The Clark Howard Podcast

You bought it, you wore it once, then sent it back. Maybe you just changed your mind. In addition to online purchases necessitating more returns, there are those gaming return policies. Clark predicts how this challenge for retailers will become costlier for consumers. Also - Is now a good time to tackle a home improvement project? There’s something going on in the market you need to know. Retail...

Best Time To Take Social Security and Why Target Date Funds Are Good, but Not Perfect What’s the best time to take Social Security? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down several scenarios to help you optimize your Social Security check. Also, target date funds have long been a popular option as a “set it and forget it” easy button for investing. Wes shares why this “TV dinner” of invest...

Clark has recommended shopping for auto insurance as rates keep rising. But it’s also important to know how some insurers are tracking you surreptitiously to set rates, while others offer voluntary programs, or usage-based premiums to earn discounts, which can be a benefit or punishment. Later - Clark is in favor of businesses setting credit card surcharges in the U.S. as they do in other countrie...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark offers perspectives on the current job market with advice for those seeking employment, including recent high school and college grads. Plus, for those soon heading into college, hear Clark smart advice for graduating with a solid employment path.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 &...

After the pandemic, the cruise industry came roaring back. But the tide is turning. Today - Clark smart direction for cruise travelers. Also, there are innovative methods of building much-needed housing in the U.S. awaiting wider adoption. Clark has an impressive case in point - courtesy of Brooklyn. Cruise Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Affordable Housing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 M...

Avoid This Potentially BIG Roth Blunder and 3 Keys to Happy Retirement Success Don't make this potentially HUGE Roth mistake! Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss reveals a little-known rule about rolling over your Roth 401(k) into a Roth IRA that could cost you big. If you've only contributed to a Roth 401(k), you need to hear this to avoid a costly blunder with the 5-year rule. Also, Wes recentl...

From influencers peddling goods to “finfluencers” employing bot farms to push fake posts about hot stocks - schemes and scams are rife on social media, and public users aren’t the ones getting rich. Also today, why you should never take a health insurance claim denial lying down! Clark explains the denial game, and how most of the time, filing an appeal works in your favor. Social Media Scamdemic:...

Today, Clark discusses a disturbing trend underway involving retirement accounts, and explains the best way to use a 401(k).  Also, Clark explores the significance of small business in building wealth and influencing the overall economy, including the opportunities provided for workers now facing uncertainty.  Steady Retirement Saving: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Small Business: Segment 3 Ask C...

Today - A Clark travel update about what the airlines are doing to get you to pay more for your tickets and what you can do about it.  Also, Clark has talked about how the airlines and hotels continuously devalue their miles and points. Now the credit card industry is at it as well. It looks like credit card points are going the way of the airline frequent flyer miles Airline Travel Update: Segmen...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also in this episode - Some banks & brokerages are playing games with your money. Clark discusses how to make sure you’re getting the best rate on savings.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Attention - Savings Rates: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Are Extended Warran...

Concerned about the economy and looking to save more, many people are turning to warehouse clubs. The price difference is real. But Clark has concerns about what his beloved Costco is up to with a new payment option he does NOT recommend. Also, the debt burden many of us carry is also very real. Clark discusses how people are working on getting out of debt.  The Warehouse Club Difference: Segment...

The Secret to Consistent Investing and Your Financial Safety Net for Any Market Are you tired of "FOMO Freddie" always bragging about his latest hot investment? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss reveals why chasing market trends is a dangerous game and how sticking to your investment style is the key to long-term success. We'll dive into the perils of FOMO investing and show you what happens wh...

There’s a big shift going on in the housing market. Clark explains what this means for buyers and sellers.  Also, in this new era of tariffs, know what to keep in mind when purchasing a vehicle and why it’s time to rethink what you’re interested in buying. Housing Market Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vehicle Purchase Considerations: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Wh...

Today we celebrate Clark Howard’s birthday and the many accomplishments he’s inspired - starting with Clark’s own telling of his life’s trajectory into an ongoing mission of service. And in the second half of the podcast, a sampling of the many appreciations Clarkies sent in to celebrate him today. It may be Clark Stinks day, but on this birthday he comes out smelling like a high dollar rose bough...

Data centers are creating higher demand for electricity and the cost is falling on consumers. Power bills could reach record highs this summer. Clark has two recommendations to help lower your energy bills. Speaking of summer, have you planned out your vacation days yet? Clark talks about the importance of time away from it all. Home Cooling: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Take Your PTO!: Segment...

Secret Rule To Access Your IRA Early and Top 9 Things That Bring Joy in Retirement If you want to retire early, this rule can help! Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down the often-misunderstood Rule of 72(t). Discover how this IRS exception can allow you to access your IRA funds before age 59 ½ without incurring that hefty 10% early withdrawal penalty. Also, Wes dives into groundbreakin...

Today - you may have heard about the boy who ordered 70,000 lollipops on Amazon. A reminder for parents to childproof devices to protect your accounts from plundering toddlers! Also, the stakes are higher now when renting a car. There’s a new inspection practice you must be aware of to protect your wallet. Childproof your devices: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Car Rental Warning: Segment 3 Ask Cl...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also today, an easy, low tech solution to the porch pirate problem.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Porch Pirate Solution: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Will Social Security Run Out? Sell Stuff Online: The Best Sites and Apps Shared Equity Mortgage: Meaning, Pros...

A CNET survey has found the average consumer is paying close to $200 more per year for internet than a year ago. Today, paying for home internet service no longer has to be expensive. New choices have emerged to help you SAVE MORE. Also, bait & switch junk fees have been rampant - on hotels, tickets, services and more. But new rules are helping to change that in some quarters. Clark shares tips fo...

Do Retirees Need To Track Stock Earnings? And This Rule Can Help You Retire Early If you're a retail investor or a happy retiree, should you be paying attention to corporate earnings? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss dives into why earnings matter for both individual stock owners and index fund investors. Discover how the overall earnings of the S&P 500 influence market trends and whether you...

In today’s episode, an ongoing concern - where should you store your cash? One of Clark’s favorite children (discount brokers) has just launched a new offering worthy of your attention. Also today, dealing with debt collectors. Some are legit, some not so much. Know what to do if the debt is indeed yours, or if it is a mistake. Clark has key information for handling collectors in a way that protec...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today, sunscreen is so important in the prevention of skin cancer - but how to choose? Clark shares some excellent recommendations offering protection that is both cheap and effective. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Best Sunscreens: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the sho...

We in the U.S. pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world, and a recent executive order takes aim at that inequity, the result of which remains to be seen. Clark explains why employee health plan drug prices through PBMs remain so high, and what you can do about it.  Speaking of prices, what’s behind the sticker shock from the price of beef these days? Clark explains. PBMs & Rx Pricing:...

Investing in Gold: Smart Move or Mistake? and Will Entry-Level Jobs Disappear? Should you own gold? How much should you own? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down the data and shares his take on investing in gold to help you determine if it belongs in your portfolio. Also, the CEO of a major AI company recently said that 50% of all entry-level white collar jobs will go away over the nex...

June signals upcoming road trips and today, Clark talks about some transportation hazards to avoid. First, when buying a vehicle, know how significant the length of the loan can be to your financial health. Also, skimming scams at gas pumps and beyond - have gotten more sophisticated. Clark shares 2 ways to protect your money. Auto Loan Warning : Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Skimming Scams: Segm...