Important Cash Law Update
I want to share an important update with you: The cash limit for paying for goods is going down from 11,000 to 6,000 NIS from August 1st 2022. What this…
Women & Money
Yesterday, I had to honor to speak at the Women’s Day event at Space Mod in Modiin. Among many other things, I spoke about how women need to really know…
Buying Your First Home in Israel
Congratulations! You have decided to purchase a home or apartment here in Israel! This exciting new step can seem like a daunting one if you aren’t prepared. This is why…
Pesach: The Financially Smarter Way
As many of us know, Pesach can be an expensive holiday. In fact, it’s ironic that the matza or lechem ani (poor man’s bread) is anything but cheap. For those of you who may…
How to Budget for Your Vacation
Vacation time is around the corner, and many of you have been asking how do families plan for going away? The Living Financially Smarter in Israel secret: Create your annual…
Corona and Your Money
With the country practically shut down, there is a lot of confusion about employee and business owners’ rights due to the Corona virus and the effects it is having on…
Money Laundering, Cash and Your Supermarket Bill
As of January 1st 2019, Israel is taking yet another step in fighting money laundering. As a result, we are moving closer to becoming a cashless society. What is the…
Negative Income Tax
1. What is a maanak avoda? Maanak avoda (employment grant) or mas hachnasa shlili (negative income tax) is a GIFT from the government which you can receive if you earn…
What is Pesach Costing You This Year?
When you live in Israel you feel each holiday in the air, regardless of your personal observance. Work and school days are scheduled around them, grocery stores follow the needs…
Price Comparison: Internet Service Providers
At "Living Financially Smarter" on Facebook we are asked frequently about prices of Internet packages, as a public service we have gathered the information for your use. If you have…
Opening a Bank Account In Israel
A few days after making Aliya you will be asked to schedule a meeting with Misrad Haklita to discuss your sal klita, the benefits new olim receive. At this meeting,…
Returning Items To Stores
Basic rules for returning items: Product Type Time period Condition of product Cable and satellite service Within 14 days of the transaction or delivery of the written terms, whichever…
Job-hunting Smarter in Israel
Getting a job in Israel can be a daunting task. On the facebook group we frequently get asked how and where to look for a job. Here is a short list of…
Mobile cell phone service provider tariff comparisons.
Comparisons of the various Israeli mobile cell phone service providers and their tariffs. Prices are in Shekels. Provider Price per month Local Calling SMS Data International Calling Cellcom 69.00 Unlimited…
Setting up a small business in Israel
Setting up a self-employed (עצמאי) business, in 3 steps Article written by Rifka Lebowitz and Binyamin Radomsky. Binyamin is a CPA working for Aboulafia Avital & Co in Jerusalem, You can…
Making Aliya?
Thinking of Making Aliya? Learn more about the financial side of Israel: 1. Join our "Living Financially Smarter in Israel" Facebook group. 2. Find tips on this site. 3. Join…
Hebrew Banking glossary
Bitchonot Collateral בטחונות Daf chesbon Account statement normally default for the Checking account דף חשבון Horaat Keva Direct debit, the automatic withdrawal from your bank account to the orderer הוראת…
70 Awesome Things About Israeli Finances
70 Awesome Things about Israel’s Economy In honor of Israel’s 70th birthday, I challenged the Living Financially Smarter in Israel community to list 70 ways that Israel’s economic and financial…
Choosing an Israeli Bank
All Olim dislike paying banking fees, and who can blame you, the banks outside Israel do not charge for every transaction, whereas the banks in Israel do. Your Israeli Banking…
Israeli Tax Returns
In the current economic climate many Israelis are looking for a little extra cash. As many struggle to make ends meet, and could all use a little financial assistance, and…
Supermarket Psychology
Article on Supermarket Psychology - Jerusalem Post, October 25th 2009 Author: RIFKA LEBOWITZ; SUZY KAHATI'I'm just popping to the supermarket to buy some milk and bread," I tell my husband,…
The Importance of Hanukka Gelt
This article appeared in the Jerusalem Post By RIFKA LEBOWITZ, SUZY KEHATI Since the time of the Talmud, the idea of giving money to children has been associated with Hanukka. Traditionally…
Israeli Banking Tips
The banking system and day to day Banking in Israel are very different to elsewhere and it can take time to get used to banking – Israeli style. Here is…
Pesach and Other Financial Surprises
Article that appeared in the Jerusalem Post – By Rifka Lebowitz; Suzy Kehati. Pesach is no surprise – a surprise is something that comes about unexpectedly. Pesach on the other…
Israel Finance and Banking Guide
I believe that it is important to understand your Israeli bills, bank statements pension and mortgage statements. They are all part of your process to gaining financial clarity, and living financially smarter in…