“Does This Still Make Sense?”
That was the question a retired client in Israel recently asked me, not about a specific stock or fund, but about his entire financial setup.
He’d had a health scare, the kind that makes you pause and take stock. Like many American retirees doing legacy planning from Israel, he had a U.S. IRA, a brokerage account, Social Security, and pension income. He wasn’t in financial trouble, but he was thinking ahead. Not just about income today, but about what happens after.
From Planning for Today to Planning for Legacy
During our review, it became clear that his financial goals had shifted. His concern wasn’t about investment returns anymore; it was whether his wife and children could manage everything if something happened to him.
He wanted to know: Are my accounts structured properly? Will my heirs face tax headaches in the U.S. or Israel? Will my wife have access to what she needs?
Simplifying the View to Strengthen the Plan
We took a fresh look at his overall structure. Over the years, like many retirees, he’d opened multiple accounts. That’s normal, but harder to manage as life changes.
We brought everything together under one advisory team, while keeping the investments in the U.S. to preserve tax benefits and simplify compliance. With one login and one clear view, he could finally see his full financial picture.
That clarity let us make smart adjustments. We reviewed beneficiary designations, coordinated with his U.S. and Israeli professionals, and ensured his wife would have seamless access to their accounts if needed.
Peace of Mind Comes from Alignment
At the end of our conversation, he said, “I finally feel like this all makes sense again.”
That’s what legacy planning is really about. It’s not just what you leave behind but how you leave it. Organized. Accessible. Aligned with your values.
If you’re unsure whether your portfolio still fits your life, it may be time to ask the same question:
Does this still make sense?
If you’re approaching retirement or already retired, thoughtful legacy planning from Israel can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Schedule a free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation at profile-financial.com/call to get clarity on where you stand today and what comes next.
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 August 20, 2025.