The Clark Howard Podcast

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: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Beef Prices: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Trump to sign executive order to cut prices of medicine to match other countries Warning: One Way You Should Almost Never Fill Prescriptions 10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs 7 Things To Know About Costco Pharmacy Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car? What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? US beef prices extend surge as ranchers face thinnest herds in 70 years Robinhood Review: Pros, Cons & Who Should Use It The WSJ’s Jonathan Clements Wants to Leave a Living Legacy 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

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 next 1-5 years. Could this prediction be right? It’s possible. Wes explains what may happen and what we can do about it. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the June 3, 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

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: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Are You Following Clark’s Maximum Auto Loan Length Rule? Clark.com Car Loan And Payment Calculator Bezos-backed Slate Auto reveals its new customizable $20,000 EV Can I Sell My Life Insurance Policy? USA TODAY: Tips to stay safe from skimming scams #1 Way To Protect Yourself From Credit Card Skimmers Scam Alert: Think Twice Before Scanning QR Codes 5 Things to Know About the Costco Car Rental Program Is Annual Travel Insurance Worth It? Today's Top Travel Deals 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

Help us surprise Clark Howard for his birthday! We're collecting special wishes for Clark (it's a secret!) to celebrate his birthday on June 20th. Use this form to share your wishes for Clark: https://forms.gle/hNtmFTvqkdZc94J49 -- remember it's a secret! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, how one state plans to use controversial technology to slow down speeders. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Intelligent Speed Assist: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: “Clark Stinks!” - by Son of Scotland How To Open a Roth IRA 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room How To Use Priceline To Save on Travel What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Virginia will use technology to slow chronic speeders’ cars Car Rental Insurance: Everything You Need To Know Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know My Credit Card Offers Some Rental Car Coverage. Why Do I Still Need To Involve My Primary Auto 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

In this episode - As auto insurance rates continue to rise, more people recognize the need to shop around. Clark shares a valuable resource for where to start. Also today - Economic uncertainty necessitates ongoing family conversations about money and the economy, and what can be done to prepare for a possible recession or employment setback. Shop Auto Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Family Money Talks: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance CRASH Network - Insurer Report Card Best Auto Insurance Companies and Some of the Worst Is Your Car Model Driving Up Your Insurance Premium? Best Way To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency Costco Travel: 5 Things To Know Before You Book Booking a Cruise? Here Are 5 Ways To Do It for Less The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise 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-Step Checklist BEFORE You Retire and How Spending Money in Retirement Actually Works Ready to retire? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss walks you through the essential 10-point checklist you should complete before leaving the workforce. Also, Wes breaks down the often-confusing topic of spending money in retirement. How do you actually access your funds, and what's the smart way to manage different account types? Learn the strategic way to tap into your different retirement "buckets" to make your money last and minimize taxes. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 27, 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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Clark discusses how the shortage of air traffic controllers and lack of current tech will impact air travel this summer, looks to Canada’s successful model, and shares his playbook for navigating air travel Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Air Traffic Control Issues: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best 529 College Savings Plans By State NIH - ClinicalTrials / Clark Howard and the Prostate Cancer Foundation WSJ - Leave the Flying to Congress? What To Do if Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled FlightAware - Flight Tracker / Flight Status Flightradar24: Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map Are Airline Miles Worth It? / The Points Guy - Maximize your travel. Points Path: Why Our Travel Expert Thinks This New Tool Is a “Game Changer” 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

Travel demand has slowed and airlines are cutting service. Today Clark discusses the airline recession taking place, and the hazard & opportunity this presents for travelers. Also, Clark addresses some of the confusion surrounding student loan repayment. What you need to know if you or a family member has student loan debt. Air Travel Guidance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Student Loans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room Using Cellular Data Internationally: Buying a Local SIM Card The Best International Phone Plans The Best Phone Plan For You - Compare Phone Plans Clark,com Cell Phone Plans Why Clark Thinks These Are the Best 2 Travel Rewards Cards Right Now Scott’s Cheap Flights - Going.com NYTimes: Tips for Navigating the ‘Chaotic System’ of Student Loan Repayments National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? Why You Should Keep Old Credit Card Accounts Open My 7 Rules for Using Credit Cards Clark HowardClark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com 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 We in a Passive Investing Bubble? and Lump Sum Investing vs. Dollar Cost Averaging Is passive investing creating a stock market bubble? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss dives into the rise of index funds, why they became so popular, and the potential concerns. Also, Wes covers a classic investing strategy: Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA). He explains how systematically investing over time can smooth out your cost basis and make investing less daunting, especially with a lump sum. We'll look at how DCA stacks up against investing a lump sum all at once – you might be surprised by the numbers! Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 20, 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

