Happy Sunday! Here’s what we’re covering in today’s Clark Smart Investing newsletter:
SpaceX's IPO is a reminder to avoid one of investing's biggest mistakes
Should you move to be near your kids or grandkids in retirement?
Find lost or missing retirement accounts
Q&A with Wes Moss: After receiving a notice from my brokerage that the S&P 500 and Total U.S. Stock Market funds have lost their official "diversified" status due to the massive size of the "Magnificent 7" tech stocks, do I need to better diversify my portfolio?
💵 Don't Make One of Investing's Biggest Mistakes: FOMO
FOMO, the fear of missing out, is one of the most expensive forces in investing, and few things set it off like a giant, hyped initial public offering (IPO). The SpaceX debut is the latest one to test it.
SpaceX went public on June 12, and the run was hard to look away from. The stock initially priced at $135, popped to a $161 close on its first day, and kept climbing the following week. Brokerage apps that never carried the shares suddenly showed a “request shares” button, and individual investors bought more SpaceX than any other stock in the market.
If watching that made you feel like you had to get in before the chance disappeared, that’s FOMO, and it pushes people into worse decisions than almost any market crash does.
When everyone else seems to be getting rich on the latest hot investment, it's easy to feel like you're being left behind. But that mindset can be costly. Find out why chasing trends may hurt your long-term wealth and what to do instead.
📚 Recommended Reading
Being nearby can mean more family time and precious memories — but it can also come with financial, lifestyle, and relationship considerations. Before you pack the moving truck, here are some important questions to ask yourself. Read more.
Millions of Americans have lost track of old 401(k)s and workplace retirement plans. The good news? Finding them may be easier than you think. Learn where to look and how to reclaim your money. Read more.
Sponsor
For some, converting part of a traditional IRA to a Roth may create more flexibility later in retirement. But the potential benefits often depend on timing, tax brackets, and long-term income planning. Here’s what investors may want to know before making a move.
💬 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.
Last Week’s Poll Results
We asked: “What is the most important milestone for you to feel truly secure and ready for retirement?” Here’s how you answered:
A completely paid-off house - (11%)
A specific, large nest-egg number - (30%)
Zero debt of any kind - (26%)
A reliable stream of passive income - (33%)
💸 Money Tip of the Week
Review your subscriptions: When was the last time you reviewed your subscriptions? From streaming services to meal kits and gym memberships, recurring charges can quietly drain your budget — especially when you're not using them year-round. A quick seasonal subscription checkup could put more money back in your pocket, as Clark recommends.
☎ 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.
