Financial decision-making in international families

Who are you going to call?

When two lives come together, so do two financial histories. For many internationals living in Leiden, family life involves more than merging furniture and traditions. It often means combining income, assets, and obligations across different countries — each with its own rules, taxes, and paperwork.

Blended families or couples with international ties face financial decisions that are rarely straightforward. One partner might own property abroad, while the other has pension rights in another country. There may be children from previous relationships, or parents financially dependent elsewhere. Even seemingly simple choices — such as where to hold savings, how to structure joint ownership of a home, or how to make a will — can have unexpected consequences when multiple tax systems or legal frameworks are involved.

For example, how do you decide which country’s inheritance law applies if you both have assets in different jurisdictions? How do you avoid double taxation on investment income or pension payments? And what if your long-term plans involve returning “home” or moving again for work — how will that affect your family’s financial structure?

These are not just questions for the very wealthy. They affect anyone who lives internationally, builds a family across borders, or wants to make sure their loved ones are financially secure.

The challenge is that no single professional — not even a tax adviser or notary — typically oversees all aspects of your financial life. Cross-border families often need an adviser who can coordinate between jurisdictions, understand the interaction between local tax rules and foreign assets, and guide the process toward a coherent long-term plan.

At Your Financials, we often meet families who have made well-intentioned but inconsistent decisions: savings in one country, pensions in another, and no clear overview of how it all fits together. The good news is that these situations can be aligned — with proper planning and professional coordination.

So, when your family story spans borders and your finances do too, pause before deciding in isolation. Ask yourself: who are you going to call? A trusted financial planner with international experience can help you bring structure and peace of mind to your family’s financial future.