Jewish Money Matters

B”H If you’re married — or if you ever plan to be, which I hope you do — today’s conversation is a must-listen. I’m in conversation with  Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier of Lakewood, New Jersey — author of Ten Really Dumb Mistakes That Very Smart Couples Make. You might know Rabbi Shafier already from TheShmuz.com, or from some of his books. Today we bring you an incredibly practical, eye-opening conversation. Here’s something you’ve asked many times and Rabbi Shafier addresses head on: Whose responsibility is it to provide financially for the family? And what about when the husband is in kollel?  Rabbi Shafier also boils the 10 Really Dumb Mistakes that very smart couples make down to just two. And trust me, you’ve probably made them. We get into the one thing that causes every single fight in marriage. Spoiler: it’s not money. The three pillars of a successful marriage. The two most important words in marriage. And ladies, the one thing that will absolutely shatter your husband. (So you can avoid it!) We discuss the role of financial provision and the role of managing the finances — and who should really be doing what. The answer may surprise you. And if you want to improve communication with your spouse, Rabbi Shafier gives you the exact question to ask yourself before you speak — plus the acronym that will transform your shalom bayit (and honestly, every relationship in your life). Here’s Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier.   The post 456: The 2 Dumb Mistakes Smart Couples Make, & Why Money Isn’t the Problem with Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H Is Astrology part of Judaism? Are we allowed to use it? If so, how do we use it? In today’s conversation we explore: What is kosher astrology, and of course, what isn’t it? How can you use it to maximize your potential, and live a life of real alignment with your soul’s mission? And of course — that leads us right into our money — can kosher astrology tell you how much money you or your business is going to make? No. But, don’t give up on me just yet, because what astrology can do for you, is going to be so much more valuable; and might actually give you the push to unleash your earnings potential. Rabbi Yitzchok Pinkesz is the Author of Kosher Astrology: A Jewish Guide to Celestial Wisdom. Rabbi Pinkesz is a Torah-observant astrologer who has been practicing astrology in accordance with the Torah for over 15 years. His fascination with personal transformation led to extensive research in Jewish philosophy, psychology, and astrology. Buckle up because the topic of this conversation is on the one hand really out there, and on the other hand it can be something that really grounds us. So if you’re going through a time where you feel like you’re all over the place, or you’re stumbling, or feeling like you’re fumbling in the dark, or you’re being really challenged in a particular way, I think you will find this conversation really comforting. I never imagined saying those words about astrology. But, alas here we are. Here’s Rabbi Yitzchok Pinkesz. You can find the book on Amazon or on his website kosherastro.com where you can also learn more, and even sign up for a Birth Chart Reading. The post 455: Kosher Astrology on Mazel, Mission & Money with Rabbi Yitzchok Pinkesz appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H Download the Mindful Spending Plan at yaeltrusch.com/msp Download the 10-Day Marriage Reset at offers.yaeltrusch.com/reset This week Yael Trusch will help listeners with the following questions on Ask Yael: How to make her husband feel like the provider when he’s learning in kollel full time and she’s the one earning the money. A listener is single and earning money but seems to be spending more than she feels she should. She’s feeling guilty about not having more saved up or invested. Another listener has the skill sets to bring in more money to her household, but is feeling torn about doing so. Should she? How should she think about this? The post 454: Ask Yael: I’m single and all my money is going on milkshakes and vacations! appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H This episode is brought to you by The Zionista Project. Check out the collection and join the community of proud zionistas at thezionistaproject.org. Today I’m joined by Rabbi Zalman Duchman, Executive Director of Colel Chabad. We’re talking about tzedakah and the many ways in which Colel Chabad has revolutionized tzedakah, including bringing the tzedakah pushka to your pocket through the MyPushka App. We speak about the origins of Colel Chabad and the tzedakah that Colel Chabad provides in the Land of Israel. Colel Chabad is the oldest continuously operating tzedakah organization in Eretz Israel. You won’t only learn about Colel Chabad and its activities, but you’ll learn about tzedakah itself. Rabbi Duchman shares some beautiful insights from the book of Tanya and from the different Chabad Rebbes that I hope will have a positive impact on your relationship with money, infuse your tzedakah with meaning, and with a sense of urgency. Stay tuned for a fun fact regarding what’s become a Jewish household staple, the pushkah. And of course, I truly hope that after listening to this interview, you download the MyPushkah app immediately on your phone and make use of it on a daily