<prompt> Human: Hi, and thanks in advance. Id like to invest about 20,000 USD in something longish term and see my money working for me. Id like to add to it along the way. Im married and living in Japan, but am language limited so I cant go to firms here. As such, Im looking to invest in something mutual funds, bonds, etc. electronically. What options do I have, what are the benefits and pitfalls? Also, is it even possible to invest outside of the country you live in?Thank you for any replies.  <response>: When I was in Japan long term, I would use my parents address back in the States as my official residence in the US which was technically true: I might only be in the US a few days every few years, but--their address is where I would stay .Then, its pretty trivial to sign up with Vanguard or any other firm using a US address with mail forwarded to you via the Internet. I second the vote to learn Japanese, though. The series of books by Mari Noda, Japanese: The Spoken Language, and Heisigs Remembering the Kanji, are very good. Also, if youre near Yokohama, the International University Center in the harbor is truly world class. I wouldnt bother too much with JSL curriculum that was designed in Japan for a general gaijin audience; its usually useless. Most of the best material now is designed in the US for native speakers of American and British English. 