Happy Sunday! Here’s what we’re covering in today’s Clark Smart Investing newsletter:
A key investing lesson to remember right now
Best investments so far in 2026
Is your portfolio too safe?
Q&A with Wes Moss: Should I use the 10% rule when deciding between taking the pension or taking the lump sum and investing it myself?
💵 A Key Investing Lesson to Remember Right Now
When the markets perform well for a long stretch — as they have been recently — it is easy to assume that the trend will continue. When that mindset sets in, you should always remember the advice of the late Vanguard founder, John Bogle: Be realistic about future returns.
When the stock market is booming, it’s easy to feel like the good times will never end. But planning your entire retirement around recent double-digit returns might be a costly mistake. Before you run your next retirement calculation, here’s what you really need to consider.
📚 Recommended Reading
2025 was the year of gold, silver, and emerging markets. Six months into 2026, the leaders and laggards have nearly flipped. Here’s how the major asset classes have performed so far in 2026. Read more.
Think keeping your retirement money in "safe" investments like bonds and cash is the smart move? It might actually be costing you hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars in long-term wealth. Here is the math behind why playing it too safe is so expensive, and how to fix it. Read more.
Sponsor
Some retirement strategies rely on complex charts and financial jargon. This one starts with four simple buckets: cash, income, growth, and alternative income. Learn how this framework may help investors think about retirement in a more practical way.
💬 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.
When running your retirement numbers, what average annual return are you assuming you'll get?
Last Week’s Poll Results
We asked: “Have you ever fallen victim to investing FOMO? Here’s how you answered:
Yes - (27%)
No - (73%)
💸 Money Tip of the Week
Shop your phone plan: Clark Howard says one of the easiest ways to reduce your monthly expenses is to attack your monthly phone plan. AT&T just launched a new $15/month plan — and Clark thinks it may start a price war across the big three carriers. Use our Phone Plan Finder tool to find the best (and cheapest!) plan for you.
☎ 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.
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.
