The Clark Howard Podcast

Today, Clark looks at how the cost of summer travel is trending, and shares money saving advice from a recent trip abroad. Also in this episode, Clark explains the significance of bond funds to the market and to your investments. Latest Travel Tips: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A Briefing On BOND FUNDS: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room 5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels From Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly? Scams & Rip-Offs Archives - Clark Howard Travel Insurance Checklist: 5 Types of Coverage To Consider Inverse Relation Between Interest Rates and Bond Prices Best 0% Intro APR Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2025 Clark Howard's 2025 Credit Card Debt Elimination Strategy Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Advertisers: Policygenius.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scared to Spend? Don't Cancel Plans and #1 Investment Benchmark Worried about the market and your upcoming vacation? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains why you shouldn't cancel your beach trip due to market volatility. Learn a rational approach to navigating bear markets and protecting your life plans. Also, Wes reveals the surprising investment benchmark everyone is really watching (and why it might be misleading you!). Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 22, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes: Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Clark talks GOLD! Should you be buying gold to help offset the uncertainty of the stock market? Clark discusses the nature of gold as an asset, and, should you decide to buy it, the best way to do so. Also - you may have seen lots of ads lately from the big cell phone carriers. Is it time to switch? Gold As An Asset: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cell Phone Plan Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should I Buy Gold? Is It a Good Investment? Should You Buy Gold at Costco? Warning: How You Should NOT Buy Gold Trump Says Tariffs Are Reciprocal. They Aren’t. The trade deficit isn’t an emergency – it’s a sign of America’s strength WSJ: Verizon Offers 3-Year Price Lock for Wireless Customers Best Verizon MVNOs: Cell Phone Companies That Use Verizon’s Towers Verizon Wireless Deal: Get Four Unlimited Lines for $100 13 New Cell Phone Deals in April - Google Fi Review The Best Phone Plan For You – Compare Phone Plans Best Phone Plans: Get Exactly What You Want at the Cheapest Price Xfinity Mobile Review: Verizon’s Network Starting at $20 a Month Spectrum Mobile Review: 7 Things To Know Before You Sign Up Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How To Do It Safely Charles Schwab Review: Pros & Cons 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, when it comes to medical insurance denials, companies count on people just paying up. But those who appeal are often successful. Clark shares a new guide that makes the appeal process easier. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Appeal Health Insurance Denial: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Certificate of Deposit (CD): What Is It, Best Places To Open One Buy U.S. Treasury Bonds: A Conservative Way To Beat Your Savings Account 23andMe Bankruptcy: Why You Should Erase Your Data Now What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? What Is an ABLE Account? Find Out Why Health Insurance Denied Your Claim What Should You Do if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied? Can a Patient Advocate Help With Your Medical Bills? What's the Best Way To Send Money Overseas? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is spreading fast - too fast. Can you trust the answers you get? Clark relates how trusting AI can cost you time and money. Also, consumers are leaving money on the table when eating out. Asking for a doggy bag? No shame in that game! What’s RIGHT about leftovers. AI Warning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 To Go Box: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Gen AI's Accuracy Problems Aren't Going Away Anytime Soon, Researchers Say Elliott Report: Home Should You Respond to Class-Action Lawsuits? Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2025 NYTimes: Is the Doggy Bag Dead? Should I Be Concerned That I’m Receiving Mail at Home With Someone Else’s Name? How To Save on Travel With Google Flights What Condo Owners Need To Know About Insurance Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tariff Meltdown Investing Lessons and Top 5 Activities for Happiness The stock market was in a meltdown last week after the tariff announcement, and it has been a roller coaster over the last several days. How do we handle such uncertainty as investors? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss shares lessons from the market meltdown -- and melt up – along with encouraging statistics to help us feel confident with our finances. Also, Wes shares fascinating data about the top five activities that help make us the happiest – and the worst. