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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
  • What's the Best Way to Talk Money With Teens?

    What's the Best Way to Talk Money With Teens?
    Mar 30 2026

    After you listen:

    • Learn more about the Schwab Teen Investor™ 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‑world 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‑term 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™ account, including restrictions and limitations, go to schwab.com/teen-account.

    The "S&P 500® 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’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC ("S&P”"; Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ("Dow Jones").

    Schwab Starter Kit™ 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 59½ 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.

    ​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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

    Definitions

    The 50‑30‑20 rule is a general budgeting guideline that suggests allocating approximately 50% of after‑tax 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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    29 mins
  • 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.

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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
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