Today - Consumer spending has steadily become a larger part of the economy over the years. Tech and the ability to shop online has made the problem of shopping addiction substantially worse. Clark shares some simple steps you can take to avoid overspending online. Speaking of the internet - Clark has changed the way he goes online when away from home. You’ll want to hear his recommendations to protect your privacy and your money. Shopping Triggers: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Public Wi-Fi War...
Jan 22, 2025•30 min
According to research, the median happy retiree needs $700,000 to get to retirement. But how do you get there? That’s where stocks come in. In this episode of Ask an Advisor, fee-only fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains why stocks (mostly) are so important to your portfolio and the “dry powder” you need to stay confident in the market. Later in the show, Wes talks about FOMO (fear of missing out) Freddy and why you should ignore him at all costs when looking at your investments. Plus, ...
Jan 21, 2025•31 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode - what a lawsuit against Ameriprise can teach us all about saving and investing. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Savings Rate Rip Offs: 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? Travel Insurance Checklist: 5 Types of Coverage To Consider 4 Things To Know Before Yo...
Jan 17, 2025•33 min
Many Americans are stressed about spending decisions made over the holidays as the credit card bills roll in. Today, a Clark smart assignment for dealing with debt. Also rolling in soon are tax documents. Clark has advice on tax preparation, free filing, and more. Credit Card Debt: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 This Tax Season: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard's 2024 Credit Card Debt Elimination Strategy Why You Might Be Paying Your Credit Card Bills All Wrong ...
Jan 15, 2025•33 min
What does 2025 hold for investors? On this episode of Ask an Advisor, fee-only fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down 10 things investors should watch out for in 2025. Should we worry about tariffs? Will the market be more volatile? Can we expect a bull or bear market? You don’t want to miss these valuable insights and more to help you prepare for the year ahead! 10 Things Investors Should Watch Out For in 2025 Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All thi...
Jan 14, 2025•46 min
January is not only a bargain month to travel, but also brings deals for spring and summer travel. But when shopping travel options, things aren’t always as they appear . Clark tells you what to look out for when booking flights, cruises, hotels and car rentals Also - do you know what an Amazon “brushing” scam is? Clark explains this “gift that you don’t want.” Summer Travel: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Amazon Brushing Scams: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Travel Archiv...
Jan 13, 2025•32 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode - cell phone companies tend to make their plan offers deliberately confusing. Clark offers resources to cut through the hype and zero in on the plan that is best for you, while potentially saving you hundreds of dollars per year. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Back To Basics: Cell Phone Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Deals - ...
Jan 10, 2025•34 min
A new survey finds that half of all workers are basically miserable. Are you thinking about getting a new job this year? There are some great ways to receive additional training for free to up your skill set. Also, you can do something absolutely free to improve your health and lengthen your life. 2025 Employment: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Rise & Thrive: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The share of US workers who are “thriving” has fallen to a record low These 4 fa...
Jan 08, 2025•28 min
Saving for retirement is largely our own responsibility as individuals. As we live longer, we have a lot of time in retirement to prepare for. Plus, events in the world can be complicated which can make investing a nerve-wracking decision. Fortunately, there are basic core pillars and strategies that successful investors share. In this episode of Ask an Advisor, fee-only fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down the five fundamental keys of successful investors to help you better navigate...
Jan 07, 2025•38 min
Today, something we receive many calls about at our Team Clark Consumer Action Center - timeshares. Clark explains why timeshares & their latest incarnation - vacation clubs are defective by design. Also - teaching kids about money can be a real challenge, and allowance can play a big role in teaching kids that money is a finite commodity. Beware “Vacation Clubs”: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Teaching Deferred Gratification: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why Vacatio...
Jan 06, 2025•32 min
Happy New Year! Clark starts off 2025 with advice that can help you save money throughout the entire year. Clark Stinks will be back next week. Also today, what to know about making returns on some of those holiday items you may not want to keep. SPEND LESS On Streaming Services: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Holiday Returns: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best Live TV Streaming Services: Compare Top Picks for 2025 Best Free Streaming Services in 2025: Movies and TV for C...
Jan 03, 2025•34 min
Happy Holidays! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns January 3rd. Only 1 in 4 people realize you can negotiate on items you think come at a fixed price. You can negotiate everything from the price of a new car to your cable bill to large appliances. Also, social media is full of pitches selling supplements and powders with claims they can improve your health and change your life. Not so fast. What you need to know about dietary supplements. Price Negotiation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Seg...
Dec 31, 2024•34 min
Happy Holidays! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns January 3rd. How do we determine our “magic number” - the amount we need to retire? Clark weighs in on the debate about how much it takes to be financially secure, and how to start and keep making progress. Also today -private placements, hedge funds, limited partnerships, private equity - beware of this type of non-traditional investment “opportunity”. Even when they’re legit, there’s no liquidity, and extremely high expenses. It ...
Dec 30, 2024•35 min
Happy Holidays! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns January 3rd. Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, we’ve talked about the cost of college, and how it can hamper parents saving for their own retirement. But what about supporting adult children post-college age? Clark shares some concerning stats. What’s your take? We have a popular thread on our free Clark.com Community on this topic, linked here and...
Dec 27, 2024•34 min
Happy Holidays! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns January 3rd. Clark recommends renting in a new city or state before you buy there, and has a great example of why to share with you. Also, Clark is very happy to report that the used clothing market is growing 7 times faster in the U.S. than the new market. Buying used is a great way to Spend Less! Rent Before Buying In New Locale: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Secondhand Clothing A WIN: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on...
