Are you well invested? Here’s a 6-point check (8 30 26)

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

Are you well invested? Here’s a 6-point check
Understanding the biggest risk to new retirees
How two Clark-approved annuities can reduce retirement stress
Q&A with Wes Moss: Can introverts have fewer "core pursuits" in retirement than extroverts?

💵 Are You Well Invested? Here’s a 6-Point Check

You don’t need to be an investing expert to be a good investor. You just need to get the fundamentals right.

These six checks can help you figure out whether your money is invested appropriately for the long run — from how much you have in stocks to what you’re paying in fees.

Are you truly well-invested—or just guessing? Take a quick checklist test to see where your retirement plan stands.

Full Article: Find Out If You’re Well-Invested

📚 Recommended Reading

Understanding The Biggest Risk to New Retirees

Planning to retire soon? A market drop in your first few years of retirement is far more dangerous than a market drop while you're still working. Here is the hidden market trap known as "Sequence of Return Risk" and how to protect your nest egg from it. Read more.

How Two Clark-Approved Annuities Can Reduce Retirement Stress

Clark usually treats "annuities" like a dirty word in personal finance due to high fees and pushy salespeople. But there are TWO rare exceptions he actually approves of. Discover the only annuities Clark says are worth your time. Read more.

Sponsor

Retiring Sooner Doesn’t Have to Mean Saving Half Your Income

Extreme retirement strategies may not be realistic for most families. Learn how The Retire Sooner Method explores a more balanced approach to pursuing financial freedom and retiring earlier.

💬 Ask an Advisor

Ask an Advisor

with Wes Moss

Email | Website

Each week, Wes Moss answers real reader questions on money, investing, and retirement. Wes is Chief Investment Strategist at Capital Investment Advisors and a fee-only financial advisor. He hosts a weekly Ask an Advisor segment with Christa DiBiase on the Clark Howard Podcast and YouTube channel.

This week's question

Wendy in Texas asks:

"Can introverts have fewer "core pursuits" in retirement than extroverts? I have been happily retired for 10 years with just three core pursuits which suits my introverted lifestyle."

Wes's answer: It's funny, this question actually reminds me of a good friend of mine who is also an introvert, and I remember pushing him to have five or more core pursuits—so I’m going to say the same thing to you, Wendy. I really don't think being an introvert or an extrovert should dictate the number of core pursuits you have. These activities create structure and purpose in our non-working years, and not every pursuit has to be social. Something like woodworking is just you alone in the shop, and gardening—a very popular pursuit among happy retirees—can be done entirely on your own. Core pursuits can also come and go depending on the season of life.

However, I am still going to challenge you to come up with two more. That's my assignment for you over the next six months or by the end of the year: I’d love to hear that you're trying out two new core pursuits. To help, I created a tool called the Core Pursuit Finder, which lists about 120 options matched to your personality and how you like to spend your time. I highly doubt you'll come back in six months and say, "Gosh, Wes, I wish I'd never added those two." We'll see, but I still think five is the magic number.

You can find the Core Pursuit Finder here: https://www.wesmoss.com/core-pursuit-finder/

Submit a question for Wes

New book from Wes Moss

Wes goes beyond traditional money advice to provide an easy-to-follow lifestyle blueprint that correlates to a 96 percent chance of lasting retirement happiness, based on his 2025 “Money and Happiness in America” study.

Pre-order now →

✅ 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 know the expense ratios on your investments?

Last Week’s Poll Results

We asked: “Do market all-time highs make you nervous?” Here’s how you answered:

Yes - (42%)
No - (58%)

💸 Money Tip of the Week

❝

Review beneficiaries and legal documents: Ensure your will and Powers of Attorney are up to date, and double-check that your retirement and investment account beneficiary designations reflect your current wishes.

☎ 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.

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Are you well invested? Here’s a 6-point check (8 30 26)