Schwab International -- push me one way or the other
US citizen permanent residence of a Western European country.
After having done months of research on the subject, writing down all the pros and cons (listed below), even talking (mostly fruitlessly) with various Schwab (and before them, TD Ameritrade) reps, I am still sitting on the fence wondering if I should "move" my US Schwab account to International Schwab. My main hesitation now is that it seems like a one-way street. Once I make the decision and tell Schwab I am resident in Europe, I can't ever go back (unless I move back to the US). Also, not being able to invest in ETFs would be pretty hard. Loading up on ETFs *before* moving is not a viable strategy. But, it is what it is. Please nudge me one way or the other.
Pros:
- no dependence on an acquaintance's mailing address in the US
- no worrying about whether not revealing my fiscal residency to my broker is "fraudulent" in any way
- not worrying that I might be held liable for state tax in the US because my brokerage is registered to a mailing address there
Cons:
- no access to US funds (mutual funds and ETFs) and CDs
- investing in UCITS funds not advised because of PFIC-reporting hassles
- investment choices limited to only stocks and bonds
Anything else?