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Managing U.S. accounts from Israel doesn’t have to feel like a juggling act. Between time zones, tax forms, and account restrictions, the move can get overwhelming fast—but the good news is, with the right setup, you can turn financial chaos into clarity. Discover how to streamline your retirement accounts, avoid costly surprises, and create a system that actually works for life in Israel. Think of it as unpacking your financial “suitcase” and finally putting everything in the right place. With a little planning, your U.S. brokerage and IRA accounts can stay just as organized—and effective—as your new life abroad. Key takeaways: If you’re ready to get your cross-border finances in order, sign up for a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation at profile-financial.com/call.

Money stress doesn’t just show up in your bank account. It shows up in how you feel every time markets move, bills arrive, or your portfolio statement lands in your inbox. For Americans in Israel juggling U.S. brokerage or IRA accounts, those fears can feel even bigger. But what if you could turn that anxiety into clarity and confidence? This episode dives into why money fears run deeper than numbers on a page and how self-awareness, simple habits, and realistic goals can flip the script. You’ll discover how to recognize the emotional side of investing, build routines that lower stress, and celebrate progress in a way that keeps you moving forward. Because handling money isn’t just about performance... it’s about peace of mind. Key Takeaways: Uncover the hidden ways emotions and past experiences shape financial choices Use knowledge and small wins to reduce money stress and boost confidence Strengthen financial resilience with clear goals, healthy habits, and trusted guidance If you’re looking to build clarity into your portfolio, schedule a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation today!

Inheriting U.S. assets while living in Israel can feel like you’ve just been handed the keys to a treasure chest… only to realize it’s locked, and the instructions are written in two different tax codes. Between cross-border rules, trust and IRA quirks, and the emotions that come with a loved one’s gift, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This episode shows how to turn that “Where do I even start?” feeling into a confident, step-by-step plan. You’ll discover how to bring scattered accounts under control, sidestep expensive mistakes, and use your inheritance to build lasting security. Instead of rushing into quick decisions, you’ll learn how to slow things down, zoom out, and see the whole picture. Think of it as shifting from frantic reaction mode to calm, strategic control—so your inheritance works for you, not against you. Key Takeaways: If this sounds like you, schedule a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation to get clear on your next steps at profile-financial.com/call.

Money fights, emotional spending, and financial tension—sound familiar? It’s not just about numbers. Guest host BatSheva Goldstein, creator of FinancialDate™ Discussion Cards, steps in to explore the emotional side of money: the hidden “money scripts” shaped by childhood, culture, and family that quietly influence your financial choices. When you're stuck in the same money argument on repeat, there's often more going on under the surface than you think. BatSheva is joined by financial therapist and CFP® Elana Feinsmith, who shares how couples can stop clashing over cash and start communicating with clarity. From understanding each other’s money values to building a spending plan that actually feels good, this episode is packed with insights to help you make calm, confident financial decisions together. Key Takeaways: View Elana’s website, Oak Financial Coaching, by clicking here. You can also ask for the “Money Script Questionnaire” by emailing her at elana@feinsmith.com. Want a fun and meaningful way to spark money conversations with your partner? Get your own set of FinancialDate™ Discussion Cards at financialdate.com.

Got U.S. brokerage or IRA accounts and heirs in Israel? Then you’re juggling more than just numbers—you’re navigating cross-border taxes, family dynamics, and future expectations. This episode unpacks how to turn your inheritance plan from a source of stress into a lasting legacy filled with clarity, connection, and purpose. Learn why silence is the real enemy of estate planning, how to start meaningful money conversations with your kids (without the awkwardness), and what simple moves can save your heirs years of confusion. It’s not just about who gets what—it’s about passing on your values with your wealth. Key takeaways: Having open conversations now can prevent heartache later Timing your gifts can sometimes make a bigger impact than waiting A clear plan and a few shared stories can keep your legacy—and your family—intact Want to make sure your U.S. accounts don’t create chaos for your heirs in Israel? Check out International Inheritance Headaches—and How to Avoid Them. It’s packed with tips and strategies to help you pass on your wealth smoothly and meaningfully.

