The Clark Howard Podcast 03.03.2026 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
8 snips
Mar 3, 2026 
Wes Moss, CFP and retirement advisor who helps people plan and catch up for retirement. He debates lump-sum investing versus dollar-cost averaging and why showing up matters more than perfect timing. He reviews how late-starters in their 50s can still aim for a seven-figure nest egg with aggressive catch-up moves. He also explains covered-call ETFs and practical account consolidation tips.
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Participation Over Perfect Market Timing
- Participation beats perfection when building wealth; being invested for decades matters more than perfect timing.
- Wes Moss: cannonball (lump-sum) wins ~two-thirds historically, but regular contributions (DCA) keep you invested through ups and downs.
Use Inheritance To Eliminate Mortgage When It Makes Sense
- Consider paying off a low-rate mortgage if an inheritance materially reduces or eliminates the loan because the psychological benefit and guaranteed debt elimination are valuable.
- Wes Moss: if the inheritance covers a third or less of your after-tax savings, paying off the mortgage is a no-brainer; mortgage-free is a key retirement green zone.
Report Income Not Assets For Healthcare Calculators
- For calculators and subsidy eligibility, report taxable income not assets; assets only matter if they generate taxable income.
- Wes Moss: if a pre-retiree has $3M in retirement accounts but no taxable distributions, enter zero income for healthcare subsidy tools.