Financial Decoder

Taxes are just one part of estate planning. People are also asked to consider custody arrangements, medical decisions, and legal issues. But it comes as no surprise that people who have worked their whole lives to build an estate are wary of letting taxes and fees eat away at their hard-earned assets.  Further complicating the current environment is the fact that lifetime estate and gift tax exemption thresholds are poised to be cut in half at the stroke of midnight December 31, 2025, leading to a potentially sharp jump in some estates' tax liability. But there's still time to prepare. On this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark interviews Austin Jarvis, director of estate, trust, and high-net-worth tax at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. They discuss why everyone needs a will, various estate planning documents, and what to do if you have a large estate that might owe more taxes later.You can read articles from Austin Jarvis, including “Estate Planning for Low Interest Rates” and “How to Help Your Grandkids Pay for College” on Schwab.com. Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.Schwab does not provide tax advice. Clients should consult a professional tax advisor for their tax advice needs.Consult with an attorney and tax advisor prior to taking any action based upon this information.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.(0824-LC7F)

SummaryMark Riepe is joined by Rob Williams and Susan Hirshman to examine one of the most critical retirement decisions: When should you take Social Security?After you listen:Check out the helpful resources Susan mentions on the Social Security Administration's website.Listen to Mike Townsend's WashingtonWise podcast to stay abreast of the policy debates surrounding government programs like Social Security and Medicare.In this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe examines one of the most critical retirement decisions: When should you take Social Security? When you claim too early, your benefits are reduced, and yet a large percentage of people claim at the earliest possible age. What's driving this decision? Mark, along with his guests Rob Williams and Susan Hirshman, look at three psychological phenomena that could impact the decision.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.[0824-HMCL]

After you listen:Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes.Listen to the Schwab podcast Choiceology with Katy Milkman.Starting July 26th, athletes from around the world will compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Decision-making biases affect many aspects of the Olympic Games, from prospective host cities' bids to judges' scores to whom fans choose to root for. On this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe illustrates how some of these cognitive and emotional biases present themselves through the many elements of the games—and how they might contain lessons to apply to our own daily financial decisions.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.[0724-EV5G]

The conversation around financial planning is often dominated by long-term goals like retirement or saving to buy a home. But what about saving for short-term goals that are still important to you, like travel and vacations? On this episode of Financial Decoder, Cindy Scott, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Charles Schwab with 25 years of experience, returns to the show to explain how to prioritize and save for short-term goals like these. She and Mark discuss practical ways to fit wants and wishes into your financial plan without sacrificing your needs and long-term financial future. Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.​Money Market Funds- An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.Cash equivalent investments are cash management strategies that seek to prevent the loss of an investment's total value. Although a cash management product may seek to maintain a stable or constant net asset value, there can be no assurance it will do so.The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.0724-BMYS

Annuities are an interesting instrument in financial services. They're both simple and complicated, and that combination often means they're frequently misunderstood.To kick off Season 17 of Financial Decoder, Mark is joined again by guest Rob Williams, who heads the Financial Planning, Retirement Income, and Wealth Management team at the Schwab Center for Financial Research.In their discussion, they break down the basic functions of annuities, some problems they attempt to solve, and the role they might play in an investor's retirement-planning strategy. Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., a licensed insurance agency, distributes certain insurance and annuity contracts issued by non-affiliated insurance companies. Not all products are available in all states.(0624-9440)

All eyes were on the Fed in the first half of 2024, but with core PCE holding steady and no rate cuts, how did the other parts of the economy and the markets fare? In this midyear episode, Schwab experts look ahead to the second half of 2024 to consider what investors might expect from the U.S. stock market, the global markets, and policy and politics in Washington D.C.First, Liz Ann Sonders and Kevin Gordon discuss the current trends and bifurcations in the equity market. They highlight the significant spread between large-cap and small-cap performance, with the S&P 500® outperforming the Russell 2000. They also discuss the divergence within large-cap stocks, particularly in the growth trio of tech, communication services, and consumer discretionary sectors. The conversation emphasizes the concentration of performance in a small number of major drivers, such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon. They also touch on the bifurcation between index-level gains and weaker member-level performance in the NASDAQ. The conversation concludes by noting the relationship between market bifurcations and broader economic trends.Next, Liz Ann interviews Jeffrey Kleintop, Schwab's chief global strategist. Their conversation covers the global economic outlook, China's market performance, central bank policy, geopolitical risk, election risks, and asset allocation. Jeff discusses the recovery in the global manufacturing sector, China's stock market performance, central bank rate cuts, geopolitical developments, and the importance of international diversification.Finally, Kathy Jones interviews Mike Townsend, Schwab's managing director of legislative and regulatory affairs and the host of the WashingtonWisepodcast. They discuss the legislative agenda for the second half of the year, the upcoming presidential election, the regulatory agenda, and the battle for control of Congress. On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting.If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Small cap investments are subject to greater volatility than those in other asset categories. International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining market.Rebalancing does not protect against losses or guarantee that an investor's goal will be met. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a non-retirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.Commodity-related products carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, may be illiquid, and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions.Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.Digital currencies such as bitcoin are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view digital currencies as a purely speculative instrument.Schwab does not recommend the use of technical analysis as a sole means of investment research.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.The Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) is a survey-based indicator of the economic health of the global manufacturing sector. The PMI index includes the major indicators of: new orders, inventory levels, production, supplier deliveries and the employment environment.The MSCI EAFE Equal Weighted Index includes the same constituents as the MSCI EAFE Index (large and mid-cap securities from Developed Markets countries around the world excluding the US and Canada), with an alternative weighting scheme where at each quarterly rebalance date, all index constituents are weighted equally.London Stock Exchange Group plc (LSEG) is a United Kingdom-based stock exchange and financial information company headquartered in the City of London, England. It owns the London Stock Exchange, Refinitiv, LSEG Technology, FTSE Russell, and majority stakes in LCH and Tradeweb.(0624-8A7Z)

Your financial life can accumulate disorder and inefficiency over time. Lots of accounts, lots of holdings, and lots of priorities without a clear organizational structure. If this sounds like your portfolio, a good spring cleaning or decluttering could be in order. On this episode of Financial Decoder, Susan Hirshman, a director of wealth management for Schwab Wealth Advisory and the Schwab Center for Financial Research, is back to share her suggestions for tidying up your finances. Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvestors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.A rollover of retirement plan assets to an IRA is not your only option. Carefully consider all of your available options which may include but not be limited to keeping your assets in your former employer's plan; rolling over assets to a new employer's plan; or taking a cash distribution (taxes and possible withdrawal penalties may apply). Prior to a decision, be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider factors such as differences in investment related expenses, plan or account fees, available investment options, distribution options, legal and creditor protections, the availability of loan provisions, tax treatment, and other concerns specific to your individual circumstances.Please note that this content was created as of the specific date indicated and reflects the author's views as of that date. It will be kept solely for historical purposes, and the author's opinions may change, without notice, in reaction to shifting economic, business, and other conditions.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. ​Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining market.​Rebalancing does not protect against losses or guarantee that an investor's goal will be met. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a non-retirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.​Neither the tax-loss harvesting strategy, nor any discussion herein, is intended as tax advice and  Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. does not represent that any particular tax consequences will be obtained. Tax-loss harvesting involves certain risks including unintended tax implications. Investors should consult with their tax advisors and refer to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website at www.irs.gov about the consequences of tax-loss harvesting.The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.​Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.Schwab Wealth Advisory™ ("SWA") is a non‐discretionary investment advisory program sponsored by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. ("SWAI") is a Registered Investment Adviser and provides portfolio management for the SWA program. Schwab and SWAI are affiliates and are subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.Schwab Moneywise® is provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.(0424-ZJPT)

Successful investors know that choosing what to sell is just as important as choosing what to buy. However, findings from a recent study suggest that even professional portfolio managers are subject to psychological forces while making buying and selling decisions. On this episode, Mark Riepe discusses these recent findings with Alex Imas, professor of behavioral science and economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and co-author of the study "Selling Fast and Buying Slow: Heuristics and Trading Performance of Institutional Investors."Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvestors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles SchwabInvesting involves risk, including loss of principal.​Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co.Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.(0324-RY6R)

