Expert Insight & Commentary
Portfolio Planning Article Library
Q and A: Estimating Long-Term Market Returns
by Michael E. Lind
April 11, 2013
A sound financial plan is your map to help you reach long-term financial destinations. To get there, you need reasonable estimates of stock-and-bond market returns.
by Michael E. Lind
April 11, 2013
A sound financial plan is your map to help you reach long-term financial destinations. To get there, you need reasonable estimates of stock-and-bond market returns.
Hedging: Tax Traps for the Unwary
by Rande Spiegelman
April 5, 2013
Running afoul of certain tax rules could severely limit the effectiveness of your hedging strategy.
by Rande Spiegelman
April 5, 2013
Running afoul of certain tax rules could severely limit the effectiveness of your hedging strategy.
The Portfolio Pyramid: How to Diversify Your Stock Investments
by Schwab Center for Financial Research
February 8, 2013
Remember the food pyramid for building a balanced diet? The portfolio pyramid covers essential elements of a healthy, balanced portfolio.
by Schwab Center for Financial Research
February 8, 2013
Remember the food pyramid for building a balanced diet? The portfolio pyramid covers essential elements of a healthy, balanced portfolio.
3 Benefits of Long-Term Investing
by Schwab Center for Financial Research
November 21, 2012
Don't let your portfolio be driven by speculation and current fads. Strive to maximize your wealth with a long-term focus.
by Schwab Center for Financial Research
November 21, 2012
Don't let your portfolio be driven by speculation and current fads. Strive to maximize your wealth with a long-term focus.
The Basics of Stock Options
by Rande Spiegelman
October 1, 2012
Making informed decisions about stock options can put money in your pocket. Making hasty decisions could cost you money—in some cases, a lot of money.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 1, 2012
Making informed decisions about stock options can put money in your pocket. Making hasty decisions could cost you money—in some cases, a lot of money.
Are You Taking on Too Much Risk?
by Schwab Center for Financial Research
September 24, 2012
There are many factors to consider when determining your risk profile, but most important for achieving your goals is doing so honestly.
by Schwab Center for Financial Research
September 24, 2012
There are many factors to consider when determining your risk profile, but most important for achieving your goals is doing so honestly.
The Stock Concentration Trap
By the Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 19, 2012
Help prevent concentrated stock positions from undermining your financial future.
By the Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 19, 2012
Help prevent concentrated stock positions from undermining your financial future.
Income Investing in a Low-Yield World
by Rob Williams
February 29, 2012
The current low-interest-rate climate is unquestionably difficult for savers and income-oriented investors. What can an investor do?
by Rob Williams
February 29, 2012
The current low-interest-rate climate is unquestionably difficult for savers and income-oriented investors. What can an investor do?
Hedging Your Investments
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated October 13, 2011
A hedge is a strategy to help defend against financial loss, particularly if you have an overly concentrated position.
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated October 13, 2011
A hedge is a strategy to help defend against financial loss, particularly if you have an overly concentrated position.
Investing in Difficult Times
by Mark W. Riepe
August 5, 2011
Tips for helping to keep a cool head in turbulent markets.
by Mark W. Riepe
August 5, 2011
Tips for helping to keep a cool head in turbulent markets.
A Blueprint for Success
by Mark W. Riepe
Updated September 17, 2010
You wouldn't build a house without a blueprint. Building an investment portfolio should be no different.
by Mark W. Riepe
Updated September 17, 2010
You wouldn't build a house without a blueprint. Building an investment portfolio should be no different.
Go With the Pros
by Mark W. Riepe
Updated September 17, 2010
Choosing professionally managed investments can be a better way to invest.
by Mark W. Riepe
Updated September 17, 2010
Choosing professionally managed investments can be a better way to invest.
Ready for the Rebound?
by Bryan Olson
December 9, 2008
What to consider now to position your portfolio for a market turnaround.
by Bryan Olson
December 9, 2008
What to consider now to position your portfolio for a market turnaround.
When to Go Against Your Gut
by Bryan Olson
August 26, 2008
Why investors can benefit from not following their instincts.
by Bryan Olson
August 26, 2008
Why investors can benefit from not following their instincts.
What's the Right Time to Invest?
by Mark W. Riepe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research
April 30, 2008
There's a high cost to waiting for the best entry point. Get in the game.
by Mark W. Riepe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research
April 30, 2008
There's a high cost to waiting for the best entry point. Get in the game.
