The Clark Howard Podcast

Concerned about the economy and looking to save more, many people are turning to warehouse clubs. The price difference is real. But Clark has concerns about what his beloved Costco is up to with a new payment option he does NOT recommend. Also, the debt burden many of us carry is also very real. Clark discusses how people are working on getting out of debt. The Warehouse Club Difference: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Dealing With Debt: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Inflation-weary Americans queue for toilet paper and cheap Bordeaux Warehouse Clubs Archives - Clark Howard Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Worries Clark Howard What Is FedNow? / ⁠Clark.com Community - Paze⁠ Why Clark Says You Should ‘Ignore’ Paze as Trendy New Payment Option Debt Archives // Budgeting & Saving Archives - Clark Howard 30 Easy Side Hustle Ideas How to Make Extra Money: 35 Easy Ways How Do Student Loans Work? 7 Things to Know Is It Ever OK To Co-Sign a Loan With a Family Member? What's the Best Savings Account for a Teenager? Fidelity Investments Review: Pros & Cons 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

The Secret to Consistent Investing and Your Financial Safety Net for Any Market Are you tired of "FOMO Freddie" always bragging about his latest hot investment? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss reveals why chasing market trends is a dangerous game and how sticking to your investment style is the key to long-term success. We'll dive into the perils of FOMO investing and show you what happens when you jump from one "best" strategy to the next. Also, Wes breaks down the critical concept of "dry powder" – what it is, why you need it, and how it acts as your ultimate financial buffer during market downturns. Learn about the different types of liquid safety assets that can protect your portfolio and give you peace of mind, no matter what the economy throws your way. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the June 24, 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

There’s a big shift going on in the housing market. Clark explains what this means for buyers and sellers. Also, in this new era of tariffs, know what to keep in mind when purchasing a vehicle and why it’s time to rethink what you’re interested in buying. Housing Market Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vehicle Purchase Considerations: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Save for a House / How To Buy a House in 9 Steps Buying Cars Online vs. Traditional Dealers: What To Know Report: These 10 Vehicles Are the Best for the Money in 2025 New Report: The Safest Car Models for 2025 How To Buy a Used Car / How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps When Do You Tell a Car Dealership You're Paying Cash? What Condo Owners Need To Know About Insurance 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling 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 we celebrate Clark Howard’s birthday and the many accomplishments he’s inspired - starting with Clark’s own telling of his life’s trajectory into an ongoing mission of service. And in the second half of the podcast, a sampling of the many appreciations Clarkies sent in to celebrate him today. It may be Clark Stinks day, but on this birthday he comes out smelling like a high dollar rose bought on sale! About Clark: Segments 1 & 2 Clark Stinks-Special BD Edition: Segments 3 & 4 Mentioned on the show: About Clark Howard Clark Howard: Habitat for Humanity 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

Data centers are creating higher demand for electricity and the cost is falling on consumers. Power bills could reach record highs this summer. Clark has two recommendations to help lower your energy bills. Speaking of summer, have you planned out your vacation days yet? Clark talks about the importance of time away from it all. Home Cooling: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Take Your PTO!: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Save Money on Utilities 7 Things Discover Cardholders Can Expect After Capital One Merger My 7 Rules for Using Credit Cards - Clark Howard How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many? How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad Best Way To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2025 10 Clark Howard 'Never, Not Ever' Rules To Protect Your 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

