Personal Finance & Planning
7 Tips for the First-Time Home Buyer
June 12, 2019
Buying your first home can be exciting, but make sure you’re prepared for all of the financial ramifications.
June 12, 2019
Buying your first home can be exciting, but make sure you’re prepared for all of the financial ramifications.
5 Ways to Save Money When Traveling Domestically
June 04, 2019
Stay on budget and enjoy your vacation.
June 04, 2019
Stay on budget and enjoy your vacation.
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early, Before You Retire?
May 24, 2019
Whether it makes financial sense to pay off your mortgage depends on your individual situation. Here are some things to consider.
May 24, 2019
Whether it makes financial sense to pay off your mortgage depends on your individual situation. Here are some things to consider.
How We Strive to Keep Your Data Safe
by Walt Bettinger
May 24, 2019
Schwab’s cybersecurity defenses layer humans and technology.
by Walt Bettinger
May 24, 2019
Schwab’s cybersecurity defenses layer humans and technology.
2019 Contribution and Deduction Limits
May 24, 2019
Make the most of your tax-advantaged savings accounts in 2019.
May 24, 2019
Make the most of your tax-advantaged savings accounts in 2019.
Opening a 529 for a Grandchild? Beware the Fine Print
May 24, 2019
Paying for college with a nonparent-owned 529 account can affect financial aid eligibility.
May 24, 2019
Paying for college with a nonparent-owned 529 account can affect financial aid eligibility.
Should You Tap Your 401(k) to Fund Your Down Payment?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
May 24, 2019
Is borrowing from your 401(k) the best approach when buying your first home?
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
May 24, 2019
Is borrowing from your 401(k) the best approach when buying your first home?
Family Loans: Should You Lend It or Give It Away?
May 24, 2019
Be sure you know what you’re getting into before you agree to a family loan.
May 24, 2019
Be sure you know what you’re getting into before you agree to a family loan.
Creating a Financial Plan in 3 Steps
by Mark W Riepe
May 24, 2019
Financial plans can work—so why do so few of us have one? Here are three steps for creating your own.
by Mark W Riepe
May 24, 2019
Financial plans can work—so why do so few of us have one? Here are three steps for creating your own.
Four Reasons to Invest in REITs
by Anthony Davidow
May 24, 2019
There’s more to real estate investment trusts than just income.
by Anthony Davidow
May 24, 2019
There’s more to real estate investment trusts than just income.
Tax Planning for Retirement
May 24, 2019
Tax planning and tax diversification can give you greater control in retirement—and may even help extend your savings.
May 24, 2019
Tax planning and tax diversification can give you greater control in retirement—and may even help extend your savings.
The Ins and Outs of Working in Retirement
May 24, 2019
Pros, cons and other considerations of working in retirement.
May 24, 2019
Pros, cons and other considerations of working in retirement.
Should You Agree to Be an Executor or a Trustee?
May 24, 2019
Questions to ask before agreeing to assume the role of executor or trustee.
May 24, 2019
Questions to ask before agreeing to assume the role of executor or trustee.
3 Benefits of 529 College Savings Plans
May 20, 2019
A 529 plan can help curb the high cost of college.
May 20, 2019
A 529 plan can help curb the high cost of college.
Juggling the Costs of Retirement vs. College
by Robert G Aruldoss
May 13, 2019
Yes, your retirement savings should come first. But you can still help your kids—by both saving for college and exploring other funding options.
by Robert G Aruldoss
May 13, 2019
Yes, your retirement savings should come first. But you can still help your kids—by both saving for college and exploring other funding options.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage vs. ARM: How Do They Compare?
May 09, 2019
Fixed-rate mortgages can offer stability, while adjustable-rate mortgages tend to be more flexible. Which would work better for you?
May 09, 2019
Fixed-rate mortgages can offer stability, while adjustable-rate mortgages tend to be more flexible. Which would work better for you?
Saving for College: Coverdell Education Savings Accounts
by Robert G Aruldoss
May 09, 2019
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts can provide more flexible investing options compared to 529 college savings plans.
by Robert G Aruldoss
May 09, 2019
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts can provide more flexible investing options compared to 529 college savings plans.
