The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, has Prime membership reached its peak? Clark discusses Amazon Prime, including why & how they’re ending a family sharing program. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Amazon Prime Change: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How Much It Will Cost To Watch Every NFL Game in 2025 4 Things To Know Before You Buy a TV Antenna What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? Why You Should Never Use Roadside Assistance What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Report: Automakers With the Most and Fewest Recalls The Verge: Amazon ends shared Prime free shipping outside your home Is Amazon Prime Worth It? STREAMING TV - Clark.com 3 Financial Documents Everyone Should Have by Age 18 Why You Need To Talk to Your Family About Your Estate Before You Die How To Make Your Online Accounts Accessible When You Die Wills & Funerals Archives - Clark Howard Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much do you really need to retire? That is the golden question, and of course the true answer is “it depends.” If you’re worried you haven’t saved enough, new data shows the state you reside in can be a big factor in determining your goal. Also today - We’ve seen so much inflation in the restaurant industry, but now there’s good news for consumers. Fast food restaurants are in a heated battle to offer more deals, and Clark tells you the best way to pay less. State Of Retirement: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fast Food Discounts Return : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Minimum Savings You Need To Retire in All 50 States Why You Should Never Mail a Check 10 Best Free Checking Accounts in 2025 Why You Should Never Use Roadside Assistance What Is a C.L.U.E Report and Its Impact on Your Insurance How to Dispute Your C.L.U.E. Report A wave of significant menu changes is reshaping fast food What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? Who Should Consider Setting Up a Trust? Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a Fed Rate Cut Means for Your Money and #1 Financial Fear (and How To Beat It)The Fed just cut rates. What does this mean for your money? Wes breaks down what the latest Fed rate cut means for your personal finances. He discusses how a drop in rates impacts everything from mortgage rates and the housing market to your investment portfolio. Plus, Wes shares his insights on the biggest financial fear for many Americans and offers a simple solution to gain clarity and peace of mind. Mentioned on the show: Rule 72(t): Secret Rule To Access Your IRA Early Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the September 23, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes: BOOKS BY WES MOSS Wes Moss, CFP® / Wes Moss - Clark.com Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Clark talks about the new Robinhood experience. A pioneer of free stock trading, Robinhood is looking to build real relationships with investors. Clark discusses how Robinhood Gold works, with incentives aligned to savings. Later in this episode - when was the last time you went to a movie theater? The world’s largest movie chain is doing membership off-peak pricing on certain weekdays. Just be aware of the price perils within the theater! Robinhood Investing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 At The Movies: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Is Robinhood Gold Worth It? UGMA/UTMA 529 Plan: Definition, Pros & Cons vs. Traditional 529 Best 529 College Savings Plans By State My Neighbor’s Dead Tree Is About To Fall on My House. What Do I Do? AMC’s 50% discounts are here. Will it help revive the movie industry? When Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Instead of Investing? Early Mortgage Payoff Calculator Vanguard Personal Advisor Review Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Something else that stinks? Finding rats in a hotel room! Clark explains why the name on the building is no longer a guarantee when it comes to hotel chains - and how you should approach booking. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Devalued Hotel Brands: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink? How Two Clark-Approved Annuities Can Reduce Retirement Stress How To Get a Gym Membership for Practically Free Charles Schwab - What is a variable annuity? View from the Wing: Guest Pulls Out Marriott Sofa Bed, Finds Rotting Baby Rats — Compensation Denied 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room About Elliott Advocacy 5 Best Credit Card Bonuses and Recommendations in September Best Credit Card Sign-up Bonuses Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 6 Things To Know in 2025 Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A stressful, burdensome price pressure squeeze play - this describes housing costs today. So potential homebuyers have much to consider. Clark talks through how to think realistically about the real cost of home ownership. Also today, the first way to stretch a dollar is to shop second hand. A simple reminder to explore a wider area of where to buy used near you! True Cost Of Home Ownership: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Thrifting Is Brilliant: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The 28% Rule for Housing: Does It Still Work in Today’s Market? 4 Things To Know Before You Buy Renters Insurance Best Credit Cards for Students: Top Picks for 2025 What Brokerage Do You Recommend for First-Time Investors or Kids? Fidelity Investments Review: Pros & Cons Thrifting is still big business, according to Pinterest Pawn shops: The surprising shopping destination 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Pillars of Investing (Good Times and Bad) and How To Pay 0% on Capital Gains Investing in today's world can feel complicated, but it doesn't have to be. Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down the "5 Pillars of Investing" for both good times and bad. Also, he shares a powerful strategy to potentially pay 0% on your long-term capital gains, based on new tax law changes. Mentioned on the show: The 4% rule is now the 4.7% rule. Here's why that matters. There’s a ‘golden opportunity’ to pay 0% capital gains under Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill,’ experts say Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the September 16, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes: BOOKS BY WES MOSS Wes Moss, CFP® Wes Moss - Clark.com Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show, crooks are finding new, sophisticated ways to get into your accounts. There are risks with voice ID, 2 factor authentication, spoofing, pretexting and more. Clark shares ways to protect yourself. Also, how do you “futureproof” your career with so many changes coming from AI, robotics and more? Clark discusses the value of looking ahead, enhancing your skillset, and asking “what’s next” jobwise. Guard Your Accounts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Futureproof employment: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Need To Lock Your Phone Number Today Vanguard Account Security - Spotting and stopping more sophisticated scams Lawsuit Claims Zelle Security Lapses Cost Over $1 Billion in Fraud: What You Need to Know How to outfox financial scammers What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? What Is a Flexible Spending Account? 8 Retirement Catch-Up Secrets for Savers 55+ Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Empowerment in Action: Our team has developed a new tool to help you make one of life’s largest purchase decisions - exclusively at Clark.com Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Car Cost Calculator: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Can I Safely Use for Peer-to-Peer Payments? Why You Need To Lock Your Phone Number Today Best 529 College Savings Plans By State 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad The Total Cost of Buying Cars (Calculator) Clark.com How Much Car Insurance Do I Need? 10 Ways To Save Money on Car Insurance Will I Get a Better Deal on a Car By Financing or Paying Cash? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode - a Federal sweep has revealed how transactional crime rings have engineered a common scam that is emptying accounts. Clark shares the warning and tells you how to avoid having your credit or debit card information stolen. Also, electricity rates are skyrocketing, but we are not sitting ducks. A breakthrough in self-install solar is becoming more mainstream. Avoid Skimmer Scams: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Self-Install “Balcony” Solar: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Protect Your Money From Sneaky Card Skimmers Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review: Travel Card Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know Why You Should Keep Old Credit Card Accounts Open How and When To Cancel a Credit Card Axios: Electricity costs rise amid data center boom Can’t put solar panels on your roof? Plug-in ‘balcony solar’ may be for you. Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Really Drives the Stock Market and Why Even Perfect Estate Plans Fail 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. Mentioned on the show: The Rule of 55: What Is It, How It Works Rule 72(t): Secret Rule To Access Your IRA Early 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 at clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes: BOOKS BY WES MOSS Wes Moss, CFP® Wes Moss - Clark.com Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New data shows the value of automatic savings into retirement plans - and the consequence of not having a plan. So if you don’t have access through work, start one yourself. Your map to retirement - Clark says let’s get on it! Your future self will surely thank you. Plus, a simple audit of your checking and credit card accounts is in order. Clark has something specific for you to look out for. Retirement-Automatic Is KEY: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Subscription Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 1 Million Workers Have Saved $2 Billion in State Automated Retirement Savings Programs How To Open a Roth IRA // Clark.com - Invest & Retire 6 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds The Best Phone Plan For You - Compare Phone Plans Is Medical Tourism Right for You? How To Manage Your Monthly Subscriptions To Save Money How Fidelity's Credit Card Rewards Just Got Even Better How Landlords Can Check a Tenant's Credit Report Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Clark addresses meme stocks and crypto schemes appearing on social media. An old scam in a new era is ripping people off big time, with the lure of finding a shortcut to wealth. Also - Booking travel at a time of instability in the industry means you could get ripped off. Clark tells you how it goes down, and has expert advice to help protect your money when booking. The Pump & Dump Con: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Safe Travel Booking: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ‘I almost fell off my chair’: Investors lose billions on meme stocks as ‘pump and dump’ scams multiply Car Insurance Archives - Clark Howard What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? Would you book a ticket on a dying airline? How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money Google Flights Launches New Tool for Finding Cheap Airfare 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room 4 Fastest Ways To Improve Your Credit Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Worries Clark Howard Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today - How Clark saved money solving his streaming dilemma just in time for football season. Also, paying for skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care and long-term care facilities only gets more costly & complicated. Clark has a warning for those trying to navigate the system. Streaming Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Senior Facility Payment Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Streaming TV Tool: Find Cheapest Way to Stream Your Favorite TV Channels Is the New Sling Select Subscription Tier Worth It? Clark.com - Streaming TV / How To Watch Local Channels Without Cable 4 Things To Know Before You Buy a TV Antenna Making Sense of the Disney, ESPN, Hulu and NFL Streaming TV Headlines 5 Things You Should Re-Shop To Save Money 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How To Do It Safely Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Power of Dividend Growth Explained and Is the Midwest the Next Silicon Valley? Should we fall in love with dividends? