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Let's talk about it.

Money Talk: Where personal finance gets personal.

Schwab Moneywise® presents Money Talk

Let's talk about it. Managing your money can be complicated. That's why we're here to help. No matter how much or how little you know about money, our team of certified financial experts offers guidance to help you move your financial life forward. From building a budget and paying off debt to saving and investing for your dreams and goals—we've got the knowledge to help you make money moves that are right for you. 

Meet the experts

  • Jeannie Bidner

    Jeannie understands the balancing act between a busy career and family life. At home with her husband, Jeannie is mom to two growing children with a third child in college. At the office, Jeannie is a managing director within the branch network at Charles Schwab. Jeannie holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Her parents never talked about money growing up. That's one reason she knows the importance of starting the conversation now. 

  • Patrick Means

    In college, Patrick discovered he was good with numbers. But what he really wanted to do was help people. When he started researching careers, he found that financial consulting was a way he could do both. Today, Patrick is a vice president and branch manager at Schwab, and he holds the Certified Wealth Strategist® designation. At home, wedding bells ring for Patrick as he prepares to get remarried. Patrick is excited about his blended family and understands firsthand how finances become more complex as your life evolves. 

  • Cindy Scott

    As a child, Cindy saw people who did well financially and others who seemed to struggle. Later, in college, she played a stock market simulation game and discovered a new way to view money that could help people: how to grow wealth through investing. Today, she understands the importance of creating a financial plan–and that it's never too late to start saving and investing. Cindy is a financial planner at Schwab and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. At home, Cindy and her family love to entertain and often invite family and friends together to experience fun, joy and connection.

  • Susan Hirshman

    Susan has helped clients with personal finance and tax planning for many years. Yet early in her career, she wasn't immune to some of the financial pitfalls her clients faced, and a personal experience with credit card debt ignited her passion to educate and empower others about their finances. She loves the outdoors and has learned that experiences, not things, are what make life joyful. Susan is director of wealth management at Schwab. She holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.

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Personal finance from A to Z

Gain confidence and control over your money as we explore a wide range of personal finance topics. 

  • Budgeting

    Budgeting is an essential tool that helps put you in charge. We'll talk about how to use a budget as a roadmap to help meet your goals.

  • Credit/Debt

    Credit and debt are tools—we'll explore how to use them wisely and methods you can use to pay down credit card and student loan debt. 

  • Saving

    Whether it's contributing to your company's retirement plan to get the match or creating an emergency fund, we'll help you prioritize your savings goals. 

  • Investing

    It doesn't have to be complicated. We'll explore how to create an investment plan, how to choose investments and ways to harness the power of compound growth through investing. 

  • Retirement

    Retirement planning is one of the most important financial goals for most people. Aim to save at least 10% of your income, and more if possible, to fund your retirement needs. It's never too late to start. 

  • Taxes

    Tax planning isn't just for the wealthy. You could save more each year by finding ways to maximize deductions and tax credits. We'll explore ideas for you to consider. 

  • Big Goals

    You may have big goals like a down payment on a home or saving for a child's education. We'll show you steps to help you turn your dreams into reality. 

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Let's talk about it

Join us on a money journey. Read the bi-weekly Money Talk column on Schwab Moneywise®. Follow @schwabmoneywise on Instagram for videos and more personal finance ideas from our experts. 

Read the column
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  • About the Foundation
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This information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.

Charles Schwab Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private foundation funded by The Charles Schwab Corporation. It is not part of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. or its parent company, The Charles Schwab Corporation.

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