Personal Finance Articles Japan
Your Source for Financial Insights in Japan
Educating yourself on personal finance while living in Japan as an expat can be challenging.
To help with this, our advisors have written several articles to give you a broader understanding and background on international personal finances covering many of the issues you will likely face.
Contact us to talk online with an adviser at Argentum for more information.
Educating yourself on personal finance while living in Japan as an expat can be challenging.
To help with this, our advisors have written several articles to give you a broader understanding and background on international personal finances covering many of the issues you will likely face.
Contact us to talk online with an adviser at Argentum for more information.
Why Inflation Makes Sitting on Cash Your Biggest Risk
Inflation quietly erodes idle cash. Learn what causes it, lessons from hyperinflation and Japan's shift from deflation, and how to protect your savings.
School Fees in Tokyo 2026: A Guide for Families
Public, private, or international school in Tokyo? Compare real costs, timelines, and budgeting for university from a Tokyo-based financial team.
Is Tokyo Property Still Affordable for Expats in 2026?
Are Tokyo property prices too high? Learn how the weak yen, rising rents, and global comparisons affect expats buying property in Japan.
Tax-Aware Investing for Americans in Japan
Learn how Americans in Japan can improve after-tax investment returns through tax-aware investing, portfolio diversification, and cross-border financial planning.
Why Setting Beneficiaries on Your Investment Accounts Matters
Learn why setting up beneficiaries on investment accounts can help protect your family and avoid costly legal delays and complications in the future.
Why Expats in Japan Need a Licensed Financial Advisor
Many expats in Japan don’t realize that not all financial advisors are properly licensed. Learn why working with an FSA-regulated firm is critical to protecting your wealth and your future.
US Expats in Japan Facing US Brokerage Account Closures – What You Need to Know
More US expats in Japan are seeing restrictions or closures on their 401(k), IRA, and brokerage accounts. Learn why this is happening, why keeping your investments in the US matters, and how Argentum Wealth can help you manage your US accounts from Japan.
Find Your True Risk Profile for Smarter Investing
Discover your true investment risk profile with our free online tool. Get personalized insights to build a portfolio you can stick with, even in volatile markets.
Renting vs. Buying Your Home in Japan: Which is Better?
Deciding whether to rent or buy a home can feel overwhelming. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term goals. In Japan the scales often tip in favor of buying your residence if you can, due to unique financial advantages that make home ownership more accessible and rewarding than in many other countries. Let’s break down the key factors to consider.
6 Ways to Teach Children About Money in Japan
Teaching children about the importance of money can be challenging for parents, but it’s crucial for setting them up for financial independence in the future. Whether you’re in Japan or elsewhere, these practical methods will help your child develop a strong foundation in financial literacy.
Unlocking Japanese Property Loans with Our New Mortgage Calculator
Navigating the mortgage landscape in Japan can be daunting, especially for expatriates and foreign residents. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new and improved mortgage calculator. This user-friendly tool allows you to estimate potential mortgage payments, helping you understand your budget and compare the costs of a loan with your current rent.
Calculate Your Retirement Shortfall – Beginners Guide for Expats in Japan
Discover how to plan for retirement as an expat in Japan. This guide covers goal setting and includes our free online retirement calculator. Try it now!
Navigating Lifestyle Inflation: A Guide for Professionals in Japan
Lifestyle inflation can affect everyone, regardless of position and income. Understanding what it is and its implications is crucial to keeping it in check.
The Great Wealth Transfer and its Effects on Expats in Japan
We are on the verge of the greatest transfer of wealth in history. This article delves into what this could mean for the economy and for expats in Japan, and why seeking the guidance of a financial advisor is crucial.
Tokyo’s 2023 Real Estate Boom: Why Property Values Are Soaring
While it may seem sudden, property prices in Tokyo have been going up for quite some time. In this article we explore what's driving this growth and whether there are still good investment opportunities out there.
Power of Compound Interest: How to Reach Your First ¥100 Million
Compound interest is a powerful tool for achieving financial goals like saving for retirement, a house down payment, or growing wealth. This article explores using it to reach ¥100,000,000.
Life Insurance for Expats in Japan: How Much Cover Do You Need?
Life insurance is a crucial aspect of your financial plan, especially for expats in Japan. It provides security for your loved ones during tough times. Determining the right coverage can be overwhelming. In this article we look at 5 key factors to consider.
The 9 Steps: How To Buy A Property In Japan
Purchasing a property in Japan can be rewarding but complicated, considering various costs and timeframes. This article will walk you through the general steps in purchasing a property in Japan, including the expected costs and time frames.
Investing in Tokyo Real Estate is a Smart Choice: 5 Reasons
Investing in real estate is a popular strategy for diversifying an investment portfolio and securing steady income streams. This article will examine 5 key reasons why investing in Tokyo real estate is a smart choice.
Managing US 401K & IRA Accounts from Japan
The demands of living and working abroad can often lead to neglecting retirement plans. American expats face the further complication of managing US-based retirement accounts from overseas. In this article we look at 401k & IRA accounts and how to manage them while living in Japan.
Japan Expat Life Insurance: Term Life vs Whole Life
Choosing a life insurance policy can be confusing, so it is essential to pick the right cover to fit your life. While there are many ways a life insurance policy can be structured, the two most common types of policies are term life and whole of life. In this article we look at the main differences and which one might suit you the best.
6 Ways Time In The Market beats Timing the Market
When markets are volatile, people often hesitate to put their money to work because they feel they should wait for “the right time,” hoping to hit the bottom of the market. The reality is that timing the markets is not a strategy that always works. Here are 6 reasons why “time in the market” is a better strategy.
The 20 Million Yen Problem In Japan
The ‘20 million yen problem’ was a warning presented by the Japanese government, and highlighted the lack of adequate funds for retirees in Japan. In this article we look at how this impacts foreigners living in Japan, and what you can do to plan for it.
4 Challenges Americans Have Investing in Japan
Financial opportunities are few and far between for US nationals living abroad. However, there are still opportunities to be able to invest and manage their wealth from abroad. In this article, we look at the challenges and then ways to make it work.
The Japanese Pension System: A Guide For Expats
The Japanese pension system can be challenging. With this in mind, we've written this brief guide to try and make this topic a bit less confusing for those living and working in Japan, regardless of duration of stay.
Japan National Pension Refund For Expats
Everyone is obliged to contribute to the Japanese Pension system, including foreign nationals working in Japan. If you are here only temporarily, you will not be able to enjoy any benefits from this system. In this article we look at the options to claim your pension contributions back.
Japan Inheritance Tax And Its Effects On Expatriates
Due to its technical nature, Japan's inheritance tax has always been a subject of confusion among expatriates and foreign nationals. Inheritance from abroad could be taxed in Japan as high as 55%. Here's what you can do to prepare in advance and protect your wealth.
Tax Deductions In Japan: Here Is How To Save Money
Nobody likes paying taxes, especially in Japan, where taxes are significantly high. Luckily if you are a foreigner living in Japan there are some tax deductions can you claim. In this article we'll take a look at ways to reduce your tax bill in Japan.
Japan Gift Tax; All Expats Need to Know
Gift tax is arguably the most misunderstood of all taxes in Japan. This is due to its complexity, criteria for payment, and constantly changing regulations. The government imposes gift taxes to prevent individuals from dodging the inheritance tax. This article covers the basics you need to know.
Japan’s Crypto Problem – How is Bitcoin taxed?
There is a lot of confusion regarding cryptocurrency taxes for investors residing in Japan. Avoid confusion with this essential guide to Japan's cryptocurrency taxation, and make sure there are no nasty surprises for you in the future.
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