Cognitive and emotional biases can have a big impact on your financial life. Each episode of Financial Decoder looks closely at one financial decision--and the biases that might cloud your judgment and cost you money. Host Mark Riepe, head of the Schwab Center for Financial Research, decodes the behavioral and psychological factors at play and shares strategies designed to improve the way you approach financial crossroads. Other experts join Mark to provide their unique perspective on behavi ...
…
continue reading

1
Does Your Inner Scorekeeper Skew Your Judgement?
32:52
32:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:52After you listen: Find more of Daniel Stone's research on his website. Schwab's newest podcast, Invested in the Game, features true stories of people who are driving the game of golf forward. In this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe is joined by economist Daniel Stone, Associate Professor of Economics at Bowdoin College and chair of th…
…
continue reading
After you listen: Learn more about the story of how May Day became National Investing Day. In this bonus episode, Mark takes a deep dive into the evolution of investing accessibility over the past century. From the barriers that once kep the public out of financial markets to key moments like May Day, he expolores the forces that gradually opened t…
…
continue reading

1
Can You Be Proactive in Times of Market Volatility?
29:50
29:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:50After you listen: To learn about the news and policies from Washington that impact your portfolio, listen to the WashingtonWise podcast. For weekly insights on the market and economy, listen to the On Investing podcast. Market volatility can stir powerful emotions, making it tempting to abandon long-term financial plans in favor of short-term react…
…
continue reading

1
Which Milestone Ages Factor Into Retirement Planning?
9:28
9:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:28After you listen: Listen to our episode "How Can You Build Your Pre-Retirement Checklist?" Read more on the topic in Rob Williams' article "The Most Important Ages of Retirement." Certain birthdays carry more financial weight than others. In this episode, Mark walks through the ages that matter most in retirement planning. From increased contributi…
…
continue reading

1
Are You Making One of These Car Buying Mistakes?
22:33
22:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:33After you listen: Read Patrick's article, 7 Car Buying Mistakes That Could Cost You In this episode, Mark Riepe and Patrick Means explore the financial and behavioral aspects of car buying, including the biases that can cloud our judgment when making the decision. Their conversation covers practical advice on financing, maintenance, and the importa…
…
continue reading
After you listen: Explore more of Schwab's market commentary and education for bond investors. In this episode, Mark Riepe and Kathy Jones delve into the essentials of bond investing. They discuss the fundamentals that every investor should understand, including the nature of bonds, the significance of credit risk, the relationship between interest…
…
continue reading

1
What Steps Can You Take to Avoid Cyber Fraud?
13:41
13:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:41After you listen: Explore more of Schwab’s education on fraud prevention. In this episode, Mark Riepe discusses the rising threat of cybercrime, focusing on the psychological tactics used by modern fraudsters to exploit their victims. Featured guest and Certified Fraud Examiner Lisa Lang emphasizes the importance of skepticism and awareness among o…
…
continue reading

1
How Can You Set the Right Financial Goals?
34:48
34:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:48After you listen: Visit Schwab Moneywise to learn more about financial literacy. Read more insights from experts like Cindy Scott on Schwab's Money Talk. In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe discusses the complexities of setting financial goals with Cindy Scott. They explore the emotional challenges of goal setting, the importance of sp…
…
continue reading

1
(Bonus) From On Investing: 2025 Market Outlook, Part 2
28:56
28:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:56After you listen Read Cooper Howard's 2025 Municipal Bond Outlook. Read Collin Martin's 2025 Corporate Bond Outlook. Read Kathy Jones's 2025 Treasury Bonds and Fixed Income Outlook. Follow the Schwab Center for Financial Research on X @SchwabResearch. Is the bond market caught between the Federal Reserve's plans to cut interest rates and the risk o…
…
continue reading

1
(Bonus) From On Investing: 2025 Market Outlook, Part 1
34:30
34:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:30After you listen Follow the hosts on social media: Kathy Jones on X and LinkedIn. Liz Ann Sonders on X and LinkedIn. After another year of the bull market, what's in store for stocks in 2025? 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…
…
continue reading

1
What Year-End Tax Strategies Should You Consider for 2024?
12:52
12:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:52After you listen: Check out the 2024 tax rates and brackets. Learn more about donor-advised funds. Explore more tax-planning content. Mark Riepe breaks down important 2024 tax updates, covering changes to income tax brackets, standard deductions, and retirement contribution limits. He shares actionable year-end tax strategies to help you maximize s…
…
continue reading

1
(Bonus) How Can Gratitude Improve Your Life?
21:51
21:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:51After you listen: Listen to the Choiceology podcast, hosted by Katy Milkman. Read the article "Charitable Donations: The Basics of Giving." Read the article "12 Tax-Smart Charitable Giving Tips for 2024." In this special episode of Financial Decoder, the team explores the theme of gratitude through personal stories, scientific insights, and reflect…
…
continue reading

