Creating a Budget

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
June 22, 2009

For most of us, budgeting is necessary to achieve our financial goals. In this article, Rande Spiegelman shows simple steps to create and stick to a budget that will help you attain your goals.
 

Boost Your Credit Score

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
April 22, 2009

A higher credit score can potentially help you secure a lower interest rate on loans, get you hired and reduce your insurance premiums. Here are proven ways to boost your credit score.
 

Life Insurance Planning

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 4, 2009 
 
Consider the role of life insurance as part of your overall financial plan.
 

Personal Finance Q&A: We Answer Your Questions

by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 10, 2009

Answers to top questions about paying off mortgages, personal debt, saving for college and more.
 

Heir Economics

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated February 26, 2009 
 
How to make the most of an inheritance.
 

Get Your Finances in Shape for 2009

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
December 30, 2008 
 
Five resolutions to reshape your finances in the New Year.
 

Personal Finance Calendar for 2009

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
December 29, 2008 
 
Follow our month-by-month guide to help get your finances in tip-top shape in 2009. 
  

Get Smart About Savings

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
November 20, 2008 
 
Managing your cash inflows and outflows wisely can pay off big time.
 

'Tis the Season for Giving

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated November 12, 2008
 
Make a big charitable impact and reduce your taxes, too.
 

Why Financial Planning Matters

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated November 10, 2008
 
If you hope to achieve your life goals, establishing and following a sound financial plan is one of the best and most important decisions you’ll ever make.
 

Solutions for the Sandwich Generation

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated June 16, 2008

Nearly 10 million baby boomers find themselves sandwiched between financially dependent parents and children—just when paying down debt and saving for retirement should be a priority.
 

Are You There Yet?

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
February 21, 2008 
 
How to measure progress toward your financial goals.
 

Cash Flow Planning for Life

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
February 8, 2008 
 
Managing your cash inflows and outflows wisely can pay off big time.
 

New Year's Resolutions to Keep

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
December 20, 2007 
 
Take these 10 power steps to get your financial life in tip-top shape in 2008.
 

How to Find a Financial Advisor

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 9, 2007
 
If your finances are complex, it can be daunting to manage your portfolio, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, investments and taxes. Financial advisors can help.
 

Navigating a Job Change

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 5, 2007 
 
Schwab's checklist for making smart financial decisions when changing jobs.
 

7 Ways to Simplify Your Financial Life

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
June 18, 2007
 
Here’s how to get your finances under control and possibly save both time and money.
 

On the Road to Financial Bliss

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
May 31, 2007 
 
Ten financial steps to take when tying the knot.

Disaster-Proof Your Finances

By Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research® 
May 22, 2007 
 
As the last few years have tragically demonstrated, natural disasters can strike at any time, in any place. Hopefully, you have taken precautionary steps to survive. But have you also taken steps to survive financially?
 

Managing Your Finances When Changing Jobs

by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
January 26, 2007
 
Seven steps for a successful transition at any age.
 

Smart Strategies for Charitable Giving

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research® 
December 18, 2006
 
Here are four tax-smart accounts that can help fulfill your charitable mission—and in some cases provide you with income as well.
 

Your Money or Your Life?

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
January 25, 2006
 
There may come a point when the reasons for owning life insurance no longer apply.
 

How Much Are You Really Worth?

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
July 7, 2005
 
Learn how accounting for hidden costs like tax liabilities, real estate commissions and bid-ask spreads on illiquid assets can give you a truer picture of your personal net worth
 

Protecting Your Assets

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
April 20, 2005
 
As your net worth increases, so might your level of concern about protecting your assets. A strategic asset protection plan can help.
 

5 Keys to Successful Investing

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
October 18, 2004
 
Our world has gone through some major transitions over the past few years. But when it comes to investing, some things never change.
 

7 Principles of Charitable Giving

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
October 1, 2004
 
Maximize the impact of your charitable giving.
 

Penny Wise, Pound Foolish - Paying for Advice

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
May 3, 2004
 
Whether you’re looking for an ongoing relationship, a little help getting started, or just a periodic check-up, good investment advice doesn’t come free. But how can you tell what’s reasonable?
 

Getting Advice for Your Portfolio

by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
April 22, 2004
 
Investors often get what they consider to be advice from multiple sources or through many different channels. How do you go about finding advice you can trust and what should you look for in that advice? Here are 10 elements to help you identify if you’re getting good advice.
 

Taking Your Lumps: Tax-Smart Ways to Receive a Lump Sum

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
December 10, 2003
 
Investing a modest lump sum is relatively straightforward, but if you receive a significant amount, being familiar with tax rules can help you decide what to do.
 

What to Do if You Receive a REALLY BIG Windfall

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
December 10, 2003
 
We’re not just talking lottery daydreams. A major cash windfall could come in the form of an inheritance, life insurance payout, legal settlement or the sale of a small business.