What Happens to Your U.S. Retirement Accounts After Aliya?
Release Date: 02/27/2025
Goldstein on Gelt
Buying Real Estate in Israel Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Money) Buying a home in Israel isn’t just about bricks and mortar. For many people, it’s tied to big dreams like starting fresh in a new country or creating a stronger connection to the land of Israel. But navigating the Israeli real estate market? That part can be overwhelming. Doug Goldstein teams up with Debbie Goldfischer, Founder and CEO of Buyitinisrael.com and host of the popular podcast On The House, to break it all down. She knows the ins and outs of buying property here and shared insights...
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Wills that don’t work. Trusts that get tangled. Heirs scrambling to figure out who gets what—and when. If you’ve got U.S. investments but live in Israel, your estate plan might be headed for a legal mess without even realizing it. This episode unpacks the real-world problems that come up when your legal documents aren’t built for cross-border life—and how you can avoid costly, confusing mistakes by getting your financial and legal teams to actually talk to each other. You’ll learn how to set up your plan so your heirs don’t need a PhD in international law to carry out your...
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Feeling financially stuck between two countries? If your accounts are split between the U.S. and Israel, even simple money decisions, like when to convert currency or which account to use, can start to feel risky. It’s not about being bad with money. It’s about not having a system that fits your life. This episode explores the hidden stress that comes from managing cross-border finances and offers practical ways to reduce the pressure. Learn how to create clarity around your income and expenses, set a regular financial rhythm to avoid decision fatigue, and build resilience for when things...
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Are You Betting Your Future on “If”? If you’re living in Israel and managing U.S. brokerage or IRA accounts, here’s a tough question: are you confident in your investment plan or just crossing your fingers and hoping the market doesn’t drop? Managing money across two countries isn’t just about tax forms and exchange rates (though yes, there’s plenty of that). It’s about making sure your plan can actually handle the curveballs life and the market throw your way. Too often, investors assume they’re doing just fine… until they’re not. Most of us check our account...
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Tax rules shouldn't hold you back from building a life abroad, but for many Americans living overseas, that's exactly what happens. Marylouise Serrato of American Citizens Abroad (ACA) unpacks the real struggles expats face, from filing U.S. tax returns while living abroad to dealing with confusing rules around foreign investments. Sound overwhelming? Well change might finally be on the way. From the fight to end worldwide taxation to surprising pitfalls like PFICs and foreign pension plans, this episode sheds light on what’s broken and what’s being done to fix it. If you’re juggling...
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Need cash fast in retirement? Don't get stuck selling stocks at the worst time or scrambling with currency conversions. If your money’s locked away in long-term accounts, it might look good on paper—but won’t help much when life throws you a curveball. This episode dives into the surprisingly overlooked topic of liquidity—what it is, why it matters, and how to make sure your money is actually there when you need it. Whether you're living in Israel, spending in shekels, or managing U.S. accounts from afar, you'll learn how to build a flexible, stress-free financial setup that gives you...
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There’s over $15 trillion sitting in IRA accounts in the U.S.—are you making the most of yours? If you’re living in Israel and still have retirement savings in the States, understanding how IRAs work could mean the difference between a secure future and missed opportunities. This episode makes sense of the rules (without the jargon), shows you how to avoid unnecessary taxes and penalties, and gives you the tools to take full control of your financial future—right from your laptop in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or wherever you call home. No more guessing what a traditional IRA actually does or...
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Why Saving Money Feels Hard (And How to Make It Easy) Ever check your bank balance and think, Wait—where did all my money go?! One minute, payday hits, and the next, your hard-earned cash has vanished—eaten up by bills, surprise expenses, and everyday spending. It’s like your money is playing hide and seek… and winning. But here’s the good news: saving money doesn’t have to feel impossible. You don’t need to overhaul your lifestyle, live on instant noodles, or give up everything fun. A few smart tweaks can turn saving from a dreaded chore into something...
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Aliya is an adventure, and your finances should be ready for the ride! But too many new olim arrive in Israel only to find their U.S. brokerage and IRA accounts limited or even shut down. The key is preparation—making sure your money stays accessible, your investments remain on track, and your financial future is secure. Learn what steps you need to take before and after the move, how to keep your accounts running smoothly, and why working with a cross-border financial expert can make all the difference. Key Takeaways: Avoid U.S. brokerage account closures by working with an advisor...
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Talking about money with your spouse can feel about as fun as a trip to the dentist—but what if it didn’t have to be that way? Financial intimacy isn’t just about budgets and spreadsheets; it’s about strengthening your relationship by building trust, aligning your goals, and working together as a team. Learn how to set up “financial date nights,” avoid money fights, and align your finances with what really matters to both of you. This episode is packed with practical, easy-to-use tips to make managing money together way less stressful. Key Takeaways: Money talks =...
info_outlineDid you know your U.S. IRA could still provide major tax advantages even after making Aliya? In this episode, special guest Yaacov Jacob, an expert accountant with extensive experience helping cross-border clients, joins the show to reveal essential strategies for Americans living in Israel. Together, we unpack the differences between traditional and Roth IRAs, explore how Israeli and U.S. tax systems interact, and discuss how to avoid costly pitfalls like double taxation. Whether you've been in Israel for 10 months or 10 years, there's plenty to learn about optimizing your retirement accounts.
Key Takeaways:
- Traditional and Roth IRAs have different tax benefits—learn which one works best for Americans in Israel
- Israeli and U.S. tax laws interact in ways that can either hurt or help your retirement savings
- Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA might reduce future tax burdens but requires careful planning
Want more insights? Check out the full breakdown of cross-border retirement planning by clicking here.