The Clark Howard Podcast

Today Clark shares an important warning about booking travel - info that could save you from becoming stranded or banned from a major airline. Also - Taking into account our current K-shaped economy, a softening job market, and inflation projections, Clark explains the potential for a “growth recession”, and gives you the classic playbook for an uncertain economy.   Travel Booking Alert: Segment 1...

Is It Time To Sell Berkshire Hathaway? & 5 Predictions for Investors in 2026 In this episode, Clark Howard and Wes Moss dive deep into the legacy of Warren Buffett and what the future holds for Berkshire Hathaway as it enters a new chapter. Wes breaks down the staggering math of Buffett’s success, and Clark discusses the "jockey vs. the horse" theory, questioning if the company can maintain its ma...

So many of us struggle with credit card debt, which can be especially acute after the holidays. Clark shares some eye-opening stats, and a 3 step approach to getting debt under control.  Also, does ordering groceries online save you money, or rip you off? Clark updates the dynamic pricing angle and online options.  Credit Card Debt: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Online Grocery Shopping: Segment 3...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also in this episode - After years of increases, there’s potentially good news on the auto insurance front. Clark looks at industry trends that point to lower costs for car insurance.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Auto Insurance Prices: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the sh...

This time of year tax forms start landing in your mailbox. Clark clears the confusion and misinformation around the IRS’s Direct File vs Free File offerings. Also, a topic sure to generate a lot of Clark Stinks - Clark’s opinion on why you should wait until age 70 to take social security - with two exceptions. Tax Filing Changes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Social Security: Segment 3 Ask Clark:...

Are You Wealthy? Use These Numbers To Find Out & Simple Math Behind Millionaires Are you curious how your net worth compares to the rest of the country? Wes Moss dives into the latest data from the Federal Reserve’s Study of Consumer Finances and top financial institutions to paint a clear picture of wealth in America today. Also, Wes helps to draw the roadmap for the next generation of millionair...

Never assume a hospital bill is correct. What’s the first thing to ask for? Clark discusses how to handle these bills, and a new way to help get a hospital bill reduced. And speaking of reduced bills, how about a lower heating bill? Clark shares some new innovations to help you Spend Less on home energy.  Lower Hospital Bills: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Lower Energy Bills: Segment 3 Ask Clark:...

Clark kicks off the new year discussing how you can rethink your buying decisions moving forward.  And of course, Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Rethink Buying Decisions: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark Stinks: Segments 3 &4 Mentioned on the show: NYT: Shoppers Turn to Discounts and Debt, but Not Just for Holida...

Little-Known '3.6 Rule' for a Happy Retirement & Is the Job Market Good or Bad? Wes Moss dives into the critical connection between social capital and financial security, revealing a surprising "magic number" from his 2025 Money and Happiness in America Study. While most people focus strictly on their 401(k), the data shows that intentionality in your social life is just as vital as intentionality...

Two days from now will be a busy night for Uber and Lyft. Know how to find the best deal when you need a ride.  Also today, risky mortgages are becoming popular again. Get Clark’s best advice for buying or refinancing a home.   Save On Ride Services: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Risky Home Loan Resurgence: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: [The Washington Post] I tested 80 Ub...

The Secret to Affordable Healthcare & Will Mortgage Rates Go to 5% Soon? Wes Moss reveals a critical, little-known healthcare secret that can save early retirees, job-leavers, and other Americans thousands of dollars a month on medical coverage before age 65. Hear the incredible story of Rebecca, who thought she was stuck paying $2,500/month for COBRA but discovered a way to slash her premium to l...

Criminals are working overtime to separate you from your money this holiday. Today, hear about the fake online merchant reps ripping people off - and why you should discontinue a common ecommerce practice permanently. Also, Clark updates where we are with gas prices and the factors influencing what you pay at the pump.  Fraud Alerts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Gas Prices: Segment 3 Ask Clark:...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also in today’s episode:  What if you still haven't completed your holiday shopping? Will you have to pay more this close to Christmas? Yes AND No.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 11th Hour Retail Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark’s Christmas Kids 2025...

How far are you willing to go to save money?  We asked our Clarkies to share their best tips and you sure represented! Today we share our  Clark Daily Newsletter survey results on the topic of frugality. Also - is home ownership still the American dream? It’s complicated. Clark discusses the decision factors involved in the largest purchase we ever make. How do you build wealth and where does a ho...

How To Feel Good About Spending in Retirement & Big Changes to Your 2026 Taxes Are you a lifelong saver struggling to spend your retirement nest egg? You're not alone! Many people who successfully save a significant amount face a major psychological hurdle when it comes time to shift from an accumulation mindset to a distribution (spending) mindset. Wes Moss breaks down how to overcome the psychol...

In this episode - Brokerage accounts lack legal protection. Clark explains how criminals have figured out how to target brokerage and retirement accounts, and 2 steps you can take to protect your invested life’s savings. Plus - More doctor’s offices are moving to digital paperwork, but patient uptake is surprisingly low. Know the advantages of having electronic medical records.  Safeguard Your Inv...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also in today’s episode: Take it to the limit - the new retirement account limits. Clark has updates and advice to enhance your retirement saving strategy. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Retirement Planning 2026: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Citi Double Cash® Card...

Is now the time to refinance your mortgage? Only if you meet certain criteria. Clark breaks it down.  Also - Are you with what Clark calls a Giant Monster Mega Bank? If so, you may be paying fees you don’t have to! Clark’s overview of the banking industry makes it clear, the regional, super regional and giant banks are not your wallet’s friend. Hear how people are migrating their money in a way th...

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, wa...

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 whe...

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...

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: S...

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. A...

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 A...

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 traj...