Life After Graduation: How to Manage a Signing Bonus
May 09, 2019
Five ways to help you resist the urge to splurge.
May 09, 2019
Five ways to help you resist the urge to splurge.
Changing Jobs: Should You Roll Over Your 401(k)?
May 08, 2019
Consider these five strategies for handling an old 401(k).
May 08, 2019
Consider these five strategies for handling an old 401(k).
Saving for College: Custodial Accounts
by Robert G Aruldoss
May 08, 2019
Custodial accounts may not offer the tax benefits of 529 plans, but they can be used to fund expenses that 529 plans don’t cover.
by Robert G Aruldoss
May 08, 2019
Custodial accounts may not offer the tax benefits of 529 plans, but they can be used to fund expenses that 529 plans don’t cover.
Health Savings Accounts: FAQs About HSAs
May 02, 2019
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about HSAs.
May 02, 2019
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about HSAs.
5 Ways to Save Money When Traveling Abroad
May 01, 2019
Don’t let unnecessary expenses eat into your vacation budget.
May 01, 2019
Don’t let unnecessary expenses eat into your vacation budget.
The Millennial Conundrum: Save for Retirement or Pay Off Student Loans?
April 30, 2019
Many millennials work to pay off student loans, and as a result, investing can be put on hold—but you don’t have to prioritize one over the other.
April 30, 2019
Many millennials work to pay off student loans, and as a result, investing can be put on hold—but you don’t have to prioritize one over the other.
Saving for College: 5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid
April 29, 2019
A 529 college savings plan offers many advantages, but it can come with some surprising pitfalls. Here are five mistakes to avoid.
April 29, 2019
A 529 college savings plan offers many advantages, but it can come with some surprising pitfalls. Here are five mistakes to avoid.
Saving for College: 529 College Savings Plans
by Robert G Aruldoss
April 25, 2019
A popular college-savings vehicle is the 529 savings plan, which provides several tax advantages when used for education expenses.
by Robert G Aruldoss
April 25, 2019
A popular college-savings vehicle is the 529 savings plan, which provides several tax advantages when used for education expenses.
Income Too High for a Roth IRA? Try These Alternatives
March 29, 2019
If you’re interested in contributing to a Roth IRA but your income exceeds IRS limits, you can still save for retirement in a tax-smart way.
March 29, 2019
If you’re interested in contributing to a Roth IRA but your income exceeds IRS limits, you can still save for retirement in a tax-smart way.
Help Your College Grad Become an Investor
March 29, 2019
Looking for a meaningful college graduation present? Consider opening up the world of investing.
March 29, 2019
Looking for a meaningful college graduation present? Consider opening up the world of investing.
AMT Triggers
by Hayden Adams
March 13, 2019
Will you have to pay alternative minimum tax? Here’s what you should know about the AMT, and steps you can take to potentially avoid it.
by Hayden Adams
March 13, 2019
Will you have to pay alternative minimum tax? Here’s what you should know about the AMT, and steps you can take to potentially avoid it.
Are Your Beneficiaries Up to Date?
March 11, 2019
Designating beneficiaries is a simple way to help protect your estate and avoid probate.
March 11, 2019
Designating beneficiaries is a simple way to help protect your estate and avoid probate.
Look Past the Present
by Walt Bettinger
March 01, 2019
When markets are churning, keep your eyes on the big picture.
by Walt Bettinger
March 01, 2019
When markets are churning, keep your eyes on the big picture.
4 Ways to Cover Health Care Costs in Retirement
March 01, 2019
How to help stop health care costs from ruining your retirement.
March 01, 2019
How to help stop health care costs from ruining your retirement.
6 Deductions You May Be Able to Take Even If You Don’t Itemize
March 01, 2019
Even taxpayers who don’t itemize may be eligible for above-the-line deductions.
March 01, 2019
Even taxpayers who don’t itemize may be eligible for above-the-line deductions.
4 Ways to Help Combat Tax-Related Identity Theft
March 01, 2019
How scammers target taxpayers—and what to do about it.
March 01, 2019
How scammers target taxpayers—and what to do about it.