Dec 26, 2024•28 min
Happy Holidays! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns January 3rd. The membership subscription business model has overtaken retailers large and small. Clark compares offerings from Target, Walmart, Amazon and 2 warehouse clubs, with a directive for consumers. Also, as if timeshares aren’t bad enough, organized crime is now getting into the resale scam game. Retail Memberships: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cartels Target Timeshares: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the sho...
Dec 24, 2024•27 min
Today, our last show of the year, Clark looks ahead to where home prices are likely to go in 2025. Also in this episode, Clark shares data on the average 401(k) balance. There’s room for improvement to get better prepared for retirement moving forward. 2025 Home Prices: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 401(k) Balances: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Should Never Store Your Payment Information Online Virtual Credit Cards: An Online Security Measure Worth Taking? Top 7...
Dec 23, 2024•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, Clark is truly concerned about the chaotic state of the United States Postal Service right now. In many regions of the country, people are dealing with serious consequences of delayed or undelivered mail. Know what you can do to protect yourself Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Unreliable Mail Delivery - Action Required: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the sho...
Dec 20, 2024•33 min
One way you may be able to save money is through home Internet service . Do you really need the highest speeds? So many of us overbuy for what we actually need. Also, train travel in the U.S. has lagged behind other developed countries, but that is starting to change. More Internet Speed Than You Need: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 American Rail: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark’s Tips To Save Money on Home Internet in 2025 T-Mobile Rolls Out New Pricing for Home Inte...
Dec 19, 2024•30 min
The murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson has created a lot of argument and discussion about healthcare and health insurance. Clark addresses the problems and challenges we face with the U.S. healthcare system including lack of choice, hidden pricing, and consumers being squeezed on cost and denied care . Also - Clark discusses new statistics on how long it is taking many workers to find a new job , and how you should prepare. American Healthcare: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Employme...
Dec 18, 2024•35 min
Auto theft, particularly at airports - has spiked around the country. Holidays travelers are especially at risk, but there is something you can do to keep track of your vehicle. Also today, Albertsons is suing Kroger now that the merger deal has collapsed. Clark discusses how this antitrust ruling matters - or doesn’t - to us as consumers. Grand Theft Auto: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Supermarket Antitrust Ruling And You: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark's Christmas...
Dec 17, 2024•30 min
You CAN DIY - by learning to fix things, even on your own car ! Believe it or not, even Clark has been able to do this! Also today, a housing market update including new vs used homes, where people are buying now and why. Online DIY Repairs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Moving To Satellite Communities: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: WSJ: Would You Fix Your Own Car? These Amateurs Are Trying It. Clark,com - Buying Tires Best Renters Insurance Companies and Ones To Avoid 6...
Dec 16, 2024•31 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, we spend so much on healthcare in the U.S. with less to show for it. Clark has money saving medical advice , and a recent experience to share. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 SPEND LESS On Healthcare: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark's Christmas Kids 2024 Fidelity vs. Vanguard vs. Schwab: Which Brokerage Is Best? The Platinum Card® from Americ...
Dec 13, 2024•38 min
Uber’s current trouble with the FTC is a consumer lesson for us all, and a great reminder to take action now to protect your wallet. Also today, Warren Buffet recently gave some important advice about estate planning . Clark shares 3 important steps to take. Your heirs will thank you. Subscription Maintenance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Estate Planning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The FTC is investigating Uber over its subscription service HumbleDollar: Home How Lon...
Dec 12, 2024•35 min
Today, Clark discusses tariffs and the potential for rising car prices. So should you pull the trigger and buy now? Also, you may be tempted to get a store credit card while holiday shopping. Know why Clark is adamantly opposed to this form of “junk credit”. Tariffs And Car Prices: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Store Credit Cards: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark's Christmas Kids 2024 Should You Ever Lease a Car? Best Secured Credit Cards for 2024: Top Picks for Build...
Dec 11, 2024•29 min
Today, Mortgage Recasting 101. Clark explains how this type of payment works, when it might be appropriate, and mortgage recasting vs principal prepayment. Also, many fast food restaurants are innovating through apps, AI - and a whole new era of vending machines. Mortgage Recasting: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fast Food Innovations: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Mortgage recasting: What it is and how it works Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Is...
Dec 10, 2024•29 min
Today - with the rapid rise in home values, property taxes have gone up all over the country. North Dakota tried and failed to eliminate property taxes on election day, and other states are trying to figure out a way to give homeowners some relief. Also today - there’s a trend in the country that has both positive and negative consequences - “unretiring”. Clark discusses a different way to think about retirement that can help ease the transition for many. Property Taxes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Seg...
Dec 09, 2024•30 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also - some older workers have a new opportunity to sock more money away in their 401(k)s next year. Use our calculator at Clark.com to estimate how much your retirement accounts will grow over time. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 401(k) Super Catch-Up Provision: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why I Think Medicare Advantage Plans Stink - Clark Howard The Amer...
Dec 06, 2024•31 min
Since the earnings rate on I Bonds changes every six months - Clark has updated advice for savers. Also - Clark’s “three favorite children” in the financial world, Vanguard, Schwab and Fidelity, aren’t perfect, and he calls them out where needed. At the moment, there’s an issue with Fidelity that investors need to know about. Series I Savings Bonds : Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fidelity Investments: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark's Christmas Kids 2024 6 Things To ...
Dec 05, 2024•31 min
If you’re in the market for a giant screen TV this holiday season - Clark’s got news to help you Save More. Also - there is one thing that a business can do to make employees happier, and in turn give customers a better experience, and in turn - be more profitable. Big Screen TVs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Employer Enlightened Self-Interest: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Deals - TVs Are Online ESA Letters Legitimate? Even large corporations should consider empl...
Dec 04, 2024•29 min
