The Clark Howard Podcast

Latest Episodes:

09.29.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Secret to Giving Yourself 'Permission to Spend' in Retirement & Are Pensions Back?

Wes dives into new research showing that median-wealth retirees underspend their potential income by 8% – and wealthier retirees underspend by a staggering 47% to 53%. Wes breaks down the psychological difference between spending assets versus spending income streams, and the little-known shift that can give you the "license to spend" without locking your money away in an annuity.

Plus, are pensions making a surprise comeback? Wes explores recent Wall Street Journal data showing thousands of companies adding pension-style plans, why workers want them back, and what this means for the future of retirement.

Mentioned on the show:

All this and more on the September 29, 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:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09.28.26 TIPS Vs Bonds / How To Protect Your Social Security Now Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

How To Inflation-Proof Your Portfolio & The Free Account Everyone Needs To Set Up Before Retirement

Navigating your investments as you age can get confusing, especially when rising interest rates make traditional bond funds a scary prospect. While young investors can comfortably ride out stock market volatility, those approaching their late 50s and beyond need a more balanced portfolio to protect their hard-earned money. Instead, consider Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) as a powerful, inflation-proof alternative to standard bonds, as Clark explains.

Also, there is an urgent security measure you need to take right now – no matter your age. Many people assume they don't need a MySocialSecurity account until they are ready to retire, or they worry the program won't exist in the future. Clark walks us through why it’s so crucial to open an account as soon as possible.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 28, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Bond Alternative: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
Your Social Security: Segment 3
Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

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

09.25.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Price Drop: Athletic Shoes Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

Clark Stinks & Deal Alert: Running Shoes

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.

Also, running and walking shoe prices are finally dropping, creating a massive money-saving opportunity for your wallet. Major retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods are feeling the squeeze from an oversupplied market and slowing consumer demand, leading to deep discounts across nearly every major brand. Whether you need a fresh pair for daily walks or serious training, now is the time to skip full retail and lock in major savings across the board.

All this and more on the September 25, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
Running Shoes Discounted: Segment 3
Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

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

09.23.26 How To Shop Home Internet / College Savings Strategies Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Is Your Internet Provider Ripping You Off? & How Clark Finished College Fast To Save Money

Are you still paying the "inertia tax" on your home internet? As giant cable megamergers reshape the market, big providers are steadily jacking up prices on customers who stay on autopilot – just like old landline companies did decades ago. Clark reveals how to break free from the cable monster.

Plus, with student loan interest rates soaring and college costs out of control, Clark breaks down the growing trend of 3-year bachelor's degree programs. Drawing on his personal experience of rushing through undergrad to save cash, Clark explains how accelerated and reduced-credit degree options are helping students bypass massive debt, slash room-and-board expenses, and keep their financial futures on track.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 23, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Clark Smart Home Internet: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
Save On College: Segment 3
Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

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

09.22.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

The Dark Side of Retirement (and How To Avoid It) & Lump Sum vs. Monthly Pension Decision Tree

Retirement is often touted as the ultimate goal, but Wes reveals why reaching the finish line can bring unexpected challenges. Wes exposes the sobering statistics behind aging in America, emphasizing why true retirement success requires building a "portfolio of purpose" alongside financial security.

Also, Wes breaks down his brand-new decision tree to help you settle the age-old debate of choosing a lump sum versus monthly pension payouts, introducing his straightforward 6% Rule and four key questions to protect your wealth, fight inflation, and secure a blissful retirement.

Mentioned on the show:

All this and more on the September 22, 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:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09.21.26 HELOCked Into A Debt Trap / New Vehicles Under $40,000 Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

The banks are at it again, and Clark wants to make sure you don't fall into a dangerous debt trap. Home equity levels are at record highs as financial institutions aggressively push homeowners to tap equity with HELOCs and cash-out refinances to pay off credit cards or fund lifestyle expenses. Clark explains why turning your home's equity into high-interest debt is a massive financial risk, how it mimics the harmful bank tactics of 20 years ago, and why keeping your low fixed-rate mortgage intact is critical for long-term stability.

On the auto front, while major manufacturers continue prioritizing high-margin luxury vehicles over budget-friendly models, smart options still exist. Clark highlights nine major auto brands still averaging under $40,000 per sale, and reveals why the absolute best financial move you can make today is simply keeping your current vehicle on the road as long as possible.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 21, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Home Equity Guidelines: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
New Vehicles Under $40,000: Segment 3
Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

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

09.18.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / AI Baby Monitors? Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.

Also, there are new tools for parents to keep track of their babies' health and sleep. These are much more sophisticated than old fashioned monitors. Is there cause for concern? Smart monitors and AI-powered devices are now tracking everything from sleep patterns and health metrics to developmental milestones and growth rates right from birth. While these analytics are popular with parents used to tracking their own health data, you have to ask: who else is watching? Before you install an AI surveillance system in your nursery, Clark shares a warning to consider.

All this and more on the September 18, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
AI Baby Health Surveillance: Segment 3
Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts
Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark
Clark.com daily money newsletter
Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09.16.26 Auto Insurance Warning / Social Media Scam Ads Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

Clark drops an urgent warning for vehicle owners regarding a massive spike in auto insurance claim denials. If you let a friend, colleague, or extended family member borrow your vehicle to run a quick errand, you could be setting yourself up for financial disaster.

Also, a sleazy car insurance tool has made an AI video of Clark endorsing its product. This is happening all over social media. Clark tackles the explosion of sophisticated AI-generated scams plaguing social media platforms like Facebook. From deepfake videos using Clark’s own voice and image to pitch bogus insurance products, to fake ads offering unbelievable discounts on luxury goods, scammers are leveraging advanced technology to trick you out of your hard-earned money. Clark shares how you can protect your wallet, spot counterfeit deals, and why you need to adopt a healthy sense of skepticism—not cynicism—whenever you see trusted public figures or targeted ads popping up in your feed.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 16, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Who Gets To Drive: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
AI Targeted Scam Ads: Segment 3
Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

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

09.15.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

How To Build Wealth Without a Tech Job & Hidden Dangers of Coast FI

Forget the myth that you have to work on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley to build massive wealth. Wes reveals the power of the "Everywhere Millionaires" – the 3 million Americans who have accumulated a collective $65 trillion by building unglamorous, low-tech, and non-tech businesses. Discover why tactile, essential industries are producing some of the richest entrepreneurs in the country (including a former hot dog stand owner who sold his business for $1 billion).

Then, Wes issues a crucial warning for young investors drawn to the Coast FI movement. While saving aggressively early in life is fantastic, relying solely on compound interest while taking your foot off the savings gas pedal in your 20s or 30s carries massive hidden risks. Wes explains why life’s unexpected variables mean you shouldn't step back from your financial goals too soon.

Mentioned on the show:

All this and more on the September 15, 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:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

09.14.26 Home Security Cams / StubHub’s Ticket To A Reckoning Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Think you need an expensive, full-blown security system to protect your home? Think again. Clark shares how even a single inexpensive security camera can serve as a massive deterrent against burglars. While surveillance technology certainly has its privacy drawbacks, Clark breaks down the major safety benefits for homeowners.

Plus, long considered a reliable platform bringing legitimacy to ticket resale, StubHub is now facing intense backlash from customers stranded at major events like the World Cup. Clark discusses findings from a Wall Street Journal report detailing how the company reportedly gutted customer service, altered contact methods, and hid their legal address to dodge arbitration requests and frustrate customers seeking refunds. Hear Clark's take on this unbelievable situation and what it means for anyone buying resale tickets today.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 14, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Home Security Cams: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
StubHub TROUBLE: Segment 3
Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

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

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