basis, as you’ll hear today about the power of continuous giving. To download the My Pushkah App, request a pushkah for your home or office, donate to Colel Chabad, and learn more head over to colelchabad.org The post 453: Revolutionizing Tzedaka with Rabbi Zalman Duchman Executive Director of Colel Chabad appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H This episode is brought to you by The Zionista Project. Check out the collection and join the community of proud zionistas at thezionistaproject.org. Today on Ask Yael, Jewish Money Matters Host Yael Trusch answers a listener whose getting stressed about her husband’s financial stress. Another listener heard that there are tax benefits to saving for kids’ weddings through custodial investment accounts. Is that the best way for her to save for her kids weddings? Sign up for the Ten Day Marriage Reset HERE. Sign up for The Art of The Money Date HERE. The post 452: Ask Yael: Should I use a custodial investment account to save for my kids’ weddings? appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H This episode is brought to you by The Zionista Project. Check out the collection and join the community of proud zionistas at thezionistaproject.org. David is the author of two books: I Never Met The Rebbe Many Times and David’s Harp. He’s a renowned speaker, rabbi, publisher, journalist, author, musician, and filmmaker. Today you’ll hear how his interview with former Dean of the Washington Press Corp Helen Thomas changed his life, well, and hers – as it revealed her antisemitism and led to the demise of her 60 year career in journalism. Stay tuned for that story. This conversation is packed with life lessons as David shares pieces of his journey towards Jewish observance, leaving his role as a Conservative Rabbi, not only to become fully immersed in Torah but in the world of business. This is a perfect conversation to get us into the “mundane” of Cheshvan with gusto and zest. Here’s the wise David Nesenoff. The post 451: David Nesenoff, Author of I Never Met the Rebbe Many Times (Replay) appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H This episode is brought to you by The Zionista Project. Check out the collection and join the community of proud zionistas at thezionistaproject.org. Today on Ask Yael, Jewish Money Matters Host Yael Trusch answers a listener whose husband doesn’t like her to interfere in the financial affairs of the household. Another listener is wondering how to regain respect for her husband if she’s lost it because he’s not driven to provide. Yael also answers to a listener who’s never had a money conversation with her husband, and to one who is resentful that her husband took a full time job and has less time to learn Torah. Sign up for the Ten Day Marriage Reset HERE. Sign up for The Art of The Money Date HERE. The post 450: Ask Yael — Interference, Respect and Resentment appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H This episode is brought to you by The Zionista Project. Check out the collection and join the community of proud zionistas at thezionistaproject.org.   You’re not going to believe what I’ve dug from the archives for you. My very first interview with visual artist Yaeli Vogel, back in May of 2019. It was episode 97 on this show. You heard Yaeli Vogel recently on the show, and today you get to hear a lot more about the early days of her career as an artist – how she got started, G-d closing a door on her in order to open another one, the risk taking leap of faith, the resourcefulness, grit, and the unwavering support of her husband. So many lessons in entrepreneurship, pursuing your talents, getting things done, and more in this episode. And wait till you hear how she sold a painting to Ivanka Trump while she was in the White House. Here’s Yaeli Vogel.  The post 449: The Beginnings of Yaeli Vogel Art (Encore) appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H This episode is brought to you by The Zionista Project. Check out the collection and join the community of proud zionistas at thezionistaproject.org. Get Yael’s 10-Day Marriage Reset HERE. In this episode of Ask Yael, Jewish Money Matters Podcast Host, Yael Trusch answers a listener who’s looking for her opinion on bitcoin. Also, a listener is concerned about a husband wanting the wife to work and make money. But at the same time, he doesn’t want her to have a say in the financial decisions, management of the money. Get The Art of The Money Date HERE     The post 448: Ask Yael — He wants her to work and make money, but not to have a say on financial decisions appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H This episode is brought to you by The Zionista Project. Check out the collection and join the community of proud zionistas at thezionistaproject.org.  