The Estate Planning Trap for Americans in Israel
Goldstein on Gelt
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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From Chaos to Clarity: Mastering U.S.-Israel Finances
Goldstein on Gelt
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 Taking Too Much Risk with Your U.S. Investments?
Goldstein on Gelt
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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Tired of Filing Two Tax Returns in Israel?
Goldstein on Gelt
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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When Life Happens, Will Your Money Be There?
Goldstein on Gelt
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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Retiring in Israel? Don't Ignore Your IRA
Goldstein on Gelt
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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Saving Money 101: Stop Wasting and Start Building Wealth
Goldstein on Gelt
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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Financial Survival for New Olim: The Cross-Border Strategy
Goldstein on Gelt
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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Financial Intimacy: The Key to Success
Goldstein on Gelt
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 =...
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How U.S. Expats Can Avoid the Top Mortgage Mistakes in Israel
Goldstein on Gelt
Thinking 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,...
info_outlineIs investing in the global economy really that important? Andrew Vonnegut, author of Inside the Global Economy: A Practical Guide, is an expert in global economics. He explains why global economics should matter to individual investors. Events like wars and market crashes affect every corner of the world. How can investors best prepare for the ripple effect to reach their portfolio? Andrew gives practical advice on how to pick investments in an ever-changing global economy. If you ever wondered about why you should worry if a foreign currency falls, listen to this episode to learn about the interconnected global economy. Is global investing a path to wealth? Doug emphasizes the importance of diversification and explains what that means in the context of the global market. Refer to his free resource called Is Long-Term Global Investing Still a Path to Wealth? To learn more about diversification, listen to The Goldstein on Gelt Show episode called How to Make Good Investment Choices, featuring Paul Merriman. Download Free Resource: Is Long-Term Global Investing Still a Path to Wealth? Visit Wolandia.com to follow Andrew Vonnegut’s work. Read his book Inside the Global Economy: A Practical Guide. If you’re not already receiving updates on new episodes, sign up now, and as a special bonus, receive Doug’s free ebook The Retirement Planning Book.