The Clark Howard Podcast

Latest Episodes:

07.21.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

What Is the Retire Sooner Method? & Can You Retire Without Touching the Principal?

How do you retire sooner, increase your happiness, and ensure you never run out of money?

In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down the Retire Sooner Method—your ultimate retirement happiness GPS. Just like navigating an unfamiliar city, navigating retirement without a map guarantees you’ll get lost. Wes shares the 5 essential steps to build a guided blueprint, maximize your financial freedom, and dramatically reduce money anxiety.

Later in the episode, Wes tackles a major fear shared by almost every new retiree: touching the principal. Through a real-life client story, he explains how to bridge your income gap using dividend yields and the famous "4% Rule" so you can protect your hard-earned nest egg and retire with peace of mind.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 21, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask

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

07-20-2026 WFH Is Reshaping Employment / Health Insurance Costs Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Today - remote work became essential during COVID, but could it be hurting your career now? While the benefits of working remotely are undeniable, new data shows that "out of sight, out of mind" is a dangerous reality in corporate America. Clark shares several things to consider if you want to protect your paycheck and position yourself for promotions. Also, a massive storm is brewing in the healthcare industry, and it is going to hit your wallet hard. The soaring cost of healthcare—driven heavily by hospital system monopolies in major metro areas—is pushing individual deductibles toward an estimated $15,000 and family deductibles past $30,000 by 2027. Clark explains everything you need to know - including another disadvantage in Advantage Plans.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 20, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

WFH Benefits & Risks: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
Health Insurance Update: 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

07.17.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Your Car’s Longevity Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, the new car market is in a weird phase, with automakers behaving like pack animals. Instead of fighting for market share or offering affordable options, manufacturers have decided they are perfectly happy selling fewer vehicles if it means keeping prices sky-high and maximizing margins. If you're wondering whether to buy or hold, Clark shares his rule of thumb.

All this and more on the July 17, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
Auto Industry Update: 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

07.15.26 Clark Discredits a Long-Held Credit Card Myth / SCAM WARNINGS Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

The big banks are absolutely thrilled when you fall for the "cockroach" of personal finance myths: the completely false idea that you need to carry a balance and pay interest on your credit cards to build an excellent credit score. Not so. Clark explains. Also today, we face an unprecedented wave of sophisticated fraud, with online crime complaints officially surpassing one million for the first time. Driven by advanced AI, scammers are now launching highly realistic "spear-phishing" attacks using actual data breaches from hotels and cruise lines. If you get an urgent message claiming your upcoming hotel reservation can't be validated or that you owe more money on a cruise, do not take the bait. Stay vigilant, question unexpected requests for money, and always independently verify any urgent alerts regarding your travel plans or financial accounts.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 15, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Credit Card Myth: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
Scams Gone Wild: Segment 3
Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

For Mint Mobile Plans and Pricing Details, click SAVINGSPOD

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

07.14.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

The 200-Hour Friendship Rule & Are Financial Advisors Worth It?

Making friends as an adult is harder than ever – but just how much time does it actually take to build a close friendship? In this episode, Wes Moss discusses the growing friendship gap in America and the surprising research behind forming meaningful connections. A study from the University of Kansas found that becoming a close friend takes far more intentional time than most people realize. Wes explains why friendships become more difficult to maintain as we age and what you can do to build and preserve strong relationships throughout life. Plus, are financial advisors really worth the cost? With about half of pre-retirees working with an advisor and half managing on their own, Wes breaks down who can benefit from professional financial guidance—and who may not need it. From investing and tax planning to estate and family considerations, learn when financial advice can add real value.

