Expert Insight & Commentary
Personal Finance
Margin: How Does It Work?
by Rande Spiegelman
May 9, 2013
In the same way a bank will lend you money if you have equity in your house, your brokerage firm can lend you money against the value of investments in your portfolio.
by Rande Spiegelman
May 9, 2013
In the same way a bank will lend you money if you have equity in your house, your brokerage firm can lend you money against the value of investments in your portfolio.
Borrowing Smart
by Rande Spiegelman
May 7, 2013
Review your household debt, and learn how you can minimize your payments and make it work better for you.
by Rande Spiegelman
May 7, 2013
Review your household debt, and learn how you can minimize your payments and make it work better for you.
Measure Progress Toward Your Long-Term Goals
by Rande Spiegelman
April 30, 2013
How to create custom performance benchmarks and a personal net worth statement.
by Rande Spiegelman
April 30, 2013
How to create custom performance benchmarks and a personal net worth statement.
A Primer on Wash Sales
by Rande Spiegelman
April 12, 2013
What the IRS rule on wash sales might mean for you.
by Rande Spiegelman
April 12, 2013
What the IRS rule on wash sales might mean for you.
Claiming Foreign Taxes: Credit or Deduction?
by Rande Spiegelman
April 11, 2013
If you own foreign investments, you could be paying foreign tax. Claiming a deduction or a credit could prevent double taxation stateside.
by Rande Spiegelman
April 11, 2013
If you own foreign investments, you could be paying foreign tax. Claiming a deduction or a credit could prevent double taxation stateside.
Saving for College: Coverdell Education Savings Accounts
by Rande Spiegelman
March 29, 2013
An Education Savings Account is a great way to invest money to help pay for your child’s college education.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 29, 2013
An Education Savings Account is a great way to invest money to help pay for your child’s college education.
Saving for College: Custodial Accounts
by Rande Spiegelman
March 28, 2013
Custodial accounts used to be the only tax-advantaged way to save for college. But lately they’ve been eclipsed by the tax-free benefits of 529 plans and Education Savings Accounts.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 28, 2013
Custodial accounts used to be the only tax-advantaged way to save for college. But lately they’ve been eclipsed by the tax-free benefits of 529 plans and Education Savings Accounts.
Taxes: What's New for 2013?
by Rande Spiegelman
March 25, 2013
Get the details on tax changes for the year ahead – including the return of the 6.2% payroll tax rate, a new 0.9% Medicare surtax for high-income earners, and a new top rate for dividends and long-term capital gains.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 25, 2013
Get the details on tax changes for the year ahead – including the return of the 6.2% payroll tax rate, a new 0.9% Medicare surtax for high-income earners, and a new top rate for dividends and long-term capital gains.
How Do You Define Income?
by Rande Spiegelman
March 12, 2013
Understanding what constitutes income can help you pay less in taxes. Learn the fundamentals all investors should be familiar with.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 12, 2013
Understanding what constitutes income can help you pay less in taxes. Learn the fundamentals all investors should be familiar with.
Saving for College: Strategies for Success
by Rande Spiegelman
March 8, 2013
529 college savings plans and Education Savings Accounts provide many advantages over custodial accounts, brokerage accounts and savings accounts.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 8, 2013
529 college savings plans and Education Savings Accounts provide many advantages over custodial accounts, brokerage accounts and savings accounts.
Saving for College: 529 College Savings Plans
by Rande Spiegelman
March 7, 2013
A 529 college savings plan is perhaps one of the best ways to invest money to help pay for your child's college education.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 7, 2013
A 529 college savings plan is perhaps one of the best ways to invest money to help pay for your child's college education.
7 Tax Fundamentals Every Investor Should Know
by Rande Spiegelman
March 7, 2013
Everyone has taxes on the brain this time of year, but these basic concepts can come in handy any time.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 7, 2013
Everyone has taxes on the brain this time of year, but these basic concepts can come in handy any time.
Get Started on Your 2012 Taxes
by Rande Spiegelman
February 25, 2013
You have until April 15 to file, but there are good reasons to start working on your taxes now.
by Rande Spiegelman
February 25, 2013
You have until April 15 to file, but there are good reasons to start working on your taxes now.
The AMT: Permanent Patch Doesn't Fix All Its Problems
By Rande Spiegelman
February 20, 2013
Even with one perennial source of uncertainty around the AMT eliminated, there's still plenty of mystery around this shadow tax system.
By Rande Spiegelman
February 20, 2013
Even with one perennial source of uncertainty around the AMT eliminated, there's still plenty of mystery around this shadow tax system.
The Estate Tax and Lifetime Gifting
by Rande Spiegelman
February 14, 2013
If you have a large estate, consider gifting during your lifetime as a strategy to help reduce estate taxes.
by Rande Spiegelman
February 14, 2013
If you have a large estate, consider gifting during your lifetime as a strategy to help reduce estate taxes.
