Goldstein on Gelt

Managing cross-border investments from Israel can feel like playing financial chess on two boards at once—and the pressure kicks up when a safe investment matures or a hot market trend starts calling your name. This episode is all about turning those "What now?" moments into smart, confident moves. You'll discover why cash on hand isn't lazy money, how to sidestep the fear of missing out, and ways...

The countdown is on... Israel's 10-year tax holiday doesn't last forever. When the exemption ends, many olim discover too late that their U.S. brokerage and IRA accounts are suddenly exposed to Israeli taxes, paperwork headaches, and cross-border confusion. The good news? With the right planning, you can stay one step ahead of the deadline and keep your financial life running smoothly. This episod...

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 o...

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 numb...

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?" fe...

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, t...

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 mean...

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'...

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...

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 l...

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 cos...

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, whe...

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 p...

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...

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 b...

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...

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 a...

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...

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 ther...

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 give...

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 do...

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 you...

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 w...

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...

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 ins...