“Should we sell tech? Buy commodities? Move more money to savings?” A couple in their early 60s arrived at a portfolio review ready to rethink almost everything. Geopolitical tensions and market swings had turned ordinary fluctuations into warning signs.
Yet their own situation was unchanged. They had diversified portfolios, stable income, and no immediate need for cash. I asked, “Has anything changed, other than that you’re six months older?” The answer was no. Their lives, goals, and financial needs were the same. The headlines had changed, but their plan had not. The urge to act was being driven by the noise.
Market headlines create a false sense of urgency
Volatility feels like a problem requiring immediate action. Wars, elections, economic uncertainty all grab attention and make it seem like the sky is falling. But a portfolio designed for 10 or 20 years should not be managed based on what happens in 10 or 20 days.
Historically, the S&P 500, including reinvested dividends, produced a positive return in roughly 94 percent of rolling 10-year calendar periods from 1928 through 2025. (That can be reassuring, but of course, it does not guarantee that the next 10 years will be positive.)
Real estate?
They were also considering a rental property. Nothing is wrong with real estate, but the investment must fit the goal. They wanted retirement income, yet the mortgage would absorb the expected rent, leaving little or nothing to spend after expenses. The property might appreciate and build equity, but that is a different benefit. For this couple, the question was not whether real estate was good—it was whether it provided what they needed.
Income planning beats speculation
What this couple really needed was a clear plan showing how their portfolio would generate income when they stopped working. Speculation feels productive. Planning feels boring. But planning is what protects families when markets get volatile or life changes arrive unexpectedly.
If you manage U.S. accounts from Israel and feel uncertain about your portfolio, a structured plan can help. Schedule a free call at profile-financial.com/call or contact the office at 02-624-2788.
Published September 15, 2026.