Budgeting
If you are making aliyah, setting up a monthly budget in advance will help you plan for the move and manage your resources through the initial integration phase. In general, Israel is known for its high cost of housing, cars, gas, and utilities, which are compounded by relatively low wages. On the other hand, there is a good standard of healthcare, which is easily accessible and affordable. School tuition in the public system is reasonable, but many people prefer private schools with their children in dormitories, which can offset these savings. Government benefits include a monthly child allowance, and new immigrants can qualify for a number of subsidies for a limited period. To ensure a successful aliyah, it is critical to understand the costs associated with your desired standard of living and to make sure that you are covered by your expected salary and benefits.
When creating a budget, keep in mind that in 2023 an Israeli family consisting of two adults and two children spent approximately NIS 14,000–15,000 a month. Anglo families tend to spend about 40% more (approximately NIS 21,000) due to their higher standard of living. As of June 2023, the average gross Israeli salary was NIS 13,267, but the take home pay can be closer to NIS 11,000-12,000 after deductions for, but not limited to, tax, pension and national insurance.
If you have already made aliyah successfully, creating a monthly budget will help ensure that you are saving enough for retirement, significant purchases, or other major life events. Certain savings programs can even help reduce your income tax. With the right information and strategy you can stretch your shekels to live more affordably today, as well as in the future.
Testimonials
At every stage of our family’s development, Baruch Labinsky has given us insights on how to save all sorts of hidden costs without giving up anything tangible. Every session that we have ever had with Baruch quickly paid for itself in the savings generated from his advice. To meet with him is to emerge with the deepest sense of reassurance that stems from his modesty, patience, caring, and decades of experience.
Josh Berman
Bet Shemesh
We had an extremely helpful meeting with Ariel who explained to us many new concepts and in a very simple way.
Since he used the documents we provided before the meeting, it was personal financial training as he was using our personal retirement reports.
We even managed to implement some changes immediately after the meeting.
We are very grateful. It’s a huge help, even though we only are at the beginning of our financial journey, to have this very important knowledge.
Elicha and Guila A
FAQs
How can I save any money if I can barely cover my daily expenses?
There are many strategies that can potentially save you money when you have a clear understanding of your income and expenses within your short, medium, and long term financial objectives. With that clarity you can better balance your desired standard of living with the need for lower cost alternatives. As a new immigrant, you may also be eligible for certain tax breaks. Some of these benefits may be available for only a certain time period while others may depend on the structure of your finances and investments. Let us evaluate your overall financial situation so that we can make the best recommendations to help you improve your current financial reality, and plan for the future.
How often should I reexamine my monthly budget?
With changing interest rates, inflation, and currency exchange rates, it is prudent to review your monthly budget at least once a year, or in the event of changes to your life situation that will affect your short, medium or long term goals. A balanced budget that reflects your goals will help you withstand market instability. If you aren’t sure that your budget is structured correctly, call us to schedule a consultation.
Do I need a financial plan if I already have a balanced monthly budget?
Budgeting is an important part of managing your day to day finances and savings, but it does not constitute an overall financial strategy. For most people, savings will not accumulate fast enough to meet retirement or other furture cash needs – especially unexpected ones. A financial plan is a strategy that takes all your financial issues into consideration including debt, employment benefits, insurance, retirement objectives, investments, and tax exposure, with the goal of minimizing cash outflows and maximizing investment growth while protecting your money so that it is available when you need it. A good financial plan should align with a person’s age, current and future income and expenses, risk comfort level, and timing of future cash needs.