Month: March 2026

After you listen:

• Learn more about the Schwab Teen Investor‚Ñ¢ account.
• Find more educational resources at Schwab Moneywise Teens.

On this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe is joined by guest Patrick Means to discuss the ways parents play a central role in helping teens develop practical money skills that last into adulthood. Their discussion explores why open conversations and real‚Äëworld practice matter more than lectures when it comes to learning about money. It looks at how everyday experiences can make financial concepts feel relevant and meaningful for young people. The goal is to help teens build confidence and a foundation for long‚Äëterm financial independence.

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.

For important information on the Schwab Teen Investor‚Ñ¢ account, including restrictions and limitations, go to schwab.com/teen-account.

The “S&P 500¬Æ Index” is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”), and has been licensed for use by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“CS&Co.”). Standard & Poor‚Äôs¬Æ and S&P¬Æ are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P‚Äù”; Dow Jones¬Æ is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”).

Schwab Starter Kit‚Ñ¢ is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, or their respective affiliates, and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of using Schwab Starter Kit, nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the S&P 500 Index.

Withdrawals from an IRA prior to age 59¬Ω may be subject to a 10% Federal tax penalty. For a Roth IRA, tax-free withdrawals of earnings are permitted five years after first contribution creating account. Earnings withdrawn prior to that may be subject to ordinary income taxes and a 10% Federal tax penalty

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

‚ÄãPast performance is no guarantee of future results.

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

Definitions

The 50‚Äë30‚Äë20 rule is a general budgeting guideline that suggests allocating approximately 50% of after‚Äëtax income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment. The percentages are intended as a simple framework and may not be appropriate for everyone.

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In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin discuss the state of heightened market volatility driven by geopolitical risk in Iran. Elevated oil prices have introduced an “asymmetric” risk environment, where traders perceive more downside than upside in crude prices if the conflict de-escalates, contributing to sharp and rapid market swings. 

Collin highlights that bond markets, often considered the “boring” part of portfolios, have been anything but. Treasury yields have whipsawed dramatically in recent weeks, underscoring the importance of understanding duration risk. He explains how rising yields translate into price declines, particularly for longer-duration bonds, which can surprise investors unaccustomed to this level of volatility.

Then, Liz Ann welcomes a special guest to the show: Jim Clark, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Liz Ann and Jim discuss the mission of the organization and the long-running Money Matters program, supported by Schwab, which has helped more than 1.2 million young people build essential money management skills since 2004. 

Jim explains how financial literacy has become more challenging—and more necessary—in a cashless, device-driven world where spending and debt feel less tangible. The program focuses on basics such as budgeting, saving, goal-setting, understanding credit, and distinguishing investing from gambling. Data from Boys & Girls Clubs shows that their alumni are more likely than their peers to be prepared for the workforce, employed full-time, and earning more than their parents—a rare outcome in today’s economy.

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 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.

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.

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.

Currency trading is speculative, very volatile and not suitable for all investors.

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 an investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.

Futures and futures options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure Statement for Futures and Options prior to trading futures products.

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.

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

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In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders welcomes Collin Martin as her new co‑host. Collin outlines his role as Schwab’s head of fixed income research and strategy, highlighting his broad coverage of the bond market—from Treasuries and Fed policy to corporate credit, municipals, mortgages, and global bonds. 

The conversation then turns to markets and geopolitics, focusing on the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its market impact. Liz Ann explains that while major equity indexes have appeared relatively resilient, this masks significant volatility beneath the surface. She notes sharp rotations across sectors, wide drawdowns among individual stocks, and heightened churn driven by shifting narratives—ranging from AI disruption concerns to war‑related energy shocks. 

Collin connects these equity dynamics to fixed income, explaining why Treasury yields have risen rather than fallen despite geopolitical uncertainty. Elevated oil prices and rising inflation expectations have pushed yields higher, countering the typical “flight to safety” dynamic. He also highlights how shifting Fed expectations are influencing bond markets and raises the key uncertainty: whether prolonged conflict could eventually tilt the focus from inflation risk to economic growth risk, potentially reversing yield trends.

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 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.

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.

Preferred securities are a type of hybrid investment that share characteristics of both stock and bonds. They are often callable, meaning the issuing company may redeem the security at a certain price after a certain date. Such call features, and the timing of a call, may affect the security’s 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 their prices may fall 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.

Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) may be more sensitive to interest rate changes than other fixed income investments. They are subject to extension risk, where borrowers extend the duration of their mortgages as interest rates rise, and prepayment risk, where borrowers pay off their mortgages earlier as interest rates fall. These risks may reduce returns.

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.

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.

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

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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, Mark Riepe shares seven good ideas for new investors. The episode focuses on foundational investing concepts designed to be relevant in nearly any market environment. While the guidance is geared toward beginners, experienced investors may also find it useful as a refresher on long-term investing fundamentals. This episode emphasizes building a solid investing foundation rather than reacting to short-term market events.

More resources mentioned in the episode:

• “What Is a Bond? Understanding Bond Types and How They Work“
• “The Role of Various Asset Classes in a Portfolio“
• “Comparing Education Savings Accounts“

Other helpful Financial Decoder episodes:

• “How Should Your Goals Shape Your Portfolio?“
• “Do You Know These 7 Bond Market Basics?“
• “How Can You Set the Right Financial Goals?“
• “What Should Your Advisor Know About You?“

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.

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.

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

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This episode marks Kathy Jones’ farewell as co-host of On Investing. Collin Martin, Schwab’s head of fixed income research, takes over as co-host starting on March 20.

As Kathy prepares for retirement after a decades-long career in finance, she reflects back on some of the most important lessons she learned throughout her career. She recounts how she started out as a runner at the Chicago Board of Trade before moving into research. Some of her core investing lessons from 50 years in markets include: The trend is your friend, don’t marry your investments, and understand risk management.¬†

Then, in light of recent military action in Iran, Kathy and Liz Ann also discuss the state of geopolitical risk and its market implications.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

The policy analysis provided by 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 

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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 episode, Mark is joined by Lee McAdoo, head of Retirement Plan Services, to cover the fundamentals of a how 401(k) supports long-term retirement saving and investing. They explain why 401(k)s can be so effective, including the role of tax benefits, employer contributions, and automated saving habits. The conversation also highlights how smart choices around contribution rates, investment approach, and staying disciplined during market swings can shape outcomes over time. Finally, they discuss common decision points that come up as life changes, so listeners can feel confident using a 401(k) as a core part of a retirement plan.

Articles mentioned in the episode:

• “Why a 401(k) Is a Smart Move ‚Äì Not a Scam“
• “How the 401(k) Student Loan Match Works“
• “What to Know About Catch-Up Contributions“

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 Schwab. 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.

Earnings on Roth 401(k) contributions are eligible for tax-free treatment as long as the distribution occurs at least five years after the year you made your first Roth 401(k) contribution and you have reached age 59¬Ω, have become disabled, or have died.

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.

Target date funds and target date trusts (collectively “target date funds”) are built for investors who expect to start gradual withdrawals of  assets on the target date to begin covering expenses in retirement. The values of the target date fund will fluctuate up to and after the target date. There is no guarantee the funds will provide adequate income at or through retirement.

Asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining market

Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc. provides recordkeeping and related services with respect to retirement plans[. and has provided this communication to you as part of the recordkeeping services it provides to the ]

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

‚ÄãPast performance is no guarantee of future results.

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

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