Your foreign account is being closed and you wonder why?

FATCA is the answer.

When I moved to the U.S. 15 years ago, I kept my European stock and bond portfolio, as well as my checking account, at the local HypoVereinsbank (HVB). A few years ago I received a notification from HVB (at the time I was President of HVB Capital Management in New York) kindly notifying me that it was no longer possible for them to manage my portfolio and that they deeply regret having to close the accounts of all U.S. persons.

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What Does It Take to Get Pregnant?

Some may laugh at the question, but for many couples wishing to have a child this is serious business. We usually put considerable effort into preventing pregnancy so that we sometimes forget that conception is not the automatic consequence of intercourse. In fact, millions of couples in the United States attempt to become pregnant each year but fail and are considered infertile.

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How to watch German TV in the US?

One thing many Expats or Transplants miss in the US is German TV. No matter if it’s  your favorite series, Tatort or one of the many documentaries it’s just different than American programming. Plus it’s a great way to expose our kids to more German!

Thanks to the internet there are plenty of ways to get your favorite programs straight to your house or download whole series on your iPad. If you know of additional channels and programs, please let us know or just comment below. 

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Choosing the right childbirth class

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Alongside with the preparations for the baby you might be thinking about booking a childbirth class. Or not? Some dads-to-be are worried they might have to end up panting and pushing, some moms-to-be are worried they might have to moan in front of strangers. Let me help you with making that decision.

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Investment Tips: Demographic Outlook in the U.S. and in Germany

The impact of demographics on economic growth is important and often discussed. While overall population growth is a well-known positive factor for economic expansion, other demographic attributes can have either favorable or detrimental effects. For example, it is important to analyze the effects of a changing age structure of a nation’s population. Below is a look at the age structure of the population in the U.S. and in Germany and the possible effect on the future economic growth prospects for both countries.

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The best tips for flying with Baby

Flying with baby for the first time can be an intimidating thought, but in most cases it’s much less uncomfortable than expected. For most of us it’s a reality we most likely face in the first year of our baby’s life.  For me the hardest time was not when my daughter was a baby but rather a small toddler from 18 to about 24 month. After that our friend the iPad took care of the entertainment program during the flight.

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Bilingualism – Different goals for different Families

At Deutsches Haus at NYU, we offer classes for bilingual children, and we only ask that the child speaks German daily with a family member, caretaker etc.

While the classes are held in German, the proficiency of the students can be vastly different. Some children can understand and participate without speaking German, while others communicate and read and write in German.

Their families have different reasons to choose raising children with two languages, and even the term “bilingual” can have different meanings for different families. For some, having the ability to listen in two languages but speak in just one may constitute bilingualism, while other parents expect their children not only to speak, but also be literate in both languages. Depending on those definitions, parents put more or less importance and effort into their child’s bilingual development.

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What’s your definition of bilingualism?

What’s your definition of bilingualism?

When I moved from Germany to NYC, I started to work as a German teacher for children, and became curious about bilingualism and bilinguals.

I spoke English in my everyday life, and German to the families I was working with, and to my relatives and friends at home, but I never labeled myself bilingual.

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Did you know these 10 things about Breastfeeding ?

10 things you might not have heard about breastfeeding

1) Breastmilk has the highest amount in fat in the afternoon. In the morning the amount is higher but its more “watery”.

2) We always believed foremilk has less fat than hindmilk. However, new studies have shown that sometimes foremilk and hindmilk have equal amounts of fat.

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How much do I pay my babysitter?

One of the main topics on every parent’s mind is how to get a good babysitter and what do I need to pay them. Especially if you live far away from your larger family the right babysitter becomes a crucial part of parenting.  Here are guidelines when it comes to hiring and paying someone to take care of your most precious possessions.

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