The Clark Howard Podcast 12.23.25 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
14 snips
Dec 23, 2025 
Wes Moss, a certified financial planner and investment advisor, shares vital insights on affordable healthcare for early retirees. He reveals how one woman dramatically reduced her COBRA costs from $2,500 to under $200 using ACA subsidies. Wes also discusses the implications of recent Fed rate cuts, clarifying misconceptions about future mortgage rates. Listeners can benefit from his advice on retirement planning, managing wealth, and strategic decisions around Social Security, all while addressing your burning financial questions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Enhanced ACA Subsidies Are Temporary
- Enhanced ACA subsidies expanded eligibility beyond the historical 100–400% federal poverty limit during COVID, reducing premiums for many.
- Those enhanced subsidies are set to sunset after 2025, so future costs may rise back toward pre-expansion levels.
Get Local Help To Pick The Right ACA Plan
- Contact a certified broker via NABIP or an ACA navigator to compare carriers, plan metal levels, and verify provider and drug coverage.
- Check maximum out-of-pocket, covered doctors, and whether expensive specialty drugs are included before enrolling.
Retire If The Numbers And Plan Work
- If a written financial plan shows your numbers work with conservative assumptions, consider retiring when you want rather than delaying solely for age.
- Transitioning gradually with part-time work can ease psychological concerns about early retirement and healthcare.