According to research, the median happy retiree needs $700,000 to get to retirement. But how do you get there? That’s where stocks come in. In this episode of Ask an Advisor, fee-only fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains why stocks (mostly) are so important to your portfolio and the “dry powder” you need to stay confident in the market. Later in the show, Wes talks about FOMO (fear of missing out) Freddy and why you should ignore him at all costs when looking at your investments.
Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the January 21, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask.
We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments!
00:00 - Intro 01:18 - Why Successful Investors Buy Stocks (Mosty) 07:12 - Ask an Investor: Investing in Indian, Canadian, and US Markets Benjamin in Alaska asks whether it’s wise for an American to invest in Indian, Canadian, and US stock markets 09:52 - Ask an Investor: Medicaid, Trusts, and Protecting Your Home Louise in PA seeks advice on setting up an irrevocable trust to protect her home from Medicaid reimbursement after her husband's Alzheimer's diagnosis. 13:39 - Ask an Investor: Pay Off Mortgage or Save More for Retirement? Tiffany in GA asks if she should focus on paying off her mortgage early or continue contributing to her 403(b) to retire at 62. 17:13 - Stock Market FOMO 24:27 - Ask an Investor: Are Annuities Safe Without FDIC Backing? Donna in VA wonders if Gainbridge’s 5.4% fixed-rate annuity is a safe investment without FDIC backing. 28:08 - Ask an Investor: Roth vs. Traditional Account Withdrawals in Retirement Keith in AL asks whether to withdraw from his Roth or traditional IRA first to minimize taxes in retirement.
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