What do you do when someone leaves you a large sum of money… and you’re terrified of messing it up?
It’s a situation more common than you might think, especially for families in Israel who suddenly inherit U.S.-based assets. There’s gratitude, of course. But also, pressure. Fear of making the wrong move. Fear of hurting family dynamics. And fear that a blessing could turn into a burden.
That’s exactly what one couple felt when they received a six-figure inheritance from a relative in the U.S.
They weren’t flashy. They weren’t looking to upgrade their lifestyle. They just wanted to make good decisions with humility, purpose, and care.
“We want to get this right,” they said, not because they were chasing perfection, but because they understood that money speaks. And they wanted theirs to say something meaningful.
The Power of Pausing Before You Act
Their goals were simple: give to causes they cared about, make a modest home improvement to create rental income, and set aside the rest for future needs. But behind those goals was something deeper, a desire to use money as a reflection of their values, not just a financial tool.
They weren’t interested in short-term returns. They wanted clarity. And that shifted the entire conversation.
Too many people react to sudden wealth by doing too much, too fast. This couple did the opposite. They paused, asked questions, and took time to understand their options before making a single move.
U.S. Dollars, Israeli Lives
Managing an American inheritance while living in Israel is no small task. You’re dealing with two tax systems, two financial cultures, and a thousand opinions about what to do.
This couple had never opened a U.S. brokerage account. They didn’t know where to begin. But they were willing to ask, to listen, and to learn.
They took their time to think things through, setting aside some of the inheritance for short-term needs, giving a portion to charity, and slowly putting together a long-term investment plan with the rest.
No speculation. No panic. Just thoughtful steps, taken at the right pace.
Family First, but Not at the Expense of Your Future
When one of their children asked for help with a down payment, the couple felt torn. They were generous by nature and wanted to support their child’s next step, but they also knew that a single gift could set a precedent.
What if the others came asking? What if their own financial needs changed in the future?
It’s a familiar situation for many families, especially in Israel, where housing costs can be steep and parents often feel pressure to step in. The couple realized they needed to approach the question not just emotionally, but strategically.
So instead of making a one-time decision in a vacuum, they created a simple “family giving policy.” This wasn’t a rigid rulebook. It was a flexible framework that helped them think through how much support they could offer, under what conditions, and how to communicate it to their children.
Having this clarity gave them confidence. They were able to give thoughtfully, without guilt or fear of unfairness. And they protected their own financial future while still honoring their values as parents.
What Story Will Your Money Tell?
Money doesn’t just sit in an account; it sends a message. It tells your family what you value. It shapes the opportunities you’re able to create. And when handled thoughtfully, it becomes more than a windfall, it becomes a foundation.
If you’re managing an inheritance and wondering what to do with the assets you’ve received, one big question often comes up: Should You Keep Inherited Stocks or Sell Them and Reinvest? It’s not just a financial decision. It’s about aligning your portfolio with your goals, values, and life in Israel.
The best financial plans aren’t just about returns. They’re about aligning your money with your values and your future.
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.
