The Clark Howard Podcast

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

A rapidly changing job market calls for reassessment and thinking outside the box. And maybe outside your town. Clark seeks to help open your mind on 3 fronts in the quest for satisfying employment. Also, 529 Plans just got even better, with new ways to utilize them for non-traditional education. Job Assessment: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Possibilities With 529 Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Axios: Where the jobs are 5 midsize U.S. cities driving small-business growth Is Now a Good Time To Buy an Electric Vehicle? Should You Ever Lease a Car? Report: These 10 Vehicles Are the Best for the Money in 2025 Best 529 College Savings Plans By State 529 to Roth IRA: Rollover Rules, Conversion Guide, and FAQs How to Get Financial Affairs In Order Before Death or Disability Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution) ESPN and FOX Join Forces on New Streaming TV BundleIs Is Sling’s New Subscription Option the Sneaky Way To Watch Football in 2025? Streaming TV Tool: Find Cheapest Way to Stream Your Favorite TV Channels 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

Why This Retired Couple Is Still 70% in Stocks and Will the Fed Start Lowering Rates? A retired couple in their 80s has big pensions, no debt, and a significant amount of their portfolio in stocks. While traditional wisdom suggests being more conservative with age, find out why they have an “infinite time horizon,” as fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains. Also, the Federal Reserve is the engine of the U.S. economy, and its decisions on interest rates have massive ripple effects, from the housing market to your savings account. With the latest inflation and jobs reports suggesting a cooling economy, Wes explains why we may be at the end of the "higher for longer" era. He also provides a critical heads-up for savers. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 19, 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

In today’s episode, Clark talks about the condo market and what makes it different from the single-family home market. Later, there’s a common, costly fee that may appear on your doctor bill that is generally not disclosed, and charged after treatment. Clark explains what’s going on and how to prevent getting gouged by this. The Condo Market Difference: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Undisclosed Facility Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Credit Lock vs. Credit Freeze: What's the Difference? NBC News: Did your doctor's office charge you a 'facility fee'? Here's what to know. Why It’s a Great Time To Get a Cheap Ticket to Europe What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor Best Financial Advisors 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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, one major rental car company has now earned the “do not rent” label from Clark. Get Clark’s latest advice on car rentals. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Car Rental Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Booking a Cruise? Here Are 5 Ways To Do It for Less You Won't Believe What Clark Howard Says About Wells Fargo Now What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution) What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea? / CD Ladder Calculator Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card Review: What You Should Know The Secret Technology Rental Car Companies Are Using Against You Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips Major Changes Announced for Southwest Airlines Credit Cards How Do You Prepare for the Likelihood of Long-Term Care Costs? 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 has vital, very important advice for fellow travelers regarding insurance. Also today - while tragic disasters bring out the best in people rendering aid, we know that scammers routinely emerge to exploit this attribute, with ploys to steal donations. Clark discusses what to watch out for in a case of disaster when you want to be of help. Travel Health Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Scams After Disasters: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Travel Insurance Checklist: 5 Types of Coverage To Consider Should You Ever Buy Travel Medical Insurance? Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels From Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly? 5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room How To Choose the Best Charities for Your Donations Spot and avoid FEMA impersonators BBB-File a Complaint 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

Is the 60/40 Rule DEAD? and Inheriting Money The Right Way Is the 60/40 investing rule dead? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss tackles this question by looking back at research and revealing what a $500,000 portfolio would look like today. He shares why balanced investing is still critical for a comfortable retirement. Also, with the largest wealth transfer in history underway, Wes provides a reality check on inheriting money. He gives you a simple checklist for receivers and givers to make sure you're prepared. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 12, 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

Not all retirement plans are created equal. When it comes to the 403bs many teachers and non-profit workers are offered - the math is wrong. And not all 401(k)s will serve you well. Knowing how to get the most from your investments can mean WAY more money in retirement. Also - It’s rare to find the opposite of shrinkflation, but some retailers and restaurants are filling the value gap - in buckets! Retirement Plan Choice: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Bonus! Buckets Of Coffee: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ⁠Teachers Are Learning a Hard Lesson. Their Retirement Plans Cost a Fortune.⁠ ⁠What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work?⁠ / ⁠403bwise.org⁠ ⁠How To Open a Roth IRA⁠ ⁠401(k)s Weren’t Built for the Gen Z Economy⁠ ⁠Why You Need To Know Your Company 401(k) Fees⁠ ⁠Investing & Retirement Archives - Clark Howard⁠ ⁠What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One?⁠ ⁠Your Morning Coffee, in a Bucket⁠ Is Now a Good Time To Buy an Electric Vehicle? ⁠Report: 4 Used Electric Vehicles Under $25,000⁠ / ⁠ABRP 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 in this episode, Clark explains a new pricing tactic now in use in the airline industry - and the booking strategies that can help you save more on travel. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 AI Airfares: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Deal With Medical Debt Can a Patient Advocate Help With Your Medical Bills? Warning: Watch Out for This Big Ripoff at the Pump Why Are Retailers Adding an Additional $1 Charge on My Credit Card? Sam's Club® Mastercard® Review: Earn 5% Back on Gas Purchases What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea? The Best Cheap Sunscreens in 2025 Travel Archives - Clark Howard 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