Imagine you’re on a long road trip with a buddy. Both drivers need to agree on the destination, determine when they’ll make pit stops, and keep the car running smoothly. The same principle applies to managing your finances. You and your spouse need to agree on your goals, strategies, and tactics…. Read more
Personal Finance
Adult Siblings Unite to Help Aging Parents
Are you and your siblings united by the need to manage your aging parents’ finances? As parents age, the transition of financial duties to their children can seem daunting, and many parents are reluctant to cede control. However, embracing this shift with respect and kindness can significantly stabilize future financial well-being and foster stronger family ties. … Read more
How to Avoid Emotional Financial Mistakes
Have you ever felt a knot in your stomach when making a financial decision? Or perhaps an overwhelming sense of excitement? These reactions are more common than you might think. Unfortunately, they can also lead to costly money mistakes. Behavioral finance, a field that examines the psychology behind investment decisions, sheds light on why we make bad mistakes and how to avoid them. … Read more
Navigating Estate Planning in Blended Families
Worried about your spouse’s financial security after you’re gone? You’re not alone. Many share this concern but don’t know how to translate their concern to action. A well-crafted estate plan offers peace of mind and stability for your loved ones. While an updated will guides asset distribution after your death (until 120!),… Read more
What Happens When Siblings Disagree about their Elderly Parents’ Finances
Sibling relationships can be complicated… even among adult siblings. As a financial planner working primarily with American olim, I often encounter families at crossroads dealing with the complexities of both finances and family relationships. A recent case involving five siblings managing their aging parents’ U.S. investment portfolio exemplifies both the challenges and triumphs of family financial planning. … Read more
How to Strengthen Your Financial Future as a Couple
Why do so many couples struggle with managing their finances together? The answer is straightforward: they’re not aligned. As a cross-border financial planner, I’ve observed that couples who collaborate on their financial goals often succeed, while those who don’t frequently struggle. Look at these practical steps to get on the same financial page… and secure your future together. … Read more
How to Avoid Surprises on Capital Gains in Your U.S. Investments
Navigating U.S. tax obligations from Israel can overwhelm many olim, especially when faced with unexpected tax bills. A common source of surprise is the difference between realized and unrealized gains. Realized gains occur when you sell an investment for a profit and are taxable in the year of the sale…. Read more
Financial Resilience Post-Divorce: How to Create a New Investment Strategy
Divorce is more than just the beginning of a new chapter; it’s the start of a new financial journey. Navigating this transition involves careful reallocation of joint assets and crafting investment, saving, and spending plans that align with your evolving goals.
Post-divorce, your financial goals undergo a profound transformation as what once was a shared vision is now your own path,… Read more
Navigating Cross-Border Finance: Strategies for Family CFOs
Managing family finances goes beyond just dealing with local banks, paying bills, and filing taxes. When family members live in different countries, each with its own rules and financial systems, things get complicated. This complexity can cause the family’s CFO (the person in charge of the family’s money) stress when he needs to navigate different financial systems and tax codes…. Read more
Why U.S. Brokerage Firms Drop Clients Living Abroad
Are you an overwhelmed CFO of your family, juggling the financial responsibilities of loved ones across borders? If so, you’re not alone. In my years as a financial planner, I’ve encountered many individuals exhausted by the complexities of managing investments for family members, especially when it involves cross-border regulations.
The challenge often begins when family members move abroad (hooray for aliya!) only to discover their U.S…. Read more