Financial Decoder

By Charles Schwab

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.

7 episodes

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All Episodes

401(k)s Engineer Wealth by Counteracting Human Biases

Mar 02, 2026

401(k)s are engineered to overcome human biases, making long-term wealth building the path of least resistance through automated enrollment and contribution increases.

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Crypto Value Architecture: Utility, Correlation, and Investor Strategy

Feb 16, 2026

Cryptocurrency's true value lies beyond hype, driven by evolving utility and unique portfolio benefits. Understand these nuances to strategically integrate crypto and gain a distinct advantage.

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K-Shaped Economy: AI Boom, Sticky Inflation, and Divergent Markets

Dec 15, 2025

The "K-shaped" economy bifurcates growth, with AI-driven capital expenditures boosting large businesses while tariffs squeeze smaller ones, creating a complex labor and inflation landscape.

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Donor-Advised Funds Maximize Tax-Smart Charitable Giving and Impact

Dec 08, 2025

Maximize charitable impact and tax benefits by donating appreciated assets to a donor-advised fund, enabling future growth and strategic legacy planning.

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Your Portfolio: The Tangible Map to Financial Goals

Nov 24, 2025

A portfolio is a tangible financial plan manifestation, crucial for life goals, not random investments. Risk tolerance blends ability and willingness, dictating strategy. Diversification spreads risk, rebalancing maintains allocation, and success means goal progress, not beating the market.

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Your Roadmap to Financial Clarity: Beyond Vague Dreams

Nov 10, 2025

Transform vague dreams into actionable realities by building a personalized financial roadmap, honestly assessing your situation, and embracing flexibility for future clarity and security.

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Home Buying: Beyond Pre-Approval, Master Your Budget

Oct 27, 2025

Navigate the complex home-buying journey, understand mortgage pre-approvals versus affordability, and balance emotional desires with financial realities for a prudent purchase.

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