Manic Markets and You
by Bryan Olson
April 8, 2008
Feeling panicked? Uncertain? Opportunistic? Consider our strategies for success.
by Bryan Olson
April 8, 2008
Feeling panicked? Uncertain? Opportunistic? Consider our strategies for success.
Know Yourself, Know Your Risk Tolerance
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
February 14, 2008
Because money is an emotional subject, few things are more important than knowing yourself as an investor. And that means examining your attitude toward risk.
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
February 14, 2008
Because money is an emotional subject, few things are more important than knowing yourself as an investor. And that means examining your attitude toward risk.
The Biggest Mistake You Can Make
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
February 14, 2008
Because money is an emotional subject, few things are more important than knowing yourself as an investor. And that means examining your attitude toward risk.
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
February 14, 2008
Because money is an emotional subject, few things are more important than knowing yourself as an investor. And that means examining your attitude toward risk.
Reduce Risk—Not Returns
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
December 6, 2007
Managing risk can actually enhance returns. Learn how to do it like the pros.
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
December 6, 2007
Managing risk can actually enhance returns. Learn how to do it like the pros.
Why You Should Rebalance Your Portfolio
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
November 7, 2007
Don't let the market dictate your portfolio risk level.
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
November 7, 2007
Don't let the market dictate your portfolio risk level.
Strategies for Hedging and Diversification
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 24, 2007
Here are some common strategies investors use to hedge against potential loss.
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 24, 2007
Here are some common strategies investors use to hedge against potential loss.
How Much Pain Can You Take?
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
June 15, 2007
Assess how susceptible your portfolio is to major losses, and learn what you can do to avoid them.
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
June 15, 2007
Assess how susceptible your portfolio is to major losses, and learn what you can do to avoid them.
Get a Plan!
by Mark W. Riepe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research
December 28, 2006
Here are five steps to help you craft an investment plan that gets you where you want to go.
by Mark W. Riepe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research
December 28, 2006
Here are five steps to help you craft an investment plan that gets you where you want to go.
Think Total Return
By Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
August 10, 2006
When forming your retirement accumulation or withdrawal strategy, don't get overly hung up on yield. Remember, it's just one component of return.
By Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
August 10, 2006
When forming your retirement accumulation or withdrawal strategy, don't get overly hung up on yield. Remember, it's just one component of return.
The Owner's Manual for Your Portfolio
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
June 15, 2006
Nearly all pension funds, endowments and foundations use investment policy statements to keep their portfolios on track. What do the pros know that the average Joes don't?
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
June 15, 2006
Nearly all pension funds, endowments and foundations use investment policy statements to keep their portfolios on track. What do the pros know that the average Joes don't?
Three Keys to Growing Your Wealth
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research
December 22, 2004
As the New Year approaches and you start reviewing your portfolio and trying to plan for a successful 2005, it's good to review the fundamental keys to helping grow your portfolio.
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research
December 22, 2004
As the New Year approaches and you start reviewing your portfolio and trying to plan for a successful 2005, it's good to review the fundamental keys to helping grow your portfolio.
Smart Ways to Monitor Your Portfolio
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research
May 27, 2004
Monitoring your portfolio makes for smoother sailing toward your long-term investing goals.
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research
May 27, 2004
Monitoring your portfolio makes for smoother sailing toward your long-term investing goals.
Sweat the Small Stuff
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
May 16, 2003
While "Don’t sweat the small stuff" might be good advice when it comes to life in general, when it comes to investing, little things can add up quickly. Here are a few items to consider if you’re looking to gain an edge.
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
May 16, 2003
While "Don’t sweat the small stuff" might be good advice when it comes to life in general, when it comes to investing, little things can add up quickly. Here are a few items to consider if you’re looking to gain an edge.
Asset Allocation: The 90% Question
by James D. Peterson, Ph.D., Vice President, Mutual Fund Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Have you heard the expression that asset allocation explains more than 90% of the variability in portfolio returns? Let’s take a look at what this figure really means.
by James D. Peterson, Ph.D., Vice President, Mutual Fund Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Have you heard the expression that asset allocation explains more than 90% of the variability in portfolio returns? Let’s take a look at what this figure really means.