Behind The Advice Australia

Runway Wealth Management

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, a Financial Adviser at Runway Wealth Management—one of the leading firms specializing 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.

Episodes

  1. JAN 30

    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/   To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist, check out our website here: https://www.runwaywealth.com/   General Advice Disclaimer: The information contained herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances, and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

    35 min
  2. JAN 19

    The Runway Report Newsletter - January 2026 Edition | Market and Economic Insights for Australian Expats

    Welcome to the January edition of The Runway Report Newsletter, our monthly market and economic update prepared specifically for Australian expats. Each month, we provide informed commentary on the latest developments in financial markets, economic trends, and policy changes that may impact Australians living and investing abroad.  Here’s a summary of the topics featured in this month’s edition: A note from the Director: Setting meaningful goals for 2026. Expat Insight: Financial Opportunities for Australian Expats in 2026.Market Movements: After declining 3% in November, Australian shares staged a recovery in December, rising 1.2%.Economic Update: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left interest rates unchanged at 3.6% at its December meeting, in line with expectations.The Runway Report Newsletter is designed to keep Australian expats informed about the latest financial developments and support sound decision-making in a global context. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and professional insights tailored to the needs of Australian expatriates. To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist you on your Expat journey, be sure to check out our website here: https://www.runwaywealth.com/ General Advice Disclaimer: The information contained herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances, and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

    13 min
  3. 12/12/2025

    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. To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist you on your Expat journey, be sure to check out our website here: https://www.runwaywealth.com/  General Advice Disclaimer: The information contained herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances, and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

    55 min
  4. 12/11/2025

    The Runway Report Newsletter – December 2025 Edition | Market and Economic Insights for Australian Expats

    Welcome to the December edition of The Runway Report Newsletter, our monthly market and economic update prepared specifically for Australian expats. Each month, we provide informed commentary on the latest developments in financial markets, economic trends, and policy changes that may impact Australians living and investing abroad.    In this month’s edition, we discuss:    📊 A Note from the Director – The latest episode of Behind the Advice is now live, where we recap the major market events of 2025 and discuss what investors may expect as we head into 2026.   🌏 Expat Insight – Australia’s Banking regulator, APRA, introduces new lending rules starting 1 February 2026. We explain how this may affect Australian Expats.   💹 Market Movements – It has been an exceptionally strong year for share markets through calendar year 2025 to date. We take a look at the leaders.   🏦 Economic Update – In November, the US government shutdown finally came to an end after lawmakers in Washington reached a deal to reopen federal operations.   The Runway Report Newsletter is designed to keep Australian expats informed about the latest financial developments and support sound decision-making in a global context.    🔔 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and professional insights tailored to the needs of Australian expatriates.    To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist you on your Expat journey, be sure to check out our website here: https://www.runwaywealth.com/   General Advice Disclaimer: The information contained herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances, and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

    15 min
  5. 11/14/2025

    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.   To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist you on your Expat journey, be sure to check out our website here:  https://www.runwaywealth.com/   If you’re planning a move to Canada or are already settled there, be sure to connect with Jonathan at Phillip & Company LLP for your cross-border tax needs: Email: jmbell@phillipca.com Website: https://www.phillipca.com/ General Advice Disclaimer  The information contained herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances, and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

    49 min
  6. 11/10/2025

    The Runway Report Newsletter - November 2025 Edition | Market & Economic Insights for Australian Expats

    Welcome to the November edition of The Runway Report Newsletter, our monthly market and economic update prepared specifically for Australian Expats. Each month, we provide informed commentary on the latest developments in financial markets, economic trends, and policy changes that may impact Australians living and investing abroad. In this month’s edition, we discuss: 📊 A Note from the Director – Maintaining a steady, disciplined approach through evolving market conditions remains the most effective strategy for achieving long-term financial objectives. 🌏 Expat Insight – The Australian Government has announced proposed changes to the taxation of superannuation balances exceeding certain thresholds. We outline the implications of these adjustments for Australian expats and high-net-worth investors. 💹 Market Movements – Australian equities reached record highs in October before closing the month with a modest 0.4% gain in the S&P/ASX 200. In contrast, Japan’s Nikkei 225 delivered a strong performance, rising 16.6% over the same period. 🏦 Economic Update – Stronger-than-expected inflation data prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia to maintain the cash rate at 3.6% in November, reducing the likelihood of a rate cut in December. The Runway Report Newsletter is designed to keep Australian Expats informed about the latest financial developments and support sound decision-making in a global context. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and professional insights tailored to the needs of Australian expatriates. To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist you on your Expat journey, be sure to check out our website here: https://www.runwaywealth.com/

    16 min
  7. 10/08/2025

    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 againTiming strategies around your return date How overseas assets, including shares and property are treated upon returnThe concept of "deemed acquisition" and resetting your cost baseTax treatment of foreign pensions like 401(k)s, CPFs, and MPFsHow to re-engage with superannuation once you're backPractical timelines and planning tips to make your return smoother and more tax-efficientThis 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.  To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist you on your Expat journey, be sure to check out our website here: www.runwaywealth.com.

    37 min
  8. 04/29/2025

    Protecting your Assets through Estate Planning as an Australian Expat

    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. Jacob Chester shares his journey into practising Wills and Estates law as an Australian solicitor, what drew him to this field, and why he considers estate planning to be one of the most important conversations you can have. 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. Whether you're living overseas now or planning an international move, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you protect your assets, minimise tax, and secure your legacy - wherever life takes you. The key topics this episode covers: 1. What is the difference between a Will, POA and AHD? 2. Do you need a Will in more than one country? 3. How does superannuation fit into your estate plan? 4. How do financial planning and estate planning go hand-in-hand when it comes to securing your financial future? 5. What is CGT event K3? Tune in to make sure your estate planning affairs are in order.

    49 min

About

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, a Financial Adviser at Runway Wealth Management—one of the leading firms specializing 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.