After you listen:

• Read more about the benefits of having a financial plan in the article "5 Ways Financial Planning Can Help."
• Explore Schwab's education and resources around financial planning.

In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe is joined by Stephanie Shadel, senior wealth advisor at Schwab, to discuss the essential elements of making a new financial plan, focusing on navigating key financial decisions. They explore the importance of setting personal goals, the barriers that prevent individuals from creating a financial plan, and the necessity of honest assessment of your priorities and present situation. Stephanie shares her experiences with past clients and highlights the emotional aspects of initial choices that start the planning process.

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.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Schwab Wealth Advisory™ ("SWA") is a non‐discretionary investment advisory program sponsored by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. ("SWAI") is a Registered Investment Adviser and provides portfolio management for the SWA program. Schwab and SWAI are affiliates and are subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

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

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After you listen:

• Read more of Rob's insights in his article "How Fed Rate Cuts Can Impact Mortgage Rates."
• Explore Schwab's education and resources around real estate.

In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe is joined by Rob Williams, managing director and head of wealth management at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, to discuss the complexities of buying a home, covering the essential steps, financial considerations, key players, and even the emotional factors that tend to affect our decision-making around the home-buying process.

Learn more about the important elements like mortgage pre-approval, down payments, and closing costs, as Mark and Rob aim to address common misconceptions and mistakes. Their conversation concludes with practical advice and a checklist for potential home buyers to ensure they make informed decisions.

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.

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.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.

Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly.

S&P 500® Index- Measures the performance of 500 leading publicly traded U.S. companies from a broad range of industries. It is a float-adjusted market-capitalization weighted index.

This information is not a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager, Estate Attorney) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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

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Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After you listen:

• Read more from Chris Kawashima in his article "What is Health Insurance and Do I Need It?"
• Explore more of Schwab's insights on health care.

Health-care costs are a major part of most households' budgets, yet many people struggle to understand what they're actually paying for. This episode breaks down how health insurance coverage works, what common medical expenses really mean for your wallet, and how to make smarter choices during open enrollment.

Host Mark Riepe is joined by return guest Chris Kawashima, a director of financial planning at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, to explain key terms like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. They offer practical strategies for managing costs year-round and also discuss smart ways to use tools like FSAs and HSAs to save for short-term and long-term health-care needs.

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.

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

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.