The 401(k) is a great retirement instrument because saving is automatic and investments grow over time. So is it ever OK to ⁠borrow from a 401(k)⁠? Know the “opportunity costs” involved. Also - good news if you like to ⁠check bags⁠ on flights. 401(k) Loans: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 No More Lost Luggage!: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ⁠Is a 401(k) Loan a Good Idea? Almost Never⁠ ⁠How To Open a Roth IRA⁠ ⁠Enrolled agent information | Internal Revenue Service⁠ ⁠National Association of Enrolled Agents⁠ ⁠Should I Buy an AirTag for My Checked Airport Luggage?⁠ ⁠What Is an eSIM? 5 Things To Know⁠ - ⁠GIGSKY - International eSIM Data Plans⁠ ⁠Using Cellular Data Internationally: Buying a Local SIM Card⁠ ⁠Deposit Insurance FAQs | FDIC.gov⁠ ⁠Can I Trust the FDIC’s Recommendations on Getting Insured for More Than $250,000 at a Single Bank?⁠ ⁠Are Credit Union Deposits Insured Up To $250,000? 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, potential car buyers face a lot of questions right now - should you buy new or used? If buying used, is Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) the way to go? Clark shares advice to help you navigate decision making. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Vehicle Purchase: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference? Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Worries Clark Howard Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2025 The Best International Phone Plans Why You Should Never Mail a Check How To Buy a Used Car Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles: What You Need to Know Before You Buy Should You Ever Lease a Car? When Should I Drop Comprehensive and Collision Coverage? Best Place to Get a Car Loan Car Loan and Payment Calculator - 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, learn more about I-Bonds. Are they still worth buying? Clark explains how I-Bonds work and why they can be a solid part of your saving strategy. Also, the tariff news keeps coming, with a temporary reprieve on goods from China now in effect. Clark discusses what this will mean for consumers and merchants moving forward. Series I Savings Bonds: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Tariff Reprieve: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 6 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds Do Not Use Smartwatches or Smart Rings to Measure Blood Glucose Levels: FDA Safety Communication Dexcom G7 CGM and Stelo Glucose Biosensor Subaru Ascent SUVs Recalled. Automaker Advises Owners to Park Outside and Away From Structures. The Center For Auto Safety How Much Money Do I Need in My Emergency Fund? HSA Store - Learning Center 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

Breaking Down ETFs/Index Funds/Mutual Funds and Retirement vs. Brokerage Accounts Confused about ETFs, index funds, and mutual funds? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down these "cousins" of investing – including when to use them. Also, retirement accounts vs. brokerage accounts – what’s the difference and what’s the best option for you? Wes explains everything you need to know! Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 13, 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

The Congressional Budget Office update found the top 10% of earners in the U.S. have 70% of the nation’s wealth, possibly the greatest disparity in our history. Today, Clark discusses the severity of income inequality and its effects on our society. Also - if you have a smart device in your home, you might not realize some of the privacy concerns, especially with Amazon’s Alexa. Income Inequality: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Privacy Warning!: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes: America Has Never Been Wealthier. Here’s Why It Doesn’t Feel That Way. How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Understanding Home Equity Agreements Amazon Is Removing a Key Alexa Privacy Setting: Should You Worry? [The Washington Post] Alexa is getting creepier. Take this one step to improve your privacy. When Is the Best Day and Time To Call Customer Service? 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 - Restaurants of all types are having to adapt to difficult market conditions. Many have failed in the last two years due to high food, labor and leasing costs. Those that succeed offer lessons in adaptation for all businesses. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Business Adaptation: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should I Buy Gold? Is It a Good Investment? Highest Cash Back Credit Card Calculator - Clark Howard Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards: 11 Options for 2025 Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in 2025 Should You Redeem Credit Card Points for Travel Rewards or Cash Back? Why Clark Thinks These Are the Best 2 Travel Rewards Cards Right Now The Platinum Card® from American Express Review: Is It Worth It? When Should I Drop Comprehensive and Collision Coverage? Liability vs. Full Coverage: Which Auto Insurance Do You Need? The Best Places To Buy Eyeglasses Zenni Optical Review: 6 Things To Know Before Your First Order 4 Things To Know Before You Buy Glasses From Costco Optical What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? 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 - you may have heard ads for services that allegedly lock your home’s title. Are they worth it? Clark talks about how best to guard your greatest asset - your home. Also, as the economy goes into lower gear with layoffs more frequent, Clark has important new info for today’s job seekers. Home Title Protection: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 AI & Your Resume: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: CBS News: FBI Boston warns property owners, real estate agents about "title pirates" after I-Team reports How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion 4 Signs You’re a Victim of Deed Theft (and How To Avoid It) 4 Insurance Policies You Actually Need (And 4 You Don't) Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car? Best Resume Template: 9 Ways To Update Your Resume CRASH Network - Insurer Report Card How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance Fidelity - Spending & Saving Money | Take Control of Your Money Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts 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

Is Owning a Home Still a Good Investment? and 5 Areas To Cover With a Financial Advisor Ever wonder if buying a home is still a smart move in today's market? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss reveals why housing can be a powerful "forced savings plan" and a hedge against inflation, especially for happy retirees. He examines historical trends, the recent housing boom, and the current median home price. Is buying now a nerve-wracking mistake, or a cornerstone of long-term wealth? Also, are you making the most of your conversations with your financial planner? Wes unveils the crucial categories he calls the "5 P's" to have more productive and meaningful meetings with your advisor. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 6, 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 has 2 key warnings. First - you won’t believe how burglars are casing your home now using hidden high tech - what to look out for. And - how to avoid getting burned when booking a hotel. Plus, Clark answers your questions - post at Clark.com/ask. Burglar Surveillance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Hotel Booking Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Stop the Burglars Who Are Planting Hidden Security Cameras How to Get a Mortgage in 8 Steps Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips 5 Things to Know About the Costco Car Rental Program AutoSlash Review: How To Save on a Rental Car 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy 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 talks about innovation in the face of tariffs. A new tool has been created to help some businesses navigate prices, and it’s a great example of American ingenuity. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2A Tariff Tool: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? 7 Money Mistakes You Might Be Making at the Gas Station Public Complaint Process | US Department of Transportation Costco vs. Sam's Club: What Is the Difference? From Axios: Perfect timing: A tool for tariffs Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? Here's How Long Your Home Appliances Should Last Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your TV? 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 talks about where you can find deals that aren’t subject to tariffs. Also, now is the time to consider ways to lower home energy costs and Clark shares some money saving ideas. Buy Secondhand First: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Energy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 9 Things You Should Always Buy Used Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How To Do It Safely Are Solar Panels Worth it? 3 Things To Consider Before You Get Solar Panels How To Save Money on Utilities Residential Clean Energy Credit | Internal Revenue Service Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference? 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