Late-in-Life Insurance
March 01, 2019
Life insurance can be part of a smart estate-planning strategy for those with complex or illiquid estates.
March 01, 2019
Life insurance can be part of a smart estate-planning strategy for those with complex or illiquid estates.
Selecting a Trust to Suit Your Needs
March 01, 2019
There are nearly as many types of trusts as there are individual circumstances.
March 01, 2019
There are nearly as many types of trusts as there are individual circumstances.
Why Market Returns May Be Lower and Global Diversification More Important in the Future
by Veerapan Perianan
February 19, 2019
Over the next decade, market returns are expected to fall short of historical averages, while global stocks are likely to outperform U.S. stocks.
by Veerapan Perianan
February 19, 2019
Over the next decade, market returns are expected to fall short of historical averages, while global stocks are likely to outperform U.S. stocks.
Inheriting an IRA? Understand Your Options
December 21, 2018
Understand how to manage an inherited IRA, as well as the rules and options to make the most of your inheritance.
December 21, 2018
Understand how to manage an inherited IRA, as well as the rules and options to make the most of your inheritance.
Donor-Advised Fund, Private Foundation or Both?
December 14, 2018
A look at how donor-advised funds and private foundations compare.
December 14, 2018
A look at how donor-advised funds and private foundations compare.
New Year's Financial Resolutions: Get Your Finances in Shape for 2019
by Rob Williams
December 11, 2018
Five resolutions to reshape your finances in the year ahead.
by Rob Williams
December 11, 2018
Five resolutions to reshape your finances in the year ahead.
Waiting to Save for Retirement Could Cost You
November 28, 2018
When it comes to saving for retirement, the clock is ticking.
November 28, 2018
When it comes to saving for retirement, the clock is ticking.
Homeownership: 4 Things to Know About Renting vs. Buying
November 28, 2018
Thinking about leaving your rental behind and buying a home? Here are four points to consider.
November 28, 2018
Thinking about leaving your rental behind and buying a home? Here are four points to consider.
5 Most Common Money Traps to Avoid
November 26, 2018
Here are five common money missteps, and measures you can take to get back on track.
November 26, 2018
Here are five common money missteps, and measures you can take to get back on track.
Financial Planning in Your 30s
November 26, 2018
Your 30s are often a decade of competing financial priorities. Here are a few things you can do to stay on track.
November 26, 2018
Your 30s are often a decade of competing financial priorities. Here are a few things you can do to stay on track.
Is Your Portfolio Truly Diversified?
November 20, 2018
You know you should own a variety of investments, but it also helps to understand the true meaning of diversification.
November 20, 2018
You know you should own a variety of investments, but it also helps to understand the true meaning of diversification.
5 Tips for Protecting Seniors From Financial Fraud
November 09, 2018
How you can help protect your aging loved ones from financial misfortune.
November 09, 2018
How you can help protect your aging loved ones from financial misfortune.
Tax-Advantaged Lifetime Gifting Strategies
November 09, 2018
Gift giving during your lifetime can be beneficial in more ways than one.
November 09, 2018
Gift giving during your lifetime can be beneficial in more ways than one.
Affording Adoption
November 09, 2018
How widely available benefits can help defray the considerable cost of adopting a child.
November 09, 2018
How widely available benefits can help defray the considerable cost of adopting a child.
Understanding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
November 09, 2018
A look at how the new tax bill might affect your finances—for better or for worse.
November 09, 2018
A look at how the new tax bill might affect your finances—for better or for worse.
RMD Strategies to Help Ease Your Tax Burden
November 09, 2018
RMDs can take a toll on your tax bill. Consider these strategies to help reduce the sting.
November 09, 2018
RMDs can take a toll on your tax bill. Consider these strategies to help reduce the sting.
Things You Can Do Now to Help Protect Your Future Finances
November 02, 2018
Organization and preparedness are critical parts of any healthy financial plan.
November 02, 2018
Organization and preparedness are critical parts of any healthy financial plan.
Year-End Financial Checklist
October 31, 2018
Keep your financial house in order with our checklist of deadlines and to-dos.
October 31, 2018
Keep your financial house in order with our checklist of deadlines and to-dos.
