The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, the high cost of REAL health insurance is driving a surge in low cost health “coverage” being pitched to both individuals and small businesses - plans that are either bad, or worse, total scams. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Bogus Healthcare Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment...

Clark discusses why having a portion of your retirement funds in overseas investments is highly recommended.  Also - Why Clark’s recent advice on shopping airfares just changed. Investing Worldwide: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Airfare Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why Investing Abroad Could Pay Off Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accoun...

A retired couple’s home renovation plans nearly triggered a massive, hidden cost that no one wants to pay: the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMA). Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down how a simple plan to pay for a renovation could have led to thousands of dollars in extra Medicare premiums and what you can do to avoid a similar fate. Also, Wes dives into the world of AI a...

Ever wake up Monday regretting how much you spent over the weekend? Today Clark re-examines the no spending trend through a needs-vs-wants traffic light lens as a smart way to think about spending.  Also today  - Travelers are being heavily targeted at ATMs & check outs. Clark shares an easy way to protect your wallet and identity when out & about - and why this is necessary now more than ever.  M...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also - Digital pricing is popping up in more supermarkets. Clark discusses how this pricing works, and how the results are turning out to be quite different from his early predictions.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Dynamic Grocery Pricing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the...

A rapidly changing job market calls for reassessment and thinking outside the box. And maybe outside your town. Clark seeks to help open your mind on 3 fronts in the quest for satisfying employment. Also, 529 Plans just got even better, with new ways to utilize them for non-traditional education. Job Assessment: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Possibilities With 529 Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark:...

Why This Retired Couple Is Still 70% in Stocks and Will the Fed Start Lowering Rates? A retired couple in their 80s has big pensions, no debt, and a significant amount of their portfolio in stocks. While traditional wisdom suggests being more conservative with age, find out why they have an “infinite time horizon,” as fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains. Also, the Federal Reserve is the...

In today’s episode, Clark talks about the condo market and what makes it different from the single-family home market. Later, there’s a common, costly fee that may appear on your doctor bill that is generally not disclosed, and charged after treatment. Clark explains what’s going on and how to prevent getting gouged by this.  The Condo Market Difference: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Undisclosed...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, one major rental car company has now earned the “do not rent” label from Clark. Get Clark’s latest advice on car rentals.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Car Rental Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Booking a Cruise? Here Are 5 Ways To Do It for Less...

Clark has vital, very important advice for fellow travelers regarding insurance. Also today - while tragic disasters bring out the best in people rendering aid, we know that scammers routinely emerge to exploit this attribute, with ploys to steal donations. Clark discusses what to watch out for in a case of disaster when you want to be of help. Travel Health Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment...

Is the 60/40 Rule DEAD? and Inheriting Money The Right Way Is the 60/40 investing rule dead? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss tackles this question by looking back at research and revealing what a $500,000 portfolio would look like today. He shares why balanced investing is still critical for a comfortable retirement. Also, with the largest wealth transfer in history underway, Wes provides a r...

Not all retirement plans are created equal. When it comes to the 403bs many teachers and non-profit workers are offered - the math is wrong. And not all 401(k)s will serve you well. Knowing how to get the most from your investments can mean WAY more money in retirement.   Also - It’s rare to find the opposite of shrinkflation, but some retailers and restaurants are filling the value gap - in bucke...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, Clark explains a new pricing tactic now in use in the airline industry - and the booking strategies that can help you save more on travel. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 AI Airfares: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Deal With Medical Debt C...

Today, Clark explains the “Trump Account” for newborns - including how the account works and how best to manage one. Later - Get the lowdown on something we all need to protect ourselves from - cell phone sim swapping fraud. Trump Accounts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Warning: Sim Swapping: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ⁠Don’t Make This “Trump Account” Mistake⁠ ⁠⁠Should...

Catch-Up Secrets for Savers 55+ and Does the 4% Rule Really Work? Are you 55 or older and feeling behind on retirement savings? Or perhaps you're wondering how to make your money last once you do retire? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss dives deep into crucial strategies for those 55 and up, including powerful "catch-up" contributions for your 401(k), IRA, and HSA that can add thousands to you...

In an ongoing breach of ethics to the lasting detriment of consumers, many subscription services make it virtually impossible to cancel. So there’s something you need to do before signing up for anything. Also - Clark breaks down IRS reporting requirements on payment apps -which aren’t becoming more stringent after all. If you’re a vendor, small contractor or do business via payment app, know what...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode,  a Christmas pricing preview - and word to Amazon Prime loyalists about new pricing, and cheaper alternatives. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Amazon Price Changes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Should Never Mail a Check  /  What Is FedN...

With car insurance rates escalating, many people are serious about shopping around for a better deal. Clark offers guidance for lowering that bill. Also, a topic of great interest to Clark and vital to us all: Energy and the factors affecting how much we pay.  Save On Auto Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Energy Diversity: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Need...

Are You Richer Than You Think? and This Little-Known Strategy Can Save You a Ton in Taxes Do you feel rich? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down how to calculate your “rich ratio” and reveals surprising signs you're wealthier than you realize. Plus, discover the little-known NUA rule – a potential tax-saving strategy that could save you thousands on your 401(k)! Plus, Christa shares yo...

Today - Clark discusses how retailers and consumers are handling inflation. To deal with higher prices, we’re changing how & where we shop. It works!  Also, it's more important than ever to be on guard because scam attempts are nearly constant. Clark alerts you to some of the latest scams so you don’t get ripped off.  Offset Inflation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Most Common Scams: Segment 3 As...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, Clark discusses some unusual developments happening with air travel right now, including lower fares to Europe, and explains how reshopping advance bookings can save frequent flyers big money.   Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Airfares to Europe: Segment 3 Ask Clark: S...

To save more, it’s important to tackle the “monthlies” - those bills that come due month after month. Today, Clark discusses how the cable monopoly is weakening and now you have more affordable choices for home internet. Also, a big monster mega bank with a lengthy rap sheet, formerly referred to by Clark as “criminal enterprise posing as a bank”  - seems to have emerged from the dark side.   Save...

10 Financial Myths That Are Costing You Money Are you falling for common financial myths that are holding back your wealth? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss debunks 10 prevalent financial misconceptions that could be costing you big time! 10 Investing Myths That Are Costing You Money Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 22, 2025 Ask...

We all have to eat, but these days, eating out can eat up your wallet.  Many Americans are adjusting their food spending habits, and Clark has some tips for you. Also, for those who regularly mail out packages, Clark discusses options for reliable, affordable shipping.  Food Savings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark Smart Shipping: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ⁠Axios:...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark discusses upcoming opportunity in the car market, and answers the question: should you buy an EV now before the tax credit expires on new and used electric vehicles. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 An EV Purchase: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howar...