Figuring out how to cover college expenses often means navigating a bewildering range of options, programs, and plans. As the financial burden of higher education grows, so does the decision-making complexity for those pursuing a degree. Some even wonder whether college is still a worthwhile investment. On this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe discusses the variables around saving and paying for college with Senior Research Analyst Chris Kawashima. Read Chris Kawashima's article "8 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning for College Costs."Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Qualified education expenses can include tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and room and board. Certain costs associated with tuition, participation in a registered apprenticeship program, or payment of a qualified education loan up to $10,000 may also be considered qualified educational expenses. The availability of tax or other benefits may be conditioned on meeting certain requirements, such as residency, purpose for or timing of distribution, or other factors. Clients should consult a qualified tax advisor to discuss their individual situation.Investors should consider, before investing, whether the investor's or designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available in such state's qualified tuition program.Please note that this content was created as of the specific date indicated and reflects the author's views as of that date. It will be kept solely for historical purposes, and the author's opinions may change, without notice, in reaction to shifting economic, business, and other conditions.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co.DefinitionsVenn diagram: A diagram illustrating the relation of specific items through labeled circles and the areas where they overlap.(0324-NDC7)

Not all compensation takes the form of a cash salary or bonus. Today, many startups and most of the companies on the Fortune 500 list allow their employees to take ownership in the company through stock awards, employee stock purchase plans, stock options, or some other form of equity compensation. Despite this boom of employee ownership offerings, employee education and familiarity around these offerings appears to be falling behind.On this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe is joined by Stacie Sands, a director on Schwab's Stock Plan Services team and a Certified Equity Professional. Together they unpack equity compensation, the forms it takes, and how to navigate the decisions that come with it.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Please note that this content was created as of the specific date indicated and reflects the author's views as of that date. It will be kept solely for historical purposes, and the author's opinions may change, without notice, in reaction to shifting economic, business, and other conditions.​Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining market.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co.Stock Plan Services provides equity compensation plan services and other financial services to corporations and employees through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). Schwab, a registered broker dealer, offers brokerage and custody services to its customers.(0224-KU0N)

The Kansas City Chiefs won last year's Super Bowl (LVII) and another just a few years before in 2020. The San Francisco 49ers last won a championship in 1995. In this short bonus episode, Mark Riepe shares his insights on how a concept from 18th-century mathematician Daniel Bernoulli might speak to our perceptions of utility, or emotional benefit, even regarding a team's preparation for a championship game.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.  All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed.  Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Past performance is no guarantee of future results.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Please note that this content was created as of the specific date indicated and reflects the author's views as of that date. It will be kept solely for historical purposes, and the author's opinions may change, without notice, in reaction to shifting economic, business, and other conditions.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co.(0224-JN9Y)

Sometimes an oft-repeated axiom, maxim, or cliché has at least a small piece of truth to it. Others make sense and are true in some situations, but not others. The world of finance and investing is no exception to the coining of popular axioms and the misconceptions that can go along with them—especially when it comes to trading stocks. Traders are well-supplied with frequently repeated sayings that speak to perceived data patterns. And they must work to gut-check choices plagued by their own emotional biases.On this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe is joined by Nathan Peterson, director of derivatives analysis, to unpack a handful of these more ubiquitous expressions around investing and trading and give insight into how much weight they should carry in your decision-making.To read the study Mark references on the connections between risk tolerance and visceral pain, check out "Relating the Visceral Factor of Pain to Domain-Specific Risk Attitudes" in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Schwab does not recommend the use of technical analysis as a sole means of investment research.Please note that this content was created as of the specific date indicated and reflects the author's views as of that date. It will be kept solely for historical purposes, and the author's opinions may change, without notice, in reaction to shifting economic, business, and other conditions.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining market.The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.S&P 500® Index-Measures the performance of 500 leading publicly traded U.S. companies from a broad range of industries. It is a float-adjusted market-capitalization weighted index.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly.​Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co.(0224-H6D2)

A job change is a big change, and it's one of those changes happening to people with greater frequency for a variety of reasons. For many of these job seekers and switchers, past and future employers offer some kind of retirement savings plan, meaning these job transitions come with decisions to make around retirement planning for those investing in them.Do you leave your 401(k) where it is? Roll it over to a new one? Open a new account and put the money in there? What are your other options? The right choice for your situation isn't always clear. This episode's guest, Sarah Buchardt, a corporate financial consultant and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Schwab, will help us navigate these questions.To read the study Mark references on the connections between gratitude and a charitable mindset, check out "Gratitude, Finance, and Financial Gratitude Reminders in Charitable Giving: A Repeated Experiment Over Time" in Financial Services Review.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions.Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.​This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.A rollover of retirement plan assets to an IRA is not your only option. Carefully consider all of your available options which may include but not be limited to keeping your assets in your former employer's plan; rolling over assets to a new employer's plan; or taking a cash distribution (taxes and possible withdrawal penalties may apply). Prior to a decision, be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider factors such as differences in investment related expenses, plan or account fees, available investment options, distribution options, legal and creditor protections, the availability of loan provisions, tax treatment, and other concerns specific to your individual circumstances.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co.There are certain eligibility requirements for working with a dedicated Financial Consultant. Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.(1223-3546)

After a tumultuous year for the markets, what's in store for 2024? In this year-end episode, Schwab experts look ahead to consider what investors might expect from the markets in the new year.First, Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab's chief investment strategist, speaks with Senior Investment Strategist Kevin Gordon. Liz Ann offers her perspective on the direction of the U.S. economy and stock market. She and Kevin discuss inflation, interest rates, company earnings, and the job market, among other topics.Next, Kathy Jones, Schwab's chief fixed income strategist, interviews her colleagues Collin Martin and Cooper Howard. Kathy looks at what bond investors might expect from the Federal Reserve and fixed income assets in the new year. She and Fixed Income Strategist Collin Martin recap the year in the corporate bond market and look ahead for what's next in bond investments in 2024. Kathy also discusses the muni bond market with Fixed Income Strategist Cooper Howard. Then, Jeffrey Kleintop—Schwab's chief global investment strategist—joins Liz Ann on the show and examines what 2024 might hold for the global economy and markets.Finally, Mike Townsend, Schwab's managing director of legislative and regulatory affairs, offers his outlook on what to expect from a possible government shutdown, a busy regulatory environment, and the 2024 election.On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit Schwab.com/OnInvesting.If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.Commodity-related products carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, may be illiquid, and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions.Small cap investments are subject to greater volatility than those in other asset categories. International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.Digital currencies such as bitcoin are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view digital currencies as a purely speculative instrument.The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.Schwab does not recommend the use of technical analysis as a sole means of investment research.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions.The Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) is a survey-based indicator of the economic health of the global manufacturing sector. The PMI index includes the major indicators of: new orders, inventory levels, production, supplier deliveries and the employment environment.The Employment component of the Eurozone Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) measures the conditions surrounding the cost of employment business expenses experienced by surveyed business leaders in the Eurozone. The Input Prices component of the Eurozone Composite Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) measures the conditions surrounding the prices of raw materials and other business expenses experienced by surveyed business leaders in the Eurozone.   The MSCI EAFE Equal Weighted Index includes the same constituents as the MSCI EAFE Index (large and mid-cap securities from Developed Markets countries around the world excluding the US and Canada), with an alternative weighting scheme where at each quarterly rebalance date, all index constituents are weighted equally.The S&P 500 Equal Weighted Index includes the same constituents as its parent index, the S&P 500, with each index constituent represented equally. (1223-3U7U)

With over 70 million freelancers in the U.S., freelancing obviously appeals to a lot of workers and offers a lot of benefits to those who wish to work for themselves. However, it doesn't offer a 401(k) program, and that means saving for retirement is not as easy as filling out a form and giving it to HR. In fact, freelancers are essentially their own HR department, and that adds some complexity.On this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe speaks with Susan Hirshman, a director of wealth management for Schwab Wealth Advisory and the Schwab Center for Financial Research. They discuss the challenges freelancers face in their financial lives, as well as the options they have to invest for retirement and get the most out of their savings.To read the study Mark references about the effect of visualization on risk-taking, Check out "Imagining Risk Taking: The Valence of Mental Imagery Is Related to the Declared Willingness to Take Risky Actions" in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions.Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.​This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Schwab Wealth Advisory™ ("SWA") is a non‐discretionary investment advisory program sponsored by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. ("SWAI") is a Registered Investment Adviser and provides portfolio management for the SWA program. Schwab and SWAI are affiliates and are subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab CorporationThe Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co.There are certain eligibility requirements for working with a dedicated Financial Consultant. Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.1123-3WNB

Most people look forward to retirement—after all, most of us save money during our working lives to fund our golden years when we'll have more time to do what we enjoy. However, it's hard to do detailed planning if you haven't pinpointed, at least approximately, what you want to achieve in retirement. In other words, the first step for retirement planning is to imagine what you want your retirement to look like. Without a vision or goal, you can't make an effective plan. Once you take this first step of visualization, you can start to take more concrete steps to make it happen.On this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe speaks with Patrick Means, vice president and branch manager at Schwab. They discuss a series of concrete steps that are included on what we call the pre-retirement checklist. In other words, what do you need to take care of in the handful of years, months, and days before you retire?To hear more about the power of checklists, listen to the Choiceology episode "A Successful Failure."To read the study Mark references about active and passive risk taking, Check out "Differentiating Passive from Active Risk Taking: The Role of Self-Control and Time Perspective" from the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making. Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvesting involves risk, including loss of principal.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.​This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.There are certain eligibility requirements for working with a dedicated Financial Consultant. Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.[1123-3LYP]

Recent interest rate increases have inflated the cost of debt, which can have a profound effect on individuals carrying a mortgage on their home but also approaching retirement. Is it beneficial to pay off the mortgage prior to retirement or to continue to make your normal payments of interest and principal each month? Are there other forms of debt that should take priority over a mortgage? As retirement approaches, decisions regarding debt can seem overwhelming, and it's important to consider your individual situation.On the Season 15 premiere of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe speaks with Rob Williams, managing director of financial planning, retirement income, and wealth management at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. They explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of paying off a mortgage early and how that might affect your portfolio leading into retirement. You can also check out the article "Should You Pay Off a Mortgage Before You Retire?" and other retirement content on Schwab's Insights & Education site.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvesting involves risk including loss of principal.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.There are certain eligibility requirements for working with a dedicated Financial Consultant.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.(1023-3ER2)

Charles Schwab & Co. founder and Chairman of the Board Chuck Schwab discusses the decisions that led him to create a revolutionary business model for the brokerage industry. Chuck talks about his decision to start a business, his difficulties raising capital, and even how he convinced his wife to mortgage the house to support his upstart company. He and Mark also discuss the 1983 sale of the company to Bank of America, how he bought the company back—and how Chuck framed both decisions to his employees and the board of directors.The goal of Financial Decoder is to help listeners make better financial decisions. And while the decisions Chuck describes are in the context of his life, many of us will make decisions that may be smaller in scale but are of the same basic type: when to sell, when to change direction when things aren't going well, when to ask for help, when to borrow money, and many others. And in the context of our own lives, these can be high-stakes decisions indeed.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvesting involves risk including loss of principal.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions.Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.This information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.​Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.(1023-31WF)

Today's financial landscape is more complex than ever, encompassing a huge range of investment opportunities. Yet, the advancement of technology has made moving money easier and faster than ever before. While some investors enjoy making financial decisions on their own, this can be an overwhelming experience for others. Many people want to hire a financial advisor to assist in their financial decision-making. But how do you go about finding the right advisor to achieve their goals? How do you get started?On this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark speaks with Bryan Olson, head of Investor Advice Solutions at Schwab and president of Schwab Wealth Advisory™. They discuss the reasons why someone might seek a financial advisor, the different designations of advisor, what questions to ask a potential advisor, and how to find the right one for you.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvesting involves risk including loss of principal.There are certain eligibility requirements for working with a dedicated Financial Consultant.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions.Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Portfolio Management provided by Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser and affiliate of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab). Please read the Schwab Wealth Advisory and the Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. Disclosure Brochures for information and disclosures about this program. The Wealth Advisor, Associate Wealth Advisor, and other representatives making investment recommendations in your Schwab Wealth Advisory accounts are employees of Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc.This content is made available and managed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). The purpose of this information is to educate investors about working with an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). The RIAs and their representatives featured here use Schwab Advisor Services for custody, trading, and operational support. Inclusion should not be construed as a recommendation, an endorsement, or a sponsorship by Schwab. Many independent RIAs and other financial services professionals receive compensation for services in a variety of ways. It is the responsibility of each investor to determine which method of compensation offers the lowest total costs and best serves the interests and needs of the investor.Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.(0823-3JN1)

Many people's financial lives are deeply intertwined with their employee benefits. Saving for retirement in a 401(k) is a vital part of many of our financial plans. And an increasing number of employees receive restricted stock units as part of their compensation package—or they enroll in their employer's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Is there a holistic approach to treating financial planning when so much is tied to one's employer?In episode of Financial Decoder, we dig into the details of how to maximize your workplace benefits. First, Mark speaks with Brian Bender, head of Workplace Financial Services at Schwab. They discuss the three most important things people need to know about their 401(k) plan, changing jobs, how to get more engaged in your retirement savings, what learning resources are available, and much more.Next, Mark talks with Chris Genetti. Chris is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and corporate financial consultant at Schwab, based in Santa Clara, California. Mark and Chris discuss the role of equity compensation in a financial plan, what financial wellness looks like, and some new directions in employee benefits.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures:Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. You can obtain a prospectus, or if available, a summary prospectus by visiting schwabassetmanagement.com. Please read it carefully before investing.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.​Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.A rollover of retirement plan assets to an IRA is not your only option. Carefully consider all of your available options which may include but not be limited to keeping your assets in your former employer's plan; rolling over assets to a new employer's plan; or taking a cash distribution (taxes and possible withdrawal penalties may apply). [Prior to a decision, be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider factors such as differences in investment related expenses, plan or account fees, available investment options, distribution options, legal and creditor protections, the availability of loan provisions, tax treatment, and other concerns specific to your individual circumstances.Money market funds are neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.Schwab Stock Plan Services provides equity compensation plan services and other financial services to corporations and employees through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Schwab, a registered broker‐ dealer, offers brokerage and custody services to its customers.Workplace Financial Services is a business enterprise which offers products and services through Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc.; Schwab Stock Plan Services; and Designated Brokerage Services. Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc., provides recordkeeping and related services with respect to retirement plans. Schwab Stock Plan Services is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. providing equity compensation plan services and brokerage solutions for corporate clients. Schwab Designated Brokerage Services (DBS), a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., provides technology solutions for corporate clients with regulatory requirements to monitor employee security transactions.  which.  Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc., and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) (Member SIPC) are separate but affiliated entities, and each is a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation.Vesting means ownership of your account or your entitlement to benefits. You are always 100% vested in any contributions that you make to your retirement plan, even if you leave your employer. However, depending on what type of retirement plan you have and the choices your employer has made about the benefits under the plan, vesting of employer contributions may be immediate or may take up to seven years. Your plan's disclosure documents will contain the specific vesting schedule.(0823-33SL)

Risk management is one of the most important parts of financial planning. But we seldom consider how those risks evolve as we get older. It's just one of many blind spots that can leave investors of all ages vulnerable. Many people might expect to protect their senior or vulnerable parents, but the risk-management process should begin much earlier when you make your own financial plan.In this episode, Mark speaks with Joel Sauer, director for senior and vulnerable investor investigations in Schwab's Financial Crimes Risk Management division. They discuss how aging affects financial decision-making. Joel goes into detail about some of the various scams that investors need to understand in order to avoid them. Next, Mark talks with Nancy Murphy. Nancy is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Accredited Estate Planner with extensive experience in a broad range of investment and financial-planning issues. She and Mark discuss building a plan to account for the pandemic and which legal documents are essential for helping to mitigate aging risks. Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. Rebroadcast was edited for clarity.To learn more, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures:The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Past performance is no guarantee of future results.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. (0723-39D0)

If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with a disability, you may be faced with many challenges. While this can be an overwhelming experience, there are various financial protections and other specialized tools available to aid you in your journey.First, we hear Bob's story. After his son experienced an accident resulting in a disability, Bob Dilaura transitioned into a passion-filled career as a financial planner. In this role, Bob helps families of individuals with special needs achieve their financial goals.Next, Mark speaks with Bob to discuss the various trusts, accounts, and other resources offered when a disability exists.Bob Dilaura is a senior financial planner at Schwab and is a Chartered Special Needs Consultant from the American College of Financial Services.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Schwab Wealth Advisory™ ("SWA") is a non-discretionary investment advisory program sponsored by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. ("SWAI") is a Registered Investment Adviser and provides portfolio management for the SWA program. Schwab and SWAI are affiliates and are subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.(0723-3E2B)

To kickstart Season 14, Schwab experts look ahead to consider what investors might expect in the second half of 2023.First, Mark talks with Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab's chief investment strategist. Liz Ann offers her perspective on the direction of the U.S. economy and stock market.Next, Jeffrey Kleintop—Schwab's chief global investment strategist—discusses the possibility of a slowing global economy and what this could mean for the world's markets.Then, Mark speaks with Kathy Jones, Schwab's chief fixed income strategist. Kathy looks at what bond investors might expect from the Federal Reserve and fixed income assets in the remainder of 2023.Finally, Mike Townsend, managing director in Schwab's Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, offers his outlook for what's next for Washington now that the debt ceiling drama is resolved.Read the full 2023 Mid-Year Market Outlook from the Schwab Center for Financial Research.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see www.schwab.com/indexdefinitions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a nonretirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.All corporate names are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.Digital currencies, such as bitcoin, are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view Bitcoin as a purely speculative instrument.Environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies implemented by mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and separately managed accounts are currently subject to inconsistent industry definitions and standards for the measurement and evaluation of ESG factors; therefore, such factors may differ significantly across strategies. As a result, it may be difficult to compare ESG investment products. Further, some issuers may present their investment products as employing an ESG strategy, but may overstate or inconsistently apply ESG factors. An investment product's ESG strategy may significantly influence its performance. Because securities may be included or excluded based on ESG factors rather than other investment methodologies, the product's performance may differ (either higher or lower) from the overall market or comparable products that do not have ESG strategies. Environmental (“E”) factors can include climate change, pollution, waste, and how an issuer protects and/or conserves natural resources. Social (“S”) factors can include how an issuer manages its relationships with individuals, such as its employees, shareholders, and customers as well as its community. Governance (“G”) factors can include how an issuer operates, such as its leadership composition, pay and incentive structures, internal controls, and the rights of equity and debt holders. Carefully review an investment product's prospectus or disclosure brochure to learn more about how it incorporates ESG factors into its investment strategy.(0623-3WKH)

Every portfolio is different—and so are the people who manage active and passive funds. In this episode, we dig into the details of how fund managers at two different firms approach their role. Their decision-making processes vary according to the goals of the fund and their strategy for achieving those goals.First, Mark speaks with David Giroux, chief investment officer for equity and multi-asset at T. Rowe Price Investment Management. He and Mark discuss the guardrails that are in place to prevent some decision-making biases, what the buy-versus-sell decision actually looks like, exploiting market inefficiencies, and many other topics.Next, Mark is joined by Chuck Craig, senior portfolio manager for Schwab Asset Management. Chuck is responsible for oversight and day-to-day management of international equity index Schwab Funds and Schwab ETFs. He holds a master of science degree in financial markets and trading and is a CFA® charterholder. As a manager of a passive index fund, Chuck's perspective on the buy-versus-sell decision is much different. He and Mark discuss how tracking an index works, how to balance risk, and the importance of securing tax efficiencies within the fund.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvestors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Please read it carefully before investing.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Experiences expressed are no guarantee of future performance or success and may not be representative of you or your experience.This third party content presented is intended for informational purposes only and was provided by a third party source believed to be reliable. Neither Schwab Asset Management, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), nor its affiliates, endorse nor can guarantee the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information presented.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a nonretirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see www.schwab.com/indexdefinitions.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies implemented by mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and separately managed accounts are currently subject to inconsistent industry definitions and standards for the measurement and evaluation of ESG factors; therefore, such factors may differ significantly across strategies. As a result, it may be difficult to compare ESG investment products. Further, some issuers may present their investment products as employing an ESG strategy, but may overstate or inconsistently apply ESG factors. An investment product's ESG strategy may significantly influence its performance. Because securities may be included or excluded based on ESG factors rather than other investment methodologies, the product's performance may differ (either higher or lower) from the overall market or comparable products that do not have ESG strategies. Environmental (“E”) factors can include climate change, pollution, waste, and how an issuer protects and/or conserves natural resources. Social (“S”) factors can include how an issuer manages its relationships with individuals, such as its employees, shareholders, and customers as well as its community. Governance (“G”) factors can include how an issuer operates, such as its leadership composition, pay and incentive structures, internal controls, and the rights of equity and debt holders. Carefully review an investment product's prospectus or disclosure brochure to learn more about how it incorporates ESG factors into its investment strategy.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets.  Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks.Currencies are speculative, very volatile and are not suitable for all investors.Schwab Asset Management™ is the dba name for Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., the investment adviser for Schwab Funds. Schwab Funds are distributed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), Member SIPC. Schwab Asset Management and Schwab are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.Schwab ETFs™ are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO). SIDCO is not affiliated with The Charles Schwab Corporation or any of its affiliates.Schwab receives compensation from T. Rowe Price to market and promote their funds, in addition to any shareholder servicing fees the fund company pays to Schwab which creates conflicts of interest. Learn more here about the compensation Schwab receives.  Schwab's Financial and Other Relationships with Mutual Funds(0423-31PC)

The idea of making your portfolio your own typically involves adding and subtracting specific investments. The concept of "addition by subtraction" is a key component of an investment strategy that's been going mainstream lately. In this episode we look at one potential way you can subtract or add to your portfolio by using a method known as direct indexing. This strategy allows investors to own individual stocks that reflect the characteristics of the index they wish to track.The main advantages of direct indexing are personalization and tax-loss harvesting. But there are some downsides as well: tax-loss harvesting is only valuable if you have gains to offset and there is the operational burden of owning individual securities compared to index mutual funds and ETFs.  To discuss the ins and outs of direct indexing, Mark Riepe is joined by DJ Tierney. DJ is a director and senior investment portfolio strategist for Schwab Asset Management. He has over 25 years of experience in institutional sales, trading, and capital markets, with an extensive background in and knowledge of ETFs and fixed income. He and Mark discuss separately managed accounts, the history of index investing, tax-loss harvesting, and many other topics.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresInvestors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Please read it carefully before investing.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see www.schwab.com/indexdefinitions.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Neither the tax-loss harvesting strategy nor any discussion herein is intended as tax advice. Tax-loss harvesting involves certain risks including unintended tax implications. Investors should consult with their tax advisors and refer to Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") website at www.irs.gov about the consequences of tax-loss harvesting. Strategies that use screening to exclude certain investments may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as strategies that do not use screens. There can be no assurance that the strategies will achieve their desired outcomes. Each investing strategy brings with it its own set of unique risks and benefits.Schwab Asset Management™ is the dba name for Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. Schwab Asset Management and Schwab are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.(0423-388D)

