Retire Sooner with Wes Moss The Middle Class Debate And Today’s Retirement Planning Landscape
Jan 29, 2026
They explore whether the U.S. middle class is shrinking or simply shifting upward. The conversation touches on AI’s impact on jobs and productivity. Practical talk covers emergency savings, when to hire a financial planner, and investment-club transfer issues. Listeners also hear why gold and dividend growth appear in diversification and long-term investing discussions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
AI Could Expand Upper-Middle-Class Jobs
- AI buildout may raise demand for skilled non-PhD jobs like data center techs, electricians, and construction workers.
- Wes Moss argues this efficiency could expand upper-middle-class employment rather than simply eliminate jobs.
Middle Class Shift Is Largely Upward
- AEI data show core middle class shrank while upper-middle-class share rose from 10% to 31% (inflation-adjusted).
- Moss frames this as graduation up the income ladder, not a simple shrinking of the middle class.
Adjust Emergency Cash For Guaranteed Income
- Default to six months of liquid emergency savings, but reduce the cushion if you have reliable alternative income.
- Moss recommends three months for Allie because pension, insurance, and tax reserves materially lower needed cash.