Month: November 2025

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 financial planning.

In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe and Steph Shadel delve into the intricacies of financial planning and portfolio management. They discuss the importance of aligning a portfolio with your financial goals, understanding risk tolerance, and the significance of diversification and rebalancing. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about portfolio management, the emotional aspects of investing, and the impact of market conditions on decision-making. Additionally, they explore tax efficiency and the importance of regularly updating financial plans to reflect life changes.

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 Disclosures

Investors in mutual funds and/or ETFs 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 via . Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.

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.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

‚ÄãPast performance is no guarantee of future results.

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.

Diversificatio, 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 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 Schwab Center for Financial Research 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.

This information is not 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, Estate Attorney) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information. 

All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Schwab Wealth Advisory‚Ñ¢ (“SWA”) is a non‚Äêdiscretionary 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.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

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In this episode, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss the latest stock market rotations and the Federal Reserve’s evolving stance on interest rates.

Then, Liz Ann Sonders is joined by Peter Atwater. She and Peter delve into the concept of the Confidence Map, exploring how confidence influences decision-making and risk perception in investing. They discuss the role of sentiment in investment decisions, the impact of social media on market behavior, and the importance of portfolio construction that considers investor sentiment. The conversation also touches on the K-shaped economy, highlighting the widening economic divide and its implications for society.

Peter Atwater is the author of The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity.

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 Disclosures

This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned 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 decisions.

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.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. 

The comments, views, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

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.

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.

Diversification 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 non-retirement 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. 

Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.

The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

The book The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.

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In this episode, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss some recent investor’ questions involving credit risks, government debt, and the potential for an AI bubble.¬†

Then, Mike Townsend, Schwab’s Washington-based political analyst, joins the show to discuss the end of the government shutdown. He and Liz Ann and Kathy cover the provisions within the agreement to reopen the government, including the potential extension of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. They also discuss the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on tariffs and how the government might take a while to get caught up on data releases involving employment and inflation information. Kathy and Liz Ann routinely answer questions about the effects of government debt and deficits, and they ask Mike Townsend for his thoughts on how and when that issue might be resolved. Finally, they address upcoming changes to the tax code and the political fallout of the shutdown.

You can keep up with the latest developments out of Washington—and learn how they might affect investors—by following Mike Townsend on X and LinkedIn. You can also listen to and follow his podcast, WashingtonWise.

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 Disclosures

This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.

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.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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.

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.

This information is not a specific recommendation, individualized tax  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, Estate Attorney) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.

Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. 

Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.

The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

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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 around financial planning.

In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe is joined by Stephanie Shadel, senior wealth advisor at Schwab, to discuss the essential elements of making a new financial plan, focusing on navigating key financial decisions. They explore the importance of setting personal goals, the barriers that prevent individuals from creating a financial plan, and the necessity of honest assessment of your priorities and present situation. Stephanie shares her experiences with past clients and highlights the emotional aspects of initial choices that start the planning process.

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 Disclosures

This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.

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.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

‚ÄãPast performance is no guarantee of future results.

All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Schwab Wealth Advisory‚Ñ¢ (“SWA”) is a non‚Äêdiscretionary 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.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In lieu of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones discuss the latest jobs report from ADP. Liz Ann addresses some recent yips in the equity market related to earnings season, and Kathy speculates on what the latest economic data means for the Fed. They also analyze the shift towards sustainable investments and away from “zombie” companies, reflecting market churn and rotation.

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 Disclosures

This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.

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.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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.

Small-cap investments are subject to greater volatility than those in other asset categories.

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.

Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. 

Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.

The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.