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Learn our expert opinion on current market events

• Elevation: Is the Turn in Earnings for Real?
  
  by Liz Ann Sonders
  November 16, 2009
  
  Another earnings season bites the dust. This time it was no post-mortem but, instead, a sign that a positive inflection point is upon us.
     
• Year-End Financial Planning for 2009
  
  by Rande Spiegelman
  November 10, 2009
  
  Consider these 20 bite-size tax tips to make tax time more palatable. 
   
• Comfortably Numb: Fed Holds Rates Steady
  
  by Liz Ann Sonders
  November 4, 2009
  
  The Fed maintained its 0% rate policy and made few changes to the statement, but asset prices might come into play in the future.
   
• Strange Brew … What the Dollar and Gold Are Telling Us
  
  by Liz Ann Sonders
  October 19, 2009
  
  The dollar's weakness and gold's strength remain top of mind for investors. The reasons behind them might not be what you think.
   
• Roth Conversion: Look Before You Leap
  
  by Rande Spiegelman
  August 26, 2009
  
  Consider these issues when deciding whether or not to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. 
   
• Creating a Budget
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  July 29, 2009
  
  For most of us, budgeting is necessary to achieve our financial goals. Consider these simple steps to help you create and stick to a budget that will help you attain your goals.
   
• Social Security Questions & Answers
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  June 23, 2009
  
  Whether you are approaching retirement or already retired, you probably have some questions about how to maximize your Social Security benefits.
   
• Boost Your Credit Score
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  May 26, 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.
   
• Back to Work After Retirement
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  April 28, 2009
  
  If you are retired but considering returning to work, only you can decide whether it’s worthwhile. To help you with that decision, here are answers to FAQs.
   
• Retired but Thinking of Going Back to Work? Here Are Some Things You Need to Know
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  April 27, 2009
  
  If you are retired but considering returning to work, only you can decide whether it’s worthwhile. To help you with that decision, here are answers to FAQs.
   
• Get Your Debt Under Control
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  March 24, 2009
  
  There are three primary sources of low-rate, tax-deductible debt: mortgage and home equity debt, margin loans and student loans. Here's how to make the most of them.
   
• Get Started on Your 2008 Taxes
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  February 18, 2009
  
  April 15 may seem far away, but preparing your taxes early can mean fewer headaches—and real savings.
   
• Get Your Finances in Shape for 2009
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  January 15, 2009
  
  Five resolutions to reshape your finances in the New Year.
    
• Get Smart About Savings
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  December 15, 2008
  
  Managing your cash inflows and outflows wisely can pay off big time.
    
• Year-End Financial Planning: 2008
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  November 17, 2008
  
  2008 is drawing to a close. It's time to talk about year-end financial planning.
    
• Arc of a Diver: Inflation Succumbs to Deflation
  
  by Liz Ann Sonders, Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Strategist, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
  November 3, 2008
  
  Although lingering concerns about inflation remain, deflation is the greater risk. Deleveraging is a deflationary phenomenon.
   
• Retiree Health Insurance
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  October 13, 2008
  
  How to prevent a serious illness from depleting your savings.
    
• Catch Up on Retirement
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  August 18, 2008
  
  Are you behind on your retirement savings? Here are some tips to help you get caught up and achieve a comfortable retirement.
    
• Pension Payout Puzzle
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  July 14, 2008
  
  Should you take a lump sum or a monthly paycheck for life? How to decide.
  
  
• Solutions for the Sandwich Generation
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
  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.
      
• Baby Boomer Reality Check
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  May 12, 2008
  
  About one-third of the baby boom generation has saved at least $100,000 toward retirement. They think that will provide a comfortable retirement. But will it?
  
  
• When Should You Take Social Security?
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
  April 14, 2008
  
  For most, waiting until age 70 yields greater benefits. Here's how to decide.
   
• Tax Tips for 2008
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  March 17, 2008
  
  Even if you're done for this year (and most of us aren't), use this list for next year.
  
  
• Cash Flow Planning for Life
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  February 19, 2008
  
  Managing your cash inflows and outflows wisely can pay off big time.
  
  
• Managing Your Mortgage
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  January 23, 2008
  
  A mortgage need not be viewed just as a liability—think of it as a financial planning tool that deserves as much attention as any other part of your net worth.
  
  
• Year-End Financial Planning: 2007
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  December 17, 2007
  
  Consider these 20 bite-size tax tips to make tax time more palatable. 
   
• Smart Gifting Strategies
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  October 22, 2007
  
  When you make a gift, there are some rules you have to follow. Learn advantages and pitfalls of gift and estate taxes. 
   
• Calculate the Cost Before You Sell
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
  September 24, 2007
  
  Planning to sell an investment that's appreciated in value? Being familiar with the tax rules may help you pay less in taxes and keep more of your gain.
   
• Do You Have a Reason to Sell?
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
  August 27, 2007
  
  Buy, sell or hold? These are the eternal questions investors everywhere face. Here are three reasons to consider selling.
      
• The Importance of Tax-Efficient Investing
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
  August 6, 2007
  
  It's not what you make, but what you keep after taxes that counts. 
    
• How to Find a Financial Advisor
  
  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. 
   
  
• Simplify Your Financial Life
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
  June 18, 2007
  
  Here are seven strategies to get your finances under control and possibly save both time and money. 
   
  
• Why Financial Planning Matters
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
  May 21, 2007
  
  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. Here are the three basic steps. 
  
  
• Baby Boomer Reality Check
  
  Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
  January 29, 2007
  
  About one-third of the baby boom generation has saved at least $100,000 toward retirement. They think that will provide a comfortable retirement. But will it?
  
  
• Build Your Retirement Portfolio to Last
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
  December 11, 2006
  
  How do you construct your retirement portfolio to last as long as you will? The best asset allocation depends on your circumstances and risk tolerance.
  
  
• Catch Up on Your Retirement Savings
  
  by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
  November 20, 2006
  
  Are you behind on your retirement savings? Here are some ideas on how to catch up, without taking on too much risk.