In this episode, we hear Jodi's story. Jodi started her career in finance and developed a love of travel. She also had a passion for gender-lens investing and nonprofits that served young women. As she progressed in her career, Jodi faced a crossroads in her life. How would she find a path that fit her values?The company that Jodi founded is Connecting Growth Globally. CGG connects people to meaningful travel experiences in Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, the US, and other locations.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.Schwab Charitable™ is the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund™, an independent nonprofit organization, which has entered into service agreements with certain subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.These testimonials, statements, and opinions are given by the individual(s) based solely on the person's experience with Schwab Charitable Fund, not with any services offered by a third party, and may not be representative of the experiences of other advisors or clients. The testimonials are voluntarily provided and no compensation, free products or services, or any benefits were given in exchange for the testimonials. They are not indicative of future programs, services, performance, or success. Some statements have been edited.Market fluctuations may cause the value of investment fund shares held in a donor-advised account to be worth more or less than the value of the original contribution to the funds.Jodi is a client of both Schwab and Schwab Charitable and was not compensated by Schwab for their comments. The experience described may not be the experience of all clients and is no guarantee of future performance or success.Investing involves risks, including loss of principal.International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate this risk.Connecting Growth Globally is not affiliated with Schwab. All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.(0323-38MK)

There are many long-term financial-planning decisions we can lose sight of as we navigate the unexpected avenues of our lives. If left unchecked, these choices we made years ago may not match up with our current situation. Is there anything to consider in 2023 to help determine if these past decisions still make sense?In this episode, Mark Riepe is joined by Rob Williams, a managing director of financial planning, retirement income, and wealth management at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. They discuss five themes you should monitor in 2023 that should cause you to take a closer look at some of your financial-planning or wealth management decisions that normally don't get that much attention.Read Rob Williams' "2023 Planning and Wealth Management Outlook."Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Neither the tax-loss harvesting strategy nor any discussion herein is intended as tax advice. Tax-loss harvesting involves certain risks including unintended tax implications. Investors should consult with their tax advisors and refer to Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") website at www.irs.gov about the consequences of tax-loss harvesting. Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.(0323-3VTH)

Many people set New Year's resolutions, but sadly, most don't keep them. In this episode Mark Riepe offers several suggestions for keeping you on track with your resolutions, as well as proposing some specific resolutions that can help you better manage your financial life—whatever the date you choose to implement them.Mark talks with Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz about two of the most popular resolutions: setting and sticking to a budget and how to pay off debt.Then Rob Williams, managing director of financial planning and retirement income, discusses ways you can optimize your portfolio—and how you can prepare for the unexpected.Choiceology host Katy Milkman contributed to research about the “fresh start effect,” which is the tendency for people to get motivated to change their life after temporal landmarks like New Year's Day or anniversaries.To read more about setting—and sticking to—your own financial resolutions, check out Rob's article “New Year's Financial Resolutions.”Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresInvestors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. You can obtain a prospectus, or if available, a summary prospectus by visiting schwabassetmanagement.com. Please read it carefully before investing.Please read the Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Solutions® disclosure brochures for important information, pricing, and disclosures related to the Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium programs. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium™ are made available through Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. ("Schwab"), a dually registered investment advisor and broker dealer. Portfolio management services are provided by Charles Schwab Investment Advisory, Inc. ("CSIA"). Schwab and CSIA are subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed-income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing a portfolio cannot assure a profit or protect against a loss in any given market environment. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when rebalancing a non-retirement account, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.Money market funds are neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.(0123-38Y8)

After a tough year for the markets, what's in store for 2023? In this year-end bonus episode, Schwab experts look ahead to consider what investors might expect from the markets in the new year.First, Mark talks with Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab's chief investment strategist. Liz Ann offers her perspective on the direction of the U.S. economy and stock market. She and Mark discuss inflation, interest rates, company earnings, and the job market, among other topics.Next, Mark speaks with Kathy Jones, Schwab's chief fixed income strategist. Kathy looks at what bond investors might expect from the Federal Reserve and fixed income assets in the new year.Then, Jeffrey Kleintop—Schwab's chief global investment strategist—joins the show and examines what 2023 might hold for the global economy and markets.Finally, Mike Townsend, Schwab's managing director of legislative and regulatory affairs, offers his outlook on what to expect from a divided Congress and a busy regulatory environment.Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market or economic conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.All corporate names are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks.There are the risks associated with investing in dividend-paying stocks, including but not limited to the risk that stocks may reduce or stop paying dividends.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed-income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower-rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.Tax-exempt bonds are not necessarily suitable for all investors. Information related to a security's tax-exempt status (federal and in-state) is obtained from third parties, and Schwab does not guarantee its accuracy. Tax-exempt income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Capital appreciation from bond funds and discounted bonds may be subject to state or local taxes. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax.Commodity-related products carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, illiquid and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions.Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors.Digital currencies, such as bitcoin, are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view Bitcoin as a purely speculative instrument. Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.(1222-2BLT)

The cryptocurrency landscape is vast. There are well over 10,000 types of cryptocurrencies. For investors who are looking for exposure to this space, are there indirect opportunities that might reduce some of the risk? In this episode, Mark Riepe is joined by Inga Rachwald, a senior portfolio strategist for Schwab Asset Management. They discuss the development of various crypto and blockchain technologies, various use cases for specific cryptocurrencies, and financial instruments available to investors looking for indirect exposure.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvestors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Please read it carefully before investing.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market or economic conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.Fiat curency is a government-issued currency that is not backed by a commodity such as gold.Digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view Bitcoin as a purely speculative instrument.Virtual Currency Derivatives trading involves unique and significant risks. Please read NFA Investor Advisory – Futures on Virtual Currencies Including Bitcoin  and CFTC Customer Advisory: Understand the Risk of Virtual Currency Trading. Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC is a member of NFA and is subject to NFA's regulatory oversight and examinations. However, you should be aware that NFA does not have regulatory oversight authority over underlying or spot virtual currency products or transactions or virtual currency exchanges, custodians, or markets.You should carefully consider whether trading in virtual currency derivatives is appropriate for you in light of your experience, objectives, financial resources, and other relevant circumstances. Please note that virtual currency is a digital representation of value that functions as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, or a store of value, but it does not have legal tender status. Virtual currencies are sometimes exchanged for U.S. dollars or other currencies around the world, but they are not currently backed nor supported by any government or central bank. Their value is completely derived by market forces of supply and demand, and they are more volatile than traditional fiat currencies. Profits and losses related to this volatility are amplified in margined futures contracts.Currencies are speculative, very volatile, and not suitable for all investors.Futures trading involves a high level of risk and is not suitable for all investors.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.All corporate names are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Correlation is a statistical measure of how two investments have historically moved in relation to each other, and ranges from -1 to +1. A correlation of 1 indicates a perfect positive correlation, while a correlation of -1 indicates a perfect negative correlation. A correlation of zero means the assets are not correlated.Schwab Asset Management™ is the dba name for Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. Schwab Asset Management and Schwab are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.(1222-2TE4)

In this special episode, we hear the story of Mary Anne. Mary Anne and her twin sister Virginia were very close growing up. But as they pursued different careers, they lived on different sides of the country. After her sister's untimely passing, how did Mary Anne find a way to honor her sister's memory?The event that Mary Anne organized benefited one of her sister's favorite organizations, the Hingham Historical Commission.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.Schwab CharitableTM is the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund™, an independent nonprofit organization, which has entered into service agreements with certain subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.These testimonials, statements, and opinions are given by the individual(s) based solely on the person's experience with Schwab Charitable Fund, not with any services offered by a third party, and may not be representative of the experiences of other advisors or clients. The testimonials are voluntarily provided and no compensation, free products or services, or any benefits were given in exchange for the testimonials. They are not indicative of future programs, services, performance, or success. Some statements have been edited.Market fluctuations may cause the value of investment fund shares held in a donor-advised account to be worth more or less than the value of the original contribution to the funds.Mary Anne is a client of both Schwab and Schwab Charitable and was not compensated by Schwab for their comments. The experience described may not be the experience of all clients and is no guarantee of future performance or success.Hingham Historical Commission is not affiliated with Schwab.(1122-2T6J)

