Goldstein on Gelt

Are You Betting Your Future on “If”? If you’re living in Israel and managing U.S. brokerage or IRA accounts, here’s a tough question: are you confident in your investment plan or just crossing your fingers and hoping the market doesn’t drop? Managing money across two countries isn’t just about tax forms and exchange rates (though yes, there’s plenty of that). It’s about making sure your plan can actually handle the curveballs life and the market throw your way. Too often, investors assume they’re doing just fine… until they’re not. Most of us check our account balances more than we check our strategy. But here’s the problem: a big balance doesn’t always mean you’re winning. It might just mean you got lucky. And luck isn’t a financial plan. Don’t Rely on “If” to Retire “If the market gives me 10% this year…”  “If the dollar stays strong…”  “If nothing goes wrong…” Sound familiar? Building your future on a bunch of “ifs” is like planning a beach wedding without checking the weather. You need more than sunshine and good vibes... you need backup. The fix? Start with what you control. One of the biggest levers you have is your savings rate. Even bumping it up by 2–3% can shift your entire financial trajectory. No trends, no gimmicks, just solid planning that works over time. When One Stock Takes Over the Show That one stock that’s been doing great? It might feel like your golden goose… until it’s not. Letting a single investment grow too large can quietly hijack your whole portfolio. You wouldn’t bet your entire retirement on a startup, right? But that’s what happens when one holding becomes 40 or 50% of your account. Diversification isn’t boring; it’s smart. Think of your portfolio like a good Israeli salad: a little of this, a little of that, and nothing overwhelms the plate. That’s how you stay balanced. Feel Brave About Risk? Let’s Double-Check Risk tolerance is how you feel when the market drops. Risk capacity is whether your plan can survive it. You might not panic when things fall… but will your retirement stay on track? Will you still be able to help your kids? Support the causes you care about? It’s not about being scared. It’s about being prepared. And when you’re living in Israel with U.S. accounts, there’s even more to think about... currency swings, double taxation, weird form deadlines. Getting your structure right can make all the difference. Note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult with a qualified professional to review your personal situation. Ready to make sure your portfolio is actually working for you—and not the other way around? Book your free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation [https://profile-financial.com/call]and get a clear, practical plan that fits your life in Israel and your money in the U.S. No pressure; just smart conversation.

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: * Citizenship-based taxation is outdated and creates financial headaches for Americans abroad. * Investing outside the U.S. can trigger unexpected tax problems if you're not careful. * A push for residence-based taxation could bring long-overdue relief for expats. Want clarity on your personal situation? Book your free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation today! [https://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.

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 [https://profile-financial.com/2025/02/11/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: * Discover how tax-deferred growth can supercharge your retirement savings * Find out when and how you can access your money without triggering penalties * Learn how RMDs work and when the IRS really starts paying attention 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 [https://profile-financial.com/call]

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? Aim for at least three months’ worth of expenses. * Self-employed or income varies? Six months is a safer bet. * Retired? Keeping up to a year’s worth of expenses in cash can help you avoid selling investments during a market downturn. 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 realizing it—on subscriptions they don’t use, high-fee services, and impulse spending. A quick self-check: * Are you paying for things you don’t actually use (streaming services, gym memberships, premium banking fees)? * Do you regularly eat out or order takeout but can’t seem to save for bigger goals? * Are you overspending on insurance or other recurring expenses without shopping around for better rates? You don’t have to cut everything fun out of your life—you just need to be intentional about where your money goes. A simple spending review can help you redirect money from waste to wealth-building. The Secret to Saving More Without Thinking About It One of the easiest ways to build wealth? Automate your savings. Set up an automatic transfer so that every month, a portion of your paycheck goes straight into savings before you have a chance to spend it. You can do this with your emergency fund, investment accounts, or even a retirement account. The less you have to think about saving, the more likely you are to actually do it. Over time, those small amounts add up in a big way. Small Changes, Big Impact Financial security isn’t about being rich—it’s about being prepared. An emergency fund gives you the freedom to handle life’s unexpected expenses without stress, turning financial shocks into minor inconveniences. Investing wisely allows your money to grow over time, so you’re not just stashing cash but actually building long-term wealth. At the same time, cutting out unnecessary expenses doesn’t mean giving up what you love—it means making sure your money is working toward what truly matters. The easiest way to stay on track? Automate your savings. When saving happens in the background, it becomes effortless—and over time, those small, consistent contributions can add up to real financial security. If you want to make sure your U.S. brokerage and IRA accounts are positioned to support your financial future, schedule a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation today and get a clear, customized plan for managing your investments while living in Israel. www.profile-financial.com/call [http://www.profile-financial.com/call]