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529 to Roth IRA: The Ultimate Rollover Guide (New IRS Rules for 2025!) – Don't Leave Free Money on the Table!

  529 to Roth IRA: The Ultimate Rollover Guide (New IRS Rules for 2025!) – Don't Leave Free Money on the Table! Alright, Future Millionaires and Master Budgeteers! Your favorite financial trainer is here, ready to drop some serious knowledge bombs that will make your wallet sing and your future self high-five you. Today, we're tackling a game-changer that's got the financial world buzzing: how to roll over those glorious 529 plan funds into a Roth IRA . Yes, you heard that right! The IRS, in a rare moment of what appears to be pure financial generosity, has cooked up some new rules for 2025 that could transform your leftover education savings into a powerful retirement war chest. Think of it like this: your college fund just got a superhero upgrade, and its new superpower is tax-free retirement growth . 🦸‍♀️💰 So, if you’ve been sweating about overfunding your kid’s 529, or if Junior decided that becoming a TikTok star was a more viable career path than a neurosurgeon (hey...
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💱 Best International Money Market Accounts for Expats and Travelers



When you're hopping time zones, sipping espresso in Rome one month and surfing in Bali the next, the last thing you want is to get dinged with foreign transaction fees or watch your savings wilt in a low-interest account.

Enter: International Money Market Accounts (MMAs) — or, more realistically, money market-style accounts and high-yield savings alternatives that play well across borders.

Let’s break down where to stash your cash as an expat or frequent traveler — so your money can live that first-class lifestyle, even if you're flying economy. 😉

✳️ Wait… Do True MMAs Even Exist Internationally?

Not always by name.

But many countries offer MMA-equivalent products:

  • High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs)

  • Foreign currency savings accounts

  • Money market mutual funds or unit trusts

  • Fixed-term deposits (like CDs)

These accounts:

  • Offer higher interest than basic savings

  • May allow international access

  • Can be held in multiple currencies

  • May have tax benefits depending on where you live

Now, onto the best in class around the globe...

🌍 Top MMA Alternatives for Expats & Travelers (2025 Edition)

🇺🇸 Charles Schwab Bank High-Yield Investor Checking (U.S.-based)

✅ Why it rocks:

  • No foreign ATM fees (they refund everything)

  • No monthly fees or minimums

  • Pairs great with Schwab brokerage (for MMA-style investing)

🧳 Best for: U.S. expats or travelers keeping a U.S. address
📌 Not a true MMA, but a killer travel-friendly checking + investment combo

🇨🇦 EQ Bank Savings Plus Account (Canada)

✅ Why it rocks:

  • 4.00–4.50% interest (as of 2025)

  • Free international transfers via Wise

  • No monthly fees or minimums

🧳 Best for: Canadian expats or snowbirds
📌 No debit card, but perfect for stashing money with growth

🇬🇧 Chase UK Saver Account (Yes, Chase is in the UK too!)

✅ Why it rocks:

  • 5.1% AER (Annual Equivalent Rate) — one of the best in the UK

  • Access via app

  • Easy for UK residents or those with a UK address

🧳 Best for: UK-based digital nomads, freelancers, and side-hustlers
📌 Doesn’t work well if you're outside the UK for long

🌐 Wise Multi-Currency Account (Global)

✅ Why it rocks:

  • Hold 50+ currencies

  • Get local bank details (UK, US, EU, AUS)

  • Super low exchange fees

🧳 Best for: Constant travelers and online workers paid in multiple currencies
📌 Not a traditional savings/MM account — but the ultimate financial travel tool

🇸🇬 OCBC 360 Account (Singapore)

✅ Why it rocks:

  • Interest up to 4.65% with salary crediting + transactions

  • Super secure, MAS-regulated

  • Access via global debit card

🧳 Best for: Expats living in Southeast Asia
📌 Income requirements apply for highest yield

🇦🇺 ING Savings Maximiser (Australia)

✅ Why it rocks:

  • Bonus interest (5.5%+) if conditions are met

  • Paired with ING Orange Everyday (fee-free checking)

  • Easy online management for expats in Oz

🧳 Best for: Working holidaymakers or retirees in Australia
📌 Must deposit and spend monthly for max benefits

💡 Pro Tips for Using International MMAs

🔁 1. Use Multi-Currency Accounts for Flexibility

Accounts like Wise and Revolut let you:

  • Avoid currency conversion fees

  • Send/receive internationally

  • Hold cash in multiple currencies

Perfect for remote workers and international contracts.

🛡️ 2. Check for Government Protection

Look for:

  • FDIC/NCUA (U.S.)

  • CDIC (Canada)

  • FSCS (UK)

  • MAS (Singapore)

These protect your funds up to a certain limit if your bank goes belly-up.

⚠️ 3. Avoid Hidden Fees Like…

  • Monthly maintenance fees

  • Currency conversion fees

  • Foreign ATM withdrawal fees

  • “Inactivity” fees (yes, some banks are petty)

🌐 4. Keep a U.S. Address If You Can

Many U.S. banks won’t open or maintain accounts if they detect foreign residency. Having a U.S. mailing address or using a trusted contact can help.

🧾 5. Stay Compliant with Tax Reporting

If you're a U.S. citizen:

  • You must report foreign accounts over $10,000 (FBAR & FATCA laws)

  • Consider talking to a tax pro or expat accountant to avoid penalties

🧭 TL;DR: Best Options by Expat Type

Expat Type Best Account
U.S. expat/traveler Charles Schwab or Wise
Digital nomad Wise or Revolut
Canadian snowbird EQ Bank
UK resident abroad Chase UK or Moneybox
Southeast Asia expat OCBC 360 or DBS Multiplier
Aussie remote worker ING Savings Maximiser

📚 Suggested Reading


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