Today - A Clark travel update about what the airlines are doing to get you to pay more for your tickets and what you can do about it. Also, Clark has talked about how the airlines and hotels continuously devalue their miles and points. Now the credit card industry is at it as well. It looks like credit card points are going the way of the airline frequent flyer miles Airline Travel Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Travel Credit Card Points: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the s...
Jun 30, 2025•28 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode - Some banks & brokerages are playing games with your money. Clark discusses how to make sure you’re getting the best rate on savings . Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Attention - Savings Rates: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your TV? Here's How Long Your Ho...
Jun 27, 2025•36 min
Concerned about the economy and looking to save more, many people are turning to warehouse clubs . The price difference is real. But Clark has concerns about what his beloved Costco is up to with a new payment option he does NOT recommend. Also, the debt burden many of us carry is also very real. Clark discusses how people are working on getting out of debt. The Warehouse Club Difference: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Dealing With Debt : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Inf...
Jun 25, 2025•30 min
The Secret to Consistent Investing and Your Financial Safety Net for Any Market Are you tired of "FOMO Freddie" always bragging about his latest hot investment? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss reveals why chasing market trends is a dangerous game and how sticking to your investment style is the key to long-term success. We'll dive into the perils of FOMO investing and show you what happens when you jump from one "best" strategy to the next. Also, Wes breaks down the critical concept of "dry...
Jun 24, 2025•40 min
There’s a big shift going on in the housing market. Clark explains what this means for buyers and sellers. Also, in this new era of tariffs, know what to keep in mind when purchasing a vehicle and why it’s time to rethink what you’re interested in buying. Housing Market Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vehicle Purchase Considerations: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why the Housing Market Is Stalled (and What Comes Next) How To Save for a House / How To Buy a House...
Jun 23, 2025•34 min
Today we celebrate Clark Howard’s birthday and the many accomplishments he’s inspired - starting with Clark’s own telling of his life’s trajectory into an ongoing mission of service. And in the second half of the podcast, a sampling of the many appreciations Clarkies sent in to celebrate him today. It may be Clark Stinks day, but on this birthday he comes out smelling like a high dollar rose bought on sale! About Clark: Segments 1 & 2 Clark Stinks-Special BD Edition: Segments 3 & 4 Menti...
Jun 20, 2025•36 min
Data centers are creating higher demand for electricity and the cost is falling on consumers. Power bills could reach record highs this summer. Clark has two recommendations to help lower your energy bills. Speaking of summer, have you planned out your vacation days yet? Clark talks about the importance of time away from it all. Home Cooling : Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Take Your PTO! : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Save Money on Utilities 7 Things Discover Car...
Jun 18, 2025•31 min
Secret Rule To Access Your IRA Early and Top 9 Things That Bring Joy in Retirement If you want to retire early, this rule can help! Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down the often-misunderstood Rule of 72(t) . Discover how this IRS exception can allow you to access your IRA funds before age 59 ½ without incurring that hefty 10% early withdrawal penalty. Also, Wes dives into groundbreaking research on what truly brings joy and purpose in retirement. Wes shares surprising (and not-so-su...
Jun 17, 2025•43 min
Today - you may have heard about the boy who ordered 70,000 lollipops on Amazon. A reminder for parents to childproof devices to protect your accounts from plundering toddlers! Also, the stakes are higher now when renting a car. There’s a new inspection practice you must be aware of to protect your wallet. Childproof your devices: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Car Rental Warning : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Prevent This $4,000 Oopsie From Happening to You Budgeting Ba...
Jun 16, 2025•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, an easy, low tech solution to the porch pirate problem. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Porch Pirate Solution: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Will Social Security Run Out? Sell Stuff Online: The Best Sites and Apps Shared Equity Mortgage: Meaning, Pros and Cons, FAQs Avoid Porch Pirates With These Delivery Options From Amazon, UPS, FedEx and USPS H...
Jun 13, 2025•31 min
A CNET survey has found the average consumer is paying close to $200 more per year for internet than a year ago. Today, paying for home internet service no longer has to be expensive. New choices have emerged to help you SAVE MORE. Also, bait & switch junk fees have been rampant - on hotels, tickets, services and more. But new rules are helping to change that in some quarters. Clark shares tips for getting the full price before you make buying decisions. Home Internet Options: Segment 1 Ask ...
Jun 11, 2025•31 min
Do Retirees Need To Track Stock Earnings? And This Rule Can Help You Retire Early If you're a retail investor or a happy retiree, should you be paying attention to corporate earnings? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss dives into why earnings matter for both individual stock owners and index fund investors. Discover how the overall earnings of the S&P 500 influence market trends and whether you need to obsess over every quarterly report. Also, Wes breaks down the " Rule of 55 ," a lesser-k...
Jun 10, 2025•34 min
In today’s episode, an ongoing concern - where should you store your cash? One of Clark’s favorite children (discount brokers) has just launched a new offering worthy of your attention. Also today, dealing with debt collectors . Some are legit, some not so much. Know what to do if the debt is indeed yours, or if it is a mistake. Clark has key information for handling collectors in a way that protects your rights and your credit. Vanguard Cash Plus: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Debt Collectors:...
Jun 09, 2025•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, sunscreen is so important in the prevention of skin cancer - but how to choose? Clark shares some excellent recommendations offering protection that is both cheap and effective. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Best Sunscreens: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Does the Brand of Gasoline Really Matter? Wills & Funerals Archives - Clark Howard I...
Jun 06, 2025•30 min
We in the U.S. pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world, and a recent executive order takes aim at that inequity, the result of which remains to be seen. Clark explains why employee health plan drug prices through PBMs remain so high, and what you can do about it. Speaking of prices, what’s behind the sticker shock from the price of beef these days? Clark explains. PBMs & Rx Pricing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Beef Prices: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show...
Jun 04, 2025•34 min
Investing in Gold: Smart Move or Mistake? and Will Entry-Level Jobs Disappear? Should you own gold? How much should you own? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down the data and shares his take on investing in gold to help you determine if it belongs in your portfolio. Also, the CEO of a major AI company recently said that 50% of all entry-level white collar jobs will go away over the next 1-5 years. Could this prediction be right? It’s possible. Wes explains what may happen and what we...
Jun 03, 2025•39 min
June signals upcoming road trips and today, Clark talks about some transportation hazards to avoid. First, when buying a vehicle, know how significant the length of the loan can be to your financial health. Also, skimming scams at gas pumps and beyond - have gotten more sophisticated. Clark shares 2 ways to protect your money. Auto Loan Warning : Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Skimming Scams: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Are You Following Clark’s Maximum Auto Loan Length...
Jun 02, 2025•26 min
Help us surprise Clark Howard for his birthday! We're collecting special wishes for Clark (it's a secret!) to celebrate his birthday on June 20th. Use this form to share your wishes for Clark: https://forms.gle/hNtmFTvqkdZc94J49 -- remember it's a secret! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, how one state plans to use controversial technology to slow dow...
May 30, 2025•29 min
In this episode - As auto insurance rates continue to rise, more people recognize the need to shop around. Clark shares a valuable resource for where to start. Also today - Economic uncertainty necessitates ongoing family conversations about money and the economy, and what can be done to prepare for a possible recession or employment setback. Shop Auto Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Family Money Talks: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Shop for Lower Car Ins...
May 28, 2025•34 min
10-Step Checklist BEFORE You Retire and How Spending Money in Retirement Actually Works Ready to retire? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss walks you through the essential 10-point checklist you should complete before leaving the workforce. Also, Wes breaks down the often-confusing topic of spending money in retirement. How do you actually access your funds, and what's the smart way to manage different account types? Learn the strategic way to tap into your different retirement "buckets" to ma...
May 27, 2025•42 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, Clark discusses how the shortage of air traffic controllers and lack of current tech will impact air travel this summer, looks to Canada’s successful model, and shares his playbook for navigating air travel Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Air Traffic Control Issues: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best 529 College Savings Plans By State NIH - Cli...
May 23, 2025•35 min
Travel demand has slowed and airlines are cutting service. Today Clark discusses the airline recession taking place, and the hazard & opportunity this presents for travelers. Also, Clark addresses some of the confusion surrounding student loan repayment. What you need to know if you or a family member has student loan debt. Air Travel Guidance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Student Loans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable H...
May 21, 2025•34 min
Are We in a Passive Investing Bubble? and Lump Sum Investing vs. Dollar Cost Averaging Is passive investing creating a stock market bubble? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss dives into the rise of index funds, why they became so popular, and the potential concerns. Also, Wes covers a classic investing strategy: Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA). He explains how systematically investing over time can smooth out your cost basis and make investing less daunting, especially with a lump sum. We'll look ...
May 20, 2025•36 min
The 401(k) is a great retirement instrument because saving is automatic and investments grow over time. So is it ever OK to borrow from a 401(k) ? Know the “opportunity costs” involved. Also - good news if you like to check bags on flights. 401(k) Loans: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 No More Lost Luggage!: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Is a 401(k) Loan a Good Idea? Almost Never How To Open a Roth IRA Enrolled agent information | Internal Revenue Service Nation...
May 19, 2025•27 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, potential car buyers face a lot of questions right now - should you buy new or used? If buying used, is Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) the way to go? Clark shares advice to help you navigate decision making. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Vehicle Purchase: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference? Why 'Buy Now, Pay La...
May 16, 2025•30 min
Today, learn more about I-Bonds . Are they still worth buying? Clark explains how I-Bonds work and why they can be a solid part of your saving strategy. Also, the tariff news keeps coming, with a temporary reprieve on goods from China now in effect. Clark discusses what this will mean for consumers and merchants moving forward. Series I Savings Bonds: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Tariff Reprieve: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 6 Things To Know About Series I Savings ...
May 14, 2025•29 min
Breaking Down ETFs/Index Funds/Mutual Funds and Retirement vs. Brokerage Accounts Confused about ETFs, index funds, and mutual funds? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down these "cousins" of investing – including when to use them. Also, retirement accounts vs. brokerage accounts – what’s the difference and what’s the best option for you? Wes explains everything you need to know! Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 13, 2025, ...
May 13, 2025•39 min
The Congressional Budget Office update found the top 10% of earners in the U.S. have 70% of the nation’s wealth, possibly the greatest disparity in our history. Today, Clark discusses the severity of income inequality and its effects on our society. Also - if you have a smart device in your home, you might not realize some of the privacy concerns, especially with Amazon’s Alexa. Income Inequality: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Privacy Warning!: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the sh...
May 12, 2025•26 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also - Restaurants of all types are having to adapt to difficult market conditions. Many have failed in the last two years due to high food, labor and leasing costs. Those that succeed offer lessons in adaptation for all businesses. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Business Adaptation: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should I Buy Gold? Is It a Good Investment? H...
May 09, 2025•33 min
In today’s episode - you may have heard ads for services that allegedly lock your home’s title. Are they worth it? Clark talks about how best to guard your greatest asset - your home. Also, as the economy goes into lower gear with layoffs more frequent, Clark has important new info for today’s job seekers. Home Title Protection: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 AI & Your Resume: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: CBS News: FBI Boston warns property owners, real estate agents...
May 07, 2025•31 min
