Financial Decoder

What Should You Do With Employee Stock?

Company stock can be a powerful wealth-building tool, but it can also create unexpected risks. Mark sits down with Sarah Buchardt to break down the most common forms of e

Are These Economic Myths Misleading You?

Economic myths persist because they simplify a complex world, but acting on them can lead investors astray. Mark Riepe is joined by Schwab's Jennifer Babchuk to examine c

What Are the Keys to Lowering Financial Stress?

Financial stress can affect anyone, regardless of income. In this episode, Mark talks with Cindy Scott about the emotional side of money and explores practical strategies

How Do IRAs Actually Work?

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are one of the most widely used retirement savings vehicles, yet many investors are unsure how they work. Mark Riepe breaks down IRA

What's Really Driving Your Portfolio Decisions?

Making smart portfolio decisions require more than just choosing investments. It requires managing your own behavior. Mark speaks with Schwab Wealth Advisory's Chief Port

What Can America's First 250 Years Teach Us?

What can America's first 250 years teach investors? In this special Independence Day episode, Mark Riepe examines key moments in U.S. economic and financial history, incl

Could a Trust Fit Your Estate Plan?

Trusts can be a powerful estate planning tool, but many people overlook them or assume they’re only for the wealthy. This episode breaks down how trusts work, including k

How Do You Offer Financial Guidance to a College Grad?

Giving financial guidance to a college grad can be challenging, especially when advice is unsolicited or poorly timed. In this episode, host Mark Riepe is joined by retur

How Can You Plan Beyond Next Year's Tax Bill?

After you listen: Check out "Tax Basics: How to Plan Year-Round." Find more financial-planning resources on Schwab's Insights & Education site. On this episode, Mark

What Do Both Sides of an Inheritance Need to Consider?

After you listen: For estate planners, read more about "3 Ways to Pass Down a Home." For heirs, read more about "Dos and Don'ts When You Get an Inheritance." This epi

What's the Best Way to Talk Money With Teens?

After you listen: Learn more about the Schwab Teen Investor™ account. Find more educational resources at Schwab Moneywise Teens. On this episode of Financial Decoder,

7 Good Ideas for New Investors

After you listen: Read more of Mark's insights in his article "7 Good Ideas for New Investors." Learn more about Investing Basics In this Financial Decoder minisode,

Why Is the 401(k) Crucial to Retirement Saving?

After you listen: Find more resources about 401(k) accounts and how they fit into your retirement plan. Read the article "Tracking Down a Lost 401(k)." On this episod

What Should Investors Know About Cryptocurrency?

After you listen: Explore ways to invest in cryptocurrency with Schwab.Learn more about the ins and outs of the crypto market.In this episode, Mark Riepe is joined by Ji

(Bonus) From On Investing: 2026 Market Outlook

After you listen Follow Kathy and Liz Ann on social media: Kathy Jones on X and LinkedIn.Liz Ann Sonders on X and LinkedIn.What should investors expect from the U.S. ec

How Can You Make the Most of Your Charitable Giving?

After you listen: Visit DAFgiving360.org to find the all the donor-advised fund resources Julie mentioned and more.Read "Estate Planning: Lessons from a Loss" to learn h

How Should Your Goals Shape Your Portfolio?

After you listen: Check out the first episode of this two-part series, "What Makes a Financial Plan Fit Your Life?"Explore Schwab's other educational resources around fi

What Makes a Financial Plan Fit Your Life?

After you listen: Read more about the benefits of having a financial plan in the article "5 Ways Financial Planning Can Help."Explore Schwab's education and resources ar

What Should You Consider When Buying a New Home?

After you listen: Read more of Rob's insights in his article "How Fed Rate Cuts Can Impact Mortgage Rates."Explore Schwab's education and resources around real estate.In

Do Alternative Investments Have a Role in Your Portfolio?

After you listen: Learn more about this episode's topic in "Alternative Investments: A Non-Traditional Approach to Investing."Find more resources about alternative inves