What Makes a Financial Plan Fit Your Life?

Learn how to make decisions that align with your real-world goals, resources, and priorities to make a financial plan tailored uniquely to you.
November 10, 2025Mark Riepe

Modal Window

After you listen

In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe is joined by Stephanie Shadel, senior wealth advisor at Schwab, to discuss the essential elements of making a new financial plan, focusing on navigating key financial decisions. They explore the importance of setting personal goals, the barriers that prevent individuals from creating a financial plan, and the necessity of honest assessment of your priorities and present situation. Stephanie shares her experiences with past clients and highlights the emotional aspects of initial choices that start the planning process.

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.

Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes.

Check out more episodes.

This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Schwab Wealth Advisory™ ("SWA") is a non‐discretionary investment advisory program sponsored by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. ("SWAI") is a Registered Investment Adviser and provides portfolio management for the SWA program. Schwab and SWAI are affiliates and are subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

1125-7H1W