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 15, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes: Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today brings a Clarkonomics session on something much in the news - the potential for stagflation. Clark explains this economic environment and how you can prepare. Also, something terrible just got worse: Pay in 4. Why you should just say NO to Buy Now Pay Later. Clarkonomics - Stagflation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 BNPL Spells TROUBLE: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Certificate of Deposit (CD): What Is It, Best Places To Open One 18 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in April 2025 Are Money Market Funds a Safe Place To Stash My Savings? Why Big Banks Are a Bad Place for Your Cash Social Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision File a Consumer Complaint / Air Travel Service Complaint | secure.dot.gov Axios: BNPL is everywhere / Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Worries Clark Howard How To Improve Your Credit Score in 5 Key Areas What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work? Why Clark Howard Wants You to Set Up a 'Financial Chromebook' Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode - we now find ourselves in a frozen job market. Clark explains how this compares to conditions in 2009, and where laid off workers and others seeking employment, are most likely to find work. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Direction For Job Seekers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:  6 Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Worth at Least $500 How To Save Money on Utilities Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places 401(k) limit increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000 States rush to hire federal workers out of work after DOGE cuts Booking a Cruise? Here Are 5 Ways To Do It for Less The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Should I Freeze My Credit With the Other Credit Bureaus? How To Monitor Your Credit Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode - We may need a new name for Dollar Tree, because things there are changing again as the retailer adapts to inflation pressures. Also, the gasoline industry is going “bottom bucket - top bucket”. Clark explains what this means for motorists, and how to save more on quality gas. Dollar Tree Changes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Spend Less On Gas: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Can I Do if My HOA Is Doing a Poor Job? A Secret Mortgage Blacklist Is Leaving Homeowners Stuck With Unsellable Condos - WSJ What Condo Owners Need To Know About Insurance Polybutylene for Inspectors What Does a Home Warranty Cover and Is It Worth The Money? Does the Brand of Gasoline Really Matter? Buying Gas From a Station on This List Is Better for Your Car 6 Things To Know Before You Buy Gas at Costco Wholesale 7 Money Mistakes You Might Be Making at the Gas Station How To Save Money on Gas: 23 Ways How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should You Shift Investments to Cash? and How To Beat Inflation As investors, we naturally want to protect everything and make everything safe. It’s our human emotion. But fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss warns us to beware the siren’s song of safety luring you to move to cash. He has three tips to help you ignore the urge. Also, inflation has been wild over the last several years. While inflation is always part of the equation, intense periods of inflation can wreak havoc. Wes shares the secrets to help you beat it. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 8, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes: Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today - Clark’s view on the impact of auto tariffs from strictly an economics standpoint - plus, direction for car buyers. Also, 23andMe has gone bust. If you have an account with them, the action you need to take right away. Car Tariffs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 23andMe Bankruptcy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Hyundai shows off its new $7.6B electric vehicle plant in Georgia as Trump announces tariffs Should You Buy a Car Before Prices Rise? What All to Know Before Tariffs Hit. Should I Keep My Old Car or Buy a New Car? My Vehicle Is Approaching 200,000 Miles. Drive Until It Dies Or Sell Before It Breaks Down? How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps / How To Buy a Used Car Lemon laws: These states do the best job protecting consumers in new car purchases The Center For Auto Safety - Lemon Law Rank Explanations and Examples What's the Best Way To Rent a Car Before You Buy It? 23andMe Bankruptcy: Why You Should Erase Your Data Now 18 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in April 2025 High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) Calculator Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, if you like to go on cruises, Clark has 2 special warnings for you. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Cruise Warnings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Best Phone Plan For You – Compare Phone Plans Streaming TV Tool: Find Cheapest Way to Stream Your Favorite TV Channels Highest Cash Back Credit Card Calculator / Clark.com - Calculators What's the Best Setting for Your Thermostat During the Summer? Is One Medical Membership for Prime Members Better Than a Health Concierge? Who should apply - European Union - EU Travel Europe Check if you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) Price Book-Track Grocery Price 4+ - App Store Cruise Hive: Virgin Voyages Issues Scam Warning to Cruise Passengers The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise Is the Target Circle™ Card Worth It in 2025? Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts 17 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in March 2025 Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A special message from Clark today regarding the new tariffs and stock market reaction. Clark addresses the wide sense of alarm among investors, sharing his perspective and advice. Should investors act? First hear what Clark has to say. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Clark goes back to basics on homeowner’s insurance as rates continue to rise around the country, including 2 common mistakes to avoid, and specific advice for those thinking of moving. Also in this episode - eyes wide open on meme coins and crypto. There are lots of people pitching these as “alternative investments” to the stock market. Get Clark’s take on how to approach the hype. Homeowner’s Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark On Crypto: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Housing market map: How much home insurance is expected to rise by 2055 Best and Worst Homeowners Insurance Companies How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need? 5 Reasons Why Your Home Insurance Will Cancel You as a Customer Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips Warning: How You Should NOT Buy Gold Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LP-FSA) Guide What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Legit Online Surveys for Money: What I Earned Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should You Withdraw 5% From Retirement Accounts? and How Corrections Impact the Market If you think about the most important fundamental in retirement planning, it’s determining the amount of money we can withdraw and still not run out. Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss discusses the longstanding 4% rule and runs the numbers on the probability of running out of savings if you bump it to a 5% withdrawal rate – or more. Also, it’s never fun to watch our portfolios drop. Wes walks us through historical corrections and why we shouldn't panic. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 1, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes: Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to retirement accounts, where they’re held is all important and can make a huge difference later in life. Clark explains why knowing your fees is a financial must - and what to look for. Also today, Clark faces the changes at his favorite airline. It’s time to talk about Southwest. Retirement Account Fees: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Heartbreaker Southwest: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Fee Level Does Clark Consider Acceptable For a Company 401(k)? 401k Fees: How Much is Too Much? Why You Need To Know Your Company 401(k) Fees Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference? What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink? The Only Two Exceptions to Clark Howard's Annuity Rule Budgeting - Clark.com Big Changes Are Coming To Southwest Airlines Customers Should You Cancel Your Southwest Airlines Credit Card? Clark Howard's 4 Travel Rules You Should Follow Right Now How To Save on Travel With Google Flights PAXCESS™ | PAXLOVID™ Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Clark addresses concerns about a potential recession, and how to prepare for that possibility. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Recession Preparedness: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips Why You Should Never Prepay for a Rental Car How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your Timeshare Why Vacation Clubs Are Even Worse Than Timeshares Consumer Angst Is Striking All Income Levels - The Wall Street Journal. Avoid Porch Pirates With Delivery Options From Amazon, UPS, FedEx & USPS Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One topic that never goes away are the scams criminals constantly come up with to part you from your money. Clark shares a list of the top scams to look out for today - and a new way for Android users to protect themselves. Another chronic problem - gift cards. Clark provides yet another reason gift cards are fool’s gold. Top SCAMS: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Gift Card Hatin’ Club: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Top scams of 2024 Google takes the battle to scammers with a groundbreaking feature for Android & Pixel phones What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? How Should I Handle Car Insurance for My Teenage Driver? What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? Walmart+ Membership Program: 4 Things To Know National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Home NAELA Why It's More Important Than Ever To Have an Emergency Fund The Best Time and Place To Buy a TV The best deals on TVs available now Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you seeing unsettling headlines about 2025? You're not alone. Reports show a surge in retirement account trading, with a staggering 40% of people moving to stable value funds. Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains why "Tariff Terror" is driving these decisions – and the incredible reason why we should navigate uncertainty with confidence. Also, with market dips and volatility on the rise, how can you protect your portfolio? Wes introduces the "Dry Powder Principle” -- your strategic reserve of safety assets. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the March 18, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes: Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Advertisers: Credit Karma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Clark attempts to talk about a topic that always elicits spirited responses - social security. There are questions about the future of the program, and Clark gives you his take. Also, the story of a life well lived which can serve to inspire us all. Social Security: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 All Cash - No Flash: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? Will Social Security Run Out? / Social Security - Clark.com Best Credit Cards for Students: Top Picks for 2025 Home — TreasuryDirect What's the Best Savings Account for a Teenager? How To Open a Roth IRA Investment Growth Calculator - Clark Howard Bob Kierlin, Frugal CEO Who Wore Secondhand Suits, Dies at 85 - WSJ Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices