We often focus on what we don't have, but you might be surprised by how much you’ve actually accomplished. Today, we break down the hidden signs of wealth that have nothing to do with flashy cars or big mansions.

Here’s what we’re covering in today’s Clark Smart Investing newsletter:

Money expert Clark Howard has long said that the goal of personal finance isn’t to accumulate the most stuff — it’s to reach a place where money stops being a source of fear and anxiety in your daily life. His whole philosophy is built around that idea: Live below your means, build a cushion, and give yourself options. The payoff isn’t a bigger house. It’s peace of mind.

That’s what this list is really about. Most people don’t think of themselves as wealthy. But wealth isn’t always obvious, even to the people who have it. It’s not about what you own. It’s about what you don’t have to worry about anymore. By Clark’s measure, that’s exactly the point.

In the full article, we reveal the ten quiet signs you’ve made it further than you might realize. How many of these can you check off?

Every week, we'll ask a new question to get your take on the latest financial trends and topics.

Last Week’s Poll Results

We asked: “Where do you keep your cash reserve?” Here’s how you answered:

In this recurring Q&A, we share questions that have been answered by Clark Howard or Wes Moss on the podcast. Submit your question today!

Andrew in Missouri: My wife has retirement money in the Fidelity target retirement 2035 and can retire in three years. For her last three years of employment, should we move her monthly retirement allotment to a Fidelity target retirement 2040 to be more aggressive?

Wes Moss says: The short answer: Yes, I think that's a fine move. Target date funds are often painted with a golden brush, as if they are perfectly calibrated to do everything for you. In reality, they are simply branded asset allocation funds that slowly become more conservative over time. Many people get hung up on picking the "right" year, but the moniker is really just the point where the fund starts to get very conservative. Usually, by the time you hit that target year, the fund is down to about 60% stocks and 40% bonds. Over the next 20 years, it can slide all the way down to a 20/80 split. If you don’t need to start relying on that money the moment you retire, the clock shouldn't necessarily start on that conservative shift yet. If your timeline for actually needing the cash is further out, moving to a 2040 fund allows you to maintain an allocation that actually fits your needs. The overarching key is to "open up the hood." Don't just rely on the date on the sticker; check the fund’s webpage or prospectus once or twice a year to see how the allocation migrates over time. It’s less about the year labeled on the fund and more about understanding the specific mix of stocks and bonds inside.

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Any company names shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market or other conditions. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions.