Click here 1. What are my broker's recommendations based on?

Do you ask for the rationale behind the investment decisions involving your portfolio? Does your broker offer any explanation? Do you ever wonder if your broker's recommendations are really the right ones for you? Our recommendations are based on your individual needs after discussing a variety of factors, such as your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, etc., and researching options you may want to consider based on your needs.

Our investment professionals are happy to explain the rationale behind the recommendations they make and why they feel a particular option may be right for you.

View our research and insights, including commentary on the markets and market trends plus potential current investing opportunities.

Click here 2. What are all the fees and commissions I'm paying, and how do they impact my returns?

Have you educated yourself in the fees and commissions associated with your investments? Do you understand all the fees and commissions you're paying, as well as how they might be impacting your returns? Schwab can help you understand the common costs of investing, what they are and what you could pay at Schwab versus other firms.

See Schwab's comprehensive pricing including commissions, fees, and other costs applicable to brokerage accounts.

Review the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide.

Click here 3. Does my broker encourage me to be actively involved in my investment strategy?

Whether you prefer to provide less input or a lot, ultimately do you feel like you are encouraged by your broker to determine how much of a role you play in the development of your investment strategy? We want Schwab to be a place where your questions are welcomed and encouraged and where you can be engaged and involved with your investments.

It is important to discuss with your investment professional your preferences around the level of involvement in your investments.

At Schwab, we offer a wide range of options for you to connect with us via the communication channel of your choice, including face-to-face discussions, phone conversations, and online chat.

Click here 4. Do I understand how my broker is compensated?

Does my broker discuss his or her compensation with me? You probably wouldn't blindly write a check to a contractor without understanding exactly what you're paying for. So why would you allow yourself to accept such a relationship with your broker? It is important to understand how your investment professional is paid because of the impact it can have on your returns and the recommendations you receive. For example, recurring trading in a commission-based account could impact your returns.

At Schwab, we strive to be straightforward about how our investment professionals are compensated.

You should always feel comfortable talking to your investment professional about his or her compensation, and at Schwab you can see this information in our "Compensation and Advice Disclosures."

You can also speak to other people at Schwab, such as your local Branch Manager, about this topic.

Click here 5. Do I feel completely comfortable discussing my personal situation with my broker?

Does your broker routinely take the time to understand your specific life situation and any changes you may have experienced of late? How comfortable do you feel updating your broker and revisiting your investments when your personal situation or goals change? You should feel comfortable talking to your investment professional if your personal situation changes because it may have an impact on your progress toward achieving your goals.

At Schwab, we want you to have a choice of which investment professional you work with, and if your current relationship is not the right fit, we can work with you to find one that may be a better fit for your needs.

Confirm with your investment professional that all of your personal information is current and updated regularly.

You can also ask your investment professional about developing a plan, if you don't already have one that takes into account your personal situation.

Schwab can help by reviewing your current holdings, goals, and risk tolerance and, when appropriate, by making specific investment recommendations when your situation or goals change.

Click here 6. Am I offered a wide range of investment products?

When discussing investment opportunities with your broker, do you talk about options from various companies, or does it seem as if you're often discussing only proprietary products from your broker's firm? Does your broker welcome questions about certain products you've read or heard about? At Schwab, we offer a broad range of investment options to meet your needs from leading asset managers across the industry as well as our own array of proprietary products.

You can speak to your investment professional for more information and/or view information about Schwab's available investment products.

Even when you have a broker who may be making recommendations, it's important that you remain engaged and fully understand the decisions that influence your investing outcomes, such as by asking questions about products and what is available to you.

Click here 7. Is my broker part of a larger team of investment professionals at the firm where other people can help me?

Do you have a team of professionals behind you or just one person? Can you speak to a specialist in fixed income, global investing, or financial planning when you need to? At Schwab, our investment professionals are supported by the research and insights of our own experts and industry professionals, and they have the opportunity to regularly engage with our experts.

A wide range of specialists are also available to speak directly with clients, and your investment professional can help direct you to the appropriate specialist.

In addition to our investment professionals and specialists, you can always reach a licensed representative 24/7 via phone or online chat.

You can also access Schwab's research and insights.

Click here 8. Do I understand the progress I'm making toward my goals?

Do you have tools at your disposal to clearly track your progress toward your goals? What benchmarks and measures are you and your broker using? This should be simple and transparent, not confusing and complicated. For many investors, it is important to have a long-term plan and track it over time to make sure you understand how you are making progress toward your goals (such as retirement).

Confirm with your Financial Consultant that you have an up-to-date plan in place and discuss your preferences for how you want to review your progress over time.

Schwab uses industry-standard benchmarks that are appropriate for the type of investments in your account(s).

We also offer many options for those who prefer not to work with an investment professional, such as the resources and tools available on Schwab.com.

Click here 9. Do I get the level of attention I want from my broker?

Do you feel like you're getting the attention you require or just what your broker has allotted to you? When going over your portfolio with your broker, do you feel like you're having a meaningful discussion about your portfolio or do you feel like just another appointment on the calendar? You should feel comfortable discussing with your investment professional your needs and preferences so that you can help shape the relationship that is right for you.

At Schwab, the philosophy that we live by every day is "through clients' eyes," which means that we strive to treat you the way we want to be treated, and we want every client to feel valued.

We also offer many options for those who prefer not to work with an investment professional, such as the resources and tools available on Schwab.com.

Click here 10. Does my broker discuss the risks in my investment portfolio?