Costly IRA Conversion Warning & the Hidden Billions Americans Are Leaving Behind In this episode, fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss tackles a piece of financial advice that he calls "lunacy" and "insanity" – a recent Op-Ed arguing that retirees should convert their entire Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in a single year. Wes explains why this academic advice is a dangerous real-world strategy, warning listeners about the potential for a massive tax bill that could reach hundreds of thousand...
Dec 09, 2025•34 min
Clark makes no secret of his obsession with fitness trackers. Nerd Alert: He wears three. But there’s new data that proves he’s just being, well - Clark Smart. We’re moving into an era where more devices can be monitored by healthcare providers, to potentially save lives - A true case of knowledge is power. Also, homeowners with a lot of equity can be sorely tempted to tap into that money. But when is this type of debt appropriate? And what are the best borrowing options? Clark explains the diff...
Dec 08, 2025•32 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in today’s episode - so many people have not taken advantage of an easy way to store identification. Why Clark thinks you should do it TODAY. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Digital Identification: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts NYTimes: How Much It Costs to Drive an E.V. and a Gas Car in ...
Dec 05, 2025•28 min
What’s awesome? The trend of lifelong learning . And in this age of emerging AI disruption and uncertainty, it seems to be catching on. Later - Not awesome: Paying expenses for your adult children when it impacts your own financial well-being over time. How prevalent is this practice? Clark shares some surprising statistics. Life Is For Learning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Parental Funding: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Where To Take Free Online Courses 12 Best Colleg...
Dec 03, 2025•29 min
50-Year Mortgage: Game Changer or Gimmick? & the Key to Winning a 401(k) Wes Moss dives into the new 50-year mortgage, which he calls a gimmick but sees one potential benefit. Since ownership is key to financial security and the median home-buying age is rising, the concept of starting the equity journey sooner is good. However, Wes and Christa talk about a huge warning if you’re considering it. Also, Wes shares a powerful story about the key to winning your 401(k). The story illustrates a r...
Dec 02, 2025•39 min
We hope you had a great Thanksgiving holiday and spent time with loved ones. Something many of us are not loving - the cost of homeowner’s insurance . But there is something many of us are overlooking - whether we have ENOUGH homeowner’s insurance. Also - is there someone on your holiday list who has a thing for luxury brands ? You don’t have to pay luxury prices. Homeowner’s Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Lux For Less: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How Much Ho...
Dec 01, 2025•28 min
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend! Please enjoy this Special Best Of Birthday episode from last June. Clark returns December 1st with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! About Clark Howard + A Special Birthday Edition of Clark Stinks 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 ...
Nov 28, 2025•36 min
Clark shares a warning about booking any future travel, whether it’s a cruise , rental house, tour or flight - and has two specific guidelines to help protect your money. Also - Vehicles have become increasingly expensive. The average cost for a new automobile has reached an all time high. Know the Clark smart strategies for car buyers. Travel Booking: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark Smart Car Buying: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Should Never Pay for Travel ...
Nov 26, 2025•29 min
We’re starting out this holiday week talking about one of Clark’s great loves - warehouse clubs . Clark discusses how the warehouse club business model works to offer consumers lower prices & how the big three are dominating sales. Also - With AI perfecting voice cloning and all types of scams in general, there’s now a necessary step for every family to take to protect each other and help prevent scams. The Warehouse Club Advantage: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Your Family Code Word: Segme...
Nov 24, 2025•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, auto thefts are down, but some vehicles are bigger targets for theft than others - and they’re probably not the models you’d expect. Do you have a car that is more likely to be stolen? Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Prevent Auto Theft: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should I Ditch My Southwest Airlines Credit Card? Best Airline Credit Cards for 202...
