The Clark Howard Podcast

A surprising new study shows that Millennials and Gen Z account for 80% of all new timeshare purchases. In an era where homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for younger generations, buying into a timeshare might offer a psychological sense of owning real estate—but it is one of the worst financial traps you can walk into. 

Also, how can you tell if something is a fake brand or not? There is a helpful new browser extension called Knockoff designed to clean up your Amazon search results. Because Amazon functions largely as a third-party marketplace and fulfillment house, the...

In this episode, Wes shares why retiring as soon as possible is more critical than most people realize. He highlights why waiting too long can cost you the best, most active years of your life, and explains how the Retire Sooner Method helps you shave years off your career so you can enjoy true freedom while you still have the energy to use it.

Also, Wes tackles one of the biggest threats facing new retirees today: Sequence of Returns Risk. Even in a strong market, market downturns in the first few years of retirement can drastically alter...

The American healthcare and financial systems can feel deeply broken, but you are not powerless. With healthcare costs skyrocketing and deductibles growing larger every year, many people feel trapped when facing a medical procedure. Clark shares an instructive real-world story from The Washington Post, explaining how price transparency (and lack thereof) impacts your wallet and why price-shopping non-emergency medical procedures is essential for protecting your savings.

Clark also addresses the growing wave of financial stress facing millions of households now. As inflation strains budgets and credit card default rates rise, debt collectors are taking consumers to court...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also,  every time a major technological shift happens, we hear predictions of widespread job destruction—and the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence is driving those fears to a whole new level. Clark breaks down what the AI boom actually means for your paycheck, how tech expansion shifts hidden costs onto consumers, and the concrete steps you can take today to pivot, re-educate, and make your career resilient against technological change.

All this and more on the August 28, 2026, episode of The C...

With food prices sky high, food waste is an area of real concern - and potential savings. Clark breaks down the truth behind confusing expiration dates like "Best By" versus "Use By" as marketing tactics designed to get you to buy more often.

Also, Clark tackles a critical and all too common relationship issue: one partner completely in the dark about household money. A household culture of "he handles it" or "she takes care of that"  is a pathway to financial stress, hidden debt, and complete chaos if the unexpected occurs. Clark discusses how couples can maintain f...

In this special episode, fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss answers your top questions on high-yield savings accounts, college planning, investing for grandchildren, preparing for retirement, and more. Whether you’re dealing with falling savings rates or trying to navigate high-yield dividend options, Wes breaks down the practical strategies you need to keep your money working for you.

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The latest financial data shows the U.S. savings rate has dropped to an alarming rate. While many households are struggling just to cover the basics, many middle and upper-middle-class families are falling into the lifestyle trap. Find out what the new rate is and what you should aim for instead.

Also today, new commission structures for home buyer agents are proving problematic.  Recent lawsuit settlements were supposed to make agent commissions more transparent and negotiable for home buyers. Instead, the law of unintended consequences has created a nightmare for consumers. If you are shopping for a h...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also,  many Americans are ordering medications from online websites and pharmacies, and a major player is being sued by the FTC. Online medical services promising quick prescriptions for sensitive conditions seem convenient, but they could be costing you more than money—they might be handing over your private health data. Clark discusses the broader boom of direct-to-consumer online doctor services and why you need to protect both your wallet and your privacy.  All this and more on the August 21, 2026, episode of The Cl...

If you think winning the lottery is the only way to achieve financial independence, think again! The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement has shifted drastically over the years in the wake of inflation, rising housing costs, and healthcare challenges, but the core principle of FI is more relevant today than ever. Clark shares his own journey—including retiring at 31 and  starting his first business by living on half his income—to show you how living on less than you make can buy you ultimate freedom.

Also, are you really getting a discount, or are retailers just playi...

What History Really Says About All-Time Market Highs & Should You Move to a 55+ Community?

With the S&P 500 continuously hitting new all-time highs in 2026, many investors are wondering if the market has moved too far, too fast. In this episode, Wes Moss dives into the history of market highs, explaining why record-breaking runs are actually far more common—and far less dangerous—than headlines suggest.

Also, Wes tackles one of the biggest lifestyle decisions in retirement: deciding where to live. Maintaining a vibrant social circle gets harder as we age, but moving to an active 55+ comm...

Finding an affordable rental was hard enough, but now landlords are taking a cue from hotels and airlines by hitting tenants with hidden junk fees. From mandatory charges for bundled trash pickup and overpriced cable to outrageous $200 monthly add-ons just for working from home, these unexpected fees inflate the cost of living. When apartment hunting, Clark urges us to check for this specific list before committing to a lease.

Meanwhile, tap-to-pay remains one of the safest ways to shop using digital tokenization, but scammers have found a clever way to exploit your generosity. Fraudsters posing as street...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.    Also, to protect your young adult and give your family peace of mind, there are critical legal and financial forms every teenager should sign at age 18. Setting up these documents is simple, inexpensive, and essential for any family navigating the transition to adulthood. Taking a few minutes to put these protections in place today can save your family from unnecessary hardship when it matters most, as Clark explains.

All this and more on the August 14, 2026, episode of The Clark How...

Apple device prices are soaring due to rising hardware costs, and their newest solution is to offer “forever leases” on iPhones, Macs, and iPads for a fixed monthly fee. While this subscription-style leasing model might make sense if you’re a tech enthusiast, it’s a dangerous financial trap for the average consumer. Before you fall for the low monthly sticker price—or get tied down by a carrier’s misleading "free phone" promotion—understand the long-term cost to your wallet.

On the savings front, everyday savers have a prime opportunity now to lock in high returns before interes...

Is Your Retirement Missing Purpose? & Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared To Spend Your Retirement Savings

Wes starts by looking at what ancient wisdom and modern research teach us about true fulfillment. As we leave the workforce, we often lose daily structure, active socialization, and full households all at once. To counter these major life headwinds, Wes discusses how planning your lifestyle goals even ten years out leads to significantly greater joy once you stop working. Also, Wes tackles the massive psychological barrier of spending down your hard-earned nest egg. Running out of money is the single bi...

Are you looking to break free from the time killing, mindless scrolling of phone addiction? Clark reviews the popular Brick Phone Lock—a $60 physical device paired with an app designed to lock you out of your most distracting apps. This tool might be a game-changer if phone addiction is actively hurting your productivity, work, and/or personal relationships.

Also, a massive investigative report reveals how high-profile NFL players lost millions to a sophisticated e-commerce scheme using fake Shopify stores and manipulated earnings simulations. Clark breaks down how over $1 billion has been stolen from professional athletes—and what can...

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

Also, Clark has always considered himself an incurable romantic, and for years, his stance on prenuptial agreements was clear: signing one felt like writing a contract for failure before the marriage even began. But looking at the reality that over half of marriages end in divorce, he realized his emotional roadblock was shortchanging the people listening to his advice.

All this and more on the August 7, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: A...

More people are looking for ways to create their own job security. Clark shares two invaluable, free resources every aspiring entrepreneur should know about, and breaks down why the freedom of entrepreneurship remains one of the best ways to build lasting stability.

Also, a critical look at the rise of AI-powered, cashierless grocery stores and automated micro-markets. Highlighting an outrageous story where Ford wrongly fired an employee over an automated market glitch, Clark addresses the dangerous gap between automated retail technology and human common sense. Know how to protect yourself with electronic receipts and tap-to-pay records, ensuring...

5 Questions BEFORE You Claim Social Security &

College vs. Retirement Savings

Should you claim Social Security early or wait? While the math says waiting guarantees a bigger check, the real answer goes far beyond the numbers. In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down how to determine the right Social Security claiming age for your specific lifestyle, health, and portfolio. Also, Wes shares ideas to help you balance saving for your kid’s college without ruining your own retirement.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on th...

As summer winds down, we’re seeing some wild shifts in the airline industry. Despite recent price hikes, a two-tiered economy in travel has created surprising opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. Clark breaks down why you need to sign up for frequent flyer programs right now, what you actually get (and lose) with new unbundled luxury fares, and where to find the best flight deals over the coming months.

Also, your homeowners insurance company might feel like a "frenemy," but you can make them work for your wallet with a few simple DIY home upgrades. Learn how a we...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, with real estate values skyrocketing past the rate of inflation, homeowners across the country are facing massive property tax hikes—and in some cases, people are literally being priced out of their homes. The core idea should be simple: no one should be forced out of their home due to runaway tax bills. You can appeal on your own, hire a specialized company, or bring in an attorney for larger commercial properties. The key is to act fast: pay close att...

The stock market is sitting at historical highs, but inflated valuations mean we could be facing a major correction or extended period of low returns. With leveraged funds adding dangerous fuel to this speculative fire, the risk of a sharp market shock is real. If you’re approaching or currently in retirement, now is the time to review your portfolio.

On the consumer front, T-Mobile is turning its back on the customer-first culture that made it famous, forcing legacy subscribers off locked-in rates and hitting loyal users with continuous price increases. You don’t have to accept a bl...

What Are The Money Green Zones? & The Happy Retiree Super Power

Are you flying blind when it comes to your retirement savings? Forget the terrifying headlines telling you that you need tens of millions of dollars to retire—that kind of advice often does more damage than good by making your goals feel completely out of reach. In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down brand-new research on what everyday Americans actually have saved and introduces three attainable, concrete "Money Green Zones" where happiness levels and financial autonomy jump dramatically. Plus, Wes reveals the ultimate superpower of happy re...

It’s the toughest role reversal we face in life: stepping in to manage aging parents' finances. As parents get older, it’s common for physical health to take priority while finances take a back seat.  Clark breaks down the vital lessons on elder-parent care. Waiting until a crisis or a parent's passing to look for wills, passwords, and bank accounts guarantees chaos later.

Also, Clark tackles a growing budget buster for some homeowners: surging HOA and condo fees. What used to be a minor monthly expense has turned into a massive financial strain due to "amenities creep...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also,  many of us are getting more comfortable using artificial intelligence in our daily lives. While AI can be an incredibly useful tool, a dangerous new trend is emerging that could cost you serious money: AI shopping bots. Before you let an AI bot handle your wallet, you need to understand the hidden agenda at play.

All this and more on the July 24, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

The days of automatically upgrading your phone or computer every time it slows down are officially over. Clark breaks down why inflation and rising component costs mean tech prices are going "up, up, and away." Tech giants like Apple are raising device prices to protect their profit margins. While Clark has advised against sinking money into old electronics, the math has changed. Clark shares his rule of thumb for deciding when to repair versus replace, why TVs remain the one truly disposable tech item, and how to avoid the "free phone trap" being pushed by the big three wireless...

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...

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 esti...

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.

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...

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 th...

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 lov...

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 n...

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...

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 yo...

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 w...

Happy 4th of July Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns July 6th with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off!

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today - as college costs level off due to a competitive marketplace, more institutions are finding creative ways to attract students – including offering tuition-free degrees. Clark shares resources to help you find these opportunities!

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Considering entrepreneurship via buying a franchise? Clark shares his most important rule before investing your hard-earned money: go work for that franchise first. Instead of relying on the sales pitch, spend several months on the job learning how the business really operates, what challenges owners face and whether the opportunity lives up to the promises. Taking this important step could save you from making a costly mistake and help you become a smarter entrepreneur. Also, Clark discusses the expansion of TrumpRx, a government prescription price comparison resource that now includes hundreds of additional generic medications. With prescription costs keeping...

Is the bucket investing strategy the best way to plan for retirement? In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down the powerful visual behind bucket investing and explains why organizing your money into cash, income, growth, and alternative income buckets can simplify retirement planning. He also shares the biggest drawbacks investors should understand before adopting the strategy. Also, Wes tackles a growing trend: professionals looking for more flexibility, purpose, and balance through a second career. He outlines the key questions to ask before making a career switch and explains why financial advising is emerging as one of the most in-demand...

Clark’s first business was a travel agency and he specialized in saving his clients money. Travel costs are challenging now, with airlines facing higher fuel expenses and travelers paying the price. Clark shares his back-to-basics strategy for finding affordable trips, including why flexibility is your greatest money-saving tool. Learn why Clark lets the deal determine the destination, how shoulder-season airfare pricing can create opportunities for savings, and why being a "free agent" when booking flights can help you see more of the world for less. Also, Clark explains the growing problem of "dark patterns" online—those annoying popups, misl...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, when your health insurer denies coverage for a treatment, procedure, or medication, don't assume that's the final answer. Clark explains a little-known consumer right that could help you overturn a denial: an external appeal reviewed by an independent third party. While some patients do appeal insurance decisions, very few take the next step when they're denied again. Clark shares why persistence matters, how the appeals process works, and why insurers often reverse decisions when consumers push back. For serious illnesses, t...