The Clark Howard Podcast

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: Should You Start a 'Trump Account' for Your Child? What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? How To Improve Your Credit Score in 5 Key Areas Credit Score Experts: How To Take Your Score from ‘Good’ To ‘Exceptional’ Axios: How Scattered Spider hackers are wreaking havoc on corporate America SIM Card Swapping: The Dangerous Cell Phone Scam Clark Howard's Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding Are Money Market Funds a Safe Place To Stash My Savings? 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

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 your nest egg. Also, Wes also reveals the often-debated but incredibly powerful 4% rule, explaining why it's a critical guideline for sustainable retirement withdrawals and how it can reduce your anxiety about running out of money. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 5, 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: BOOKS BY WES MOSS / Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 will trigger a 1099. Click To Cancel? We Wish: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Payment Apps & 1099s: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: One Tech Tip: 'Click-to-cancel' is over, but there are other ways to unsubscribe Cash Envelope System: How It Works Budgeting & Saving Archives - Clark Howard How To Take Your Score from ‘Good’ To ‘Exceptional’ Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips Two tax reporting changes on tap for businesses, freelancers and payment apps like Venmo How to Start Investing: 10 Steps for Beginners 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, 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 FedNow? What Is a Roth 401(k) and How Does It Work? Social Security Survivor Benefits Amazon Raised Prices on Hundreds of Essentials After Trump Unveiled Tariffs Amazon Prime vs. Sam’s Club: Which membership is a better deal? Walmart+ Membership Program: 4 Things To Know Best Credit Cards to Use at Walmart in 2025 The Platinum Card® from American Express Review: Is It Worth It? What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? 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

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: Best Auto Insurance Companies and Some of the Worst How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance 10 Ways To Save Money on Car Insurance Insurance costs are soaring around Tornado Alley. Hail is the big problem. Clark Howard's #1 Rule Before You File an Auto Insurance Claim How To Open a Roth IRA In Small Nuclear Reactors, There’s One Clear Leader Today The Best Cheap Phone Plans Under $40/Month The Best Phone Plan For You – Compare Phone Plans The Secret Technology Rental Car Companies Are Using Against You Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips 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 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 your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 29, 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: BOOKS BY WES MOSS / Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 10 Ways You're Wasting Money on Groceries Axios: Store brands become retail's secret weapon against tariffs Dollar General is shaking off tariff fears and winning over higher-income consumers Barrons: The Rich Are Shopping in Dollar Stores. What It Means for the Economy. Best 529 College Savings Plans By State 529 to Roth IRA: Rollover Rules, Conversion Guide, and FAQs BBB-File a Complaint How to Freeze Your Child's Credit Overwhelmed by Scammers? 96% of Americans Are Targeted Every Week Scammers posing as SPCA and animal welfare staff AI Obituary Pirates Are Exploiting Our Grief. I Tracked One Down to Find Out Why Student loan scammers won’t offer relief This hurricane season, prepare to avoid the scams Are you really out of Cloud storage or is that message a scam? Think Twice Before You Click ‘Unsubscribe’ The Safer Way To Use Your Debit Card 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, 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: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 12 Things You Never Knew You Could Get From Your Local Library Transatlantic airfares slump as Europeans continue to shun travel to America It will soon be possible to fly for just $5, but with one condition, and it’s not something you’ll like. How To Save on Travel With Google Flights Should I Tip on a Cruise? / Tipping on a cruise. What to do, what to expect Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips How To Dispute a Charge on Your Credit Card The Secret Technology Rental Car Companies Are Using Against You 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

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 On Home Internet: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Wells Fargo’s New Start: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Find the Best Deal on Cheap Internet Service in 4 Steps Internet Archives - Clark Howard Understanding Home Equity Agreements What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink? Should You Make Your Child an Authorized User on Your Credit Card? Authorized User vs. Joint Account Holder: Understanding the Difference for Credit Cards 18 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in July 2025 How To Open a Roth IRA 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

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 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: BOOKS BY WES MOSS / Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: 1 big thing: Home cooking Costco vs. Sam's Club vs. BJ's Wholesale: Which Is Best? Warehouse Clubs Archives - Clark Howard USPS Rate Change July 2025 | Pirate Ship Support Pirate Ship Review: Pros & Cons of This Cheap Shipping Service Why You Should Keep Old Credit Card Accounts Open What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? 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, 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 Howard's Take on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Changes Aerolopa - Making sense of airline seating plans Clark Howard's Obsession That Could Save You Hundreds 6 Reasons Sam's Club Is Better Than Costco Capital One Agrees To Major Settlement After Accusation of ‘Cheating’ Customers How To Save Money on Utilities This Device Can Help You Avoid an Annoying Car Rental Fee Axios: The next wave of EV adoption What Is Supplemental Insurance and Should You Buy It? 4 Insurance Policies You Actually Need (And 4 You Don't) Is Pet Insurance Worth It? Costco Travel: 5 Things To Know Before You Book Booking a Cruise? Here Are 5 Ways To Do It for Less 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

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 Returns Costly: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Improvement Decision Making: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 15 Items That Can't Be Returned to Amazon 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room The Only Reason You Should Make an Improvement to Your Home Americans delay home improvements in latest blow to US housing market Certificate of Deposit (CD): What Is It, Best Places To Open One What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea? CD Ladder Calculator - Clark Howard How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion 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

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 investing is a good – but not perfect – option. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 15, 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: BOOKS BY WES MOSS / Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 countries, but some gas stations have been caught charging outrageous amounts, and you need to be aware before you go to the pump. Save On Auto Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Surcharges On Gas: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Is Your Smartphone Making Your Car Insurance More Expensive? How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance Do I Need To Unfreeze My Credit To Shop for Car Insurance? Best Auto Insurance Companies and Some of the Worst Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2025 Best Cash Back Credit Cards Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card Review: Invest with 2% Cash Back 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, 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 & 2 The Value Of Working While In School: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ETF vs. Mutual Fund: Which Investment Is Better? What Are Index Funds? / What Is an ETF? Best Auto Insurance Companies and Some of the Worst Protect Your Money From Sneaky Card Skimmers Monarch Money Review: Is This Budgeting Tool Worth the Price? Empower Review: How It Works, Pros & Cons 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

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 Mentioned on the show: Why You Should Re-Shop Your Cruise Booking a Cruise? Here Are 5 Ways To Do It for Less Where You Should Never Buy Travel Insurance for a Cruise The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad This Brooklyn apartment complex was built like a Lego set Are Solar Panels Worth it? 3 Things To Consider Before You Get Solar Panels Ask Clark: How Should I Replace My Prepaid Bluebird® American Express®? 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

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 recently received a retirement love letter from a couple who are self-proclaimed “happiest retirees on the block.” He shares the letter and the big keys to happy retirement success. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 8, 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: BOOKS BY WES MOSS / Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 APPEAL Health Insurance Denials: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Meta Battles an ‘Epidemic of Scams’ as Criminals Flood Instagram, Facebook - WSJ Tom’s Guide - The Oura ring just got a new rival What Should You Do if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied? No Surprises Act Consumer Advocate Toolkit Health Insurance Archives - Clark Howard Health Archives - Clark Howard 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

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 Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark.com - INVEST & RETIRE The Only Two Exceptions to Clark Howard's Annuity Rule Immediate Payout Annuity: What Is It and Do You Need It? How to Start Investing: 10 Steps for Beginners 3 Big Retirement Account Changes You Haven't Heard About What Is a SEP IRA and Who Is Eligible? What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance How To Send a ‘Drop Dead’ Letter to a Collection Agency 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