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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: Learn how your subconscious money beliefs are shaping your financial reality. Discover how to turn money tension into meaningful conversations. Use simple tools to create a spending plan that

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 strategie

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: Account closures can happen suddenly if your U.S. broker no longer serves clients abroad Cross-border couples face added challenges when estate plans don’t match international rules Delayed RMDs due to account restrictions can co

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 finance

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: Discover why guesswork is the biggest threat to your retirement lifestyle Learn how to turn your savings into a reliable, stress-free income stream Break free from the fear of overspending and start enjoying what you’ve built Want to feel confident about yo

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: Talking about money early helps couples avoid future conflict and build true financial intimacy Generosity, risk tolerance, and money habits say more ab

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 Real Estate in Israel Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Money) 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. W

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

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 s

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 m

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 tod

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, especiall

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

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. Inste

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: Avoid U.S. brokerage account closures by working with an advisor who understands cross-border finance Keep an emergency fund ready so unexpected expenses don’t derail your aliya experience Adjust your investment strategy to match your new life abroad—because your financial goals just got a whole new landscape! If you’ve just made the move or are ready to, let’s talk! Sign up for a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation.

Talking about money with your spouse can feel about as fun as a trip to the dentist—but what if it didn’t have to be that way? Financial intimacy isn’t just about budgets and spreadsheets; it’s about strengthening your relationship by building trust, aligning your goals, and working together as a team.  Learn how to set up “financial date nights,” avoid money fights, and align your finances with what really matters to both of you. This episode is packed with practical, easy-to-use tips to make managing money together way less stressful. Key Takeaways: Money talks = relationship builders. The more you communicate, the stronger your trust. Ditch the stress. A regular “financial date night” keeps money conversations casual and productive. Align your money with your values. When finances reflect what matters most, decisions get easier. Want to make your next financial date effortless (and maybe even fun)? Check out FinancialDate.com

Thinking about buying property in Israel? Brace yourself—getting a mortgage here isn’t like walking into your local U.S. bank. Israeli lenders care more about cash flow than net worth, appraisals often come in lower than expected, and pulling equity out later in the form of a HELOC (Home Equity Line Of Credit) might cost you more than you think. The good news? With the right strategy—like getting pre-approved and structuring your assets smartly—you can avoid costly mistakes and secure the best financing for your dream home. To help break it all down, we’re joined by Aaron Krasner, Owner and Senior Mortgage Broker at Anglo Mortgages, who shares expert insights on navigating the Israeli mortgage process and avoiding common pitfalls. Don’t let bank rules or confusing fine print hold you back—get ahead of the game and take control of your mortgage process! Key Takeaways: Your $5 million portfolio won’t impress Israeli banks—they want to see steady income, not just net worth. That 75% loan-to-value promise? Not s

Ready to take your investment game to the next level? Discover the secret weapon of smart investors: economic moats! These unique business advantages can help companies crush their competition and keep their profits strong—no matter the market conditions. Whether you're managing U.S. investments from abroad or just looking to build a portfolio you can feel confident about, this episode has the insights you need to spot the winners and dodge the duds. Key Takeaways: Learn what makes an economic moat and how it protects a company’s edge Uncover simple ways to identify businesses built to thrive long-term Get actionable strategies to diversify your investments and stay ahead of the curve Want more tips to supercharge your portfolio? Check out the Doug’s blog at profile-financial.com/blog 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