After you listen:

• Find more resources from Schwab on Travel Planning.
• Learn more about budgeting for travel on our episode, "How Do You Save for Vacations & Travel?"

In this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe shares five practical strategies to save money on domestic travel. Learn how to book flights and hotels at the right time, travel off-peak for better deals, and take proper advantage of credit card travel perks. Whether you're planning a road trip, family vacation, or a weekend getaway, these money-saving tips can help you stretch your budget and enjoy the journey stress-free.

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.

Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions.

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

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After you listen:

• Check out Chris's article "5 Questions to Ask Before a Big Purchase."
• Learn more about liquidating in "3 Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Large Portfolio Withdrawal."

In this episode, host Mark Riepe walks through how to prepare for major purchases, both expected and unexpected. Senior Research Analyst Chris Kawashima joins Mark to break down the key considerations when deciding whether to fund a big expense with cash, invesments, or financing and to discuss the potential trade-offs of each approach.

Learn practical strategies for planning large expenses, avoiding financial surprises, and making informed decisions that fit your unique goals. Whether you're saving for a car, the down payment on a new home, or an unexpected expense, Mark and Chris provide actionable insights to help you navigate these choices with confidence.

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.

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.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

​Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.

An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although a money market fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in a money market fund.

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

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

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After you listen:

• Discover more about the findings discussed in today's episode by visiting the Charles Schwab Women Investors Survey.
• Learn about the financial next steps to take after losing a loved one.

On this episode, Mark Riepe is joined by the head of Schwab's branch network, Jeannie Bidner, to discuss a the results of a recent survey from Schwab on women investors. Jeannie shares key takeaways from the responses as well as her own insights, highlighting the motivators for women who invest, how they frame decisions about their portfolios, and the generational trends toward leaning more on community and digital resources for support in their financial lives.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Tools and Resources for Surviving Spouses
• Managing Your Finances After the Loss of a Spouse
• Caring for Your Finances if You're Suddenly Single

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

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.

Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Please read the Options Disclosure Document titled "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options" before considering any option transaction.

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.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

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

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After you listen:

• Listen to the latest episode of the Choiceology podcast, "How a Single Source of Information Can Seem Like Several."
• To learn more about Katy Milkman and her work in behavioral economics, visit her website or check out her book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.

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

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

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

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

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.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

The book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.

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After you listen:

• Find more of Daniel Stone's research on his website.
• Schwab's newest podcast, Invested in the Game, features true stories of people who are driving the game of golf forward.

In this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe is joined by economist Daniel Stone, Associate Professor of Economics at Bowdoin College and chair of the economics department, to discuss his reseach into how behavioral biases shape decisions. Together, they unpack how reference points and prospect theory can skew our judgment, drawing on insights from golf and basketball. Their conversation reveals how the same cognitive patterns that affect athletes under pressure can also influence everyday financial choices.

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

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market 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.

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

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

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

The books Thinking Fast and Slow and Undue Hate: A Behavioral Economic Analysis of Hostile Polarization in US Politics and Beyond are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Schwab has not reviewed the book and makes no representations about its content.

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

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After you listen:

• Learn more about the story of how May Day became National Investing Day.

In this bonus episode, Mark takes a deep dive into the evolution of investing accessibility over the past century. From the barriers that once kep the public out of financial markets to key moments like May Day, he expolores the forces that gradually opened the door to broader participation in investing.

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 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 by calling 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market 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.

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.

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

Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.

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