Money Talks… But Are You Actually Listening?
When someone walks into my office and I ask, “What’s going on?” I never know what I’m going to hear.
Sometimes it’s a question about taxes or an IRA rollover. But more often, it’s something deeper, like a half-joked comment about a spouse’s spending habits or a sigh about whether there’s “enough” for retirement. And when the real story starts to unfold, it’s rarely just about the money.
That’s the part of financial planning most people don’t talk about… the human part. The part where fear, hope, love, and sometimes frustration sneak into the numbers. Especially for Americans living in Israel, managing cross-border accounts isn’t just a matter of math. It’s a matter of priorities, values, and knowing what really matters.
Why better conversations lead to better money outcomes
Most financial plans go wrong long before the paperwork. The problem isn’t bad math, it’s bad communication. When one person wants to buy a car and the other wants to gift an apartment to the kids, the issue isn’t the price tag. It’s that no one’s really talking and worse, no one’s really listening.
Listening well isn’t just about nodding while waiting for a turn to speak. It’s about letting there be a pause. A silence. That awkward moment where someone says, “I guess what I really want is…” That’s where the gold is. Not in the charts or the forecasts, but in those quiet, honest reflections.
Featuring Mishy Harmon, host of Israel Story
This episode features Mishy Harman, host of the popular podcast Israel Story, known for bringing powerful, personal stories to life. Mishy shared how deep listening, especially the kind that welcomes silence and vulnerability, helps uncover the real issues people are dealing with.
That same approach works in financial planning. Good advisors ask questions, then wait. Couples who are willing to listen to each other can find common ground even when their priorities seem miles apart. And everyone benefits when there’s space in the conversation for reflection.
Note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
Want to have a real conversation about your U.S. accounts and how to make your money work better for the life you want in Israel? Schedule your free Cross-Border Financial Evaluation now at www.profile-financial.com/call.
To learn more about Mishy Harman and Israel Story, visit www.israelstory.org or listen to Israel Story wherever you get your podcasts!
