The Power of Dividend Growth Explained and Is the Midwest the Next Silicon Valley?

Should we fall in love with dividends? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss tackles the classic debate of stocks versus bonds with a deep dive into the power of dividends. Using data going back 45 years to 1980, Wes reveals how an investment in the S&P 500 would have dramatically outperformed bonds, with dividends growing by an incredible percentage. Also, Wes shares a fascinating look at the future of American manufacturing. He draws a comparison between the 1950s and today, highlighting the huge growth in productivity and innovation. Wes argues that the next big frontier for economic growth might not be in Silicon Valley, but in the heart of the Midwest, thanks to modern-day "George Jetsons" and a renewed focus on high-tech manufacturing.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the September 2, 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!

Learn more about Wes:   BOOKS BY WES MOSS   /   Wes Moss, CFP®

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Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, the high cost of REAL health insurance is driving a surge in low cost health “coverage” being pitched to both individuals and small businesses - plans that are either bad, or worse, total scams.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Bogus Healthcare Plans: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

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Clark discusses why having a portion of your retirement funds in overseas investments is highly recommended.  Also - Why Clark’s recent advice on shopping airfares just changed.

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A retired couple’s home renovation plans nearly triggered a massive, hidden cost that no one wants to pay: the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMA). Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down how a simple plan to pay for a renovation could have led to thousands of dollars in extra Medicare premiums and what you can do to avoid a similar fate. Also, Wes dives into the world of AI and financial planning. He explains why AI is a powerful tool for analysis, but warns against using it as a fortune teller. Find out how you can use AI to your advantage while avoiding the dangerous pitfalls of letting it make your big financial decisions for you.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 26, 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!

Learn more about Wes:   BOOKS BY WES MOSS   /   Wes Moss, CFP®

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Ever wake up Monday regretting how much you spent over the weekend? Today Clark re-examines the no spending trend through a needs-vs-wants traffic light lens as a smart way to think about spending.  Also today  - Travelers are being heavily targeted at ATMs & check outs. Clark shares an easy way to protect your wallet and identity when out & about - and why this is necessary now more than ever. 

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Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also - Digital pricing is popping up in more supermarkets. Clark discusses how this pricing works, and how the results are turning out to be quite different from his early predictions. 

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A rapidly changing job market calls for reassessment and thinking outside the box. And maybe outside your town. Clark seeks to help open your mind on 3 fronts in the quest for satisfying employment. Also, 529 Plans just got even better, with new ways to utilize them for non-traditional education.

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Why This Retired Couple Is Still 70% in Stocks and Will the Fed Start Lowering Rates?

A retired couple in their 80s has big pensions, no debt, and a significant amount of their portfolio in stocks. While traditional wisdom suggests being more conservative with age, find out why they have an “infinite time horizon,” as fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains. Also, the Federal Reserve is the engine of the U.S. economy, and its decisions on interest rates have massive ripple effects, from the housing market to your savings account. With the latest inflation and jobs reports suggesting a cooling economy, Wes explains why we may be at the end of the "higher for longer" era. He also provides a critical heads-up for savers.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 19, 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!

Learn more about Wes:   BOOKS BY WES MOSS   /   Wes Moss, CFP®

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In today’s episode, Clark talks about the condo market and what makes it different from the single-family home market. Later, there’s a common, costly fee that may appear on your doctor bill that is generally not disclosed, and charged after treatment. Clark explains what’s going on and how to prevent getting gouged by this. 

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Clark.com resources

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Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, one major rental car company has now earned the “do not rent” label from Clark. Get Clark’s latest advice on car rentals. 

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Clark.com resources

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