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Happy Sunday! Here’s what we’re covering in today’s Clark Smart Investing newsletter:
10 signs you’ve become a seasoned investor
How to invest a lump sum or cash you've left uninvested
3x leveraged ETFs: The hidden trap of triple returns
Q&A with Wes Moss: How can a 60/40 portfolio recover from bond market losses before retirement, and why is it worth staying invested in bonds?
💵 10 Signs You’ve Become a Seasoned Investor
Nobody hands you a certificate when you graduate from beginner to veteran investor. There’s no test, no badge, no minimum account balance that makes it official.
But there are markers. Most of them have nothing to do with how much money you’ve made and everything to do with how you think and behave when markets do what markets do.
The late Jonathan Clements, the longtime Wall Street Journal personal finance columnist and founder of HumbleDollar, wrote about the traits that separate seasoned investors from newcomers. His framework inspired this list. Clements spent decades teaching people that good investing is mostly about temperament, and these 10 signs reflect that idea.
Check out these key signs that you’ve become a truly seasoned investor — how many apply to you?
📚 Recommended Reading
Sitting on a pile of cash, waiting for the "right time" to invest? Whether you just got a bonus, sold a house, or have had savings parked on the sidelines for months, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. Here is the strategy for deciding where and when to put that money to work. Read more.
High risk, high reward — or a fast track to losing money? Leveraged ETFs promise big returns, but they aren't meant for average long-term investors. Here’s why money experts warn against them, plus smart alternatives for building steady wealth. Read more.
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One of the biggest challenges retirees face isn't financial, it's social. Learn why investing in friendships before and during retirement may be one of the smartest decisions you make.
💬 Ask an Advisor
✅ Poll: What’s Your Take?
Every week, we'll ask a new question to get your take on the latest financial trends and topics.
Do you consider yourself a seasoned investor?
Last Week’s Poll Results
We asked: “If you hit your exact retirement "magic number" tomorrow, would you actually hand in your resignation?” Here’s how you answered:
Yes, immediately! - (24%)
No, I'd keep working to build more savings. - (27%)
I'm already retired! - (49%)
💸 Money Tip of the Week
Run the "one-sentence audit" on your portfolio: Open your brokerage or 401(k) account and look at every individual stock, mutual fund, or ETF you own. For each one, complete this sentence: "I own this because..." If your answer is "it was doing well last year," "someone on social media mentioned it," or "I don't actually remember," put it on your list to research or simplify into a broad, low-cost index fund.
☎ Need Money Help?
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.
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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.