Nov 21, 2025•28 min
Thanksgiving is upon us and the expense can get crazy. Clark shares ways to spend less on the family feast. Later - you may be charged more when purchasing online because of the WAY you shop, among other factors. How do you know you’re getting the best price? Clark explains “ surveillance pricing ” and money saving tricks of the trade. Plus, at the very end of the podcast Clark has an important tip for Medicare Advantage plan holders. Save On Thanksgiving Dinner: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 S...
Nov 19, 2025•30 min
The Ultimate Inheritance for Your Kids and Will AI Actually Create More Jobs? In this episode, Wes Moss shares the real-life story of a couple who is wrestling with the common parental dilemma of whether to pay off their son's significant student debt. While the urge to help is strong, Wes breaks down the financial reality, explaining why protecting your own retirement is actually the greatest act of love and generational generosity you can give your kids. Also, Wes shifts gears to the economy, ...
Nov 18, 2025•39 min
We are in the height of the charitable solicitation season. How do you know what charities are going to use your money in a responsible way? Clark has some guidance for making sure your charity counts . Also, there are value wars happening in the food world that can help you spend less - IF you know how to find the deals. Holiday Giving: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fast-Food Value Wars: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Choose the Best Charities for Your Donations -...
Nov 17, 2025•22 min
Today - A form of shrinkflation is affecting toys & electronics this holiday season, but there’s something you can do about it, to save money. Also - Multiple generations living together used to be common in our country, but fell out of favor. Well, it’s back. How do you navigate having your adult kids living in your home? Battery Shrinkflation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 All In The Family: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Gold Is at All-Time Highs. Should You Invest...
Nov 14, 2025•28 min
We are in a K-shaped economy again - which creates a clear trend involving a reversal in the pricing of “have to” vs. “want to" purchases. Clark shares what you need to know to stretch every dollar. And… screen addiction . Sick of it, people are tackling the problem in a multitude of ways. Shopping In The K-Economy: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Just Say NO: Screen Addiction: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Is Now the Time to Get a CD or a CD Ladder? Backdoor Roth IRA: How...
Nov 12, 2025•33 min
Top 10 'Overvalued' Cities and Second Act Career: A One-in-a-Million Story In this episode, Wes Moss dives deep into the housing market, revealing why it has become the most extreme buyer's market in a decade. Wes breaks down the latest data, pinpointing the top 10 "overvalued" cities that have the biggest seller-to-buyer imbalance, with some areas seeing over 160% more sellers. He also covers the updated list of the most and least expensive housing markets in the U.S. Also, Wes shares an incred...
Nov 11, 2025•35 min
One decision you may be working on right now is where to stay during holiday or spring travel. Clark has some key advice if you’re considering AirBnB or VRBO. And - tomorrow is Veteran’s Day. Clark shares advice and special warnings for those who have served our country. Airbnb & VRBO - New Rules: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Veterans Day: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes: Oops, You Broke Something at an Airbnb. What Now? Clark Howard's New Airbnb Rule to You N...
Nov 10, 2025•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - Great news - there’s a new weapon against robocalls you should have activated in your phone settings. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Stamp Out Robocalls: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Do a Balance Transfer the Right Way Balance Transfer Calculator - Clark Howard Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2025 Top 10 Perks of the Cap...
Nov 07, 2025•41 min
Today - You know Clark loves competition, and there is more choice for you now in the home internet market. More providers are offering wireless internet. Also, scams keep morphing and proliferating. Clark discusses the patterns to recognize so you’re able to protect yourself and others. Home Internet For Less: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Scam Warnings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Mint Mobile Introduces 5G Home Internet From $30/Month The Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans...
Nov 05, 2025•37 min
Is Your Portfolio Too AI-Heavy? and Does Social Security COLA Keep Up With Inflation? In this episode, Wes Moss shares startling JP Morgan research: just 41 AI-related stocks now account for nearly 50% of the S&P 500's weight, making the market severely overweight in a single theme. Wes offers actionable advice on how to rebalance your portfolio. Also, with the new COLA increase, Wes sets the record straight on Social Security, demonstrating that it has quietly been one of America's best inf...