Mentioned on the show: Early Mortgage Payoff Calculator - Clark Howard

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 14, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask

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

07.13.26 How Much $ Is In Your Payment App? / Weddings: Less Is More Forever Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Use payment apps? How much? Clark has a major warning about a serious financial risk hiding in plain sight: storing your hard-earned cash inside payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. While these platforms are convenient for sending money, a shocking number of people use them like regular bank accounts to store large sums of money. Therein lies a dangerous reality that could cost you plenty. Also, millennials are rethinking life milestones, especially when it comes to weddings. A recent story of a beautiful $5,000 wedding proves that you don’t need to bury yourself in debt to celebrate love. If you want to spend a fortune and you have the cash, go for it—but if you want to start your marriage on a stronger financial footing, younger generations are proving you can have an unforgettable, gorgeous wedding at a crazy inexpensive price.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 13, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

A New Payment App Warning: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
Affordable Weddings: 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

07.10.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Social InSecurity Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, economic anxiety is climbing straight up the income ladder, and Americans everywhere are growing deeply worried. On top of that, a troubling new report confirms that Social Security is on track to face insolvency by 2032—a year earlier than we originally thought. If Congress continues to ignore it, roughly 70 million Americans who rely on these checks could see cuts to their benefits in less than six years. To fix this issue, Clark says it’s time to make hard choices as a nation. But despite the widespread pessimism about the future, Clark delivers a straight talk: We still live in the most dynamic economy in the world with incredible opportunities for entrepreneurship, but it is time to stop playing political games and protect the hard-earned money of the American people.

All this and more on the July 10, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
Fix 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

07.08.26 The Clark Smart Way To Buy A Mattress / Student Loan Update Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

The mattress industry is in chaos, and major brands like Sleep Number are facing bankruptcy. Clark breaks down how the mattress market became incredibly oversaturated and why traditional mattress stores have seen their business models become obsolete. While online shopping and warehouse clubs have revolutionized how we buy beds, the wave of recent bankruptcies poses a risk to consumers. Clark reveals his ultimate rule for buying a new mattress safely. Also, Clark addresses the looming crisis in higher education as federal student loan interest rates spike to 6.5%. With college costs and inflation stretching family budgets to the limit, Clark explains why you should never sacrifice your own retirement savings or saddle your children with a lifetime of crushing debt just to attend a "dream" school. Clark delivers a heavy dose of tough love and practical strategies for parents.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 8, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Buying A Mattress: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
Student Loans: 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

07.07.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss - Best Of Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Wes tackles the psychological hurdle that many high-achievers face when they finally reach the "Retirement Green Zone." After decades of using hard work, discipline, and ambition to build a nest egg, it can be incredibly difficult to simply turn that drive off. Wes discusses the "ambition guilt" that many retirees feel when they pursue creative hobbies or passions that don’t generate a paycheck. Rather than viewing this transition as "lowering" your ambition, Wes argues that the key to a happy retirement is rechanneling that legendary work ethic into areas that feed your soul instead of your bank account. Also, we’re in a confusing state of the 2026 economy, where record-breaking corporate data seems at odds with the reality on the ground. While U.S. company profits soared by 26% in late 2025 and nominal GDP has grown significantly since 2019, many consumers are still feeling the weight of high prices. Wes explains how we are living in a "K-shaped" economy and breaks down what these disparities mean for your wallet and how to navigate an environment where productivity is higher than ever, but the benefits aren't being shared equally.

Mentioned on the show:

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on this July 7th Best Of Wes - Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask

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

07.06.26 Shining A UV Light On Sunscreens / Side Hustle Savvy Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Today, something new under the sun - at least in the U.S.: A now FDA approved sunscreen option long in use overseas, arrives next year. Meanwhile, are you overpaying for sunscreen just because of a fancy brand name? Consumer Reports released its annual sunscreen rankings, and the results again prove you don't have to spend a fortune to protect your skin. Also, Clark dives into the reality of modern side hustles. A TikTok influencer recently went viral after testing different side hustles every day for 100 days to make $100 a day, learning that only three were actually worth sticking with. The truth is, if a side hustle is incredibly easy to start, there are no effective barriers to entry. When anyone can do a job, the organizer doesn’t have to pay you well. If you want to make a meaningful, steady income, you need a side hustle that leverages education, training, or special skills that set you apart from the crowd. However, if you just need quick, one-time cash, look no further than your own home—just like Christa, who came out of her closet with cash assets!

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 6, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Best Sunscreens: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
Smart Side Hustles: 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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected