Full Show: What Really Drives The Stock Market And Why Even Perfect Estate Plans Fail | Clark Howard Video

Have you ever wondered why the stock market seems to be doing great while the economy feels just... okay? In this episode, fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains why the stock market often tunes out economic "noise" like geopolitical events and rising unemployment. He reveals the number one thing that drives stock performance — and it's not what you think. Also, you've done all the right things: created a will, set up a trust, and made your wishes clear. So why do so many estate plans — even those of celebrities like Jimmy Buffett — end up in messy family feuds and court battles? Wes has the answer.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the September 9, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: link

00:00 - Intro
00:43 - What Really Drives the Stock Market
07:40 - Ask an Advisor - Can you move just the stock portion of a 401(k) out as an NUA, or must the entire account be rolled over into a managed account? (Connie in NY)
11:09 - Ask an Advisor - At retirement, should I draw down retirement accounts first and delay Social Security, or start Social Security right away alongside savings? (Jake in North Carolina)
15:31 - Ask an Advisor - Is too much of my portfolio tied up in retirement accounts, limiting early access? Should I prioritize a 457 or taxable brokerage instead? (Matt in Texas)
19:32 - Why Even Perfect Estate Plans Fail
27:44 - Ask an Advisor - How do you view E*Trade’s accounts and Trefis investment research tool? Is a “high quality portfolio” better than a target-date fund? (Lisa in California)
32:13 - Ask an Advisor - Should I withdraw Roth contributions to pay down a 6.25% mortgage, or stick with retirement investments and pay as scheduled? (Chris in Missouri)
36:22 - Ask an Advisor - Can Rule of 55 and 72T be used to access Roth funds, or do they only apply to traditional accounts? (Tracey in Florida)

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