Rifka Lebowitz - Living Financially Smarter

18/05/2026

Teaching Israeli family finanical advisers about the nuances of advising Olim

As you know, I live in the English speaking finance world here, I was one of the first and few English speakers who did all the qualifications and am a member of the professional unions.

So today, I was asked to speak to share a bit about the English speaking Oleh world.

A few observations from the questions:

Many of them had NO clue why people come to Israel, isn’t it just hard here? I found that very sad.

I said that many parts of the financial system here are smarter, than abroad. But abroad looks better because a house has a garden a red roof its easier there and can look picture perfect, but the average Israeli often has more stability and net worth.

Overdraft is an issue here, not recommended but it’s actually more limited than credit card debt in the US.

If they do work with new olim, I suggested they have more compassion and take into account the Olim have made huge changes sometimes sacrifices to be here, there is a learning curve to understand how to budget and build up financially.

Our life is meaningful and good here, our future as the Jewish nation is here, lets help more people come and succeed.

21/04/2026

Looking back on my article last Yom Haatzmaut listing 77 awesome things about Israel's economy, and it got me thinking - we need to add #78.

#78: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙨𝙧𝙖𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙨 (not just our economy!)

Yes, we have challenges ahead. Yes, we'll feel the economic impact in the coming years. But Israeli resilience isn't just a nice story - it's measurable, it's real, and it's what keeps our economy moving forward when others might have faltered.

As we navigate whatever comes next, myself and the entire LFSII community is here to help you make financially smarter decisions: because #78 isn't just about the economy, it's about us.

🇮🇱 Yom Haatzmaut Sameach! 🇮🇱

Find the entire list here:
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/77-awesome-things-about-israels-economy/

19/02/2026

Thinking about retiring in Israel?

Housing, healthcare, taxes, and how U.S. retirement income fits into the picture can be hard to piece together.

Join us for a free live webinar where we break down the real costs of retiring in Israel and what U.S. citizens should plan for before making the move.

📅 Wed, Feb 25 | 7 PM Israel / 12 PM EST
🎥 Free webinar & recording

28/01/2026

We know that so much of our finanical behavior is rooted deep.

It could be expressed in an inability to ask for a raise, procrastination when it comes to investments, not living within our means, ignoring our finances, not planning for our future, difficulty discussing money with others or an array of many other behaviors.

It’s time to rewrite your money story.

📅 February 9th | Tel Aviv
📍 NBN TLV Center with Nefesh B’Nefesh
🍷 Alight dairy dinner and wine will be served

Join me and Stefanie Levit as we explore money personalities and how they impact your finances. This isn’t theory – it’s about understanding your patterns and what you can do about them.

Then, experience a powerful workshop with master coach Dr. . You’ll gain clarity, strengthen self-trust, and walk away with practical strategies you can apply immediately – personally, professionally, and financially.

Dr. Gniwesch blends psychological depth with real-world coaching tools to help you shift limiting beliefs and step into more confident, empowered decision-making.

Ready to take control?
👉 Register now link in bio

25/01/2026

What’s YOUR money story?

Here’s the thing: you’re already living one. The question is did YOU write it, or did someone else?

Your money patterns, your financial decisions, even that voice in your head saying “I’m just not good with money”it all comes from somewhere. And it’s time to rewrite the script.

On February 9th, together with I’m hosting a workshop specifically for women who are ready to take control of their financial narrative. Not just learn tips and tricks (though we’ll cover those too), but actually understand what’s REALLY driving your money decisions.

Because when you understand your money story, everything changes.

This isn’t about judgment. It’s not about where you’re starting from. It’s about gaining clarity, building confidence, and finally making financial decisions that feel right for YOU.

Ready to write a new chapter? Link in bio to register.

29/12/2025

To quote Jerry Seinfeld “People’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

From someone who used to be petrified of public speaking, many years ago I felt that Seinfeld joke spoke to me.

But over the years I worked with many amazing people to improve my public speaking and don’t fear it anymore. I learned, improved and practiced and now get asked to speak all the time, the guidance paid off.

Today I had lots of fun speaking at the Oleh business conference, in Modiin alongside Chimes, .b.levy and .kaplan and organized by . I spoke about finanical wellbeing. What it takes and how it encompasses all parts of your business and personal finances. With tips on what to do before the end of the year, in the next 2 days.

Tonight, I’m speaking for the Jerusalem municipality about the basics of banking in Israel.