Four Common Tax-Filing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
by Hayden Adams
October 31, 2018
Watch out for these common errors when preparing your tax return.
by Hayden Adams
October 31, 2018
Watch out for these common errors when preparing your tax return.
Save on Taxes: Know Your Cost Basis
October 24, 2018
What is your cost basis? Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned investor, determining your tax cost basis can help you save on taxes. Here’s how.
October 24, 2018
What is your cost basis? Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned investor, determining your tax cost basis can help you save on taxes. Here’s how.
New Tax Rules: Should You Change Your Charitable Giving Plans?
by Hayden Adams
October 17, 2018
The new tax law may lead to fewer people taking the charitable donations deduction.
by Hayden Adams
October 17, 2018
The new tax law may lead to fewer people taking the charitable donations deduction.
Year-End Portfolio Checkup: 6 Tax-Smart Tips
by Hayden Adams
October 04, 2018
The end of the year is a great time to review your portfolio—and your overall approach to saving and investing. Consider these six tax-smart steps now.
by Hayden Adams
October 04, 2018
The end of the year is a great time to review your portfolio—and your overall approach to saving and investing. Consider these six tax-smart steps now.
IRA Tax Traps: Know the Rules
by Hayden Adams
September 25, 2018
IRAs may offer tax benefits, but unwary investors can end up in a variety of IRA-related tax traps if they don't follow the rules. Here's how to potentially avoid some common pitfalls.
by Hayden Adams
September 25, 2018
IRAs may offer tax benefits, but unwary investors can end up in a variety of IRA-related tax traps if they don't follow the rules. Here's how to potentially avoid some common pitfalls.
Reap the Benefits of Tax-Loss Harvesting to Lower Your Tax Bill
by Hayden Adams
September 07, 2018
Tax-loss harvesting—offsetting capital gains with capital losses—can lower your tax bill and better position your portfolio going forward.
by Hayden Adams
September 07, 2018
Tax-loss harvesting—offsetting capital gains with capital losses—can lower your tax bill and better position your portfolio going forward.
Should You Tap into a 529 Saving Plan Before College?
August 10, 2018
Why tapping a 529 for pre-college expenses may not make sense.
August 10, 2018
Why tapping a 529 for pre-college expenses may not make sense.
Are Home Equity Lines of Credit Tax Deductible?
August 10, 2018
Home-equity lines of credit surrender some of their tax advantages.
August 10, 2018
Home-equity lines of credit surrender some of their tax advantages.
When Baby Makes Three: Financial Tips for Parents-To-Be
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
August 10, 2018
Here are four ways to plan financially for a new child.
by Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
August 10, 2018
Here are four ways to plan financially for a new child.
Do the New Tax Cuts Affect Your Charitable Giving?
August 10, 2018
How the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may affect your next donation.
August 10, 2018
How the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may affect your next donation.
Q&A: Dan Heath and Mark Riepe on Behavioral Finance
August 10, 2018
Dan Heath—co-author of Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work and host of the first season of Schwab’s podcast Choiceology—on how he deals with behavioral traps in his own life.
August 10, 2018
Dan Heath—co-author of Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work and host of the first season of Schwab’s podcast Choiceology—on how he deals with behavioral traps in his own life.
A Guide to Alternative Investments
August 10, 2018
Some lesser-known investment types worth considering.
August 10, 2018
Some lesser-known investment types worth considering.
Tax Prep: 6 Ways to Get a Head Start on Tax Season
by Hayden Adams
August 07, 2018
There are steps you can take before the end of the year to get organized and potentially minimize what you’ll owe.
by Hayden Adams
August 07, 2018
There are steps you can take before the end of the year to get organized and potentially minimize what you’ll owe.
The Estate Tax and Lifetime Gifting
by Hayden Adams
July 27, 2018
If you have a large estate, consider gifting during your lifetime as a strategy to help reduce estate taxes.
by Hayden Adams
July 27, 2018
If you have a large estate, consider gifting during your lifetime as a strategy to help reduce estate taxes.
Investment Expenses: What’s Tax Deductible?
by Hayden Adams
July 18, 2018
Take advantage of these deductions if you’ve incurred investment expenses.
by Hayden Adams
July 18, 2018
Take advantage of these deductions if you’ve incurred investment expenses.
