Ask Carrie

Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz's perspectives on everyday financial challenges combine professional experience with practical insight. 

  • Ask Carrie

    Are You Financially Ready to Weather a Storm?

    September 21, 2022
    Can you financially weather a storm—or flood or fire? Here's how to prepare, including packing a financial "go bag."
  • Ask Carrie

    Is an HSA a Good Deal?

    September 7, 2022
    Especially for someone just starting out, contributing to an HSA has benefits that go beyond paying for healthcare.
  • Ask Carrie

    Five Steps to Recession-Proof Your Finances

    August 24, 2022
    Recessions have the potential for very real financial hardship, but there are positive steps we can take to ease the impact.
  • Ask Carrie

    Should You Dip into Your IRA to Buy a First Home?

    August 10, 2022
    Just because you can use IRA funds to buy a first home doesn't mean it's the best move for your financial future.
  • Ask Carrie

    65 and Still Working: Should You Enroll in Medicare?

    July 27, 2022
    If you work past age 65, deciding when to enroll in Medicare depends on the size of your employer—and more.
  • Ask Carrie

    What's the Best Way to Handle a Family Loan?

    July 13, 2022
    Family loans require you to listen to both heart and head. Which means open conversations—plus a formal document.
  • Ask Carrie

    Suddenly Alone—Where Can You Turn for Help?

    June 29, 2022
    It's hard to focus on finances after losing a spouse. But there are resources to turn to for help and support.
  • Ask Carrie

    Will Medicare Cover Me When I’m Traveling?

    June 22, 2022
    Will Medicare cover you when traveling? It depends not only on where you go but also your type of Medicare policy.
  • Ask Carrie

    Fighting Financial Fraud and Elder Abuse

    June 15, 2022
    We can all take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from financial fraud and exploitation.
  • Ask Carrie

    Could Your New Grad Use an Extra Finance Lesson?

    June 8, 2022
    Your new grad may have learned economic theory, but what about real-world financial management? Here's how to help.
  • Ask Carrie

    How Can I Invest for a Child with Special Needs?

    June 1, 2022
    How can you save and invest for a child with special needs without losing public benefits? Consider a 529 ABLE account.
  • Ask Carrie

    Say Yes to the Dress… But No to the Rest

    May 25, 2022
    Despite pricing and social pressures, you can still have a memorable and beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.
  • Ask Carrie

    Should I File for Social Security Now or Later?

    May 18, 2022
    You don’t have to file for Social Security the moment you retire. In fact, most people will benefit by waiting.
  • Ask Carrie

    Should You Care About Rising Interest Rates?

    May 11, 2022
    Will rising interest rates affect you personally? Most likely. No need to panic, but best to be aware.
  • Ask Carrie

    Paying for College: Are Scholarships Taxable?

    May 6, 2022
    Scholarship money is generally tax-free provided the student is a candidate for a degree at an eligible institution and the money is used to pay for qualified expenses.
  • Ask Carrie

    529 Accounts: When a Child Doesn’t Go to College

    May 6, 2022
    Kid not going to college? Don’t despair. Those 529 assets can be used for a variety of education costs.
  • Ask Carrie

    Can You Tactfully Give Mom—or Dad—Financial Help?

    May 4, 2022
    Parents may not be comfortable being on the receiving end of financial help, but there's a way to do it tactfully.
  • Ask Carrie

    Stock Market Investing Is—and Isn’t—Black & White

    April 27, 2022
    The 2022 Schwab-Ariel Black Investor Survey shows both progress and opportunities for addressing wealth inequality.
  • Ask Carrie

    Is Rental Income From a Vacation Home Taxable?

    April 20, 2022
    Renting out a vacation home part-time can mean extra income. But remember, Uncle Sam wants some of it too!
  • Ask Carrie

    How Can We Boost Teens' Financial Literacy?

    April 13, 2022
    We've made progress in teaching our nation’s teens about money, but there's much more to do.
(1120-0CXC) (04/21)

Insights & Ideas are provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market or economic conditions.

Investment Products: Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value

The information on this website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.

The Charles Schwab Corporation provides services to retirement and other benefit plans and participants through its separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries: Charles Schwab Trust Bank; Charles Schwab Bank, SSB; Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.; and Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc. Trust, custody, and deposit products and services are available through Charles Schwab Trust Bank and Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Members of FDIC. Brokerage products and services are offered by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC). Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc. is not a fiduciary to retirement plans or participants and only provides recordkeeping and related services.

© 2022 Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc. All rights reserved. (0321-1RKA) 04/21

YouTube Twitter Facebook LinkedIn