Markets don’t fall quietly. They plunge, rattle, and broadcast their uncertainty in bold red headlines. One moment, your investment account feels stable. The next, it’s taken a hit—and you find yourself wondering if you should act, wait, or worry.
For Americans living in Israel, it’s easy to feel caught in the middle. You’re managing U.S.-based retirement accounts from thousands of miles away, tracking U.S. news late at night, and watching your nest egg in dollars while living your life in shekels.
It’s stressful—but it doesn’t have to be shocking.
Too often, people make emotional moves that don’t match their long-term goals. They move to cash, swear they’ll “get back in later,” and end up sitting on the sidelines while the market recovers without them.
But not everyone reacts that way.
What It Really Means to “Lean In” During a Downturn
Just recently, I had a conversation with a long-time client who offered a completely different take. She wasn’t panicking about the downturn. Instead, she was thoughtful and measured.
She said:
“If I still believe in the long-term growth of the market, isn’t this the time to make a move?”
She’s the kind of person who doesn’t make knee-jerk decisions. A retired educator now living in Modi’in, she raised a family between the U.S. and Israel, and built a life marked by quiet resilience. Her question came from a place of clarity—not excitement or fear.
And she was absolutely right to ask it.
Investing during a downturn might seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually how disciplined investors build wealth over time. When prices drop, you’re essentially getting the same investments at a discount. If you still believe in their long-term value, that’s a compelling opportunity—not a reason to retreat.
What Rebalancing Really Means—And Why It Matters
Rebalancing sounds technical, but it’s just good housekeeping for your portfolio. Over time, different investments grow at different rates. Without regular rebalancing, your risk level drifts—quietly, and sometimes dangerously.
Let’s say your bonds have held steady but stocks have fallen. Now, your portfolio is more conservative than you intended. Rebalancing brings it back in line with your plan—without chasing returns or gambling on timing.
Especially for those living in Israel and no longer contributing new dollars, rebalancing is one of the best ways to stay proactive with your U.S. accounts. It’s not about bold predictions—it’s about steady decisions.
Confidence Comes from Communication
The client’s question stuck with me because it reflected something I try to teach all my clients: Investing isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being intentional. It’s knowing what you want your money to do for you—and adjusting course when needed.
One of the smartest habits I’ve seen among successful investors—especially those living abroad—is regular communication. They don’t make financial decisions in a vacuum. They talk to their spouse, their advisor, sometimes even their adult kids. They review their holdings once or twice a year. They ask questions. And when something feels off, they don’t ignore it—they get clarity.
If you’ve been feeling anxious about recent market swings, know this: You don’t have to predict the future to feel in control. You just need a strategy grounded in clarity, not emotion.
A good place to start? Read our blog post, Market Stress Got You Down? This Strategy Helps. It offers practical guidance on how to steady your investments—and your mindset—when the market feels anything but stable.
Markets go up and down. That’s normal. But your financial plan should stay grounded in the long-term future you believe in.
Douglas Goldstein, CFP® is the director of Profile Investment Services, Ltd. www.Profile-Financial.com. Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, MSRB, FSI. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not those of this website, Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. or its affiliates. Neither Profile nor Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. or its affiliates, provide tax or legal advice. Nothing in this article is intended to be investment, tax, or legal advice. Information in this article is gathered from sources considered reliable, but we cannot guarantee their accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.