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss tackles the classic debate of stocks versus bonds with a deep dive into the power of dividends. Using data going back 45 years to 1980, Wes reveals how an investment in the S&P 500 would have dramatically outperformed bonds, with dividends growing by an incredible percentage. Also, Wes shares a fascinating look at the future of American manufacturing. He draws a comparison between the 1950s and today, highlighting the huge growth in productivity and innovation. Wes argues that the next big frontier for economic growth might not be in Silicon Valley, but in the heart of the Midwest, thanks to modern-day "George Jetsons" and a renewed focus on high-tech manufacturing. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the September 2, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes: BOOKS BY WES MOSS / Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, the high cost of REAL health insurance is driving a surge in low cost health “coverage” being pitched to both individuals and small businesses - plans that are either bad, or worse, total scams. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Bogus Healthcare Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Where Should I Set Up My Health Savings Account (HSA)? What Is a Flexible Spending Account? How Do You Prepare for the Likelihood of Long-Term Care Costs? Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 6 Things To Know in 2025 Travel Insurance Checklist: 5 Types of Coverage To Consider SCORE - For The Life Of Your Business Looking for health insurance? Make sure that’s what you’re getting Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance: Understanding the Difference How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? / 403bWise.org How To Open a Roth IRA / What Are Index Funds? Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2025 Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark discusses why having a portion of your retirement funds in overseas investments is highly recommended. Also - Why Clark’s recent advice on shopping airfares just changed. Investing Worldwide: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Airfare Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why Investing Abroad Could Pay Off Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts - Clark.com How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps Booking Domestic Flights One-Way? It's Costing You More (Again)⁠ Delta’s New Fare Changes Just Made Booking Flights and Earning Miles More Complicated⁠ Travel Archives / Cruises - Clark Howard Top 7 Ways To Shop Safely Online Should You Get a Business Credit Card? | When Is It Worth It? Best Small Business Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2025 Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards: Top Options for 2025 Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in 2025 Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A retired couple’s home renovation plans nearly triggered a massive, hidden cost that no one wants to pay: the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMA). Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down how a simple plan to pay for a renovation could have led to thousands of dollars in extra Medicare premiums and what you can do to avoid a similar fate. Also, Wes dives into the world of AI and financial planning. He explains why AI is a powerful tool for analysis, but warns against using it as a fortune teller. Find out how you can use AI to your advantage while avoiding the dangerous pitfalls of letting it make your big financial decisions for you. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 26, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes: BOOKS BY WES MOSS / Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wake up Monday regretting how much you spent over the weekend? Today Clark re-examines the no spending trend through a needs-vs-wants traffic light lens as a smart way to think about spending. Also today - Travelers are being heavily targeted at ATMs & check outs. Clark shares an easy way to protect your wallet and identity when out & about - and why this is necessary now more than ever. Mindful Spending: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 ATM Pickpockets: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should you buy it? If you answer 'yes' to these questions, probably not What Can I Safely Use for Peer-to-Peer Payments? Can I Use an Online Will Maker or Do I Need an Attorney? How To Create a Will Online / Wills & Funerals Archives How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax & TransUnion NYTimes: Help! A Pickpocket Used My A.T.M. Card, and Citi Won’t Cover It. Unpack these cybersecurity tips for a stress-free vacation Why It's a Great Time To Get a Cheap Ticket to Europe How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - Digital pricing is popping up in more supermarkets. Clark discusses how this pricing works, and how the results are turning out to be quite different from his early predictions. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Dynamic Grocery Pricing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Amazon vs. Walmart: The Price War You’re Probably Losing (and How to Win!) Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution) 4 Insurance Policies You Actually Need (And 4 You Don't) Clark Addresses Changes to One of His Favorite Travel Credit Cards Top 10 Perks of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Welcome to the Grocery Store Where Prices Change 100 Times a Day - WSJ What Can I Safely Use for Peer-to-Peer Payments? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices