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Financial Decoder

Financial Decoder

By: Charles Schwab
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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 behavioral economics, portfolio management, retirement planning, personal finance and more. Podcasts are for informational purposes only. This channel is not monitored by Charles Schwab. Please visit schwab.com/contactus for contact options.2026 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC. Unauthorized access is prohibited. Usage will be monitored. Economics Personal Finance Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 7 Good Ideas for New Investors

    7 Good Ideas for New Investors
    Mar 16 2026

    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.

    ​Past 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.

    0326-RCM9


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    14 mins
  • Why Is the 401(k) Crucial to Retirement Saving?

    Why Is the 401(k) Crucial to Retirement Saving?
    Mar 2 2026
    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 – 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 59½, 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 <401(k) Plan.>] Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. ​Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 0326-J7AH Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    24 mins
  • What Should Investors Know About Cryptocurrency?

    What Should Investors Know About Cryptocurrency?
    Feb 16 2026
    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 Jim Ferraioli, Director of Digital Currencies Research and Strategy, for a realistic assessment of cryptocurrency as a long-term asset class. The discussion details the fundamental drivers of digital asset valuations and the strategic role low-correlation assets can play in a diversified portfolio. By examining the impact of high volatility and the "herding" bias, the conversation provides a disciplined framework for potentially determining the suitability of crypto exposure. This overview moves beyond the hype to help investors understand the essential risks and realities of the current digital asset landscape.Investing in cryptocurrencies involves risk, including the risk of total loss of principal invested. Cryptocurrencies [such as bitcoin and ethereum] are highly volatile, are not backed or guaranteed by any central bank or government; are not deposits; are not FDIC insured; are not SIPC protected; and 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. Additional risks apply.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 DisclosuresThis 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.Investing in cryptocurrencies involves risk, including the risk of total loss of principal invested.Cryptocurrencies [such as bitcoin and ethereum] are highly volatile, are not backed or guaranteed by any central bank or government; are not deposits; are not FDIC insured; are not SIPC protected; and 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. Additional risks apply.Cryptocurrency-related products carry a substantial level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Investments in cryptocurrencies are relatively new, highly speculative, and may be subject to extreme price volatility, illiquidity, and increased risk of loss, including your entire investment in the fund. Spot markets on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and largely unregulated, and therefore, may be more exposed to fraud and security breaches than established, regulated exchanges for other financial assets or instruments. Some cryptocurrency-related products use futures contracts to attempt to duplicate the performance of an investment in cryptocurrency, which may result in unpredictable pricing, higher transaction costs, and performance that fails to track the price of the reference cryptocurrency as intended.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Past performance is no guarantee of future results.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions.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 technology relating to digital assets, including blockchain, is new and developing and the risks associated with digital assets may not fully emerge until the technology is widely used. In addition, the values of the companies included in the fund may not be a reflection of their connection to digital assets but may be based on other business operations or lines of business which means that such companies’ operating results may not be significantly tied to their respective activities related to digital assets.Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.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.Schwab does not recommend the use of technical analysis as a sole means of investment research.All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or ...
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    26 mins
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