1
A Holistic Approach: Do You Need a Wealth Advisor?
26:40
26:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:40After you listen: Watch the video version of this episode on the Charles Schwab YouTube Channel. Visit the Schwab Wealth Advisory site to learn more about Schwab's approach to wealth management. Discover helpful educational resources about personal finance at Schwab Moneywise. In this special episode, host Mark Riepe is joined in-studio by Stephani…
…
continue reading

1
How Do You Gauge the Impact of Washington on Your Finances?
35:48
35:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:48Mark Riepe is joined by Michael Townsend, managing director of legislative and regulatory affairs at Schwab, to discuss the cognitive and emotional biases that influence political decision-making, the gap between campaign promises and legislative realities, and the complexities surrounding federal debt and entitlement programs like Social Security …
…
continue reading

1
How Do You Plan for the Succession of a Business?
37:10
37:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:10In this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe delves into the key aspects of succession planning for business owners, including how our behavioral tendencies may influence the decisions we make around a business's future. He's joined by Austin Jarvis, a director of estate, trust, and high-net-worth tax at the Schwab Center for Financial Res…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe and Susan Hirshman discuss the financial aspects of owning a pet. Susan highlights the responsibilities, costs, and emotional attachment that come with pet ownership, emphasizing the importance of financial planning. Mark asks her about the role of pet insurance in covering unexpected expenses a…
…
continue reading

1
How Can You Preserve Your Assets for Your Heirs?
35:04
35:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:04Taxes 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…
…
continue reading
Summary Mark 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 poli…
…
continue reading

1
Can the Olympics Teach Us About Our Own Behavior?
17:42
17:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:42After 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 o…
…
continue reading
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 year…
…
continue reading
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 C…
…
continue reading

1
(Bonus) From On Investing: Mid-Year Outlook
48:42
48:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:42All 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 polit…
…
continue reading

1
(Bonus) Does Your Portfolio Need Decluttering?
23:21
23:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:21Your 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 manageme…
…
continue reading

1
Do Investing Pros Make Smart Buy and Sell Decisions?
19:31
19:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:31Successful 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, professo…
…
continue reading
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 Ri…
…
continue reading

1
What Should You Do with Your Employee Stock?
27:39
27:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:39Not 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,…
…
continue reading

1
(Bonus) Do Super Bowl Wins Diminish in Value?
6:46
6:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:46The 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, …
…
continue reading

1
Should You Trust Popular Trading Proverbs?
39:04
39:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:04Sometimes 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…
…
continue reading

1
Should You Roll Over Your Retirement Account?
29:11
29:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:11A 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 i…
…
continue reading

1
(Bonus) From On Investing: Market Outlook: What's in Store for 2024?
1:05:07
1:05:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:07After 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 di…
…
continue reading

1
How Does Retirement Planning Differ for Freelancers?
33:34
33:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:34With 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 o…
…
continue reading

1
How Can You Build Your Pre-Retirement Checklist?
32:45
32:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:45Most 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 p…
…
continue reading

1
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before You Retire?
31:59
31:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:59Recent 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…
…
continue reading

1
How Did Chuck Schwab Disrupt an Industry? (Rebroadcast)
23:46
23:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:46Charles 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. H…
…
continue reading
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 f…
…
continue reading

1
How Can You Prepare for the Perils of Aging? (Rebroadcast)
52:38
52:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:38Risk 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 …
…
continue reading

1
What Should You Do If You or Someone You Love Becomes Disabled?
48:10
48:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:10If 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 disabilit…
…
continue reading
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—d…
…
continue reading
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, …
…
continue reading

1
When Can Direct Indexing Make Sense for Your Portfolio?
24:33
24:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:33The 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…
…
continue reading

1
Jodi's Story: How Can You Prepare for a Career Change?
26:03
26:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:03In 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? Jodi Morris is a success coach and ven…
…
continue reading

1
What Should Be on Your Wealth Management Watch List This Year?
36:36
36:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:36There 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 i…
…
continue reading

1
Is It Time to Reboot Your New Year's Resolutions? (Rebroadcast)
34:03
34:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:03Many 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 Schwa…
…
continue reading

1
Can You Invest in Crypto Without Buying Crypto Directly?
30:06
30:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:06The 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…
…
continue reading

1
Mary Anne's Story: How Can You Leave a Legacy and Honor a Loved One?
19:45
19:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:45In 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 …
…
continue reading

1
Should You Start Giving Money to Your Heirs Now or Leave a Bequest?
32:36
32:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:36Taxes 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 strateg…
…
continue reading

1
How Can You Steer Your Portfolio Through a Recession?
41:09
41:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:09Anyone 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 sh…
…
continue reading

1
What Can You Do If Your Retirement Plan Gets Off Track?
34:49
34:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:49What 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…
…
continue reading

1
How Can You Make the Most of Your IRA Nest Egg?
36:35
36:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:35When 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 presid…
…
continue reading
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 con…
…
continue reading