The Clark Howard Podcast 01.27.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
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Jan 27, 2026 A data-driven look at why the middle class might be shifting upward rather than simply shrinking. A dive into how AI and changing labor demand could reshape upper-middle incomes. A long-term tour of dividend durability and why steady dividend growth has been a quiet engine of market returns. Practical money topics like emergency savings, hiring a fiduciary advisor, and retirement planning tradeoffs.
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Middle Class Is Moving Up
- The U.S. middle class has shifted upward: many households moved from core middle to upper middle class since 1979.
- Wes Moss argues this reflects income gains and structural changes, not just decline narratives.
AI Can Create Skilled Labor Demand
- AI's efficiency can raise demand for skilled and support labor rather than eliminate jobs.
- Jensen Huang predicts AI build-out increases need for technicians, nurses, and data center workers.
Adjust Emergency Savings For Guaranteed Income
- Default to six months of liquid emergency savings, but reduce required cash for reliable guaranteed income.
- Wes Moss recommends three months if a pension and insurance already cover half your expenses.