assets through Estate Planning as an Australian Expat
In this episode of Behind the Advice, our host Mitchell Kelsey sits down with Jacob Chester, Senior Associate at Crest Lawyers, where they dive into the often-overlooked world of estate planning for Australian Expats. Navigating multiple legal systems, conflicting tax jurisdictions, and international assets can make planning your estate more complex but also more essential. In this episode, we cover everything from the basics of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advanced Health Directives to the more complex strategies involving testamentary trusts and dealing with non-estate assets such as superannuation. You'll learn the importance of the different legal systems and how they interact, what documents are essential in both Australia and abroad, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Navigating your Australian Taxes as an Aussie Expat
Mitchell Kelsey is joined by Tax Advisor, Nathan Cosley from Costical Tax, to unpack the often confusing world of Australian taxes for expats. They dive into everything from determining your tax residency status to understanding obligations for non-residents, managing taxable income, and capital gains tax on property and shares.
Plus, they break down the common mistakes expats make and how to avoid them. Whether you're living overseas or planning a move, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you stay compliant and financially savvy.
Investing while Abroad: Shares, ETFs & Tax Hacks for
Aussie Expats
In this episode of Behind the Advice, host Mitchell Kelsey sits down with financial adviser Adam Bolton to break down the dos and don’ts of investing in shares as an Australian Expat. Whether you're living overseas or just thinking about taking the plunge, this episode is packed with insights on maximising returns, minimizing risk, and making the most of expat tax benefits. They cover: - The basics of share investing—where to start and what to watch out for - Why diversification is key to a smart investment strategy - The role of ETFs and market indices in building long-term wealth - How to handle market downturns (hint: don’t panic, there’s opportunity in the chaos) - Unique investment opportunities for Aussie expats
Cracking the Aussie Property Market: Expert Tips for Expats & First-Time Buyers
In the first episode of Behind the Advice, host Mitchell Kelsey kicks things off with buyer's agent Hugh Lilley to unpack the complexities of the Australian property market. They explore the challenges Australian expats face when purchasing property, the benefits of working with a buyer's agent, and key market trends. From tax implications to rent-vesting strategies, Hugh shares expert insights to help first-time buyers and investors make informed decisions. They also discuss auction tactics and where the market is headed, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies for expats looking to invest back home.