The Clark Howard Podcast

Clark Howard

Save more and spend less is more than just a motto for money expert Clark Howard; it’s a way of life. Clark and his crew — Team Clark — are on a mission to empower people to take control of their personal finances by providing money-saving tips, consumer advice, hot deals and economic news to help everyone achieve financial freedom. Clark is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host and a consumer reporter for television stations around the country. His podcast, The Clark Howard Show, receives more than one million downloads each month and is a hub for listeners to get valuable advice on-demand any time. Clark answers questions on the most popular business and consumer topics including; how to buy a cars, financing a home, retirement planning, shopping for insurance and getting the most out of your savings. Join the conversation and submit your question to www.clark.com/askclark . Clark spearheads two free resources — Clark.com and ClarkDeals.com — to encourage consumers to save more, spend less and avoid ripoffs.

  1. 1d ago

    11.06.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Retail Finance Trap- NO

    Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today,  what seems like a great financial deal comes with a catch. Retailers love to lure shoppers in with "No interest, no down payment, no payments for months" promotions, but these enticing deals are actually one of the most dangerous traps in modern retail finance. Clark breaks down how these psychological traps work, why falling for them is like playing with financial fire, and the exact rules you need to follow to protect your wallet and save your hard-earned money. All this and more on the November 6, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 No No No Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Home Service Clark Howard Says You Should Actually Pre-Pay Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for Cash Back and Travel Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Are Popular Again – Here’s Why You Need To Be Careful Clark Howard's Tips To Save Money on Home Internet in 2026 [The Washington Post] Don’t get caught by this zero-interest trap FCC Complaints - Federal Communications Commission Treasury, IRS begin implementing Saver's Match What Is the Saver's Credit and How Does It Work? My LED Bulbs Are Burning Out Too Fast. Am I Buying Them at the Wrong Store? 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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 3d ago

    11.04.26 Mindful Shopping / RECALL: Vehicular Spontaneous Combustion

    Avoid Holiday Shopping Traps & The Dangerous Car Recall You Can’t Ignore In this episode, Clark shares his simple, battle-tested trick to stop impulse spending during peak holiday shopping season – including his hands-only shopping cart rule that will save you money both online and in stores. Also, have you heard about how some cars are bursting into flames? And do you know how to check if your vehicle has any sort of recall?  With over 3.5 million vehicles currently under critical "park outside" fire risk recalls, Clark breaks down why driver response rates are dangerously low, why gas vehicles (not just EVs) are catching fire, and how ignoring this warning could cost you your home. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the November 4, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.      Mindful Shopping: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Wheels On Fire: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Secret Perk of Abandoning Your Online Shopping Cart 4 marketing tricks to not fall for this holiday season Gadgets Are Going Premium—and Manufacturers Are Raking It In - WSJ Sub-$100 smartphones becoming a rarity as AI memory prices soar Why This Is the Worst Time of the Year To Buy an iPhone We Just Got Married. How Do We Blend Our Finances? BBB-File a Complaint Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, Equipment The Center for Auto Safety - Recall-Check  Consumer Reports: Best New SUVs and Cars for Under $30,000 How to Buy a New Car: 5 Smart Steps To Get the Best Deal The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard 9 Things You Should Always Buy Used - Clark Howard When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Give Out Your Social Security Number 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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 4d ago

    11.03.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss

    The Real Cost of Owning a Car & Can You Actually Retire on $500,000?Wes breaks down the cold, hard numbers on two major financial questions that could completely change your path to financial independence. First, Wes dives into "car math," looking past the monthly payment to reveal the true total cost of ownership — including depreciation, fuel, maintenance, and insurance — across popular vehicles. He breaks down the 20-year math behind buying new versus used, keeping cars for 10 years versus cycling every three to five, and even whether ridesharing is the better move for low-mileage drivers, illustrating how holding onto your ride for a decade can pocket you an extra $100,000 in compound growth. Next, Wes examines the Federal Reserve's latest net worth data and tackles a crucial retirement question: can the average American really retire on $500,000? While it is challenging, Wes maps out how the math genuinely works if you leverage three critical variables. Mentioned on the show: What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? - Clark Howard The 6 Money Habits of People Who Become Wealthy - Clark Howard All this and more on the November 3, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask Discover the research-backed path to a happier retirement – order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes.  Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes:  BOOKS BY WES MOSS   Wes Moss, CFP®  Wes Moss - Clark.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 5d ago

    11.02.26 Holiday Shopping BOTchas! / AI Driving Up Medical Costs

    Are AI Chatbots Secretly Tricking Holiday Shoppers? & Why You MUST Ask for an Itemized Hospital Bill With the holiday shopping season in full swing, millions of consumers are turning to AI shopping assistants like Meta’s Muse for the very first time to hunt down the best deals. While these chatbots speak with total authority, Clark warns against taking their recommendations as absolute fact. Beyond the retail aisles, artificial intelligence is also driving up costs in healthcare as hospital systems and health insurance providers deploy AI against one another in payment disputes. Hospitals are increasingly using AI to flag additional billable charges, leaving patients stuck with inflated balance bills when insurers refuse to cover the extra costs. To avoid paying more than you legitimately owe, Clark stresses the importance of becoming an active consumer. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the November 2, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your questions: Ask Clark.      Holiday Shopping: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 AI & Healthcare Costs : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 5 Ways To Save on Holiday Shopping This Year - Clark Howard 6 Grocery Stores Cheaper Than Walmart - Clark Howard  Why Frequent Travelers Should Be Using an eSIM NYTimes: Battle of Hospital A.I. vs. Insurer A.I. Is Pushing Medical Costs Higher The Free Tool That Exposes Hidden Hospital Costs Can a Patient Advocate Help With Your Medical Bills? - Clark Howard How To Safely Use Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps - Clark Howard How To Make Your Venmo Transactions Private - Clark Howard Is a HELOC a Good Idea? The Simple Answer - Clark Howard Unclaimed Money: How To Find and Claim Missing Funds for Free 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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Oct 30

