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Here you'll find our latest thoughts on how the financial landscape is changing, the tools people need to reach their peak and the latest from life at the Summit.
Expat Retirement Income: Building a 30–40 Year Financial Engine That Actually Works
Retirement income for expats is not a single stream — it’s a mosaic. And the earlier you want to retire, the more important it becomes to understand every piece of that mosaic and how they work together over a 30–40‑year horizon. Most expats underestimate both the number of income sources they’ll have and the volatility between them. They also underestimate how long retirement actually lasts. When your retirement horizon stretches across three or four decades, the structure o
Stuart Rankin
Sep 44 min read
The Retirement Time Horizon: The One Variable You Don’t Get to Negotiate
Most people think retirement planning is about choosing investments, picking tax wrappers, or finding the right pension strategy. But none of those decisions matter if you misjudge the single variable that shapes every financial choice you’ll ever make: your retirement time horizon. Your time horizon is the length of time your money needs to support you. And for expats—especially those living in Hong Kong—it’s almost always longer than they expect. Misjudge it, and even the b
Stuart Rankin
Sep 43 min read
Managing your money: the cost of inaction
Hong Kong is a city of doers. We hustle, we juggle, we multitask. But when it comes to money, many of us freeze. Like having a stone in your shoe, stressing about money can be exhausting. That background worry gnaws at you. Taking even one step, such as checking a pension statement or listing expenses, replaces unknowns with facts. And facts are far less frightening than the worries we invent at 4 a.m. The paradox is clear: inaction feels safe, but you lose real advantages
Eleanor Coleman
May 41 min read
Radio interview: Are sisters really doing it for themselves?
Behind every strong household budget in Hong Kong, there’s often a woman making the key decisions. In fact, surveys show that nearly half of Hong Kong women manage long-term family investments, and two-thirds have the final say on household finances. But here’s the paradox: while women are steering the financial future of their families, many still face barriers, from caregiving responsibilities to low confidence about retirement savings. Only a small fraction seek professi
Eleanor Coleman
Mar 271 min read
Lai See: How an act of giving can inspire positive money habits for years to come
Kung Hei Fat Choi! As we step into the Year of the Fire Horse — a zodiac combination that only comes once every 60 years, we’re reminded that Chinese New Year is about more than luck. It’s about passing on wisdom, wealth knowledge, and financial confidence to the next generation. And with billions of Hong Kong dollars changing hands in lai see every year, this is the perfect moment to talk about money traditions, taboos, and the freedom that comes from open conversations.
Eleanor Coleman
Feb 271 min read
Radio: How to embrace mediocrity this year
Recovering from hip surgery has reminded me that life rarely feels “perfect” at the start of a new year. And yet, we’re often told to chase perfection, in life, in finance, and especially on social media. on The truth? Independence is built on progress, not perfection. 🔹 Progress over perfection: In Hong Kong’s fast‑moving markets, waiting for the “perfect” moment means missed opportunities. Small, steady steps, like regular MPF contributions or consistent investing, create
Eleanor Coleman
Jan 301 min read
Podcast: Global wealth, local advice
I meet with clients daily that have come to Hong Kong from somewhere else, whether that's around Asia or further afield, and help them make key financial choices about the next steps in their life, which is a crucial part of any decent financial advice and planning service. As with most of us, making decisions can be a challenge for many of the clients I support. However, the right planning can bring clarity and make the most complex of decisions feel manageable. I sat down
Stuart Rankin
Jan 301 min read
It's beginning to cost a lot like Christmas
Christmas can sometimes feel like a never‑ending checklist, with every item carrying a hefty price tag. In my festive interview with Carolyn Wright at RTHK, we explored practical ways to navigate the season’s expenses and plan for a more cost‑effective celebration. We also talked about the mindset shift for January, why it doesn’t have to mean total deprivation, and how slow, steady, incremental changes are far more sustainable. It was a wonderful conversation about finding
Eleanor Coleman
Dec 18, 20251 min read
Hong Kong at its best: Unity it the face of challenge.
This special broadcast was reshaped in response to the tragic fire that struck Hong Kong the night before recording. Originally planned as a discussion on philanthropy and financial benefits of charity, the program shifted to focus on how Hong Kong people can come together to support survivors and victims of the fire. The episode highlights the vital role of local charities and community organizations, emphasizing that they need more than just financial donations — they are
Eleanor Coleman
Nov 28, 20251 min read
Your financial adviser will see you now: RTHK interview
Much like a doctor, a financial adviser can be a trusted partner in your financial health and future, offering guidance that is both...
Eleanor Coleman
Sep 29, 20251 min read
Back to school special: the costs of raising children in Hong Kong
I recently spoke to Carolyn Wright at RTHK about the costs associated with raising children in Hong Kong. As students head back to school, many parents are taken aback by the numerous expenses that arise. Children, while a joy, can be more costly than anticipated. From swimming or language lessons to catering for the picky eater stage, and the essential purchase of laptops or iPads, it's easy to see where all your money goes. According to Hang Seng Bank , the estimated annu
eleanorcoleman7
Aug 29, 20251 min read
Two personal anecdotes on the importance of insurance
Everyone knows insurance offers peace of mind against the unexpected, but what does that really mean? I recently discussed this with...
Eleanor Coleman
Jul 31, 20251 min read
Mid-year review: are your personal goals on track to meet expectations?
We all start the year off with great expectations. We'll spend more time with family, shift a few kilos, plan and carry out an extended...
Eleanor Coleman
Jul 8, 20251 min read
Side hustles: the financial realities of freelancing in Hong Kong
Once upon a time it was moonlighting. Then it turned to consulting. Now it's a passion project or side hustle. Or, in internet speak,...
Eleanor Coleman
May 30, 20251 min read
Navigating the financial playground: raising kids in Hong Kong
Raising children in Hong Kong presents unique financial challenges that prospective and current parents should thoroughly understand....
Eleanor Coleman
Apr 30, 20251 min read
The systemic and economic barriers facing financial empowerment
As we approach International Women's Day this weekend, I recently took the opportunity to reflect on the gender parity landscape in Hong...
Eleanor Coleman
Mar 5, 20251 min read
Love is in the air... but is it in the bank?
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I spoke to Carolyn Wright at RTHK about the role finances play in relationships, especially as...
Eleanor Coleman
Feb 6, 20251 min read
Reflect and revamp: effective strategies to improve your financial habits in 2025
Have you ever wondered how you overspent during the holidays, or if your priorities are aligned with your financial goals? With the...
Eleanor Coleman
Jan 7, 20251 min read
Navigating holiday conversations: how to talk money with family
The holiday season is a time for togetherness, but it can also bring forth challenging conversations, especially when it comes to money....
Eleanor Coleman
Dec 3, 20241 min read
Don't be spooked: retirement doesn't have to be scary
In my line of work, I regularly talk to people about their retirement plans - where and when they'd like to retire, but also how they'll...
Eleanor Coleman
Nov 1, 20241 min read
This blog is a general communication being provided for informational purpose only. It should not be relied upon as financial advice and it does not constitute a recommendation, an offer or solicitation. No responsibility can be accepted for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from based on this publication. All information presented herein is considered to be accurate at the time of production, but no warranty of accuracy is given and no liability in respect of any error or omission is accepted.
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