Why You Need an Estate Plan
by Rande Spiegelman
February 12, 2013
Even if your estate is modest, taking care of a few estate-planning basics can help make things easier on your loved ones.
by Rande Spiegelman
February 12, 2013
Even if your estate is modest, taking care of a few estate-planning basics can help make things easier on your loved ones.
Saving for College: How Much Will It Cost?
by Rande Spiegelman
February 6, 2013
College costs go up every year—so the sooner you start saving, the more flexibility you'll have and the fewer loan payments you or your child will likely owe.
by Rande Spiegelman
February 6, 2013
College costs go up every year—so the sooner you start saving, the more flexibility you'll have and the fewer loan payments you or your child will likely owe.
Calculate the Cost Before You Sell
by Rande Spiegelman
February 4, 2013
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.
by Rande Spiegelman
February 4, 2013
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.
Investment Expenses: What's Tax Deductible?
by Rande Spiegelman
February 1, 2013
Uncle Sam gives investors a number of tax breaks—but it's up to you to take advantage.
by Rande Spiegelman
February 1, 2013
Uncle Sam gives investors a number of tax breaks—but it's up to you to take advantage.
The Importance of Tax-Efficient Investing
by Rande Spiegelman
January 18, 2013
Become a tax-smart investor with these actionable strategies.
by Rande Spiegelman
January 18, 2013
Become a tax-smart investor with these actionable strategies.
Personal Finance Calendar for 2013
by Rande Spiegelman
January 4, 2013
Follow our month-by-month guide to help get your finances in tip-top shape this year.
by Rande Spiegelman
January 4, 2013
Follow our month-by-month guide to help get your finances in tip-top shape this year.
Get Your Finances in Shape for 2013
by Rande Spiegelman
December 20, 2012
Five resolutions to reshape your finances in the year ahead.
by Rande Spiegelman
December 20, 2012
Five resolutions to reshape your finances in the year ahead.
Year-End Tax Tips
by Rande Spiegelman
November 14, 2012
Consider these bite-size tax tips to make tax time more palatable.
by Rande Spiegelman
November 14, 2012
Consider these bite-size tax tips to make tax time more palatable.
Giving to Charity: The Basics
by Rande Spiegelman
November 7, 2012
How to give to a worthy cause and receive potential tax benefits at the same time.
by Rande Spiegelman
November 7, 2012
How to give to a worthy cause and receive potential tax benefits at the same time.
Giving to Charity: 4 Smart Strategies
by Rande Spiegelman
November 7, 2012
A charitable remainder trust, pooled income fund, private foundation, or donor-advised fund can help further your personal philanthropy—and in some cases provide you with income as well.
by Rande Spiegelman
November 7, 2012
A charitable remainder trust, pooled income fund, private foundation, or donor-advised fund can help further your personal philanthropy—and in some cases provide you with income as well.
Donor-Advised Funds: Making Year-End Giving Strategic, Easy, Tax Smart
by Rande Spiegelman
October 19, 2012
If you want to give to charity and get a tax deduction, but you aren't sure how or to whom you want to give, a donor-advised fund could be a good option.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 19, 2012
If you want to give to charity and get a tax deduction, but you aren't sure how or to whom you want to give, a donor-advised fund could be a good option.
Cash Flow Planning for Life
by Rande Spiegelman
October 10, 2012
Managing your cash inflows and outflows wisely can pay off big time.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 10, 2012
Managing your cash inflows and outflows wisely can pay off big time.
Health Care Taxes
by Rande Spiegelman
August 10, 2012
The Affordable Care Act phases in several new taxes over the next few years. Find out which ones are most likely to affect individual investors.
by Rande Spiegelman
August 10, 2012
The Affordable Care Act phases in several new taxes over the next few years. Find out which ones are most likely to affect individual investors.
IRA Tax Traps
by Rande Spiegelman
August 2, 2012
IRAs may offer tax benefits – but unwary investors can end up in a variety of IRA-related tax traps. Here are ways to avoid some common pitfalls.
by Rande Spiegelman
August 2, 2012
IRAs may offer tax benefits – but unwary investors can end up in a variety of IRA-related tax traps. Here are ways to avoid some common pitfalls.
Get Smart About Savings
by Rande Spiegelman
February 29, 2012
Managing your cash inflows and outflows wisely can pay off big time.
by Rande Spiegelman
February 29, 2012
Managing your cash inflows and outflows wisely can pay off big time.
Get a Tax Break by Harvesting Losses
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated November 19, 2010
Offsetting capital gains with capital losses can lower your tax bill and better position your portfolio going forward.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated November 19, 2010
Offsetting capital gains with capital losses can lower your tax bill and better position your portfolio going forward.
