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1 month ago | 
schwab.com | Chris Kawashima |Rob Williams
Even for investors with significant savings, large, time-sensitive expenses may arise that can't immediately be covered with cash on hand. Maybe you've been surprised by an unexpected home repair or tax bill. Or perhaps you've come across a real estate opportunity that's too good to pass up. For these purposes and more, a securities-based line of credit (SBLOC) may be a good way to go. Here's what it is, when to consider it, and how it works—along with potential risks to keep in mind.
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1 month ago | 
schwab.com | Chris Kawashima |Rob Williams
When faced with a significant expense—whether it's a home purchase, medical bill, or another big expenditure—you have three primary ways (or some combination of the three) to cover the cost: pay with cash on hand, liquidate investments, or borrow. These options—drawing down cash reserves, selling investments, and taking on new debt—all have consequences.
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Mar 7, 2025 | 
schwab.com | Rob Williams |Chris Kawashima
Close to 70% of today's 65-year-olds will require long-term care1—ranging from in-home health aides to full-fledged nursing homes—and the costs are staggering.
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Mar 7, 2025 | 
schwab.com | Rob Williams |Chris Kawashima
It's a conundrum faced by millions of Americans as they approach retirement: how to make the most of Social Security. Here, two Schwab experts break down clients' top questions.
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Jan 17, 2025 | 
schwab.com | Chris Kawashima
Retirement may mark the end of your regular-paycheck days, but that doesn't mean you stop receiving income—and that income can affect the amount you pay in Medicare premiums. The character and amounts of your income can change significantly when you enter retirement, and an unexpected bump could trigger an increase in your Medicare premium payments due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
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Jan 10, 2025 | 
schwab.com | Chris Kawashima
Performance stock units (PSUs) and performance stock awards (PSAs) are ways your employer can grant you equity in the company. They're awarded based on achieving a performance target set by your company within a specific time period. The value may be adjusted based on meeting different levels of the performance goal. Your company will grant you a set number of performance shares up front, which is called a target amount.
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Nov 27, 2024 | 
schwab.com | Chris Kawashima
With so many different types of retirement plans out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Each has its own rules, benefits, and, of course, eligibility requirements—meaning you may not be eligible for every type of plan. Ahead, we'll look at some common types of employer-sponsored retirement plans, plus a few other accounts individuals use for retirement that can be used by almost anyone.
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Nov 25, 2024 | 
advisorpedia.com | Todd Shriber |Chris Kawashima
Due to the myriad complexities found in the U.S. tax code, passing on assets to heirs isn’t always easy and that’s a big reason why estate planning is a cornerstone of holistic advisory services.
Even when accounting for the regulatory burden Uncle Sam foists upon advisors and clients, estate planning is an excellent avenue for improving client relationships.
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Nov 13, 2024 | 
schwab.com | Chris Kawashima
For most new parents, focusing on the big picture isn't easy. You're sleep-deprived, juggling naps and feeding schedules, and excited about the new little person in your life. But milestones are on the horizon, and you'll want to prepare for them while keeping your own finances on track. Here are six tips for new parents: Adequate health insurance is crucial, but you'll also want to consider life and disability insurance as well.
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Oct 29, 2024 | 
schwab.com | Chris Kawashima
Fall is an exciting time because it's benefits enrollment season for many employees. Open enrollment occurs only once a year in a one-to two-month window, typically starting around October or November. Whatever decisions you make during that window, you're typically committed for an entire year (with exception to a few qualifying life events). As important as that sounds, many individuals, on average, spend far too few minutes reviewing their choices.