5 Ways a Robo Advisor Could Augment Your Financial Strategy
July 13, 2018
Automated investing, or robo advising, can put your investment portfolio on track—whether you aim to increase your retirement income or pursue a more specific goal.
July 13, 2018
Automated investing, or robo advising, can put your investment portfolio on track—whether you aim to increase your retirement income or pursue a more specific goal.
Charitable Donations: The Basics of Giving
by Hayden Adams
July 02, 2018
Helpful tax tips for your charitable contributions, including stock donations.
by Hayden Adams
July 02, 2018
Helpful tax tips for your charitable contributions, including stock donations.
Financial Planning in Your 20s
June 20, 2018
Aside from starting your career, the most important thing you can do in your 20s is to develop good financial habits. Here’s how to get started.
June 20, 2018
Aside from starting your career, the most important thing you can do in your 20s is to develop good financial habits. Here’s how to get started.
Investing 101: Tips to Help You Save for College
June 15, 2018
College costs are rising fast, and 529 plans don't cover every school-related expense. Here's what you need to know.
June 15, 2018
College costs are rising fast, and 529 plans don't cover every school-related expense. Here's what you need to know.
Introducing Kids to Investing
June 13, 2018
Opening up a financial dialogue with your kids or grandkids early on could help them establish a strong investing foundation for their future.
June 13, 2018
Opening up a financial dialogue with your kids or grandkids early on could help them establish a strong investing foundation for their future.
Schwab's Modern Wealth Index and the Importance of Planning
by Rob Williams
June 06, 2018
What does it mean to be wealthy? What does it mean to plan for, and potentially achieve, financial independence and comfort? The answers may surprise you.
by Rob Williams
June 06, 2018
What does it mean to be wealthy? What does it mean to plan for, and potentially achieve, financial independence and comfort? The answers may surprise you.
The Financial Realities of Becoming Your Own Boss
May 11, 2018
What to know before you start working for yourself.
May 11, 2018
What to know before you start working for yourself.
Is a Personal Trust Right for You?
May 11, 2018
How a personal trust helped one man diversify his holdings, generate income and create an enduring charitable legacy.
May 11, 2018
How a personal trust helped one man diversify his holdings, generate income and create an enduring charitable legacy.
Do You Need to Appoint a New Family CFO?
May 11, 2018
How to ensure a smooth transition when your family’s chief financial officer is no longer able to serve.
May 11, 2018
How to ensure a smooth transition when your family’s chief financial officer is no longer able to serve.
Quiz: This Is Your Brain on Money
May 11, 2018
Take this eight-question behavioral-finance quiz to heighten your awareness of the biases that may be costing you money.
May 11, 2018
Take this eight-question behavioral-finance quiz to heighten your awareness of the biases that may be costing you money.
Affective Forecasting: Can You Really Know Your Future Self?
by Mark W Riepe
May 10, 2018
How the inability to forecast our future feelings or tastes can undermine our financial decisions.
by Mark W Riepe
May 10, 2018
How the inability to forecast our future feelings or tastes can undermine our financial decisions.
Weigh Anchor: Overcoming Anchoring Bias
by Mark W Riepe
April 20, 2018
Don’t let anchoring bias stand in the way of your investing decisions.
by Mark W Riepe
April 20, 2018
Don’t let anchoring bias stand in the way of your investing decisions.
Easy Access: How the Availability Heuristic Hurts Our Judgments
by Mark W Riepe
April 06, 2018
When information is easy to remember or top of mind, we tend to overestimate how representative it is. That can be troublesome for investors.
by Mark W Riepe
April 06, 2018
When information is easy to remember or top of mind, we tend to overestimate how representative it is. That can be troublesome for investors.
How to Avoid the Financial Pitfalls of Confirmation Bias
by Mark W Riepe
March 23, 2018
Constantly seeking out opinions that validate your own could potentially lead to mistakes.
by Mark W Riepe
March 23, 2018
Constantly seeking out opinions that validate your own could potentially lead to mistakes.