Nov 04, 2025•36 min
It’s November, and holiday shopping is underway. How do you make sure your packages aren’t stolen? Also, now that we’re in Black Friday month - there’s a major hazard to avoid while purchasing online. Thwarting Porch Pirates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Warning: BNPL aka Pay In 4: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Safely Get Your Most Important Packages Avoid Porch Pirates With These Delivery Options From Amazon, UPS, FedEx and USPS How To Freeze and Unfreeze Yo...
Nov 03, 2025•32 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - What are the chances of full recession , what’s the extent of it now, and how can you prepare? There are some key steps to take. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Recession Planning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Should I Freeze My Credit With the Other Credit Bureaus? Stre...
Oct 31, 2025•34 min
In today’s episode, Clark has an update on the housing market, and how “ involuntary landlords ” are benefitting tenants. Also, you may notice some changes to some restaurant menus that are good for both your wallet and your health. Housing Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Smaller Portions: Win-Win: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Checking monthly statements key defense against credit card hacks Net Worth Calcu...
Oct 29, 2025•35 min
Clark Howard and Wes Moss: Is the Market Overvalued? and 401(k) Private Equity Debate Is today’s stock market dangerously overvalued — or still worth riding? In this special Ask an Advisor episode, Clark Howard and Wes Moss break down what’s driving record-high valuations, and how to stay invested without taking on too much risk. Then, the pair debate a big change coming to retirement plans: private equity in 401(k)s. Clark warns this could open the door to hidden fees and confusion for everyday...
Oct 28, 2025•47 min
Today Clark covers reward credit cards - how they profit the issuers, when they make sense for you, and when they do not. Also, the new tax brackets are out and Clark has specific advice for you if you have the option of a Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) plan. Reward Credit Cards: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Tax Brackets And 401(k)s: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes: They Each Own 50 Credit Cards. Should You? seats.aero - Home / Point.me Best Travel Credit Cards: Top ...
Oct 27, 2025•32 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, some great news - The number of residential burglaries in the U.S. has collapsed in recent years. Clark discusses the safety measure that has made the difference. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Home Burglaries Down: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance How To Beat Rising USPS Costs and Delays 18 of the Best High-Yield Online...
Oct 24, 2025•32 min
You may soon be eligible for one of Clark’s favorite saving & investment accounts - The HSA . Big changes are coming to the HSA world in 2026 . Also today, despite the end of EV credits, how much cheaper it is to run an EV vs a hybrid vs a gas engine car? Clark helps you calculate what makes the most sense financially over time, when it comes to your vehicle choice. HSA Changes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 EV vs Hybrid vs Gas: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: IRS Anno...
Oct 22, 2025•33 min
The Next Big Shift in Retirement Investing For decades, your 401(k) has meant stocks and bonds — but that’s about to change. Wes Moss dives into a major shift coming to retirement investing: private equity entering your 401(k). Private equity could open the door to investing in the other 87% of the U.S. economy — but should you be excited or cautious? Wes explains what this new era of 401(k) investing might really look like. Mentioned on the show: Wall Street Is Pushing Private Assets Into 401(k...
Oct 21, 2025•35 min
Food prices continue to rise - and Team Clark continues to find ways to help you control those costs. Also today, something else costing more - electricity . With winter weather on the horizon how do you keep yourself warm and avoid setting your wallet on fire? Clark discusses ways to help you use less electricity. Grocery Savings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Power Bills: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Save Money on Groceries: 22 Clever Ways Aldi products ha...
Oct 20, 2025•30 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode - Home prices have inflated so much in recent years, and banks are luring home owners to tap that home equity like it’s a piggy bank. But what does this do to your overall wealth? Before you're tempted, hear what Clark has to say about HELOCs and home equity loans. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Home Equity Decisions: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on ...
Oct 17, 2025•35 min
