Read Doug’s articles originally printed in The Jerusalem Post.
Profile Perspectives
Proper financial planning can change your relationship with money.
When Buying Real Estate Is the Wrong Investment
Is real estate the wrong investment for cross-border retirees? Real estate can be an attractive investment, tangible, familiar, and emotionally satisfying. But too often, investors overlook the true costs and limitations that come with owning property. Especially in retirement, locking up your money in bricks and mortar might create more problems than it solves. … Read more
High Dividend, High Stress
“Is the risk really worth it?”
That was the question a retired professor asked after a dividend-paying stock he picked dropped nearly 8% in just a few weeks.
He had researched it carefully, attracted by a 15% yield. He wasn’t chasing quick wins, he simply wanted steady income from his U.S…. Read more
Financial Peace Comes from Preparation, Not Prediction
What’s the secret to financial confidence through preparation? It’s not luck. It’s the cushion that comes from planning ahead.
A client I recently spoke with illustrated this perfectly. Her calendar was packed: a nephew’s bar mitzvah, a family reunion, summer plans in New York. Her husband, a tech executive, was traveling across the U.S…. Read more
Retiring Soon? Don’t Let the Fear of Taxes Freeze Your Strategy
Many investors near retirement fear making the wrong move—but few realize that maintaining the status quo might be the most dangerous decision of all.
A potential client walked into my office with a solid plan. He had carefully arranged his accounts, set a conservative pension strategy to protect his spouse, and built a lifestyle that fit his values…. Read more
International Inheritance Headaches—and How to Avoid Them
A client in Israel called me, frustrated. His mother had passed away in the U.S., leaving him a substantial inheritance. But despite her detailed will, he couldn’t access the funds. The lawyer who drew up the will hadn’t anticipated cross-border issues, and the American documents didn’t align with Israeli requirements. Moreover,… Read more
Turn Your IRA Into an Investment Powerhouse
Many Americans living in Israel have an IRA tucked away—maybe from a former job in the U.S. or inherited from a parent. But too often, those accounts just sit there, ignored. It’s important to remember that an IRA isn’t just a container for retirement money—it’s a full-fledged investment account with real potential. … Read more
Don’t Let Aliya Derail Your Investments
A longtime reader called me recently, excited—but also a little panicked. After years of dreaming about aliya, he was finally making the move. But then came the big question:
“Doug, what do I do with my dollars? Should I move them all to Israel? Sell everything? What happens to my U.S…. Read more
How to Spot Companies that are Built to Last
Some companies seem unstoppable—until they aren’t. Blockbuster ruled movie rentals. Nokia dominated cell phones. Kodak was synonymous with photography. Then, almost overnight, they crumbled.
What separates the businesses that endure from those that fade away? It’s not just luck. It’s something Warren Buffett calls an economic moat—a powerful advantage that keeps competitors at bay and ensures long-term success. … Read more
Are You Prepared for a Rare Market Event?
Fear of missing out can be a powerful force in investing. Everyone hears stories of those who struck gold—buying Amazon or Microsoft for pennies—and wonders, why didn’t I see it? The reality? These big wins rarely come with flashing signs. They emerge in uncertain markets, when hesitation is high…. Read more
Why Sudden Market Swings are the New Normal
Imagine putting your money in a stock index like the S&P 500, thinking you’re spreading your investment across 500 companies. Makes sense, right? But here’s the kicker: over 30% of the index’s value is now tied up in just a handful of big tech stocks. That means if those tech giants turn south,… Read more