Think your U.S. brokerage account is safe? Not so fast. If you’re living in Israel and still holding accounts in the States, you might be one surprise letter away from a frozen account, a forced closure, or a tax mess you never saw coming. From estate planning nightmares to missed required minimum distributions (RMDs), the cross-border financial world is full of traps for the unprepared. But here’s the good news: with the right plan and a little foresight, you can keep your accounts running smoothly—and legally—without losing sleep. This episode pulls back the curtain on the real risks facing Americans in Israel with U.S. accounts and lays out what smart investors are doing to stay one step ahead. Because when it comes to your money, flying blind just isn’t an option. Key takeaways: Not sure if your accounts are still working for you? Get clarity with a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation. Visit www.profile-financial.com/call to schedule yours today. Let’s see if and how we can help.

A health crisis can turn your world upside down—and if your finances aren’t in order, the stress multiplies fast. For Americans living in Israel with U.S. brokerage and IRA accounts, one unexpected illness can mean frozen accounts, legal roadblocks, and major money headaches. But here’s the good news: with a few simple steps, you can stay in control, protect your assets, and make sure your family isn’t left scrambling. From power of attorney documents to emergency funds, this episode dives into the must-haves that every cross-border family should check off before a crisis hits. If you’re making Aliya, already living in Israel, or supporting family across borders, this could be one of the most important financial check-ins you do all year. Key Takeaways: Emergency funds aren’t just good advice—they’re your financial lifeline Granting account access ahead of time prevents major issues later Your estate documents aren’t set-it-and-forget-it. Review them regularly Want a deeper look at how to protect your finances during a medical emergency? Read Health Crisis: A Brief Financial Guide for Olim and get the steps you can take today to safeguard your money, your access, and your peace of mind.

Retirement income planning doesn’t have to feel like walking a financial tightrope. If you’re living in Israel with your investments still in the U.S., you already know the game is more complicated—exchange rates, taxes, IRAs, RMDs… it’s enough to make your head spin. But here’s the real problem: too many retirees end up guessing instead of planning. They hesitate, hold back, and miss out on the life they actually saved for. This episode is all about cutting through the noise. No more flying blind. No more financial second-guessing. Just clear strategies to help you simplify, automate, and finally feel good about spending your money. Because retirement shouldn’t be one long stress-fest—it should be the part where you get to enjoy the ride. Key Takeaways: Want to feel confident about your retirement finances? Schedule a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation and get personal clarity on your U.S. accounts, Israeli life, and how it all fits together. The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or investment advice. Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, MSRB, FSI. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not those of Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. or its affiliates.

Money clashes, mismatched spending styles, and prenup pressure—when couples don’t talk about finances, things can get messy fast. This episode tackles one of the most overlooked (and awkward!) relationship issues: how to talk about money without ruining the romance. Whether you're dating, getting married for the second time, or trying to merge financial lives, skipping these conversations can cost more than just cash. Special guest Aleeza Ben Shalom—Netflix star of Jewish Matchmaking, relationship coach, and host of the Matchmaker, Matchmaker podcast—joins us to unpack what financial intimacy really means. She shares real-world insights from hundreds of couples, including why generosity reveals more about people than their cash flow, how to start the money conversation without triggering alarm bells, and why love alone isn’t a financial plan. Key takeaways: Want help starting the conversation? Sign up at www.financialdate.com to get your deck of Financial Date conversation cards—perfect for sparking meaningful money talks with your partner. For more information on Aleeza Ben Shalom visit her website at marriagemindedmentor.com.

American investment accounts, you could be paying too much (or filing too late) without even realizing it. This episode breaks down how to avoid double taxation, decode the infamous “first bite” rule, and finally get your Israeli and American accountants on the same page without losing your mind. Douglas Goldstein, CFP® teams up with Aryeh Holtz, CPA from Simple Tax, who explains what to file, when to file, and how to avoid the common traps that trip up even the most organized investors. Key takeaways: Dive deeper: Learn more about Simple Tax or get in touch at www.simpletax.co.il or message them directly via WhatsApp through the site.

Understanding your financial goals isn't just about numbers. It's about digging into what really matters to you. This episode features special guest Mishy Harman, host of the popular Israel Story podcast, who shares how powerful storytelling can spark better conversations about money. Whether you're chatting with your spouse, your advisor, or just thinking things through on your own, learning to pause, listen, and reflect can completely change how you handle your finances. Get ready for a fun and eye-opening take on how silence, patience, and a good question or two might be the most valuable financial tools you've been missing. Key Takeaways: Ready to talk about your story and your money? Schedule your free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation at profile-financial.com/call.

