Charles Schwab, a provider of full-service brokerage services, announced today the opening of a new independent branch in Dripping Springs, Texas. The branch opened its doors on Thursday, August 23, at 333 East Highway 290 West, Suite 427. The branch will offer investors local access to a full suite of investing and personal finance guidance, tools, and products.

The new Dripping Springs location is one of the first-of-its-kind Schwab franchise branches, part of a larger franchising initiative the firm announced in early 2011. Schwab’s decision to begin opening franchise branches, in addition to its more than 300 existing company-managed branches, is grounded in a commitment to make financial advice and guidance more accessible in local communities across the country. Schwab’s company-managed and independent branches will deliver the same suite of brokerage products and services, pricing, and overall client service and experience.

The Dripping Springs branch is led by Schwab Independent Branch Leader Brian Carpenter, who has 14 years of experience in investment and retirement planning. Carpenter has provided employers offering retirement plan benefits to employees with the necessary tools and support to help build a successful retirement benefit. He is also a strong supporter for workplace retirement plan education and has led numerous employee education seminars. Prior to managing Schwab’s Dripping Springs branch, Carpenter was a financial consultant at RBC Wealth Management where he was the lead strategist for the retirement plan division and worked with corporations and individuals to provide retirement and financial planning services, representing $600 million in assets and serving over 10,000 plan participants. Before joining RBC Wealth Management, he was a retirement plan consultant with Metavante 401(k) Services and a financial advisor with A.G. Edwards, which is now a part of Wells Fargo Advisors.

“Now more than ever, people are looking for actionable investing help and guidance to plan for their specific financial goals,” said Carpenter. “Schwab has always been an advocate for the individual investor and strongly believes in providing local, face-to-face access to help, transparent pricing, and investing resources. With our shared commitment to putting clients’ needs first and offering access to the tools and resources they need to help meet their goals, I’m proud to be the face of Schwab in the Dripping Springs community.”

Carpenter obtained his bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Free Investing Workshops

Carpenter expects to hold a variety of educational investing workshops in the Dripping Springs branch, which are free and open to Schwab clients as well as the general public. Initial investing workshops in the Dripping Springs branch include:

Straight Talk with Schwab Chief Investment Strategist Liz Ann Sonders – Thursday, September 13 at 6 p.m.

Behavioral Finance: How Emotions Impact Financial Decisions – Thursday, September 20 at 6 p.m.

What Works: A Time Tested Approach to Investing – Thursday, September 27 at 6 p.m.

For more information contact:

Charles Schwab – Dripping Springs Independent Branch

333 East Highway 290 West, Suite 427, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Phone: (512) 858-7073

Schwab’s Dripping Springs branch will serve Dripping Springs and surrounding towns including Blanco, Buda, Johnson City, Kyle, San Marcos, and Spicewood.

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