The Clark Howard Podcast 02.03.2026 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
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Feb 3, 2026 
Wes Moss, CFP® and retirement advisor and author, offers grounded finance perspective. He explains why recent dollar weakness versus gold is historically normal and not catastrophic. He explores America’s top retirement fear—running out of money—and lays out five practical steps to stop financial anxiety. Listeners’ planning, rebalancing, and pension valuation questions are also addressed.
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Weaker Dollar Has Economic Upsides
- A weaker dollar can help U.S. exporters and doesn't automatically signal a weak economy.
- Current U.S. economic indicators (consumer spending, employment, earnings) remain strong despite currency moves.
Use 4% As A Flexible Spending Guide
- Treat the 4% rule as a flexible guideline, not a rigid law, and adjust based on circumstances.
- If you're ahead of plan, allow yourself to spend some extra principal rather than hoarding it forever.
Have Three Years Of Dry Powder
- Keep three years of 'dry powder' (cash/bonds) to avoid selling equities during major downturns.
- Use dry powder more as markets fall: under 10% continue usual withdrawals, over 10% lean on cash, at 20% use it heavily.