Rising Lion Business Compensation Program
The Knesset has finally approved the Compensation Program for businesses affected by the 12 day war with Iran to help businesses recover and rebuild during these challenging times. Understanding Eligibility…
Emergency Fund Calculator
Our Financially Smarter Emergency Fund Calculator is currently in BETA testing as we work to make it valuable to everyone at any age. While the standard advice suggests saving 3-6…
2025 Brings Wave of Price Increases for Israeli Households
As Israeli families prepare for 2025, they face a significant surge in living costs across multiple sectors, which will put additional pressure on household budgets that are already stretched thin…
Financial Planning and ADHD
We've all got that friend (or maybe it's us) who struggles to keep track of bills, impulse spends or feels overwhelmed by financial planning.This chat with me (Rifka Lebowitz -…
Ice Cream and Milluim
Ice Cream and Milluim.For those of you in Milluim, or with spouses in Milluim, thank you for your service.There are various benefits that you can qualify for:* Some cities are…
40,000 Living Financially Smarter Facebook members
You never know the difference you are going to make, or how much you can help others. Years ago I opened a Facebook group Living Financially Smarter in Israel |…
A Parent and CFP's Approach to Raising Financially Smarter Children
Kids Pocket Money: A Parent and CFP’s Approach to Raising Financially Smarter Children
As a CFP and a parent, I've often been asked about my approach to teaching children about money. I don't give my kids regular pocket money. This decision stems from…
Understanding The Electricity Reform
(As of January 2024) A significant revolution regarding electricity prices has emerged. The reform, which was launched in 2018, allows consumers to choose their electricity supplier. The Israeli Electric Company…
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…