Secret Rule To Access Your IRA Early and Top 9 Things That Bring Joy in Retirement If you want to retire early, this rule can help! Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down the often-misunderstood Rule of 72(t). Discover how this IRS exception can allow you to access your IRA funds before age 59 ½ without incurring that hefty 10% early withdrawal penalty. Also, Wes dives into groundbreaking research on what truly brings joy and purpose in retirement. Wes shares surprising (and not-so-surprising) truths from his latest study of over 1,200 Americans. He reveals the top categories that consistently lead to a more purposeful and joyful post-career life. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the June 17, 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 - you may have heard about the boy who ordered 70,000 lollipops on Amazon. A reminder for parents to childproof devices to protect your accounts from plundering toddlers! Also, the stakes are higher now when renting a car. There’s a new inspection practice you must be aware of to protect your wallet. Childproof your devices: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Car Rental Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Prevent This $4,000 Oopsie From Happening to You Budgeting Basics: What You Need To Know To Get Started Free Budget Worksheet: The CLARK Method to Create a Monthly Budget Military and Veterans Guide: Free Resources for Your Finances How Long Should I Save Pictures of My Car Rental? How Can I Fight an Unfair Rental Car Charge? New Report: Best and Worst Car Rental Companies in America Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips How To Get a Free Credit Report The Best International Phone Plans TALK2ME 25 ULTRA MINI Portable PoC Walkie-Talkie Set 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, an easy, low tech solution to the porch pirate problem. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Porch Pirate Solution: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Will Social Security Run Out? Sell Stuff Online: The Best Sites and Apps Shared Equity Mortgage: Meaning, Pros and Cons, FAQs Avoid Porch Pirates With These Delivery Options From Amazon, UPS, FedEx and USPS How a Promising Home Hack Is Stopping Porch Pirates Every Time Best budget road bikes 2025 6 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds What Is an ABLE Account? 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 CNET survey has found the average consumer is paying close to $200 more per year for internet than a year ago. Today, paying for home internet service no longer has to be expensive. New choices have emerged to help you SAVE MORE. Also, bait & switch junk fees have been rampant - on hotels, tickets, services and more. But new rules are helping to change that in some quarters. Clark shares tips for getting the full price before you make buying decisions. Home Internet Options: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 All In Pricing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark's Tips To Save Money on Home Internet in 2025 Airbnb will now show total prices by default What the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees means for you The 12 Best International Carry-ons, Tested and Reviewed What Is a 403(b) 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

Do Retirees Need To Track Stock Earnings? And This Rule Can Help You Retire Early If you're a retail investor or a happy retiree, should you be paying attention to corporate earnings? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss dives into why earnings matter for both individual stock owners and index fund investors. Discover how the overall earnings of the S&P 500 influence market trends and whether you need to obsess over every quarterly report. Also, Wes breaks down the "Rule of 55," a lesser-known strategy that could help you access your retirement money sooner without penalties. Most people know about the Rule of 59 1/2, but Wes reveals the specific qualifications and conditions for utilizing the Rule of 55 with your 401(k). Learn how this rule could accelerate your path to retirement! Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the June 10, 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, an ongoing concern - where should you store your cash? One of Clark’s favorite children (discount brokers) has just launched a new offering worthy of your attention. Also today, dealing with debt collectors. Some are legit, some not so much. Know what to do if the debt is indeed yours, or if it is a mistake. Clark has key information for handling collectors in a way that protects your rights and your credit. Vanguard Cash Plus: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Debt Collectors: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Vanguard Cash Plus Account | Vanguard Uni - One Toll Pass. 19 States. Car Insurance Archives - Clark Howard Association for Independent Agents | IIABA How To Send a 'Drop Dead' Letter to a Collection Agency What to Do When You're Being Harassed About an Old "Zombie Debt" We’ve still got some protections against medical debt collectors National Association of Estate Planners & Councils - NAEPC What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? What’s the Best Way To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency? What Is a Backdoor 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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, sunscreen is so important in the prevention of skin cancer - but how to choose? Clark shares some excellent recommendations offering protection that is both cheap and effective. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Best Sunscreens: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Does the Brand of Gasoline Really Matter?⁠ ⁠Wills & Funerals Archives - Clark Howard⁠ ⁠Is It Ever OK To Co-Sign a Loan With a Family Member?⁠ ⁠Warning: Watch Out for This Retailer Pricing Trick⁠ ⁠CR - Best Sunscreens of 2025⁠ ⁠The Best Places To Buy Tires⁠ / ⁠Clark.com - TIRES 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

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