Learn to uncover your money stories and get on the same page about money with Yael’s New Course: The Art of The Money Date HERE. Today on Jewish Money Matters, we explore a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: financial trauma. What is it? How does it get passed down from generation to generation? And most importantly — how can we rewrite the script so that we can thrive, not just survive, financially and emotionally? To guide us, I have with me Dr. Edith Shiro, clinical psychologist, co-founder of the Trauma and Resilience Center, and author of the powerful book The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: The Path to Post-Traumatic Growth. Dr. Shiro has spent over 25 years helping individuals and families heal from trauma and grow stronger through it. In our conversation we unpack the hidden money beliefs many of us inherited, how trauma can shape our financial behavior in surprising ways, and how the very experiences that shook us can ultimately become the catalyst for growth, abundance, and healing. The post 447: Our Money Stories & The Unexpected Gift of Trauma with Dr. Edith Shiro appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H Today we’re diving into a thrilling story – one of ambition, bold moves, devastating setbacks, and ultimately, profound lessons about wealth, faith, and what really matters. My guest is Rabbi Irwin Katsof, former fundraiser for Aish HaTorah, now investor, entrepreneur, and president of Trademissions.org. He’s also the author of several books, including the one we’ll be talking about today, Living Dangerously: My Struggle to Get Rich Without Losing My Soul. Rabbi Katsof shares with raw honesty what it was like to leave behind a wildly successful 20 plus-year career in Jewish outreach to try to “make it big” on Wall Street. We talk about the allure of wealth, the mistakes that led to overextension, the tension between ambition and faith, and the moments of humility that brought him back to center. We also touch on the lessons of bitachon, the impact of upbringing on our money stories, the dangers of chasing status symbols, and ultimately, what it really means to live a life of meaning, connection, and success. This one is vulnerable, relatable, and full of wisdom for anyone who’s ever wrestled with money, ambition, and purpose – frankly for all of us. Here’s Rabbi Irwin Katsof.   The post 446: The Struggle to Get Rich Without Losing Your Soul with Rabbi Irwin Katsof appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H What would you do if you weren’t afraid? Ever asked yourself that question. My guest today had a unique relationship with fear – it was her most familiar feeling. She was wired from an early age to be fearful of … well everything. After years of searching, she learned to replace fear with faith, with purpose. My guest today is the one and only Michal Oshman, author of What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid: Creating a Meaningful Life in Uncertain Times. She started her career as an officer in the Israeli army, became the Head of Company Culture at TikTok and an International Leadership Development Executive at Facebook. She is a TEDx speaker and believes in ‘replacing fear with purpose.’ Michal and I talk about her journey with fear, and what she found in Judaism that – after a long search in many other disciplines – actually helped her replace her fears with purpose. If you’ve been afraid of entrepreneurship, of asking for money, of going on your own, or plain afraid of making money – perhaps that means asking for a raise at work – listen carefully to Michal’s advice. If you’re looking for a job, or doing a job that pays you more, but doesn’t feel in alignment with your mission… or, if you’re struggling with motherhood and career, please pay attention. We talk about all those things. Michal has great advice for those starting in their careers, as well as for those of us already in the thick of it. But we don’t just talk about careers and making a livelihood, we also talk about the way she grew up as it relates to money. You know I like going there. This is a very open, vulnerable and I hope relatable conversation. Michal is approachable, honest and I know you’re going to love her. Here’s the wise and beautiful Michal Oshman. Get the book What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid HERE. Download Yael’s 10-Day Marriage Reset HERE. The post 445: From Fear to Faith with Michal Oshman, Author of What Would You Do If you Weren’t Afraid appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H Download Yael’s Free Debt Repayment Tracker HERE Today on Jewish Money Matters, Yael answers listener’s question on: Taking a loan against a 401K, or refinancing one’s home to tackle$115,000 in credit card debt. Is Maaser paid from before or after taxes? And, can one use Maaser funds to pay for daughters’ Jewish education?   The post 444: Ask Yael — Can I use Maaser funds to pay for  my daughter’s Jewish education? appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H We’re just coming out of Tisha B’Av, when we mourned for the Temple. Today, we can shift from mourning to yearning — to anticipation, to active participation in the rebuilding of said Temple and in Moshiach’s coming. And to help us step fully into that mindset, I’m joined by Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff, author of The Future: A Guide to the Jewish Messiah, Israel, and the End of Days. Rabbi Hajioff is going to pull back the curtain and take us deep into one of the most fundamental – yet surprisingly overlooked – topics in Judaism: Moshiach. Rabbi Hajioff, is a full time faculty member of Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University. His very popular credited courses include courses on Jewish Philosophy, Mashiach, Jewish holidays, Shabbat and many others. He received the “Professor of the Year” award in Judaic Studies from the senior year students at Stern. 
