Happy Sunday! Here’s what we’re covering in today’s Clark Smart Investing newsletter:
Average net worth Americans say they need to feel wealthy
3 places you should never invest your money
Warren Buffett’s "favorite gauge" is flashing red: What it means for your money
Q&A with Wes Moss: Will the tax liability triggered by selling my current investments to switch to Vanguard negate the long-term savings from their lower fees?
📣 You spoke, we listened! We’ve made several improvements to the Retirement Withdrawal Calculator based on your feedback from last week’s newsletter — check out the updated version here.
💵 The Average Net Worth Americans Say They Need To Feel Wealthy
What does it take to be considered rich in America today? The latest numbers suggest expectations are coming down a bit.
While the "magic number" for many Americans has shifted over the last year, the latest data reveals a surprising gap between what Boomers and Gen Z consider financial freedom. Read the full article to see how your net worth compares to the national average and discover the non-financial assets that might make you wealthier than you think.
📚 Recommended Reading
Clark’s blood boils when he thinks about the deception and greed-driven fees that are common at these institutions. He implores you to never invest here. Read more.
Warren Buffett once called this the "best single measure" of stock market value. Right now, it’s hitting levels that historically signal the market is "strongly overvalued." Before you make your next money move, see why this indicator has experts on high alert and what it means for your long-term savings. Read more.
Sponsor
A Roth decision before retirement can look simple on the surface, but the timing and tax details can change the outcome in meaningful ways. Understanding how those factors interact may help clarify whether it’s worth considering in your situation.
💬 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.
What amount do you consider wealthy?
Last Week’s Poll Results
We asked: “If you looked at your total retirement nest egg, where is the largest chunk of your money currently sitting?” Here’s how you answered:
Brokerage accounts - (17%)
Traditional IRA or 401(k) - (58%)
Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) - (14%)
My funds are pretty evenly split across all three - (11%)
💸 Money Tip of the Week
“Spring clean” your credit card statements: How much money could you bring back into your life by the end of May if you went through your credit card and checking account statements and said, “I’m not using that”? Take some time this week to do a financial audit. Look at your statements with a cold, hard eye. If you aren’t using it, lose it.
☎ 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.