A Tax-Smart Approach to Your Cost Basis
by Hayden Adams
March 19, 2018
Understanding cost basis may help you keep more of your capital gains.
by Hayden Adams
March 19, 2018
Understanding cost basis may help you keep more of your capital gains.
Don’t Look Back: How to Avoid the Sunk Cost Fallacy
by Mark W Riepe
March 08, 2018
The desire to get your money’s worth can lead you in some potentially harmful directions.
by Mark W Riepe
March 08, 2018
The desire to get your money’s worth can lead you in some potentially harmful directions.
Nudge Yourself: Make Smarter Decisions with Your Money
by Mark W Riepe
February 23, 2018
Help yourself to make better financial choices by harnessing this technique from the behavioral sciences.
by Mark W Riepe
February 23, 2018
Help yourself to make better financial choices by harnessing this technique from the behavioral sciences.
Borrow Smart: How to Use Debt Wisely
by Rob Williams
February 16, 2018
Debt is a tool that isn’t inherently bad or good—it depends on how much you borrow and what it’s used for. Here are a few ideas to help you borrow wisely.
by Rob Williams
February 16, 2018
Debt is a tool that isn’t inherently bad or good—it depends on how much you borrow and what it’s used for. Here are a few ideas to help you borrow wisely.
Don’t Get Hooked by Phishing Scams
February 16, 2018
Phishing scams are a frighteningly effective form of cyberattack. Here’s how to protect yourself.
February 16, 2018
Phishing scams are a frighteningly effective form of cyberattack. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Managing an Inheritance
February 16, 2018
Successfully navigating an inheritance boils down to two key components.
February 16, 2018
Successfully navigating an inheritance boils down to two key components.
How to Prioritize Multiple Savings Goals
February 16, 2018
Strategies for balancing competing investment objectives.
February 16, 2018
Strategies for balancing competing investment objectives.
Helping Aging Parents Manage Their Finances
February 16, 2018
How to help the elderly in your life with financial planning, fraud prevention and more.
February 16, 2018
How to help the elderly in your life with financial planning, fraud prevention and more.
Is Overconfidence Affecting Your Investing Outcomes?
by Mark W Riepe
February 12, 2018
Overconfidence can lead to poor investing decisions.
by Mark W Riepe
February 12, 2018
Overconfidence can lead to poor investing decisions.
The Importance of Tax-Efficient Investing
by Hayden Adams
January 12, 2018
Manage your taxable return with these tax-efficient investing strategies.
by Hayden Adams
January 12, 2018
Manage your taxable return with these tax-efficient investing strategies.
Tax Changes: 9 Questions to Ask Your Advisor
January 04, 2018
Investors should meet with their tax and financial advisors to discuss how the changes to the tax code will affect them.
January 04, 2018
Investors should meet with their tax and financial advisors to discuss how the changes to the tax code will affect them.
Claiming Foreign Taxes: Credit or Deduction?
by Hayden Adams
November 27, 2017
If you own foreign investments, you’ve probably paid foreign taxes on them. You may be able to avoid being taxed a second time on those investments if you claim a credit or deduction on your U.S. tax return. But which is the best choice?
by Hayden Adams
November 27, 2017
If you own foreign investments, you’ve probably paid foreign taxes on them. You may be able to avoid being taxed a second time on those investments if you claim a credit or deduction on your U.S. tax return. But which is the best choice?
Giving While Living: Do You Understand the Gift Tax?
November 21, 2017
It may benefit your loved ones—and your own financial plan—to give more while you’re still living. Here’s what you need to know about the gift tax and estate tax.
November 21, 2017
It may benefit your loved ones—and your own financial plan—to give more while you’re still living. Here’s what you need to know about the gift tax and estate tax.
A Primer on Wash Sales
by Hayden Adams
November 17, 2017
What the IRS rule on wash sales might mean for you.
by Hayden Adams
November 17, 2017
What the IRS rule on wash sales might mean for you.
Financially Sound Steps to Starting a Business in Retirement
November 16, 2017
Launching a startup in retirement? Consider the following guidelines as you embark on your new business venture.
November 16, 2017
Launching a startup in retirement? Consider the following guidelines as you embark on your new business venture.