You built your retirement savings in U.S. investment accounts and moved to Israel for the next chapter of life. But one morning, while reviewing your portfolio, you notice something unsettling—your highest-yielding stock belongs to a company you would never support in daily life.
Suddenly, the numbers feel less important. You begin to wonder: What is my money really supporting?
Many retirees find themselves in this situation. They depend on income from investment portfolios, yet feel uneasy when that income stems from industries they oppose.
Align Investments with Your Beliefs
One client, a retired nutritionist in Tel Aviv, told me, “I spent my life helping people live healthier. I don’t want to profit from companies that do the opposite.”
She had spotted a fast-food giant in one of her funds and wanted to remove it. We worked together to replace the fund with another that excluded industries she found problematic while still offering dividend income. The change slightly reduced her yield, but it aligned her portfolio with her values.
When your investments reflect your beliefs, you gain more than financial returns—you gain peace of mind.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire plan to take a values-based approach. Even a few thoughtful changes can bring your strategy closer to what matters to you.
Recognize the Risk Behind High Yields
A new client recently told me how disappointed he was that his former advisor never tried to align his investments with his values. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only gap in his financial plan.
One of his largest IRA holdings was a U.S. stock offering a double-digit dividend. On the surface, it looked like the perfect income stream. But not long after he bought it, the company slashed its dividend—and the stock price tumbled with it.
We restructured his holdings and introduced more stable instruments—U.S. bond funds and CDs. These alternatives offered competitive yields, and they helped balance his portfolio and reduce volatility.
Afterward, he said, “Now I can read the paper with my coffee without worrying what the market did overnight.” For many retirees, that kind of emotional stability is just as valuable as any number on a screen.
Build a Strategy You Can Stick With
A strong portfolio doesn’t just deliver income—it reflects your identity. When your financial plan matches your values and risk tolerance, you’re far more likely to stay the course during uncertain times.
Want to go deeper? Read What Drives Your Investing Decisions? to explore how your values and goals can shape a more confident, intentional investment strategy.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not offer financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
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.
