Struggling to manage your U.S. investments from Israel? That’s understandable, since you’re not just dealing with numbers. You’re navigating a financial maze spanning two continents. A question I hear all the time is: “How can I simplify my U.S. accounts now that I live in Israel?”
For Americans abroad, especially retirees, cross-border financial planning isn’t just technical. It’s the difference between feeling in control and feeling overwhelmed. A personalized plan is crucial to feeling financially secure.
Know your tax timing before moving your money
A U.S. retirement account can feel like a safety net, but tapping it too soon may lead to unnecessary taxes.
One retiree needed to bring money to Israel and thought withdrawing a lump sum from her IRA was the only option. Thankfully, she asked for advice first.
By spacing the withdrawals over two years, she stayed in a lower tax bracket and reduced her tax bill. Sometimes, a small shift in timing can lead to big savings.
Simplifying accounts helps reduce stress
Many expats hold U.S. brokerage accounts, American and Israeli pensions, and Israeli bank deposits and end up buried in complexity. One retiree wanted clarity and control, but without moving her assets abroad.
Rather than shift her money to Israel, she consolidated her U.S. investments and retirement accounts with a cross-border firm that understands both systems. Keeping everything in the U.S. preserved her tax benefits, avoided currency exchange issues, and simplified reporting.
With one login and a single advisory team who sees the full picture, she told me, “I finally know where everything is and how to get to it.”
The real benefit of consolidating
Only after consolidating her U.S. accounts with a team who understood her did things start to fall into place. For the first time in years, she saw her full financial picture.
We clarified her goals, reduced the risk in her IRA, and used her Israeli savings for daily expenses. A new money market account gave her a safety net. “I finally feel like I’m in control,” she told me. It wasn’t just the numbers; it was the peace of mind.
Want help figuring out figuring out how to manage your U.S. investments from Israel stress-free? Start with a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation at profile-financial.com/call, where we’ll determine if and how we can help.
Douglas Goldstein, CFP® is the director of Profile Investment Services, Ltd. www.Profile-Financial.com. He is a licensed financial professional both in the U.S. and Israel. Call (02) 624-2788 for a consultation on how to set up your American assets to meet your financial goals. 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. Neither PRG nor its affiliates provide tax or legal advice.
Published July 23, 2025.