Matthew's Recommended Brokerages
Two platforms Matthew actually uses — Fundrise for passive real estate income and Schwab for his personal brokerage. No sponsored rankings, no brokers he doesn't use himself.
If you want real estate exposure without being a landlord, Fundrise is in a category of its own. Quarterly dividends, automatic reinvestment, no tenants, no property managers, no midnight maintenance calls. Matthew has been investing since 2018 — 7+ years, 102 transactions, $26K+ portfolio, zero headaches.
Schwab is where Matthew manages his traditional brokerage portfolio. 300+ physical branches nationwide, 24/7 phone support, strong RMD tools, and a clean website that doesn't require a tutorial to navigate. For retirees who want a full-service brokerage they can actually call when something's confusing — this is it.
Common Questions
Can I use both Fundrise and Schwab at the same time?
Yes — and that's exactly what Matthew does. Schwab handles traditional stock and bond holdings; Fundrise handles real estate income. The two don't overlap. Many retirees like the diversification of having both a conventional brokerage and a real estate income vehicle in their portfolio.
What makes Fundrise different from owning rental property?
With rental property, you own a physical asset with tenants, maintenance, taxes, insurance, and vacancy risk. With Fundrise, you own a fractional stake in a diversified pool of real estate assets managed by professionals. Dividends are paid quarterly and reinvested automatically. There's no landlord work — that's the point.
Do I need to move my existing accounts to Schwab?
Not necessarily. If your current brokerage is working fine and costs are low, a transfer may not be worth the hassle. But if you're paying trade commissions, struggling with RMD tools, or can't get a human on the phone — Schwab is worth considering. They handle ACAT transfers for free.
Are my assets protected if a brokerage fails?
Yes. Schwab is a SIPC member — up to $500,000 per depositor is protected (including $250,000 in cash) if the brokerage fails. Your investments are not lost — they're transferred to another custodian. Fundrise holds real assets in separately managed funds, providing a different but also meaningful layer of protection.
Financial Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Consult a licensed financial professional before making investment decisions.
Not a Registered Investment Advisor: SixtyFive70 is not a registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, or financial planner. All opinions expressed are personal experience only.