    10.30.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Buying A TV

    Clark Stinks & #1 TV Brand People Keep the Longest Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today,  are there TV brands worth paying extra money for? Just in time for Black Friday, new data from CNET readers reveals the TV brand people actually keep the longest – and it’s not the most expensive one on the wall.All this and more on the October 30, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 TV Purchase: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should You Make Your Child an Authorized User on Your Credit Card? How and When To Cancel a Credit Card - Clark Howard Should You Max Out Your 401(k) Early in the Year? How to Max Out Your 401(k) Best Credit Cards for Restaurants and Dining in 2026 - Clark Howard Should I Contribute to a 529 Plan Only To Roll It Into a Roth IRA Later?  Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute Some TV Brands Aren’t Worth the Hype. CNET Readers Say These Are Should you register your new products? - Clark Howard Clark.com - Streaming TV #1 Way To Protect Yourself From Credit Card Skimmers 5 Ways To Save on Holiday Shopping This Year - 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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Oct 29

    10.29.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss

    Rapid Fire Q&A: Financial Advisor Fees, Direct Indexing Traps, & 30-Year Treasury Yields Welcome to another Rapid Fire Thursday edition of Ask an Advisor with Wes Moss! Today, Wes opens up the listener mailbag to answer several direct questions on wealth management, investment strategies, and retirement planning. Wes covers everything from when financial advisor AUM fees should taper down to the hidden tax traps of Direct Indexing, utilizing 30-year Treasuries, and understanding a major loop-hole in the Rule of 55! Mentioned on the show: ⁠ How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor⁠  /  ⁠Financial Advisor Costs⁠ Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2026 - Clark Howard What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard WSJ - Opinion: For Investors and Savers, TINA Is Giving Way to TARA⁠ The Overlooked 'Rule of 55' Could Unlock an Earlier Retirement⁠  All this and more on the October 29, 2026, Ask an Advisor “Rapid Fire” episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask Discover the research-backed path to a happier retirement – order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes.  Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes:  BOOKS BY WES MOSS   Wes Moss, CFP®  Wes Moss - Clark.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Oct 28

    10.28.26 Airline Passenger Rights / Family Caregiving - Planning Ahead

    Airline Consumer Protections Are Shrinking & Hidden Costs of Caregiving With the holiday travel season just around the corner, big changes are underway that could impact your upcoming trips. The Department of Transportation is re-interpreting consumer protections for air passengers. Since airlines won’t be eager to step up when they make a mistake, you need to know how to advocate for yourself, and navigate airline customer service. Also, another urgent conversation families need to have involves the hidden financial costs of caregiving. Nearly 70% of people will require some level of care in their lifetime. With the erosion of long-term care insurance, more families are impacted by caregiving challenges, forcing 56% of caregiving retirees to leave the workforce earlier than planned. Don’t wait until a crisis hits or until your parents are well into their 60s or 70s to talk about the future. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the October 28, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.      Passenger Rights Eroded: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Prepare For Caregiving Challenges: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard's Strategy for Spending Credit Card Rewards ⁠ Follow Clark Howard's #1 Rule To Travel Cheap⁠  /  SkyScanner.com⁠ Booked a Flight? This New Tool Will Tell You When the Price Drops ⁠Points Path Review: This Free Tool Makes Using Travel Points Much Easier⁠ ⁠Clark Howard’s Secrets to Beating Sky-High Airfares and New Hidden Fees⁠ How to Find a Geriatric Care Manager - Clark Howard What Is Disability Insurance and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard The Aging Parents Checklist: Money, Scams, Estate Plans and Final Wishes How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor  /  Financial Advisor Costs When Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Instead of Investing?  /   Calculator Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts    Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
5,270 Ratings

About

Save more and spend less is more than just a motto for money expert Clark Howard; it’s a way of life. Clark and his crew — Team Clark — are on a mission to empower people to take control of their personal finances by providing money-saving tips, consumer advice, hot deals and economic news to help everyone achieve financial freedom. Clark is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host and a consumer reporter for television stations around the country. His podcast, The Clark Howard Show, receives more than one million downloads each month and is a hub for listeners to get valuable advice on-demand any time. Clark answers questions on the most popular business and consumer topics including; how to buy a cars, financing a home, retirement planning, shopping for insurance and getting the most out of your savings. Join the conversation and submit your question to www.clark.com/askclark . Clark spearheads two free resources — Clark.com and ClarkDeals.com — to encourage consumers to save more, spend less and avoid ripoffs.

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