The Clark Howard Podcast

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...

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 Fa...

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 di...

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 A...

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...

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...

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? A...

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...

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 Repri...

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, C...

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:...

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: Segme...

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 Clar...

Is Owning a Home Still a Good Investment? and 5 Areas To Cover With a Financial Advisor Ever wonder if buying a home is still a smart move in today's market? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss reveals why housing can be a powerful "forced savings plan" and a hedge against inflation, especially for happy retirees. He examines historical trends, the recent housing boom, and the current median home...

Today, Clark has 2 key warnings. First - you won’t believe how burglars are casing your home now using hidden high tech - what to look out for. And - how to avoid getting burned when booking a hotel. Plus, Clark answers your questions -  post at Clark.com/ask. Burglar Surveillance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Hotel Booking Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to St...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Clark talks about innovation in the face of tariffs. A new tool has been created to help some businesses navigate prices, and it’s a great example of American ingenuity. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2A Tariff Tool: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: When Is t...

Today, Clark talks about where you can find deals that aren’t subject to tariffs. Also, now is the time to consider ways to lower home energy costs and Clark shares some money saving ideas. Buy Secondhand First: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Energy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: 9 Things You Should Always Buy Used Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How To Do It Saf...

Stock Market Fear Index and Missing the Worst Market Days Hurts You More Than You Think Feeling anxious about the volatile market in 2025? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down why history shows us that peak fear always subsides. He analyzes past VIX spikes over the last 25 years to offer a reassuring perspective. Learn why it's unlikely this heightened fear will last forever and what h...

Today, Clark - Man From Roth, talks about why now might be the best time to do a Roth conversion. Also - why big bank fees are back and how you can prevent getting your wallet pinched in this way.  Roth Conversion: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Beware Bank Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark.com - The ROTH IRA & 401(K) Retirement Calculator: With Social Security and...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.    Also today, Clark puts favorite child Fidelity in time-out due to a current practice they’re engaged in that account holders need to be well aware of.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Fidelity Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: This Simple Maintenance Schedule...

Today, Clark looks at how the cost of summer travel is trending, and shares money saving advice from a recent trip abroad. Also in this episode, Clark explains the significance of bond funds to the market and to your investments. Latest Travel Tips: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A Briefing On BOND FUNDS: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips...

Scared to Spend? Don't Cancel Plans and #1 Investment Benchmark Worried about the market and your upcoming vacation? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains why you shouldn't cancel your beach trip due to market volatility. Learn a rational approach to navigating bear markets and protecting your life plans. Also, Wes reveals the surprising investment benchmark everyone is really watching (an...

Today, Clark talks GOLD! Should you be buying gold to help offset the uncertainty of the stock market? Clark discusses the nature of gold as an asset, and, should you decide to buy it, the best way to do so. Also - you may have seen lots of ads lately from the big cell phone carriers. Is it time to switch?  Gold As An Asset: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cell Phone Plan Update: Segment 3 Ask Clar...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, when it comes to medical insurance denials, companies count on people just paying up. But those who appeal are often successful. Clark shares a new guide that makes the appeal process easier.   Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Appeal Health Insurance Denial: Segment 3 Ask Clark:...

AI is spreading fast - too fast. Can you trust the answers you get? Clark relates how trusting AI can cost you time and money.  Also, consumers are leaving money on the table when eating out. Asking for a doggy bag? No shame in that game! What’s RIGHT about leftovers.   AI Warning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 To Go Box: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Gen AI's Accuracy Pro...