The Clark Howard Podcast

In today’s episode - do you consider steaming TV as a monthly essential? You won’t believe how many of us do. So how do you spend less to watch your favorite shows?  And later - does certified pre-owned actually mean anything when you’re considering a used vehicle purchase? Clark explains how the CPO program began, and how it’s become very problematic. Your Streaming Costs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Se...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode - Football season means Clark is back to watching TV, and he’s got clarification on some offers in ads you’re likely seeing too.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 “FREE” Phones? Not Really: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 4 Things To Know Before You...

There’s a clear trend in how people are shopping today. Consumers of all income levels are seeking out bargains, changing where and how they buy everyday goods - a Clark smart reaction to inflation & tariff effects. Also today - You may need a cure for what ails you, but don’t trust medical ads you see online. Scammers are using AI and other manipulative tools to pitch FAKE healthcare products tha...

Is Inflation Good or Bad for the Market? and the $5 Million Dollar American Dream The market loves a "Goldilocks" environment, but what is the magic number for inflation that delivers the highest stock returns? Wes dives into the data to show how inflation rates directly impact your portfolio. Also, Investopedia put a price tag on the American Dream, but Wes has a reality check. Find out what you...

In today’s show - a recent Tik Tok video claimed to show young people how to set themselves up to have $4 million at retirement - with some help from their parents in early adulthood. But how can you actually tell how much you’re going to have in retirement? We have a new tool that can help.   Also today - There ARE answers to the housing shortage. The technology is there. Clark has always been in...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Clark goes pass wild with Frontier - and shares an important warning for air travelers who do something Clark will not do - check a bag. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 The Bag Tag Scam: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You...

Today, we reprise Clark’s interview with beloved colleague Jonathan Clements  from October 8, 2024. He had, and still has much to teach us all. An Honest Conversation About Death and Finance With Jonathan Clements Special Edition - Clark welcomes longtime friend and colleague, Jonathan Clements. A London born Cambridge University graduate, financial writer Jonathan Clements is the founder and edit...

In this episode, football is in full swing, and so is something very troubling. People are losing enormous amounts of money on electronic gambling. Clark discusses how the nature of modern gambling can increase the risk of gambling addiction, and steps to take if this is a concern.  Also - How accurate are credit reports by the 3 credit bureaus? What you don’t know about your credit report can hur...

The Crucial Financial Conversation Everyone Needs To Have NOW and Brand New Money Rule When was the last time you talked to a family member or loved one about your finances? Wes shares an important financial conversation warning that stems from a tragic and immediate crisis. Wes explains how a simple, 30-minute conversation could have prevented weeks of crippling anxiety – and what you need to do...

It’s almost time to choose health insurance for 2026 and there are some significant changes coming with medical care. Clark has important info you need to know ahead of making your elections for open enrollment.  Also, interest rates are up in the air right now.  Is now a good time to open a CD and/or CD ladder with predicted interest rate cuts?  Clark offers a defensive strategy for the money you...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, has Prime membership reached its peak? Clark discusses Amazon Prime, including why & how they’re ending a family sharing program. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Amazon Prime Change: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How Much It Will Cost To Watch Every NFL G...

How much do you really need to retire? That is the golden question, and of course the true answer is “it depends.” If you’re worried you haven’t saved enough, new data shows the state you reside in can be a big factor in determining your goal.  Also today - We’ve seen so much inflation in the restaurant industry, but now there’s good news for consumers. Fast food restaurants are in a heated battle...

What a Fed Rate Cut Means for Your Money and #1 Financial Fear (and How To Beat It)The Fed just cut rates. What does this mean for your money? Wes breaks down what the latest Fed rate cut means for your personal finances. He discusses how a drop in rates impacts everything from mortgage rates and the housing market to your investment portfolio. Plus, Wes shares his insights on the biggest financia...

Today Clark talks about the new Robinhood experience. A pioneer of free stock trading,  Robinhood is looking to build real relationships with investors. Clark discusses how Robinhood Gold works, with incentives aligned to savings. Later in this episode - when was the last time you went to a movie theater? The world’s largest movie chain is doing membership off-peak pricing on certain weekdays. Jus...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Something else that stinks? Finding rats in a hotel room! Clark explains why the name on the building is no longer a guarantee when it comes to hotel chains - and how you should approach booking. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Devalued Hotel Brands: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned...

A stressful, burdensome price pressure squeeze play - this describes housing costs today. So potential homebuyers have much to consider. Clark talks through how to think realistically about the real cost of home ownership. Also today, the first way to stretch a dollar is to shop second hand. A simple reminder to explore a wider area of where to buy used near you!  True Cost Of Home Ownership: Segm...

5 Pillars of Investing (Good Times and Bad) and How To Pay 0% on Capital Gains Investing in today's world can feel complicated, but it doesn't have to be. Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down the "5 Pillars of Investing" for both good times and bad. Also, he shares a powerful strategy to potentially pay 0% on your long-term capital gains, based on new tax law changes. Mentioned on the...

In today’s show, crooks are finding new, sophisticated ways to get into your accounts. There are risks with voice ID, 2 factor authentication, spoofing, pretexting and more. Clark shares ways to protect yourself.  Also, how do you “futureproof” your career with so many changes coming from AI, robotics and more? Clark discusses the value of looking ahead, enhancing your skillset, and asking “what’s...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today, Empowerment in Action: Our team has developed a new tool to help you make one of life’s largest purchase decisions - exclusively at Clark.com Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Car Cost Calculator: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Can I Safely Use for Pee...

In this episode - a Federal sweep has revealed how transactional crime rings have engineered a common scam that is emptying accounts. Clark shares the warning and tells you how to avoid having your credit or debit card information stolen. Also, electricity rates are skyrocketing, but we are not sitting ducks. A breakthrough in self-install solar is becoming more mainstream. Avoid Skimmer Scams: Se...

What Really Drives the Stock Market and Why Even Perfect Estate Plans Fail Have you ever wondered why the stock market seems to be doing great while the economy feels just... okay? In this episode, fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains why the stock market often tunes out economic "noise" like geopolitical events and rising unemployment. He reveals the number one thing that drives stock pe...

New data shows the value of automatic savings into retirement plans - and the consequence of not having a plan.  So if you don’t have access through work, start one yourself. Your map to retirement - Clark says let’s get on it! Your future self will surely thank you. Plus, a simple audit of your checking and credit card accounts is in order. Clark has something specific for you to look out for. Re...

Today Clark addresses meme stocks and crypto schemes appearing on social media. An old scam in a new era is ripping people off big time, with the lure of finding a shortcut to wealth. Also -  Booking travel at a time of instability in the industry means you could get ripped off. Clark tells you how it goes down, and has expert advice to help protect your money when booking. The Pump & Dump Con: Se...

Today - How Clark saved money solving his streaming dilemma just in time for football season. Also, paying for skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care and long-term care facilities only gets more costly & complicated. Clark has a warning for those trying to navigate the system.  Streaming Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Senior Facility Payment Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 M...

The Power of Dividend Growth Explained and Is the Midwest the Next Silicon Valley? Should we fall in love with dividends? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss tackles the classic debate of stocks versus bonds with a deep dive into the power of dividends. Using data going back 45 years to 1980, Wes reveals how an investment in the S&P 500 would have dramatically outperformed bonds, with dividends g...