Taxes are a big issue for any investor. For people likely to incur federal estate tax, does it make sense to give away assets to family members sooner rather than later? The answer to that question can be fraught with all kinds of psychological and emotional issues. But it's important to contemplate the details of different lifetime gifting strategies if you want to maximize what you leave for your heirs. To understand more, Mark Riepe speaks with Susan Bober, a director in Schwab's Wealth Strategies Group in Indianapolis. Mark and Susan discuss why the idea of giving money to family members can cause so much fear and anxiety, the annual exclusion gifting strategy, and the importance of finding an advisor you trust.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThis information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.There are minimum requirements to work with a consultant and the Wealth Strategists Group. Wealth management refers to products and services available through the operating subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation, of which there are important differences including, but not limited to, the type of advice and assistance provided, fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences when determining which products and/or services to select.(1122-24F0)

Anyone who has invested for more than a few years has seen their share of bear markets, bull markets, down economies, and recessions. But each circumstance is different. Heraclitus said that you can't step into the same river twice: The person is different, and the river is different. When the economy turns downward, what are some strategies you should keep in mind? What's the context around the current market and macroeconomic conditions? In this episode, Mark Riepe interviews Schwab's chief investment strategist, Liz Ann Sonders.A few of the issues Mark and Liz Ann discuss include:How and why we label the economy as being in a recession;What an "earnings recession" and a "rolling recession" are;Inflation and interest rates;Unemployment, the housing market, and many other topics.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresInvestors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Please read it carefully before investing.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see www.schwab.com/indexdefinitions.The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is a private, nonpartisan organization that facilitates cutting-edge investigation and analysis of major economic issues.(1022-27JC)

What do you do if you haven't put enough money into your retirement account over the course of your working life, and you know you don't have enough money or time to fund the retirement you want?You might be tempted to act like a losing football team and throw caution to the wind with a Hail Mary pass. But your financial life is more consequential than a football game, and what you don't want to do is to make a bad situation even worse.If your retirement plan has gotten off track, there are still some actions you can take to try to get it back on track. In this episode, Mark Riepe speaks with Cindy Scott. Cindy is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with Schwab in Westlake, Texas, and has helped hundreds of people in setting retirement goals and creating plans to pursue those goals and achieve them. She was a guest on the show back on Season 8, Episode 3: "How Can You Set Better Goals?"A few of the issues Mark and Cindy discuss include:How to get an accurate assessment of how much money you'll need in retirement;Four levers you can use to try to get back on track;The role of Social Security in retirement;Tax efficiency, cash reserves, and many other topics.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvestors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Please read it carefully before investing.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a nonretirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although a money market fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in a money market fund.Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., a licensed insurance agency, distributes certain life insurance and annuity contracts that are issued by non-affiliated insurance companies. Not all products are available in all states.All corporate names are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.(0922-2KBC)

When you spend your working life saving and investing, it can be a little scary when it comes time to shift your mindset and start withdrawing from those accounts. Whether you have a 401(k) or an IRA, what strategies can help you make the most of your retirement nest egg? In this episode, Mark Riepe speaks with Daniel Stein. Daniel is a vice president and branch manager for Schwab in Bethesda, Maryland. He's a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Chartered Financial Analyst.A few of the issues Mark and Daniel discuss include:What investors can do if they haven't yet retired and can still take advantage of higher contribution limits on tax-deferred accounts;The importance of coordinating accounts between spouses;How hard it can be to get a accurate assessment as to how much money you'll be spending;Required minimum distributions, and many other topics.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Roth IRA earnings can be withdrawn tax-free after age 59½, if you've held the account for at least five years. If you take a distribution of Roth IRA earnings before you reach age 59½ and before the account is five years old, the earnings may be subject to taxes and a 10% federal tax penalty.Traditional IRA withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax and prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.Any corporate name mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and is not a recommendation, endorsement, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although a money market fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.(0922-21P2)

Instinctively, most people know that it's a good idea to save money for the future. But when it comes to saving for retirement, there are complex decisions each person must face—and typically when they are just starting out in the workforce. Is it better to contribute to a 401(k) or a Roth IRA? When can a traditional IRA make sense? How can you convert a traditional account to a Roth account? In this episode, Mark Riepe speaks with Hayden Adams. Hayden is director of tax and wealth management at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. He's also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and certified public accountant, and he provides analysis and insights on topics like income tax planning, tax-efficient investing, asset allocation, and retirement withdrawal strategies. Hayden and Mark discuss the history of IRAs, the various types of accounts, how to invest once the account is open, and many of the pressing decisions facing younger investors when they are deciding how best to save for their future. Taxes play a key role in many of the decisions, and Hayden walks listeners through the potential pitfalls—and benefits—of each savings-related decision.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Roth IRA conversions require a 5-year holding period before earnings can be withdrawn tax free and subsequent conversions will require their own 5-year holding period. In addition, earnings distributions prior to age 59 1/2 are subject to an early withdrawal penalty.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Any corporate name mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and is not a recommendation, endorsement, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.(0822-2J82)

The Fed is hiking short-term interest rates to slow the economy. Now the bond market is starting to expect less inflation longer term, and so yields on Treasury bonds have declined from their peak. What should bond investors do?In this episode, Mark Riepe speaks with Kathy Jones, Schwab's chief fixed income strategist. Kathy has analyzed global bond, foreign currency, and commodity markets extensively throughout her career as an investment analyst and strategist, working with both institutional and individual clients. Kathy makes regular broadcast appearances on CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg TV, and many other networks and is often quoted by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Financial Times, and Reuters.Kathy and Mark discuss the reasons why investors typically hold bonds in a portfolio, how the yield curve tends to function, quantitative tightening, and many other topics related to bonds and the current interest-rate environment.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. IMPORTANT DISCLOSURESThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Please note that this content was created as of the specific date indicated and reflects the author's views as of that date. It will be kept solely for historical purposes, and the author's opinions may change, without notice, in reaction to shifting economic, business, and other conditions.Diversification does not eliminate the risk of investment losses.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed-income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower-rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.Tax-exempt bonds are not necessarily suitable for all investors. Information related to a security's tax-exempt status (federal and in-state) is obtained from third parties, and Schwab does not guarantee its accuracy. Tax-exempt income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Capital appreciation from bond funds and discounted bonds may be subject to state or local taxes. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax.Preferred securities are often callable, meaning the issuing company may redeem the security at a certain price after a certain date. Such call features may affect yield. Preferred securities generally have lower credit ratings and a lower claim to assets than the issuer's individual bonds. Like bonds, prices of preferred securities tend to move inversely with interest rates, so they are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Investment value will fluctuate, and preferred securities, when sold before maturity, may be worth more or less than original cost. Preferred securities are subject to various other risks including changes in interest rates and credit quality, default risks, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, deferral risk, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.(0822-2H72)

Balancing the trade-off between risk and return is one of the most fundamental decisions an investor makes. But it can be difficult to "know thyself" and truly understand your risk tolerance. Myriad psychological factors may cause you to behave differently than your stated risk profile when confronted with market volatility. And beyond weathering the ups and downs of the market, there are other types of risk that can impact the pursuit and achievement of your financial goals.   In this episode, Mark is joined by Susan Hirshman, CFA®, CFP®, CDFA®—director of wealth management for Schwab Wealth Advisory. Susan shares her perspective on risk from her years working as an advisor to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth investors. Susan and Mark discuss the difference between risk tolerance and risk capacity, how to determine your true risk tolerance, and how a wealth management plan can help you stay the course when your risk tolerance is tested.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.  Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Please note that this content was created as of the specific date indicated and reflects the author's views as of that date. It will be kept solely for historical purposes, and the author's opinions may change, without notice, in reaction to shifting economic, business, and other conditions.

When the market drops quickly, many investors scramble for the exits. Yet that decision is usually an emotional one rather than a rational one. In this special bonus episode, Mark Riepe discusses some tools that can help you stay the course with your plan. Mark talks with David Koenig, vice president and chief investment strategist for Schwab Intelligent Portfolios. They discuss how you can use rebalancing, tax loss harvesting, and other strategies to your advantage during a down market.Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab.If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts.  Important Disclosures:Please read the Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Solutions™ disclosure brochures for important information, pricing, and disclosures related to the Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium programs. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium™ are made available through Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. (“Schwab”), a dually registered investment advisor and broker dealer. Portfolio management services are provided by Charles Schwab Investment Advisory, Inc. ("CSIA"). Schwab and CSIA are subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium™ are designed to monitor portfolios on a daily basis and will also automatically rebalance as needed to keep the portfolio consistent with the client's selected risk profile. Trading may not take place daily.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions.Diversification, periodic investment plans (dollar-cost-averaging), and rebalancing a portfolio cannot assure a profit or protect against a loss in any given market environment. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when rebalancing a non-retirement account, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Roth IRA conversions require a 5-year holding period before earnings can be withdrawn tax free and subsequent conversions will require their own 5-year holding period. In addition, earnings distributions prior to age 59 1/2 are subject to an early withdrawal penalty.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses, and cannot be invested in directly.(0722-2FAC)

In a busy world, the learning process can be difficult for most of us—especially when it comes to complex financial transactions. For one thing, there is a lack of objective feedback for many routine decisions, and of course decision-making biases complicate our supposedly rational thinking. For example, if we see good past returns on an investment, did we get those returns because we were skilled, or did we get lucky? Many people lean towards attributing good trades to skill and bad trades to luck—specifically, bad luck, or forces outside our control. If all of these forces are working against us when we make mistakes, how can we improve our ability to learn from those mistakes?In this episode, Mark speaks with Randy Frederick, managing director of trading and derivatives for the Schwab Center for Financial Research. They discuss some of the common mistakes investors make when trading—and how to learn from those mistakes. Randy identifies some of the major obstacles: overconfidence, overtrading, buying at the highs and selling at the lows, and playing the all-in or all-out game.Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.  Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see www.schwab.com/indexdefinitions.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.The standard online $0 commission does not apply to large block transactions requiring special handling, restricted stock transactions, trades placed directly on a foreign exchange, transaction-fee mutual funds, futures, or fixed income investments. Options trades will be subject to the standard $.65 per-contract fee. Service charges apply for trades placed through a broker ($25) or by automated phone ($5). Exchange process, ADR, foreign transaction fees for trades placed on the US OTC market, and Stock Borrow fees still apply. See the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for Individual Investors for full fee and commission schedules. Multiple leg options strategies will involve multiple per-contract fees.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a nonretirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.When considering a margin loan, you should determine how the use of margin fits your own investment philosophy. Because of the risks involved, it is important that you fully understand the rules and requirements involved in trading securities on margin. Margin trading increases your level of market risk. Your downside is not limited to the collateral value in your margin account. Schwab may initiate the sale of any securities in your account, without contacting you, to meet a margin call. Schwab may increase its "house" maintenance margin requirements at any time and is not required to provide you with advance written notice. You are not entitled to an extension of time on a margin call.Scaling into and out of investment positions does not ensure a profit, does not protect against losses in conversely trending markets, and may involve multiple commissions.Please note that this content was created as of the specific date indicated and reflects the author's views as of that date. It will be kept solely for historical purposes, and the author's opinions may change, without notice, in reaction to shifting economic, business, and other conditions.(0422-2CSD)

Creating a will has several benefits. A will can help your loved ones carry out your wishes, it can protect your assets, and it can allow you to designate a guardian of your children. Inevitably, some people never get around to making a will, even though they intend to do it. This type of procrastination can be difficult to overcome. Procrastination isn't a bias per se, but it's a close cousin to present bias, which causes us to avoid doing work now because the future benefits seem microscopic when compared to the immediate costs of doing the work today.In this episode, Mark talks with Nancy Murphy, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Schwab senior financial planner in Indianapolis who was previously a guest on the episode about senior and vulnerable investors. Mark and Nancy help demystify the process of making a will by explaining all the components, and they discuss the various legal documents that can make up an estate plan. They also discuss the benefits of having a trust and some common mistakes people make when it comes to naming beneficiaries. Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.(0322-26DK)

Is it possible for your portfolio to reflect your beliefs? ESG could be one way to help. ESG is an umbrella term to describe investing strategies that emphasize environmental, social, or governance factors, in addition to traditional measures of risk and return. Within this umbrella framework are strategies like SRI, or socially responsible investing; values-based investing; sustainable investing; and impact investing.In this episode, Mark talks with Malik Sievers, head of ESG strategy for Schwab Asset Management. They discuss how to personalize your portfolio, the average performance of ESG funds, and how ESG funds may help make a difference in the world.Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvestors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Please read it carefully before investing.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies implemented by mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and separately managed accounts are currently subject to inconsistent industry definitions and standards for the measurement and evaluation of ESG factors; therefore, such factors may differ significantly across strategies. As a result, it may be difficult to compare ESG investment products.  Further, some issuers may present their investment products as employing an ESG strategy, but may overstate or inconsistently apply ESG factors. An investment product's ESG strategy may significantly influence its performance.  Because securities may be included or excluded based on ESG factors rather than other investment methodologies, the product's performance may differ (either higher or lower) from the overall market or comparable products that do not have ESG strategies. Environmental (“E”) factors can include climate change, pollution, waste, and how an issuer protects and/or conserves natural resources. Social (“S”) factors can include how an issuer manages its relationships with individuals, such as its employees, shareholders, and customers as well as its community. Governance (“G”) factors can include how an issuer operates, such as its leadership composition, pay and incentive structures, internal controls, and the rights of equity and debt holders. Carefully review an investment product's prospectus or disclosure brochure to learn more about how it incorporates ESG factors into its investment strategy.Socially screened strategies that use screening exclude certain investments and therefore may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as strategies that do not use screens. There can be no assurance that the strategies will achieve their desired outcomes. Each investing strategy brings with it its own set of unique risks and benefits.Active Semi‐transparent ETFs operate differently from other exchange‐traded funds (ETFs). Unlike other ETFs, an active semi‐transparent ETF does not publicly disclose its entire portfolio composition each business day, which may affect the price at which shares of the ETF trade in the secondary market. There is a risk that the market price of an active semi‐transparent ETF may vary significantly from the ETFs net asset value and that its shares may trade at a wider bid/ask spread and, therefore, cost investors more to trade than shares of other ETFs. These risks are heightened during periods of market disruption or volatility.Standard deviation is a statistical measure that calculates the degree to which returns have fluctuated over a given time period. A higher standard deviation indicates a higher level of variability in returns.All corporate names are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Schwab Asset Management is the dba name for Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. Schwab Asset Management and Schwab are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.(0322-2Z3F_

As many small and early-stage businesses are still coping with the effects of the pandemic, one way to attract high-quality employees and help keep payrolls manageable could be the use of equity compensation. Increasingly, millennials are demanding that new job offers include equity as part of any compensation package. What's behind this trend? When does it make sense? In this episode, Mark talks with Amy Reback, head of Stock Plan Services at Schwab. They discuss what to look for in an equity compensation package, how employers can offer ownership in creative ways, and what changes to the regulatory landscape might affect equity compensation.Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Individuals should contact their own professional tax advisors or other professionals to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.Diversification  strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Schwab Stock Plan Services provides equity compensation plan services and other financial services to corporations and employees through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). Schwab, a registered broker‐ dealer, offers brokerage and custody services to its customers.(0222-2LHY)

After another full year of the COVID pandemic, what's in store for 2022? In this year-end bonus episode, Schwab experts look ahead to consider what investors might expect from the markets in the new year.First, Mark talks with Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab's chief investment strategist. Liz Ann offers her perspective on the direction of the U.S. economy and stock market. She and Mark discuss consumer spending, interest rates, company earnings, and the job market, among other topics.Next, Mark speaks with Kathy Jones, Schwab's chief fixed income strategist. Kathy looks at what bond investors might expect from the Federal Reserve and fixed income assets in the new year.Then, Jeffrey Kleintop—Schwab's chief global investment strategist—joins the show and examines what 2022 might hold for the global economy and markets.Finally, as we head into a year of midterm elections, Mike Townsend, Schwab's managing director of legislative and regulatory affairs, offers his outlook for what to expect in politics and policy next year.Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.Diversification and rebalancing a portfolio cannot ensure a profit or protect against a loss in any given market environment. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when rebalancing a non-retirement account, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.Tax-exempt bonds are not necessarily a suitable investment for all persons. Information related to a security's tax-exempt status (federal and in-state) is obtained from third-parties and Schwab does not guarantee its accuracy. Tax-exempt income may be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Capital appreciation from bond funds and discounted bonds may be subject to state or local taxes. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax.International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see www.schwab.com/indexdefinitions.All corporate names are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.Digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal‐tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view Bitcoin as a purely speculative instrument.(1221-11MM)

Many people do not enjoy the process of thinking through what happens to their assets after they pass away. But the decisions to be made are a crucial part of estate planning. Life can be complicated, and there are many advantages to having a trust in place. But the jargon surrounding trusts can be overwhelming. How can you determine which trust is right for your particular situation?In this episode, Mark talks with Austin Jarvis. Austin is a director of estate, trust, and high-net-worth tax advice at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. He's worked as an advanced-planning attorney and in the estate and gift tax section of the Internal Revenue Service.They discuss how a variety of different trusts work, including the SLAT, ILIT, special-needs trust, credit shelter trust, and the most common type—the revocable living trust.You can learn more about choice overload on the “Spoiled for Choice” episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman.Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, estate attorney, or investment manager.Always consult with your legal counsel and tax advisors about your particular circumstances.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab") is affiliated with Charles Schwab Trust Company (CSTC), the corporate trustee for Schwab Personal Trust Services (SPTS). Schwab may introduce clients to CSTC but does not evaluate whether SPTS is appropriate for each client or recommend SPTS for any particular client. It is the client's responsibility to ensure that CSTC meets his or her trust needs and to conduct any due diligence that may be required before engaging CSTC.Schwab and Schwab Private Client Investment Advisory, Inc., a registered investment advisor and affiliate of Schwab, both earn compensation from CSTC for service provided in connection with SPTS. CSTC may invest trust assets in a wrap fee program or make use of investment advisory services, which are sponsored by Schwab and/or in which Schwab affiliates provide discretionary and non-discretionary investment recommendations. Schwab and its affiliates earn compensation for assets selected or recommended by Schwab-affiliated advisors, including management fees for Schwab affiliate mutual funds and shareholder servicing fees for mutual funds that participate in the Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® service.Schwab Financial Consultants who introduce you to CSTC will receive compensation if you choose to use SPTS. CSTC receives fees in connection with the administrative trust services or the investment management services as permitted pursuant to the terms of the trust instruments.In selecting a trust service, you should consider whether to combine trust administrative services with trust investment management services and whom to select as a trustee. Third-parties may offer similar trust administrative or trust investment management services, or both, at different costs. (1221-1DWT)

Throughout the holiday season, you might encounter dozens of appeals for charity. If you decide to give, or if you donate throughout the year, how can you maximize the impact of your gift? In this episode, Mark talks with Sam Kang, president of Schwab Charitable, a nonprofit organization established with the support of The Charles Schwab Corporation to make charitable giving simpler and more tax-efficient.They discuss direct cash gifts, donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions, and other ways of giving—and which types of investors can benefit from each approach.You can learn more about the science behind why helping others makes us feel good on the “Happiness” episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman.Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresInvestors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Please read it carefully before investing.The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Schwab Charitable™ is the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund™, an independent nonprofit organization. Schwab Charitable Fund has entered into service agreements with certain affiliates of The Charles Schwab Corporation.A donor's ability to claim itemized deductions is subject to a variety of limitations depending on the donor's specific tax situation. Consult your tax advisor for more information.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab Charitable recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner or Investment Manager.Because environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies exclude some securities, ESG-focused products may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as products that do not use such strategies. Additionally, the criteria used to select companies for investment may result in investing in securities, industries or sectors that underperform the market as a whole.Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a nonretirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.Professionally managed accounts are available only through independent investment advisors with Schwab Advisor Services™, a business segment of The Charles Schwab Corporation serving independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading, and support services of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. While donors may recommend an advisor, Schwab Charitable must approve the recommendation. Advisors must meet certain eligibility requirements and adhere to Schwab Charitable fee and investment guidelines. You may request a copy of the investment guidelines by calling us at 800-746-6216.(1121-1WV9)

In assessments that show women to be less financially literate than men, is that gap due to a lack of knowledge or a lack of confidence? One recent study revealed that women tend to disproportionately respond “do not know” to questions measuring financial knowledge, but when this response is unavailable, the gap closes substantially.In this episode, Mark tells the story of Monique Currie—a highly successful basketball player in college and the WNBA. Despite all her talent and achievements, Currie has noted how women basketball players tend to be less confident than their male counterparts. Lacking confidence when it comes to complex tasks, such as investing in a diversified portfolio or mapping out a financial plan, can seem intimidating to anyone of any gender, but are there strategies that can help you overcome some forms of underconfidence? Mark speaks with Laura McDowell, a regional director at Schwab. Laura is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA), and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF). They discuss changing demographics, why some people suffer from impostor syndrome, and how to empower the next generation of women investors. You can read more about the study that shows women are often more knowledgeable in financial matters than they think in this working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research. Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.(1121-17JF)

Special purpose acquisition companies (or SPACs) aren't entirely new, but they've made headlines in 2020 and 2021. SPACs take funds from investors in order to buy or merge with another company. They're sometimes called “blank check” companies because it's as if investors are giving the companies a blank check to buy whatever sort of business they want. Until a merger is announced, investors in a SPAC don't know exactly what they're buying or trading.In this episode, Mark Riepe interviews Schwab's chief investment strategist, Liz Ann Sonders. Mark and Liz Ann discuss how SPACs work, how SPACs compare to the traditional IPO process, and whether they are right for you as an investor. Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures:The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Whether you are investing in a SPAC by participating in its IPO or by purchasing its securities on the open market following an IPO, you should carefully read the SPAC's IPO prospectus as well as its periodic and current reports filed with the SEC pursuant to its ongoing reporting obligations.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk including loss of principal.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see www.schwab.com/indexdefinitions. (1121-1G8P)

In Season 9 of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe invites Schwab experts to offer advice in a variety of areas. From Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) to charitable giving, Mark and his guests explore financial decisions for investors of all backgrounds. The first episode of the new season arrives November 1. Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. [RP1]If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important Disclosures:Investing involves risk including loss of principal.(1021-18F1)

Many investments inspired by new technology can be treacherous territory, but also, under the right conditions, they can offer enormous upside. Depending on the timing, the same investment can be both disastrous and generate great returns. Since the rise of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, some investors have experienced the highs and lows of rapid-cycling volatility. In this episode, Mark speaks with Randy Frederick, Managing Director of Trading and Derivatives for the Schwab Center for Financial Research. They discuss the history of Bitcoin, some of the risks associated with cryptocurrency, tax implications, and some of the difficulties of trading a new currency. Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures:The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market or economic conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.Digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view Bitcoin as a purely speculative instrument.Currencies are speculative, very volatile, and not suitable for all investors.Futures trading involves a high level of risk and is not suitable for all investors.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.All corporate names are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. (0721-1ZZF)

Financial planning is an ongoing, iterative process. But it always starts with identifying and defining goals. Why are you saving money? When do you plan to retire? How much do you spend now? Are you saving for college? The more specificity that can be added to each goal, the more likely it is to be achieved.No matter your stage in life, whether you are just starting out saving and investing or are well into your working years with a plan already in place, you need to evaluate your goals regularly. Our circumstances in life often change—and so should our plans. In this episode, Mark speaks with Cindy Scott. Cindy is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and wealth advisor with Schwab in Westlake, Texas. She shares several stories of real investors who have faced challenges when setting or defining their goals.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder.If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures:The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Diversification and rebalancing of a portfolio cannot assure a profit or protect against a loss in any given market environment. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when rebalancing a non-retirement account, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.(0721-045W)