Resources
Checklists & starter guides
Practical, step-by-step checklists for the biggest decisions new immigrants face — paired with the in-depth guides behind each one.
New to USA checklist
Everything to set up in your first weeks — from SSN and bank account to phone plan and credit card.
- Get your SSN (or ITIN) and a US address
- Open a checking + savings account
- Set up a phone plan and utilities
- Apply for your first (secured) credit card
- Find temporary, then permanent housing
First apartment checklist
Rent your first place without a US credit history — and know exactly what to check before you sign.
- Calculate the rent you can actually afford
- Prepare proof of income / offer letter / deposit
- Read the lease terms and break-lease clause
- Budget for security deposit + renters insurance
- Document the apartment's condition at move-in
Read the guides
Credit score checklist
Go from an invisible credit file to a 700+ score with the right first moves and habits.
- Open a secured credit card
- Become an authorized user if possible
- Keep utilization under 10%
- Pay in full and on time, every month
- Avoid multiple hard inquiries early on
Car buying checklist
Buy and insure your first car even with thin credit — and avoid the classic newcomer mistakes.
- Set a total budget (price + insurance + fuel)
- Decide used vs new vs lease
- Get pre-approved or explore no-cosigner options
- Compare insurance quotes before you buy
- Inspect, test drive, and check the title/history
Read the guides
India–USA money transfer checklist
Move money between India and the USA the tax-smart, low-fee way using the right accounts.
- Choose the cheapest transfer service & rate
- Use NRE/NRO accounts correctly
- Account for the 1% US remittance fee & TCS
- Keep records for tax and FBAR reporting
- Plan large transfers around exchange rates
Read the guides
Tax documents checklist
Know which forms to save each year so your first US tax return — and FBAR — go smoothly.
- Collect W-2s and any 1099s
- Track India income and interest
- Gather foreign account balances for FBAR
- Save investment & brokerage statements
- Keep proof of taxes paid in India (for DTAA)
Retirement account checklist
Set up tax-advantaged accounts early — even if you might move back to India one day.
- Capture the full 401(k) employer match
- Open a Roth or Traditional IRA
- Use an HSA if you have an HDHP
- Choose low-cost index funds
- Have a plan for accounts if you repatriate
Family settlement checklist
Bring your family and build stability — schools, healthcare, and an emergency fund that fits family life.
- Plan dependents' visas and documents
- Research school districts before you rent/buy
- Set up family health insurance
- Build a 3–6 month emergency fund
- Budget for visits to India and family support
India property document checklist for NRIs
Organize the paperwork that makes India property manageable — and prevents disputes when it passes to your heirs.
- Locate the sale/title deed and registration papers
- Update mutation records and keep tax-paid receipts
- Get the encumbrance certificate and society documents
- Confirm heirs' PAN and OCI details are current
- Store everything in one physical + digital file
Read the guides
NRI estate planning document checklist
Coordinate wills, beneficiaries, and titles across the USA and India so your wishes actually hold.
- Draft coordinated US and India wills
- Update 401k/IRA/HSA and life insurance beneficiaries
- Align India bank/FD nominees with your will
- Name guardians for any minor children
- Make a master list of accounts and document locations
Read the guides
NRI 10-year wealth review checklist
An annual cross-border review for settled NRIs — investments, India assets, taxes, insurance, and estate, in one pass.
- Refresh your US financial plan and allocation
- Consolidate and reclassify India accounts
- Confirm FBAR/FATCA and India income reporting
- Optimize 401k, IRA, and HSA contributions
- Put estate documents and a USD emergency fund in place
Read the guides
India FD vs USD return comparison checklist
Compare an India FD to US investments the right way — in the currency you'll actually spend, after inflation and tax.
- Note the FD's nominal rate and lock-in period
- Subtract expected rupee depreciation vs the dollar
- Adjust both options for inflation
- Apply US (and any India) tax to the interest
- Compare net, after-tax returns in your spending currency
Read the guides