IS THE COMPANY AROUND FOR THE LONG TERM?

If they have an exit strategy in 4 or 5 years, watch out. They may be more interested in their money than yours.

IS THE OFFSHORE BANK IN A STABLE COUNTRY

About last thing you want to do is send your money and then see someone send in troops. Make sure country is stable and friendly.

CAN YOU INVEST IN THE OFFSHORE BANK

If they don't want you to be part of them then you should seriously consider not letting them be a part of your life either.

CAN YOU USE A CREDIT CARD FROM THEIR BANK?

There should be a mechanism in place for you to access your funds at most ATMs or pay with a credit card.

DO YOU HAVE 24/7 ACCESS VIA THE NET?

If they are not open when you are, look elsewhere.

CAN YOU CALL THEM AND WILL THEY UNDERSTAND?

Just like your bank now, you should expect that you can call them on phone and that they will speak English.

The questions above touch on major points to consider before opening an offshore account. Remember, offshore accounts are easy to open and easy to access plus they are safe and offer huge benefits to you. And they are for ANYONE, not just super rich. Ask right questions. Be comfortable. And once you are, put your money to work ....... for YOU.

There is a great deal of information and MIS-information around about offshore accounts, so following list is just an outline of a few of issues you'll need to consider as you research whether or not offshore banking is for you.

· Are professional staff fluent in English? (You may need to communicate, and this IS about your money, after all!)

· Are there tax treaties with US in place? (Read fine print.)

· What are privacy or secrecy policies of institution you are considering? (Many of them are NOT ALLOWED, by law, to share your information with, for example, government of your country).

· Does institute provide credit cards or merchant accounts? (Many foreign financial institutes do, and include a debit card, as well).

· Does it require you to have an internationally incorporated company in order to open an account?

· If so, does institution provide 'shelf companies' to choose from? (Quite often, you can simply sign some forms to become proud owner of a new, legal company, which enables you to bank in that country).

· Are Internet-based transactions available? (You'll want to be able to monitor your account online - to check current status of investments, transfer funds, or just track your accumulating wealth)!

Yes, it is possible to do business in a SECURE global environment - and enjoy tax breaks, and perhaps even a healthy return on your investment - all from comfort of your home in good ol' U.S. of A.!