Welcome to US Money, Translated

Hi, I’m Dan. 

Several years ago, my wife and I, along with our two cats, packed up our small Tel Aviv apartment and moved to California so I could pursue my MBA at UC Berkeley Haas. Fast forward to today, and we are still living here in the US.

The move to the US was an incredible opportunity, but it came with a steep learning curve that most immigrants and expats will immediately recognize. One of those challenges was figuring out the US financial system.

Knowing very few people here at the time, I had to figure things out on my own. I taught myself how to open a bank account, build a credit score, and file my taxes. It started as a necessity. 

But, as I read more, I was drawn into the broader world of personal finance in the US and quickly found myself enjoying the learning process. What struck me the most is just how much there is to learn, and how much you can actually do to improve your financial situation once you understand the rules. But one of the biggest problems is that you don’t know what you don’t know. It’s hard to figure things out when you don't even know what to search for, which leads me to my next point.

Why I Started This Newsletter

My goal with US Money, Translated is to demystify the US financial landscape and make this knowledge accessible. I want to pass on what I’ve learned so you can benefit from it, too. Through this newsletter and blog, I break down complex topics into clear, actionable education for anyone wanting to make smarter financial decisions here in the US (though many of these lessons can be applied anywhere).

My Background

Early in my career, I earned a degree in Finance and Economics from Tel Aviv University and worked at PwC, where I earned my CPA license. After completing my MBA, I transitioned into FinTech as a Product Marketing Manager, and today, I work at PayPal. 

Disclaimer: While I have a background in finance and hold an Israeli CPA license, I am neither a certified financial advisor in the US nor a tax expert. The information shared here is for educational purposes based on my personal research and experience, and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice.

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