The Clark Howard Podcast 12.16.25 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
19 snips
Dec 16, 2025 
Wes Moss, a seasoned CFP® and financial advisor, shares insights on overcoming the psychological hurdle many retirees face when transitioning from saving to spending their retirement savings. He provides tips on creating a conservative withdrawal plan and reassures listeners about using the 4% rule. Wes also discusses upcoming changes in taxes for 2026, highlighting six key actions to potentially lower your tax bill. Plus, he emphasizes the importance of choosing the right financial advisor and expands on new uses for 529 plans.
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The Millionaire's Psychological Shift
- Many savers face a psychological barrier moving from accumulation to distribution in retirement even when financially secure.
- A clear plan and conservative assumptions make spending feel legitimate and reduces guilt about withdrawals.
Write A Conservative Withdrawal Plan
- Build a written retirement plan with conservative return and inflation assumptions and model 10–30 year outcomes.
- Use withdrawal guardrails (like the 4% rule) and a max-spending scenario as a permission slip to spend without fear.
Create Emotional Insulation With Portfolio Design
- Ensure your portfolio is diversified and placed with guardrails so market swings don't force emotional decisions.
- Use allocation and planning to create 'emotional insulation' around large balances.