Tomorrow night we have a Financially Smarter event explaining Gefen (providing services to the education ministry) to the English-speaking world in Israel, I’ll post about it in the comments, lots of signups, but a few spots left.

And upcoming talks in January include more in Jerusalem, G’vaot Eden, post army group in Bet Shemesh, 55+ club in Bet Shemesh, Har Nof senior women’s group.

Who will I see at these events?

25/12/2025

News update...not even in the news sites yet.
EDIT - this is happening form Jan 1st 2027, not 2026.

From Jan 1st 2026 the banks will offer 100 bank transactions for 10 ILS.
Yes, our bank fees will go down!

Send a message to learn more

24/12/2025

For years I avoided working with government or municipalities. It always seemed too complicated, not good pay, and not worth the headache (or so I thought).

Recently I learned how it actually works, and it changed my mind, and have since done many talks and workshops with municipalities, and hopefully soon with Gefen for the Ministry of Education.

Along the way I realized there’s a huge missed opportunity for English-speaking professionals in almost every field. Very few are registered, yet there are real, paid opportunities to offer talks, workshops, and services to students, teachers, and schools.

To make this clear and accessible, I invited patent attorney Dorit Korine to explain the system to the English-speaking business community.

If you’re experienced in anything you can offer schools; education, art, sports, comedy, tours, public speaking, ODT, social activities for new olim, and more — join us for this free webinar.

18/12/2025

Chanukah Gelt: Teaching Financial Wisdom This Holiday Season 🕎

As we celebrate Chanukah and many have the tradition to give Gelt, let's think about making this tradition a teachable moment for raising financially smarter kids.

A truly healthy relationship with money involves three key skills: earning it, investing it, and using it wisely. Most of us focus only on teaching kids how to spend responsibly, but we're missing a bigger opportunity. This Chanukah, consider these approaches:

𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮: Instead of just handing over money, encourage your kids to think about what they want to do with it. Will they spend it all, save some, or invest?

𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮: Giving kids money, such as gelt, can be the perfect opportunity to introduce basic investment concepts. Even young children can learn that money can grow when it's invested wisely.

𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮: Consider allocating 10% of any money to tzedakah. This instills the value of giving back and social responsibility from an early age.

Chanukah gelt is a gift, not regular income. This distinction helps children understand that money is sometimes earned through work and sometimes received as a special treat.

The goal isn't to create perfect spenders—it's to raise children who understand the entire cycle of wealth creation and management. Kids who learn to earn, invest, and give tend to naturally develop responsible spending habits, focusing on what they truly value.

This approach may not work for every family, and that's okay. The most important thing is to actively engage with your children about money in a positive way, this is what will help them build financially smarter habits.

(If you want to read my full take on kids and pocket money, you can read the full post- just follow the link in bio!)

Happy Chanukah!

10/12/2025

When a new client reaches out asking for a meeting today or tomorrow, I always pause.
I’m not an emergency doctor, I’m a financial planner, so what’s the rush?

This week someone called and said, “We received a very large sum of money, do you have time to meet today?”
“Great,” I said. “Can you put it in a bank pikadon for a week and let’s meet next week?” (My next open appointment)
“Okay… but I’m scared.”

And that one sentence told me everything.

This was not an amount of money most people can spend in a week or a year.
What he was really saying is:
“I feel out of control with my finances. I don’t trust myself.”

And this goes straight to one of the three pillars of financial well-being:
👉 A sense of control.

To truly have financial well-being, we need to feel in control of our money. Because if you don’t feel in control, even having millions won’t bring peace of mind.

The money won’t give you that deep sense of security, calm, and well-being it could be giving you.

It’s about feeling grounded, steady, and confident in the decisions you make with your money.

And that?

THAT’S where real financial well-being and being financially smarter begins.

08/12/2025

🚀 Olim Business Conference – Your Next Step to Growing Your Business!

The Multi Disciplinary Center invites Olim business owners to a practical conference packed with tools for growing a business in Israel.

Learn about:
💰 Smart financial management
📈 Modern marketing strategies
💻 AI & Google for business
🧘‍♀️ Balance and time management

Plus, quality networking with Modiin’s Olim entrepreneur community, and exposure to the annual business program that will support you throughout the year.

📅 29.12 |⏰ 08:30–13:30 | 📍 Multi Disciplinary Center
Fee: only 50 NIS

Don’t miss the opportunity to invest in your business!
Details and registration:https://modiin.paykal.co.il/product/olimbiz