Adviser Corner
Expat Mortgages: Can You Get the Best Deal While Living Abroad?
Jeff Pollock, a UK-qualified mortgage adviser, offers expert advice to expats on UK mortgages, with experience advising clients both overseas and in the UK.
June 30, 2025
We often hear high earners say, “If I make enough money, everything else will take care of itself.” But this is a dangerous assumption that leads many into financial ruin. As someone who has worked with business owners, professionals, and executives making six or even seven figures, I’ve seen this happen more times than I can count. Despite a substantial income, many still find themselves living paycheck to paycheck. So, how can this be?
The more you earn, the more you tend to spend. A bigger house, a luxury car, lavish holidays, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that as long as your income grows, you’re financially secure. But ask yourself this: how long could you maintain your current lifestyle if your income disappeared tomorrow?
The Truth: Living rich doesn’t equal building wealth. It’s a trap many high earners fall into, convinced that their income will always be there to support them. The reality? Without a strategic plan, even a high salary can lead to financial disaster.
What to Do Instead: Sure, increase your income, but make sure your assets grow at an even faster pace. It’s not just about how much you earn, it’s about what you keep and how well your wealth works for you even when you’re not actively earning.
Relying on a high salary or successful business to fuel your wealth is risky. Jobs aren’t for life. Businesses fail. Markets change. If all your money comes from active income, you’re one mistake away from instability.
What to Do Instead: Diversify. Put your income into investments, property, stocks, or assets that work for you even when you’re not. Building wealth is about making your money work for you in the long term.
I’ve seen two extremes: high earners who hoard cash, letting inflation erode its value, and those who gamble on high-risk investments without a strategy. Both are dangerous. Sitting on cash means your wealth isn’t growing, and high-risk bets are no better than gambling.
What to Do Instead: Have a structured investment plan. Invest in diversified assets that build wealth steadily over time. Wealth isn’t about making a big, risky bet; it’s about consistent, strategic growth.
As your income grows, so do taxes. Without tax-efficient structures, you could be losing a significant portion of your earnings. And if you’re not protecting your assets, a lawsuit or business failure could wipe it all out.
What to Do Instead: Work with professionals who understand tax efficiency and asset protection. Protect your wealth through proper planning and structure, ensuring it continues to work for you for years to come.
It’s easy to say, “I’ll deal with this later.” But “later” rarely comes. By the time most high earners realise the importance of financial planning, it’s often too late to reap the benefits of years of lost growth.
What to Do Instead: Start today. The best time to take control was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
High earners often assume that as long as they’re earning a good salary, they’re financially secure. But without proper planning, those earnings can quickly vanish in a haze of poor spending, missed opportunities, and financial missteps.
If any of this resonates with you, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: it’s never too late to make a change. You don’t have to do it alone. Let’s have a conversation about how you can structure your wealth, avoid common financial traps, and build long-term security. No pressure, no sales pitch, just honest advice to help you secure your future.
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