The Clark Howard Podcast

10 Habits of the Happiest Retirees Are you dreaming of a truly happy retirement? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss reveals the 10 key habits of those who are living their best post-work lives, based on years of research. In today’s Ask an Advisor episode, Wes dives into both the financial and lifestyle choices that make all the difference. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes giv...

Team Clark has long advised consumers in difficulty with financial institutions to file a complaint at ConsumerFinace.gov. Clark gives his take on what is currently happening with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and how they have served people in the past. Also today - Clarkies know how much Clark loves Costco. But it seems that lots of people love another warehouse club even more.  The C...

Money doesn’t mean much without health and well-being, and Americans are enjoying one life’s simple pleasures less and less. We know what a hazardous distraction phones can be while driving. But a new study shows this and other distractions impact one’s ability to disconnect and focus on enjoying healthy meals - more important to health than we realize. Also today, a cautionary tale about health i...

Remember when Spam was something that just came in a can? Now, it’s an annoyance that shows up on our phones and in our inboxes on a daily basis. Know how to manage these attempts at fraud.  Also today,  a follow-up on something Spain is doing that shows huge promise for water supplies around the world.  SPAM: A Lot!: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Water Supply Solution: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segme...

How much money do you need to retire? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss outlines two straightforward methods to determine the amount you'll need for a comfortable retirement. Wes walks you through factoring in income streams like Social Security and pensions, alongside your individual spending goals, to arrive at your target number. Also, "doom and gloom" headlines can often dominate financial...

Today, Clark recommends a simple measure we can take to help protect our financial accounts, and those of our aging loved ones, from fraud. Also - many are looking to book their summer travel, and the airlines are raising prices. Clark shares strategies to bend that price curve in your favor.  Trusted Contacts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Navigating Airfares: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Ment...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, changes at Amazon have impacted customer service. Clark discusses what’s going on and what you need to look for when purchasing.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Amazon Customer No-Service: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Get Out of Debt in...

One of the most popular pages on Clark.com is our Best High Yield Online Savings Accounts article, because we all want to get the most interest on our cash. Capital One was recently accused of cheating customers out of interest rate payments - so how do you ensure you are getting best rates? Also - several high profile celebrities have revealed that they have run out of retirement savings. It just...

Do you want to be a millionaire? Wes dives into the fascinating trend of "mini millionaires" and uncovers the secrets to their success. He explores data from the Federal Reserve and the Wall Street Journal, revealing the common traits of those achieving millionaire status. Are they earning massive salaries? How much does education matter? He breaks down the key factors. Plus, he revisits the timel...

Mid February and as resolutions fade, make the choice to double down! Today, the Clark smart way to join a gym, and what to know about health trackers and your privacy. Also - Zelle is not the only payment app to be concerned about. Spotlight on Cash App and the safest way to transfer money.  How To Join A Gym: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Payment App Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Ment...

Happy Valentine’s Day!  One way to help keep love alive is being honest about money matters and talking over financial goals with your partner.  Clark talks about different ways couples can navigate finances successfully. Also, the average cost of a wedding has hit a new high! But there are other ways to think about the big day, and beyond. Financial Fidelity: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Weddin...

So many Americans are taking on side jobs to make extra cash. Clark talks about how important it is to have your scam radar up, and to prepare for the latest tax implications of gig work. Plus, for parents, Clark discusses the state of financial education and ways to give your kids the financial know-how they’ll need throughout life. Legit Gig Work: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Financial Educati...

Monthly Pension vs. Lump Sum: The 6% Test and Is the Market Too High To Keep Investing? Should you take a monthly pension or a lump sum payout? That’s a tricky question, but fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss has a simple rule that can help you decide. Also, is it better to invest when markets are high or low? Wes breaks down market records since 1950 and shares his perspective on why investing...

In today’s episode - It’s a nightmare to feel like you’re in over your head financially. Clark discusses the money traps that accompany our two largest monthly expenses: housing and transportation costs - and how to avoid them. Also - 2025 is bringing back pre-Covid work culture, including more return-to-office mandates. That and other factors mean heavier metro traffic. Clark has a commuter strat...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today - Clark discusses what’s behind rising energy costs now and in the future, and the need for a rethink in home building.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Energy Prices & Home Building: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Switch Phone Carriers: 9 Easy Steps...

Many are obsessed with having a perfect credit score. Clark offers a more realistic goal when it comes to your all important credit rating. Also, when things go wrong with travel, you have to fight for your rights. Clark shares strategies that can help you avoid problems in the first place, and discusses ways to advocate for yourself when you do run into a travel problem.  Your Credit Score: Segme...

Just recently, big news from China jolted the market and the media in the U.S. as a new AI technology entered the field: DeepSeek. In the first part of this episode, fee-only fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains how this development will only increase productivity in America and improve our economy. Also, Wes continues to discuss the DeepSeek news and how it is impacting markets and our i...

In today’s episode - Clark has new data on renting vs. buying in terms of long-term net worth and how renters can close the gap. Also, With Valentine’s Day ahead, Clark has good news if you are in the market for jewelry, specifically diamonds. Changes in the marketplace mean deals.    Housing: Bridging The Net Worth Gap: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Diamond Marketplace: Segment 3 Ask Clark:...

Today - more issues with short term vacation rental sites like VRBO and Airbnb are cropping up. Who should take responsibility when things go wrong? Know what to be aware of and what to do when the place is not as represented. Also - It’s the best of times AND the worst of times to experience buying a vehicle. Some methods are far more consumer focused than others, which can make a huge difference...

A recent article warns about how the stock market is turning into a casino for many Americans. If you must trade individual stocks, know the hazards, which include capital gains tax. Also today - It’s about to get easier to tell if you are being compensated fairly at work. How new state statutes can work to your advantage. Trading & Betting Addiction: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Job Listing...

Is It Ever Too Late To Save for Retirement? Fee-only fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss has an answer, backed by years of research. Also, a major Social Security change in 2025 is set to positively impact nearly three million people. Wes explains everything you need to know, including who will see an increase in their checks. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. Al...

When looking for a flight deal, there’s a trick that can save you a lot of money. Clark points to 3 airlines that might not be on your radar, but should be. Also - is your car spying on you? It’s highly likely. And what happens with your data? Clark discusses privacy concerns prevalent today.  New Airlines & Destinations: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vehicular Spying & Privacy Rights: Segment 3...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, how people end up losing money when they change jobs and what you can do about it. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 401(k)s And Changing Jobs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Do I Really Need To Put Premium Gasoline in My Vehicle? [The Washington P...

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 pro...

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 mis...