The Clark Howard Podcast

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 and financial planning. He explains why AI is a powerful tool for analysis, but warns against using it as a fortune teller. Find out how you can use AI to your advantage while avoiding the dangerous pitfalls of letting it make your big financial decisions for you. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 26, 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

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. Mindful Spending: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 ATM Pickpockets: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should you buy it? If you answer 'yes' to these questions, probably not What Can I Safely Use for Peer-to-Peer Payments? Can I Use an Online Will Maker or Do I Need an Attorney? How To Create a Will Online / Wills & Funerals Archives How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax & TransUnion NYTimes: Help! A Pickpocket Used My A.T.M. Card, and Citi Won’t Cover It. Unpack these cybersecurity tips for a stress-free vacation Why It's a Great Time To Get a Cheap Ticket to Europe How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way 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 - 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 show: Amazon vs. Walmart: The Price War You’re Probably Losing (and How to Win!) Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution) 4 Insurance Policies You Actually Need (And 4 You Don't) Clark Addresses Changes to One of His Favorite Travel Credit Cards Top 10 Perks of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Welcome to the Grocery Store Where Prices Change 100 Times a Day - WSJ What Can I Safely Use for Peer-to-Peer Payments? 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 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: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Axios: Where the jobs are 5 midsize U.S. cities driving small-business growth Is Now a Good Time To Buy an Electric Vehicle? Should You Ever Lease a Car? Report: These 10 Vehicles Are the Best for the Money in 2025 Best 529 College Savings Plans By State 529 to Roth IRA: Rollover Rules, Conversion Guide, and FAQs How to Get Financial Affairs In Order Before Death or Disability Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution) ESPN and FOX Join Forces on New Streaming TV BundleIs Is Sling’s New Subscription Option the Sneaky Way To Watch Football in 2025? Streaming TV Tool: Find Cheapest Way to Stream Your Favorite TV Channels 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

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 engine of the U.S. economy, and its decisions on interest rates have massive ripple effects, from the housing market to your savings account. With the latest inflation and jobs reports suggesting a cooling economy, Wes explains why we may be at the end of the "higher for longer" era. He also provides a critical heads-up for savers. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 19, 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 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 Facility Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Credit Lock vs. Credit Freeze: What's the Difference? NBC News: Did your doctor's office charge you a 'facility fee'? Here's what to know. Why It’s a Great Time To Get a Cheap Ticket to Europe What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor Best Financial Advisors in 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

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 You Won't Believe What Clark Howard Says About Wells Fargo Now What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution) What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea? / CD Ladder Calculator Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card Review: What You Should Know The Secret Technology Rental Car Companies Are Using Against You Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips Major Changes Announced for Southwest Airlines Credit Cards How Do You Prepare for the Likelihood of Long-Term Care Costs? 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

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 2 Scams After Disasters: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Travel Insurance Checklist: 5 Types of Coverage To Consider Should You Ever Buy Travel Medical Insurance? Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels From Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly? 5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room How To Choose the Best Charities for Your Donations Spot and avoid FEMA impersonators BBB-File a Complaint 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 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 reality check on inheriting money. He gives you a simple checklist for receivers and givers to make sure you're prepared. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 12, 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

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 buckets! Retirement Plan Choice: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Bonus! Buckets Of Coffee: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ⁠Teachers Are Learning a Hard Lesson. Their Retirement Plans Cost a Fortune.⁠ ⁠What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work?⁠ / ⁠403bwise.org⁠ ⁠How To Open a Roth IRA⁠ ⁠401(k)s Weren’t Built for the Gen Z Economy⁠ ⁠Why You Need To Know Your Company 401(k) Fees⁠ ⁠Investing & Retirement Archives - Clark Howard⁠ ⁠What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One?⁠ ⁠Your Morning Coffee, in a Bucket⁠ Is Now a Good Time To Buy an Electric Vehicle? ⁠Report: 4 Used Electric Vehicles Under $25,000⁠ / ⁠ABRP 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 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 Can a Patient Advocate Help With Your Medical Bills? Warning: Watch Out for This Big Ripoff at the Pump Why Are Retailers Adding an Additional $1 Charge on My Credit Card? Sam's Club® Mastercard® Review: Earn 5% Back on Gas Purchases What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea? The Best Cheap Sunscreens in 2025 Travel Archives - Clark Howard Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 6 Things To Know in 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

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