Thinking of buying property in Israel? Get ready for a wild ride. From off-plan pricing surprises to second-hand sticker shock, the Israeli housing market is anything but predictable, especially if you're trying to manage it from abroad. Doug Goldstein teams up with Debbie Goldfischer, host of the popular podcast Buy It in Israel, to break it all down. This episode is packed with smart tips, clear explanations, and the critical info every cross-border buyer should hear before making a move. If you're making Aliya, eyeing an investment, or just trying to figure out where to hang your hat long-term, this conversation will help you steer clear of stress and financial setbacks. Key takeaways: Get clear on the trade-offs between off-plan and second-hand properties Learn how the construction index could blow up your budget if you’re not prepared Know when working with an agent is a must and when to go it alone Want help figuring out your next move? Schedule a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation to see how we can help you buy smart and invest wisely in Israel.

Wills that don’t work. Trusts that get tangled. Heirs scrambling to figure out who gets what—and when. If you’ve got U.S. investments but live in Israel, your estate plan might be headed for a legal mess without even realizing it. This episode unpacks the real-world problems that come up when your legal documents aren’t built for cross-border life—and how you can avoid costly, confusing mistakes by getting your financial and legal teams to actually talk to each other. You’ll learn how to set up your plan so your heirs don’t need a PhD in international law to carry out your wishes—and why a little proactive planning now can save everyone a lot of headaches later. Key takeaways and action points: 👉 Want help reviewing your estate and investment setup? Book a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation at www.profile-financial.com/call Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes only. It’s not financial, legal, or tax advice. For personalized help, speak with a qualified professional.

Feeling financially stuck between two countries? If your accounts are split between the U.S. and Israel, even simple money decisions, like when to convert currency or which account to use, can start to feel risky. It’s not about being bad with money. It’s about not having a system that fits your life. This episode explores the hidden stress that comes from managing cross-border finances and offers practical ways to reduce the pressure. Learn how to create clarity around your income and expenses, set a regular financial rhythm to avoid decision fatigue, and build resilience for when things go wrong. With the right structure, your finances can stop feeling like a juggling act and start giving you peace of mind. Key Takeaways: Want to stop second-guessing every financial decision? Schedule your free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation. A short, no-pressure call to help you see where things stand and what you can do next. The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or investment advice. Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, MSRB, FSI. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not those of Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. or its affiliates.

Cross-border investing isn't just about numbers. It’s about not letting one stock or one blind spot derail your financial future. If you’re living in Israel with U.S. brokerage or IRA accounts, chances are you’re juggling more risk than you realize. This episode digs into the hidden traps like overconfidence, lopsided portfolios, and hoping the market saves the day, and offers real-world solutions to get your plan back on track. It’s time to stop crossing your fingers and start building a strategy that actually works. Learn how to level up your savings game, spot risk before it snowballs, and make sure your investments can handle whatever the market throws your way. Key Takeaways: Ready to see where you stand? Book your free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation and get personalized insights tailored to your U.S. accounts and Israeli lifestyle.

Tax rules shouldn't hold you back from building a life abroad, but for many Americans living overseas, that's exactly what happens. Marylouise Serrato of American Citizens Abroad (ACA) unpacks the real struggles expats face, from filing U.S. tax returns while living abroad to dealing with confusing rules around foreign investments. Sound overwhelming? Well change might finally be on the way. From the fight to end worldwide taxation to surprising pitfalls like PFICs and foreign pension plans, this episode sheds light on what’s broken and what’s being done to fix it. If you’re juggling Israeli life with American tax rules, this one’s a must-listen. Key Takeaways: Want clarity on your personal situation? Book your free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation today! Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes only. It’s not financial, legal, or tax advice. For personalized help, speak with a qualified professional.

Need cash fast in retirement? Don't get stuck selling stocks at the worst time or scrambling with currency conversions. If your money’s locked away in long-term accounts, it might look good on paper—but won’t help much when life throws you a curveball. This episode dives into the surprisingly overlooked topic of liquidity—what it is, why it matters, and how to make sure your money is actually there when you need it. Whether you're living in Israel, spending in shekels, or managing U.S. accounts from afar, you'll learn how to build a flexible, stress-free financial setup that gives you options—not headaches. Say goodbye to panic-selling and hello to peace of mind. Key takeaways and action points: Liquidity = freedom. Without it, you're stuck. Avoid costly mistakes by keeping cash ready for surprises. Split your emergency funds between shekels and dollars. Top off your cash reserves when the markets are strong. Want to go deeper? Check out Doug’s article on how to avoid liquidity traps in retirement, especially if you're managing U.S. and Israeli accounts: Asset-Rich, Cash-Poor Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes only. It’s not financial, legal, or tax advice. For personalized help, speak with a qualified professional.

