I got an email from my accountant this week, who told me I owe three Bituach Leumi payments, each around 500 NIS (approx $135). As I understand it, Bituach Leumi is more than just the Israeli equivalent of Social Security. Instead of just an entitlement benefit you receive upon retirement, it’s also like a national health insurance premium for our socialized healthcare. I was exempt the first six months as an Oleh Chadash, but now it’s time to pay up.
Dang! But double-dang is when I realized that November was my final Sal Klita payment, and I could kiss those free direct deposit shekels goodbye from now on. Add in my NIS 300 monthly retainer to my accountant, and I was feeling fairly fucked. There is a rent subsidy I was hoping would automatically kick in after the Sal Klita stopped, but it turns out I’m not eligible until my 13th month, which is April.
I need to make some more money fast! I already live very modestly, but with these new expenses and expiring benefits, my salary is not going to be enough. Crap. On the plus side, the board of the nonprofit I work for is meeting this week, and a raise for me is on the agenda. So, that’s good. And, I had a 2nd job interview with [not telling yet] yesterday. I thought it went very well, and the employer and I Tweeted each other after, so the signs are positive. But I’ve been second guessing myself that I was maybe a little too enthusiastic; too much Scotty P when i could have used a little more F. Scott Piro.
I have some savings I can draw on, so it’s not panic time. But, let’s hope I was right about this.
Gefilte Fish Out of Water 