On the Road to Financial Bliss
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated May 19, 2010
Ten financial steps to take when tying the knot.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated May 19, 2010
Ten financial steps to take when tying the knot.
So You Don't Think You Need a Will?
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated March 5, 2010
Whatever your age and circumstances, you’re doing yourself and your loved ones a great disservice if you don’t prepare a will.
by Rande Spiegelman
Updated March 5, 2010
Whatever your age and circumstances, you’re doing yourself and your loved ones a great disservice if you don’t prepare a will.
Stretching Your IRA: Transferring Wealth to the Next Generation
by Rande Spiegelman
June 30, 2009
An IRA can allow you to transfer wealth to future generations while reducing, deferring or even eliminating income taxes on your retirement savings.
by Rande Spiegelman
June 30, 2009
An IRA can allow you to transfer wealth to future generations while reducing, deferring or even eliminating income taxes on your retirement savings.
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.
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
April 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.
by Rande Spiegelman
April 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.
Life Insurance Planning
by Rande Spiegelman
March 4, 2009
Consider the role of life insurance as part of your overall financial plan.
by Rande Spiegelman
March 4, 2009
Consider the role of life insurance as part of your overall financial plan.
Why Financial Planning Matters
by Rande Spiegelman
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.
by Rande Spiegelman
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
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.
by Rande Spiegelman
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.
Managing Your Mortgage
by Rande Spiegelman
January 23, 2008
A mortgage need not be viewed just as a liability think of it as a financial planning tool and part your net worth.
by Rande Spiegelman
January 23, 2008
A mortgage need not be viewed just as a liability think of it as a financial planning tool and part your net worth.
The Parent Trap: College vs. Retirement
by Rande Spiegelman
July 2, 2007
It's important to balance planning for retirement and your children's college education so you don't shortchange your future or your children's. Here are some ideas to help achieve both goals.
by Rande Spiegelman
July 2, 2007
It's important to balance planning for retirement and your children's college education so you don't shortchange your future or your children's. Here are some ideas to help achieve both goals.
Disaster-Proof Your Finances
By Rande Spiegelman
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?
By Rande Spiegelman
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?
Losing a Loved One
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
April 10, 2007
Your heart may be breaking, yet there are legal and financial details to address.
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
April 10, 2007
Your heart may be breaking, yet there are legal and financial details to address.
Keep More Gains With a Tax-Free Exchange
By Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
September 7, 2006
The Internal Revenue Code provides a number of ways to defer the recognition of realized gains. Consider these five strategies to keep the tax collector at bay.
By Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
September 7, 2006
The Internal Revenue Code provides a number of ways to defer the recognition of realized gains. Consider these five strategies to keep the tax collector at bay.
Transferring a Custodial Account to a 529 Plan: Can and Should You Transfer
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
August 17, 2006
Given the attractive tax advantages of 529 college savings plans, can you transfer your child’s UTMA/UGMA into a 529 plan? And should you?
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
August 17, 2006
Given the attractive tax advantages of 529 college savings plans, can you transfer your child’s UTMA/UGMA into a 529 plan? And should you?
Protecting Your Assets
by Rande Spiegelman
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.
by Rande Spiegelman
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
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.
by Rande Spiegelman
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
October 1, 2004
Maximize the impact of your charitable giving.
by Rande Spiegelman
October 1, 2004
Maximize the impact of your charitable giving.
How Not to Leave Money to Your Ex
by Rande Spiegelman
April 19, 2004
It actually does happen. People die and inadvertently leave sizable portions of their estates to ex-wives or ex-husbands-or to people they haven’t seen for 30 years.
by Rande Spiegelman
April 19, 2004
It actually does happen. People die and inadvertently leave sizable portions of their estates to ex-wives or ex-husbands-or to people they haven’t seen for 30 years.
A Living Trust Can Help You and Your Heirs
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 24, 2004
A living trust can benefit you during your lifetime and, upon your death, help ensure that your assets go directly to the people you've designated.
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 24, 2004
A living trust can benefit you during your lifetime and, upon your death, help ensure that your assets go directly to the people you've designated.
Stock Options and Taxes: What You Don't Know Can Cost You
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 22, 2004
Understanding how stock options are taxed can help you maximize your potential return and minimize the tax bite.
by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 22, 2004
Understanding how stock options are taxed can help you maximize your potential return and minimize the tax bite.
What to Do if You Receive a REALLY BIG Windfall
by Rande Spiegelman
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.
by Rande Spiegelman
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.
Taking Your Lumps: Tax-Smart Ways to Receive a Lump Sum
by Rande Spiegelman
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.
by Rande Spiegelman
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.