A potential client once reached out—not to ask about market predictions or the latest economic outlook, but with a quieter, more personal question:
“Can we make this easier?”
That moment said everything.
After years of managing her finances—and everyone else’s—she had reached a point where clarity mattered more than complexity. Like many retirees living in Israel with U.S.-based investments, she wasn’t looking for more. She was ready for less: less stress, fewer decisions, and a financial life that supported her—not the other way around.
Rethinking the Goal of Retirement
She had built her IRA the traditional way: steady contributions, quiet discipline, and an eye on the long term. Now in her seventies, she faced something new—how to use what she’d saved.
Under U.S. law, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73. It’s a mandatory nudge from the IRS: Start spending. And that shift—from growing your retirement account to using it—catches many people off guard.
She didn’t see her money as something to grow forever. She saw it as something to use—to care for her husband, support her community, and live with less worry.
That’s not just retirement. That’s retirement with intention.
When Familiar Feels Wrong
We sat down to review her U.S. portfolio. There were a few familiar names—large, dividend-paying companies she’d owned for years. But they hadn’t aged as well as she had.
She studied the list and said,
“I wouldn’t buy them today. So why am I still holding them?”
That moment marked a shift—not just in her portfolio, but in mindset. It’s a common trap: we hold on to old investments, not because they’re right, but because they’re comfortable. The financial world calls it status quo bias. I call it a missed opportunity.
So we talked. She didn’t need volatility. She needed clarity. We discussed options that offered more predictability—not guarantees, but a better match for her life right now.
Sometimes, letting go isn’t giving up. It’s getting smart.
Financial Confidence Comes from Structure
She didn’t want to track stock prices over her morning coffee. She wanted to know her accounts had a job and were doing it.
We restructured her holdings:
- One part focused on generating reliable income
- Another stayed liquid for unexpected needs
- A third was positioned for quiet, long-term growth
No magic formulas. Just a plan built for real life. And for Americans living in Israel with U.S. accounts, that clarity matters. Between currency shifts, tax questions, and time zones, complexity comes easy. What’s hard is building something simple—and sticking to it.
Ask Yourself This Before You Log in Again
Are your investments helping you live better—or are they just leftovers from a life you don’t lead anymore?
She wasn’t trying to beat the market. She was trying to stay present for the people she loved. Her financial strategy wasn’t about chasing more—it was about making room for more of what mattered.
And if you’re looking at your own portfolio and wondering whether it still fits your life, maybe that’s the right question to ask.
Want to understand how emotions, habits, and assumptions can affect your decisions? Read How to Avoid Emotional Financial Mistakes.
Remember, the best investment decisions aren’t always about returns—they’re about peace of mind.
Note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding your specific 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.