He’s also the best selling author of two other books: Jew Got Questions and Will Jew Marry Me?  Today, we’ll explore what Moshiach really means – not just for the Jewish people, but for the entire world – the signs we might already be seeing, and most importantly, how we can be active participants in bringing this era closer. And if you’re wondering where your money fits into all of this… stay tuned. There is a lot you can do with your financial resources to help make this reality happen. Remember: Moshiach arrives in this physical world. Before you, G-d forbid, reject materiality, listen closely – you might find that you don’t need to give up what you have right now… except, maybe a mindset… The post 443: Moshiach Is Not a Fringe Topic with Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H Download Yael’s Mindful Spending Plan at yaeltrusch.com/msp Today on Ask Yael, a listener asks what are the top 5 things Yael would want high school kids to know as they start making money and soon head out into the adult world. Also, Yael answers a listener who wants to know how to teach teenage kids to manage money when going out with friends. Plus, what is an adult sibling’s role when it comes to another adult sibling who is being financially irresponsible? The post 442: Ask Yael — Top 5 Things To Teach Your High School Child About Money appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H Check out income eligibility per state HERE. Stay up to date on everything regarding the federal scholarship tax credit by visiting https://agudah.org/schoolchoice Yael Trusch is in conversation with Rabbi A.D. Motzen, National Director of Government Affairs for Agudath Israel of America, and Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, Director of Government Affairs for Agudath Israel of Illinois. They are discussing the newly permanent $1,700 federal scholarship tax credit that you quite literally can’t afford to ignore. You may have heard that the “Big Beautiful Bill” signed by President Trump on July 4th included a historic provision: a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for taxpayers who donate to educational scholarship granting organizations. What does this mean for you? Whether you already have children in Jewish day school or have been dreaming of giving them a Jewish education but found the cost out of reach — this episode is for you. We’re breaking down how this tax credit can dramatically reduce tuition, not just for your family, but for thousands of others — at no cost to the donor. In today’s conversation: What this federal tax credit is and isn’t  Who qualifies (spoiler: probably you — even if you’ve never qualified for financial aid before) How schools and parents can work together to make this a success And why this moment marks a paradigm shift in Jewish education funding If you’ve been skeptical or confused, I think you’ll walk away inspired, informed, and deeply grateful — to our guests, to the advocates who made this happen… and ultimately, to the One orchestrating it all from above. This is a tax conversation you’ll actually be glad you tuned into. The post 441: Game Changer for Jewish Education — The $1,700 Federal Tax Credit You Can’t Afford to Ignore appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H Join Yael inside her weekly newsletter at yaeltrusch.com/newsletter In this episode of Ask Yael, Jewish Money Matters Podcast Host Yael Trusch responds to a listener who wants to know how to deal with her resentment she feels towards giving because her husband is a “big” giver. Another listener wants to know how to let her husband “lead” when she feels “forced” to work by the financial situation, even when it’s stressful and too much for her. And finally, a woman wants to know how to deal with the monthly deficit. That is their expenses are much higher than their income. The post 440: Ask Yael — Resenting charity because husband gives a lot of money away appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H In this episode of Ask Yael on Jewish Money Matters, Yael answers a listener who wants to understand if trust in G-d causes G-d’s abundance to flow, then how come there are people who don’t trust in G-d and have tremendous abundance? Also, what are the best free budgeting apps? And where do I invest my kids’ money? Tune in for a very comprehensive episode on all of these topics. Download Yael’s Mindful Spending Plan at yaeltrusch.com/msp Sign up for the Career Path Summit for Free at https://careerpathsummit.com   The post 439: Ask Yael — Where Should I Invest My Kids’ Money? appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H Jamie Geller, Chief Communications Officer at Aish Global, joins Jewish Money Matters for a beautiful conversation that balances the practical and the spiritual. We delved into Jamie’s current role, financial challenges she’s faced, and the things she’s done that have helped her through them. We also talked about the masculine and feminine energy in a marriage and the risk of women taking on too much of a masculine energy, pushing men to take on a more feminine role and vice versa. Of course, we spoke about the number one way to combat antisemitism and the need to put more dollars into it. Here’s Jamie Geller. The post 438: Jamie Geller, Chief Communications Officer at Aish Global appeared first on Yael Trusch.

B”H Comedian and activist Esther Lev shares her inspiring journey of using humor to uplift her community, herself and more recently, even confront antisemitism. Esther Lev is a rising comedy star in Costa Rica, and the antisemitism in her home country is giving her the push to spread her wings outwards. How did she get started in comedy? How does she monetize it? What were some of the money lessons she learned growing up? From personal stories, all sprinkled with a heavy dose of humor, to the importance of spreading light through laughter, Esther reminds us how resilience and comedy can go hand in hand even in the darkest times. Here’s Esther Lev. The post 437: Laughing Through Adversity with Esther Lev appeared first on Yael Trusch.