The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode - Football season means Clark is back to watching TV, and he’s got clarification on some offers in ads you’re likely seeing too.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 “FREE” Phones? Not Really: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 4 Things To Know Before You Buy a TV Antenna How To Watch Local Channels Without Cable Report: The Most Affordable Places To Live in America 5 Money Mistakes To Avoid When Traveling Best Way To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency & When To Exchange 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything The Best Phone Plan For You - Compare Phone Plans Should you ever get a "free" phone from a wireless carrier? How To Monitor Your Credit   /   How To Get a Free Credit Report How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? 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

There’s a clear trend in how people are shopping today. Consumers of all income levels are seeking out bargains, changing where and how they buy everyday goods - a Clark smart reaction to inflation & tariff effects. Also today - You may need a cure for what ails you, but don’t trust medical ads you see online. Scammers are using AI and other manipulative tools to pitch FAKE healthcare products that appear to be endorsed by medical professionals. Financial and physical harm can result.  Mindful Shopping: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fake Medical Ads Online: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Axios: Dollar General shows even the affluent are seeking bargains 80-10-10 Mortgage: Meaning, Benefits and Examples The Secret to Avoiding PMI and 20% Down? A Piggyback Loan NYTimes: The Doctors Are Real, but the Sales Pitches Are Frauds What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? The Lancet | The best science for better lives Virtual Credit Cards: An Online Security Measure Worth Taking? 5 Things To Do Before You Sign Up for a Free Trial 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 Inflation Good or Bad for the Market? and the $5 Million Dollar American Dream The market loves a "Goldilocks" environment, but what is the magic number for inflation that delivers the highest stock returns? Wes dives into the data to show how inflation rates directly impact your portfolio. Also, Investopedia put a price tag on the American Dream, but Wes has a reality check. Find out what you need to earn over your working career to afford a home, raise kids, pay for college, and reach the "Green Zone" in retirement. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the October 7, 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 - a recent Tik Tok video claimed to show young people how to set themselves up to have $4 million at retirement - with some help from their parents in early adulthood. But how can you actually tell how much you’re going to have in retirement? We have a new tool that can help.   Also today - There ARE answers to the housing shortage. The technology is there. Clark has always been interested in innovative ways to modernize the way we build housing in the U.S. and shares some promising developments. Calculated Retirement Saving: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Innovative Affordable Housing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Investment Growth Calculator - Clark.com How To Retire a Millionaire With a 401(k) Plan in 19 Years How To Use an IRA To Become a Millionaire  /  How To Open a Roth IRA 5 Vacation Scams To Avoid This Travel Season Why Clark Says Everyone Should Have a Dash Cam This Brooklyn apartment complex was built like a Lego set Why Clark Says Prefabricated Housing Is The Future These former Amazon robotics executives just landed $20 million to tackle the housing crisis ⁠/  ⁠Axios:Sweaty paint⁠ To spur construction of affordable, resilient homes, the future is concrete Target Date Funds: Clark's Favorite Retirement Investment Invest & Retire  /  Fidelity Investments Review: Pros & Cons Best 529 College Savings Plans By State 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, Clark goes pass wild with Frontier - and shares an important warning for air travelers who do something Clark will not do - check a bag. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 The Bag Tag Scam: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room⁠ Travel Insurance Checklist: 5 Types of Coverage To Consider Scam Alert: Never Throw This Away in an Airport Airport Worker Reveals Growing Luggage Tag Scam Targeting Travelers Should I Buy an AirTag for My Checked Airport Luggage? How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way 4 Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-On Chase Sapphire Preferred® Travel Card Review Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 6 Things To Know in 2025 Clark's Updated Way To Shop for Car Rental Deals 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, we reprise Clark’s interview with beloved colleague Jonathan Clements  from October 8, 2024. He had, and still has much to teach us all. An Honest Conversation About Death and Finance With Jonathan Clements Special Edition - Clark welcomes longtime friend and colleague, Jonathan Clements. A London born Cambridge University graduate, financial writer Jonathan Clements is the founder and editor of HumbleDollar.com and author of "From Here to Financial Happiness," "How to Think About Money" and seven other books. His vast experience and contributions include serving as financial education director and teacher in various capacities, and as the personal finance columnist for The Wall Street Journal. Mentioned on the show: Jonathan Clements, Longtime WSJ Columnist, Dies at 62 Saying Goodbye to the WSJ's Jonathan Clements Five Pearls of Wisdom From a Legend of Financial Writing HumbleDollar: Home   /   Humble Dollar - The C Word NY Times - A Money Guru Bet Big on a Very Long Life. Then He Got Cancer. Washington Post - Opinion Living was easy. Dying is harder. The WSJ’s Jonathan Clements Wants to Leave a Living Legacy Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney: Frequently Asked Questions Wills & Funerals Archives - Clark Howard Have a Kid in College? You Need These Legal Documents in Place 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, football is in full swing, and so is something very troubling. People are losing enormous amounts of money on electronic gambling. Clark discusses how the nature of modern gambling can increase the risk of gambling addiction, and steps to take if this is a concern.  Also - How accurate are credit reports by the 3 credit bureaus? What you don’t know about your credit report can hurt you. A Clark assignment. Sports Gambling: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Report Accuracy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Resource: Pause Before You Play Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts How To Buy a Used Car How To Get a Free Credit Report Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Why Clark Howard Wants You to Set Up a 'Financial Chromebook' How To Bring an Old Laptop Back to Life for Free 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 Crucial Financial Conversation Everyone Needs To Have NOW and Brand New Money Rule When was the last time you talked to a family member or loved one about your finances? Wes shares an important financial conversation warning that stems from a tragic and immediate crisis. Wes explains how a simple, 30-minute conversation could have prevented weeks of crippling anxiety – and what you need to do ASAP to prepare yourself and your family. Also, there’s a brand new money rule of thumb: The 0.01% Rule. Clark's listeners are famous for their frugality, but Wes argues there's a tipping point where we spend too much energy worrying about small expenses. This mathematical rule helps you decide when to open your wallet without regret. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the September 30, 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

It’s almost time to choose health insurance for 2026 and there are some significant changes coming with medical care. Clark has important info you need to know ahead of making your elections for open enrollment.  Also, interest rates are up in the air right now.  Is now a good time to open a CD and/or CD ladder with predicted interest rate cuts?  Clark offers a defensive strategy for the money you save.  Attention: Open Enrollment Changes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 CD Laddering : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes: Health Care Costs for Workers Begin to Climb Spot Health Insurance Scams | Consumer Advice Is it health insurance or a medical discount plan? More employers adopting ICHRAs, giving workers money to buy their own health insurance Why Clark Howard Switched His Cell Phone Service After 18 Years With T-Mobile Internet Price War: Why Now Is a Good Time To Threaten To Cancel Wirecutter: How to Avoid a Huge Customs Bill on a Cheap Online Order What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea? CD Ladder Calculator - Clark.com 17 New Cell Phone Deals in September SIM Card Swapping: The Dangerous Cell Phone Scam Why You Need To Lock Your Phone Number Today 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, 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: Report: The Best and Worst States for Retirement 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