How U.S. Expats Can Avoid the Top Mortgage Mistakes in Israel
Release Date: 04/03/2025
Surviving a Bear Market-How to Stay Calm When the Stock Market Falls
Goldstein on Gelt
Bear markets and market downturns can shake investor confidence, but they don’t have to derail your financial plan. Market drops are a natural part of investing—and for Americans living in Israel with U.S. brokerage or I.R.A. accounts, knowing how to respond calmly can protect your long-term goals. This episode breaks down what bear markets really are, why emotional reactions can hurt returns, and how to stay steady when the headlines scream panic. Key Takeaways: Bear markets are temporary phases in a normal investing cycle Fear-based decisions often lead to selling low and missing...
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What Fed Rate Cuts Mean for Americans in Israel
Goldstein on Gelt
When the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, markets often react like they’ve had one too many espressos. Stocks swing, currencies shift, and investors start second-guessing everything. For Americans living in Israel with U.S. brokerage and IRA accounts, these rate cuts don’t just make headlines; they can directly affect savings, income, and peace of mind. This episode breaks down what a Fed rate cut really means, how it can impact your investments, and what steps you can take to manage risk and stay grounded. You’ll also hear how thoughtful financial planning and emotional discipline...
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Why Annuities Are a Problem for Americans Living in Israel
Goldstein on Gelt
Why Annuities Are a Problem for Americans Living in Israel Annuities promise stability and guaranteed income, but for Americans living in Israel, they can quickly become a financial trap. Complex contracts, long lock-in periods, and high fees often make these insurance products far less flexible than they appear. And when cross-border tax rules enter the picture, what seems like a safe, “guaranteed” investment in the U.S. can create major complications overseas. This episode unpacks how annuities really work, why they often don’t fit cross-border investors, and what alternative...
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The Number One Skill Missing from Most Financial Plans
Goldstein on Gelt
Money talk doesn’t have to mean money tension especially when you’ve got the right tools to decode what’s really being said. In this episode, BatSheva Goldstein, creator of FinancialDate™ Discussion Cards, joins Doug Goldstein, CFP ® to explore why financial questions are rarely just about numbers. For couples—and especially for Americans living in Israel—money conversations often carry cultural baggage, hidden values, and emotional subtext that can lead to major misunderstandings. Drawing from decades of experience working with couples, BatSheva shares how the FinancialDate™...
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4 Retirement Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Golden Years (and How to Avoid Them)
Goldstein on Gelt
Retirement is supposed to be your golden years, not a financial minefield. Yet too many people make mistakes that chip away at their savings and peace of mind. Skipping estate planning, helping kids a little too much, grabbing Social Security too early, or falling for scams can all put your hard-earned retirement at risk. The good news? With the right strategy, you can steer clear of these traps. This episode breaks down the most common retirement pitfalls and shows how cross-border families in Israel with U.S. brokerage and IRA accounts can stay protected. With a mix of practical planning...
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The Retirement Money Mistake You Don’t See Coming
Goldstein on Gelt
Managing cross-border investments from Israel can feel like playing financial chess on two boards at once—and the pressure kicks up when a safe investment matures or a hot market trend starts calling your name. This episode is all about turning those “What now?” moments into smart, confident moves. You’ll discover why cash on hand isn’t lazy money, how to sidestep the fear of missing out, and ways to keep your portfolio both rock-solid and flexible. Think of it as your game plan for making money decisions without the stress. We’ll also dive into why simple strategies often beat...
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The 10-Year Tax Clock: Your Financial Wake-Up Call
Goldstein on Gelt
The countdown is on... Israel’s 10-year tax holiday doesn’t last forever. When the exemption ends, many olim discover too late that their U.S. brokerage and IRA accounts are suddenly exposed to Israeli taxes, paperwork headaches, and cross-border confusion. The good news? With the right planning, you can stay one step ahead of the deadline and keep your financial life running smoothly. This episode takes you behind the scenes of the so-called “10-Year Tax Trap,” showing how to avoid double taxation, protect your heirs, and simplify your accounts before the rules change. Think of it as...
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Aliya and Retirement: Smart Moves for Your U.S. Accounts
Goldstein on Gelt
Managing U.S. accounts from Israel doesn’t have to feel like a juggling act. Between time zones, tax forms, and account restrictions, the move can get overwhelming fast—but the good news is, with the right setup, you can turn financial chaos into clarity. Discover how to streamline your retirement accounts, avoid costly surprises, and create a system that actually works for life in Israel. Think of it as unpacking your financial “suitcase” and finally putting everything in the right place. With a little planning, your U.S. brokerage and IRA accounts can stay just as organized—and...
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Why Money Feels Scarier After Moving to Israel
Goldstein on Gelt
Money stress doesn’t just show up in your bank account. It shows up in how you feel every time markets move, bills arrive, or your portfolio statement lands in your inbox. For Americans in Israel juggling U.S. brokerage or IRA accounts, those fears can feel even bigger. But what if you could turn that anxiety into clarity and confidence? This episode dives into why money fears run deeper than numbers on a page and how self-awareness, simple habits, and realistic goals can flip the script. You’ll discover how to recognize the emotional side of investing, build routines that lower stress,...
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Before Touching That U.S. Trust, Listen to This
Goldstein on Gelt
Inheriting U.S. assets while living in Israel can feel like you’ve just been handed the keys to a treasure chest… only to realize it’s locked, and the instructions are written in two different tax codes. Between cross-border rules, trust and IRA quirks, and the emotions that come with a loved one’s gift, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This episode shows how to turn that “Where do I even start?” feeling into a confident, step-by-step plan. You’ll discover how to bring scattered accounts under control, sidestep expensive mistakes, and use your inheritance to build lasting...
info_outlineThinking about buying property in Israel? Brace yourself—getting a mortgage here isn’t like walking into your local U.S. bank. Israeli lenders care more about cash flow than net worth, appraisals often come in lower than expected, and pulling equity out later in the form of a HELOC (Home Equity Line Of Credit) might cost you more than you think. The good news? With the right strategy—like getting pre-approved and structuring your assets smartly—you can avoid costly mistakes and secure the best financing for your dream home.
To help break it all down, we’re joined by Aaron Krasner, Owner and Senior Mortgage Broker at Anglo Mortgages, who shares expert insights on navigating the Israeli mortgage process and avoiding common pitfalls. Don’t let bank rules or confusing fine print hold you back—get ahead of the game and take control of your mortgage process!
Key Takeaways:
- Your $5 million portfolio won’t impress Israeli banks—they want to see steady income, not just net worth.
- That 75% loan-to-value promise? Not so fast. The bank lends based on the lower of your purchase price or their appraisal.
- Pre-approval is your best friend. Get it early to avoid last-minute surprises and make your mortgage process smooth.
🔗 Want more expert insights on cross-border finances? Check out Doug’s blog by clicking here.