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:

• Know which country gets to tax you first. It’s not as simple as it sounds.
• Don’t start with the wrong accountant or you’ll end up doing it twice.
• Tech tools can help, but real human review keeps your return airtight.
• Get your tax docs in early so you’re not filing in a frenzy.

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:

• Listening more and talking less can help you make smarter money choices
• Your story shapes your financial goals, so don't leave it out
• Couples who understand each other’s money mindset make better decisions together

Ready to talk about your story and your money? Schedule your free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation at profile-financial.com/call.

Buying a home in Israel isn’t just about bricks and mortar. For many people, it’s tied to big dreams like starting fresh in a new country or creating a stronger connection to the land of Israel. But navigating the Israeli real estate market? That part can be overwhelming.

Doug Goldstein teams up with Debbie Goldfischer, Founder and CEO of Buyitinisrael.com and host of the popular podcast On The House, to break it all down. She knows the ins and outs of buying property here and shared insights that every English-speaking buyer should hear before diving in. Whether someone is planning Aliya, investing from abroad, or searching for a permanent place to land, these are the things that matter most.

A picture-perfect apartment... or a walk-through reality?

Buying off-plan is tempting. The designs look sleek, the buildings are modern, and the perks can sound amazing. But what someone sees in a brochure doesn’t always match reality. With second-hand homes, it's a different story. A buyer can walk in, check the lighting, meet a neighbor, and feel the space in real time. That kind of clarity is hard to beat.

Off-plan deals come with variables that might surprise first-time buyers. Construction delays happen. Prices can shift due to rising material costs, which in Israel are tracked by the construction index. It's not just theory. It can directly affect the price tag. The good news? Some developers cap this cost or remove it altogether. It's worth asking.

Playing the long game

If someone isn't planning to move right away, buying off-plan might make a lot of sense. Developers usually offer payment plans in stages, making it easier on the wallet. Plus, early buyers often get to choose layouts, finishes, and upgrades, which can be both fun and practical.

New homes also meet today’s building standards. Think energy efficiency, stronger safety features, and built-in shelters. Over time, those benefits add up. Still, second-hand homes have one big edge, they’re in neighborhoods that are already up and running. Schools, grocery stores, synagogues, and public transportation are all in place. That convenience matters, especially for families.

To rent or to buy?

Many people wonder if they should just rent. Debbie had strong thoughts here. Renting in Israel can work, but the market is still catching up. Tenant protections are weaker than in other countries, and year-to-year leases don’t offer much stability.

Renting short-term can be smart for someone still figuring out where to live. But Debbie's advice was clear. Don’t rent in a neighborhood that you wouldn’t be able to buy in. Otherwise, you might get attached to a place you can’t afford later on. Some buyers choose to own a property in a different neighborhood as a way to build equity, even if the family is not living there yet. That way, they’re at least on the property ladder.

Note: This is for educational purposes only and does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice. Please speak with a qualified professional about your specific situation.

If you’re thinking of using your U.S. investment account to fund an Israeli property purchase, make sure you speak with a licensed financial professional. Schedule your free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation now at www.profile-financial.com/callto see how we can help provide tailored advice to your U.S. accounts and Israeli goals.

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:

• Don’t assume your U.S. will works in Israel (or vice versa)—get it reviewed
• Loop your financial advisor in before you finalize estate documents
• Leave your heirs a roadmap, not a scavenger hunt
  Work with pros who understand both sides of the ocean

👉 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:

• Clarity: Know what your money is doing and why
• Rhythm: Create a regular habit to review and adjust your finances
• Resilience: Build a system that can handle financial surprises

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.

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 Evaluationand 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!

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.