Dollar vs. Gold: Why You Don’t Need To Panic & #1 Retirement Fear (and Ways To Let It Go)

While recent headlines might suggest the dollar is "plunging" as gold and silver prices soar, Wes Moss provides a grounded perspective on why the decline, while significant, is still well within historical ranges, and why he believes our economy is still strong. Also, Wes dives into the top fear facing Americans: the fear of running out of money in retirement. As humans, we are wired to prioritize protection and survival, but letting this fear dictate your financial strategy can be counterproductive. Wes breaks down the research behind this common anxiety and introduces five actionable steps designed to eliminate financial dread and help you regain confidence in your long-term plan.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the February 3, 2026, 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.  Let us know what you think in the comments!

Learn more about Wes: 

Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re feeling stuck in your career and/or housing situation, Clark shares something important to consider. With housing inventory rising in nearly 20 states and more affordable markets opening up in the American heartland, being open and flexible to moving your zip code might be the key to unlocking both homeownership and professional opportunity. Also, using the latest data, Clark breaks down the fastest-growing occupations for the next decade.

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday normally brings a ripe episode of Clark Stinks but today Clark has an update for potential car buyers.  While the cost of automobiles has been soaring, Clark reveals a surprising counterpoint: a selection of reliable, more affordable vehicles. Also in the interest of affordability, travel can easily be too costly. But there’s an often overlooked option that could help you save on spring break or a summer getaway.

(Note: Clark Stinks will be back next week!).      

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many young adults recognize the value of early saving and investing long-term. But with 61% of this age group now trusting social media "finfluencers" for investing tips, it’s more important than ever to distinguish between sound financial advice and sales pitches pushing “get rich” ripoffs and worse - conflating gambling with real investing.  Also today - Clark shares a recent story of a retired lawyer who lost $85,000 to scammers posing as Microsoft security, only to have his bank deny a refund. Con artists continue their rampant looting unabated, with ever increasing sophistication, and no one is immune. BUT, there are tells.  Learn their method of operation, how to verify account activity on your own terms, and how to protect your "keys to the kingdom" from the criminals leveraging your data against you.

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the Middle Class Shrinking? & the Quiet Power of Dividend Growth

The middle class is shrinking — but perhaps not for the reason you’ve been told. While headlines often paint a bleak picture of economic decline, the underlying data reveals a much more complex and surprising transformation. Wes Moss dives into the "missing" middle class, using recent data to uncover where those families have actually gone since 1979. Also, Wes pulls back the curtain on a hidden force in the stock market: the math of dividend durability. While many investors are distracted by flashy price targets, they are overlooking a component that has historically accounted for over a third of the market's total return. Wes breaks down why a company’s dividend policy is one of the most reliable signals of financial strength and how the "quiet persistence" of dividend growth has consistently outpaced inflation for over sixty years.

Mentioned on the show:

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the January 27, 2026, 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.  Let us know what you think in the comments!

Learn more about Wes: 

Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today - A tale of two retail experiences. Merchants are getting eaten up by the cost of returns and stiff new policies are reflecting that, with strict deadlines and fees as high as $45 to process mailed items. By contrast, Costco continues to lead with customer-friendly policies, including a little-known "price drop" perk.  Also - The ABLE (529A) program has undergone significant expansion, with millions more people now eligible. Clark breaks down everything you need to know, including a NEVER NEVER rule to protect your wallet. 

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also in this episode, Clark shares a narrow set of strategies for becoming a landlord successfully in today’s fraught housing market. To determine if a property is a viable investment, know the classic 1% rule.

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark dives into the predatory world of health insurance, where companies are under fire for "strategy-based" claim denials - and consumers are faced with outrageous hospital bills. Clark explains why and how you must self-advocate as a customer.  Also, as power bills surge due in large part to data centers, you’re not a sitting duck. Clark argues that you shouldn't have to subsidize the energy needs of big tech, and explores the "secret weapons" available to homeowners and renters alike.

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Large Cap vs. Small Cap: Which Is Best? & Why Your Returns Don’t Match the Headlines

With the median S&P 500 company now valued at $35 billion and "Mega Caps" like Microsoft reaching the $3+ trillion mark, the scale of the market has reached levels that are difficult to even conceptualize. While large caps have dominated the last three years with returns, Wes highlights why investors shouldn't ignore small and mid-cap categories. With small caps currently catching up in 2026 and offering more attractive valuations, diversifying beyond the top 10 stocks in the S&P 500 is more critical than ever. Also, have you ever wondered why individual investors consistently underperform the broader market. While the S&P 500 has averaged a 13% return over the last decade, the average balanced investor has seen closer to 8%. Wes discusses the framework needed to stop chasing headlines and start building long-term wealth.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the January 20, 2026, 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.  Let us know what you think in the comments!

Learn more about Wes: 

Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The condo market is struggling around the country, particularly in coastal areas. This creates both opportunity and hazard for potential buyers, and insurance is certainly a factor. Speaking of moving, more and more Americans are moving overseas to save money or retire. Should you become an expat? Clark shares his essential "test drive" rule for anyone considering an international move and breaks down the vital questions you need answered before you commit, concerning taxation, safety, and healthcare.

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices