What is Schwab's PCRA?
PCRA is a self-directed brokerage account (SDBA) designed to integrate seamlessly into your company's retirement plan and supplement your plan's core fund menu. It provides a wealth of investment choices for your participants who seek more flexibility, increased diversification and a greater role in managing their retirement savings. And because employees can invest in individual stocks and bonds—as well as thousands of mutual funds² —PCRA may help encourage enrollment in your company's plan.

A strategic choice for today's market.
According to Cerulli Associates³, retirement plan assets in SDBAs will triple by 2006, and the number of defined contribution plans offering an SDBA option to participants will double.

It's clear that the choices offered through products like PCRA are in increasing demand by many plan participants. And, for investors nationwide, the current economic environment has only reinforced the importance of a well-balanced, diversified retirement portfolio. PCRA provides access to the extraordinary level of investment support services and expertise that Schwab is known for. As a result, adding PCRA to your retirement plan can also help you meet plan participants' demand for additional investment education.

2 For a specific mutual fund's prospectus containing more complete information about the fund, including management fees, charges and expenses, please call the dedicated PCRA call center at 1-888-393-PCRA (7272). Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or transfer money.

3 Source: Cerulli Associates (Market Update: The 401[k] industry, 2001).