Charles Schwab

Front receptionist worst attitude ever. Didn’t greet us and hid behind her desk avoiding helping us. Thanks for ur holiday cheer! u bitter young lady.

A year ago, I would have given this Schwab location 2 stars. It’s out of the way from central Santa Cruz and I’d often hit traffic on Highway 1 to/​from. The front desk person has always been helpful but I found being able to get an appointment with someone who really knows what they’re doing challenging. I have had messages not returned and one financial planner left me a voicemail canceling my scheduled appointment with him.
I’m happy to say that things here, at least from my experience, have turned around 180 degrees and that’s thanks to Levi Larsen. Amanda at the front desk recommended him when I came in wanting help investing a new deposit into a Roth IRA I’ve had for over 10 years but not touched since the initial deposit. Levi is at this location Tuesdays and Thursdays (he’s at the Los Gatos location the other days). It took 2 appointments to get done everything I wanted and it was worth the time spent — plus Levi is a pleasure to be with. We ended up selling my 3 mutual funds and taking that money and my new deposit and opening an «Intelligent Portfolio,» which has an automated manager (algorithm) that instead of letting my money just sit there (since I wasn’t the type of person to be comfortable monitoring it and actually making any changes with it and thus had a very small percentage gain) will automatically adjust to what’s best for me so that I get the most gain according to my timeline and risk comfortability. I went through a series of computer programmed questionnaires that Levi recommended to get a characterization of what kind of financial person I am and then it told me how my money should be diversified (stocks, cash commodities & fixed income).
Levi also helped me set up a monthly reoccurring transfer from my Wells Fargo checking account to my Schwab money saving account, something I’ve wanted to do for a long time to help me put money away for my large sum twice yearly property taxes.
Overall, I have a better understanding of what I need to do to get me where I need to be for retirement in 22 years (or, fingers crossed, less).
Bottom line, Schwab is lucky to have Levi. He is personable, knowledgeable, charming and caring. I walked away feeling like myself and my money were in good hands.

Unless your mattress is on fire don’t bother bringing your business here. As a long time Schwab fan, this branch can’t even print you a check.
Consolidate an IRA? Akin to aligning the stars.
The branch in Los Gatos is buttoned up. Sorry to have you drive over the hill, it’s a bummer when transactions off-​line can’t be fielded.

Only Charles schwab in Santa Cruz area. Lame. Went there today and the man helping at the front desk was very quick and even helped me change my address order check all under 10 minutes. He was super helpful and funny. Customer service totally makes up for this being the only location near by. Still nice tho

In addition to my teacher retirement money, Dad encouraged me to invest. Dad has yet to lead me astray when it comes to financial stuff and he has done quite well. If you don’t have an appointment, you should know what you are talking about. The two men who were here were nice enough, but did not appear to be in the mood to explain… me being paranoid of being inferior, I had done my research and have a basic understanding of what the positives, negatives and risks of my investment… I signed up for my account at their computer and handed them a check. done deal.
It wasn’t a horrible experience and it wasn’t a great experience. initial three stars.