There’s over $15 trillion sitting in IRA accounts in the U.S.—are you making the most of yours? If you’re living in Israel and still have retirement savings in the States, understanding how IRAs work could mean the difference between a secure future and missed opportunities. This episode makes sense of the rules (without the jargon), shows you how to avoid unnecessary taxes and penalties, and gives you the tools to take full control of your financial future—right from your laptop in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or wherever you call home. No more guessing what a traditional IRA actually does or when to take money out. If you’ve got U.S. retirement accounts and a life in Israel, this is your quick-start guide to smarter investing. Key takeaways and action points: If you need help managing your U.S. IRA from Israel and want to make the most of it, schedule a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation by clicking here

Why Saving Money Feels Hard (And How to Make It Easy) Ever check your bank balance and think, Wait—where did all my money go?! One minute, payday hits, and the next, your hard-earned cash has vanished—eaten up by bills, surprise expenses, and everyday spending. It’s like your money is playing hide and seek… and winning. But here’s the good news: saving money doesn’t have to feel impossible. You don’t need to overhaul your lifestyle, live on instant noodles, or give up everything fun. A few smart tweaks can turn saving from a dreaded chore into something effortless—maybe even a little exciting. Let’s break it down. Why an Emergency Fund is a Game-Changer Life has a knack for throwing expensive surprises your way—your car breaks down, a medical bill pops up, or your fridge decides to call it quits. Without a financial cushion, these moments can turn into full-blown crises, leaving you scrambling for a solution. That’s where an emergency fund comes in. Think of it as a financial safety net. Instead of reaching for a credit card, borrowing money, or selling investments at the worst possible time, you can handle unexpected expenses stress-free. No panic, no debt—just peace of mind. How Much Should You Save? Think of your emergency fund like a financial airbag—you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Steady paycheck? Self-employed or income varies? Retired? And don’t stress about saving it all at once. Start small, set aside what you can each month, and watch it grow. Where to Keep Your Emergency Fund Not under your mattress, that’s for sure. And not in a checking account earning zero percent interest, either. The goal is to keep it safe, accessible, and ideally, earning a little something. If your expenses are in dollars, a U.S. money market fund could be a great option. Some are even insured, similar to FDIC-backed bank accounts. Unlike a regular checking account, which earns almost nothing, money market funds often provide a variable return, so be sure to check with a financial professional to understand the risks and details. If you need shekels, Israeli banks may not offer great interest on regular accounts, but some allow you to lock your money for short periods (daily, weekly, or monthly) to earn a little extra. Even a small return is better than letting your money sit idle. Beyond the Emergency Fund: Making Your Money Work for You An emergency fund is your financial safety net, but long-term security requires more than just stashing away cash. At some point, you’ll want to stop working—or at least have the option to stop. Many people assume that between Social Security (U.S.), Bituach Leumi (Israel), and their pension, they’ll be fine. But the reality? Those sources often fall short. To maintain your lifestyle in retirement, you need investments that grow over time. Building an Investment Portfolio Investing can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. A broad, diversified portfolio—such as an index fund tracking the S&P 500—can be a straightforward way to grow wealth over time. Others prefer a mix of stocks, bonds, or managed portfolios tailored to their goals and risk tolerance. The key is consistency. Even small contributions, made regularly, can grow significantly over time. And while markets fluctuate, history suggests that long-term investors tend to fare better than those who sit on the sidelines. Important note: Investing involves risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult a licensed financial advisor to determine what strategy makes sense for your situation. Plugging the Financial Leaks: Where is Your Money Going? You might think you have your spending under control, but when you actually track where your money is going, the results can be surprising. Many people waste thousands each year without...

Aliya is an adventure, and your finances should be ready for the ride! But too many new olim arrive in Israel only to find their U.S. brokerage and IRA accounts limited or even shut down. The key is preparation—making sure your money stays accessible, your investments remain on track, and your financial future is secure. Learn what steps you need to take before and after the move, how to keep your accounts running smoothly, and why working with a cross-border financial expert can make all the difference. Key Takeaways: aliya If you’ve just made the move or are ready to, let’s talk! Sign up for a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation.