The Clark Howard Podcast

The Congressional Budget Office update found the top 10% of earners in the U.S. have 70% of the nation’s wealth, possibly the greatest disparity in our history. Today, Clark discusses the severity of income inequality and its effects on our society. Also - if you have a smart device in your home, you might not realize some of the privacy concerns, especially with Amazon’s Alexa. Income Inequality: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Privacy Warning!: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes: America Has Never Been Wealthier. Here’s Why It Doesn’t Feel That Way. How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Understanding Home Equity Agreements Amazon Is Removing a Key Alexa Privacy Setting: Should You Worry? [The Washington Post] Alexa is getting creepier. Take this one step to improve your privacy. When Is the Best Day and Time To Call Customer Service? 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 - Restaurants of all types are having to adapt to difficult market conditions. Many have failed in the last two years due to high food, labor and leasing costs. Those that succeed offer lessons in adaptation for all businesses. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Business Adaptation: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should I Buy Gold? Is It a Good Investment? Highest Cash Back Credit Card Calculator - Clark Howard Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards: 11 Options for 2025 Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in 2025 Should You Redeem Credit Card Points for Travel Rewards or Cash Back? Why Clark Thinks These Are the Best 2 Travel Rewards Cards Right Now The Platinum Card® from American Express Review: Is It Worth It? When Should I Drop Comprehensive and Collision Coverage? Liability vs. Full Coverage: Which Auto Insurance Do You Need? The Best Places To Buy Eyeglasses Zenni Optical Review: 6 Things To Know Before Your First Order 4 Things To Know Before You Buy Glasses From Costco Optical What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? 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 today’s episode - you may have heard ads for services that allegedly lock your home’s title. Are they worth it? Clark talks about how best to guard your greatest asset - your home.  Also, as the economy goes into lower gear with layoffs more frequent, Clark has important new info for today’s job seekers.  Home Title Protection: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 AI & Your Resume: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: CBS News: FBI Boston warns property owners, real estate agents about "title pirates" after I-Team reports How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion 4 Signs You’re a Victim of Deed Theft (and How To Avoid It) 4 Insurance Policies You Actually Need (And 4 You Don't) Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car? Best Resume Template: 9 Ways To Update Your Resume CRASH Network - Insurer Report Card How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance Fidelity - Spending & Saving Money | Take Control of Your Money Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts 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

Is Owning a Home Still a Good Investment? and 5 Areas To Cover With a Financial Advisor Ever wonder if buying a home is still a smart move in today's market? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss reveals why housing can be a powerful "forced savings plan" and a hedge against inflation, especially for happy retirees. He examines historical trends, the recent housing boom, and the current median home price. Is buying now a nerve-wracking mistake, or a cornerstone of long-term wealth? Also, are you making the most of your conversations with your financial planner? Wes unveils the crucial categories he calls the "5 P's" to have more productive and meaningful meetings with your advisor. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 6, 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

Today, Clark has 2 key warnings. First - you won’t believe how burglars are casing your home now using hidden high tech - what to look out for. And - how to avoid getting burned when booking a hotel. Plus, Clark answers your questions -  post at Clark.com/ask. Burglar Surveillance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Hotel Booking Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Stop the Burglars Who Are Planting Hidden Security Cameras How to Get a Mortgage in 8 Steps Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips 5 Things to Know About the Costco Car Rental Program AutoSlash Review: How To Save on a Rental Car 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy 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, Clark talks about innovation in the face of tariffs. A new tool has been created to help some businesses navigate prices, and it’s a great example of American ingenuity. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2A Tariff Tool: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? 7 Money Mistakes You Might Be Making at the Gas Station Public Complaint Process | US Department of Transportation Costco vs. Sam's Club: What Is the Difference? From Axios: Perfect timing: A tool for tariffs Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? Here's How Long Your Home Appliances Should Last Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your TV? 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, Clark talks about where you can find deals that aren’t subject to tariffs. Also, now is the time to consider ways to lower home energy costs and Clark shares some money saving ideas. Buy Secondhand First: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Energy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: 9 Things You Should Always Buy Used Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How To Do It Safely Are Solar Panels Worth it? 3 Things To Consider Before You Get Solar Panels How To Save Money on Utilities Residential Clean Energy Credit | Internal Revenue Service Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference? 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

Stock Market Fear Index and Missing the Worst Market Days Hurts You More Than You Think Feeling anxious about the volatile market in 2025? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down why history shows us that peak fear always subsides. He analyzes past VIX spikes over the last 25 years to offer a reassuring perspective. Learn why it's unlikely this heightened fear will last forever and what history tells us about market recovery. Also, you've heard about the cost of missing the best market days, but what about the worst? Wes explains why trying to sidestep market downturns is often a losing strategy. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 29, 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

Today, Clark - Man From Roth, talks about why now might be the best time to do a Roth conversion. Also - why big bank fees are back and how you can prevent getting your wallet pinched in this way.  Roth Conversion: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Beware Bank Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark.com - The ROTH IRA & 401(K) Retirement Calculator: With Social Security and Pension How Often Should You Re-Shop Insurance? How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance Best Free Checking Accounts   //   Best Savings Accounts  High-Yield Savings Account Calculator Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How To Do It Safely Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Should I Contribute to a 529 Plan Only To Roll It Into a Roth IRA Later? 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, Clark puts favorite child Fidelity in time-out due to a current practice they’re engaged in that account holders need to be well aware of.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Fidelity Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: This Simple Maintenance Schedule Will Make Your Car Last Longer Walmart Tire Center   /   Clark.com - TIRES Walmart+ Membership Program: 4 Things To Know 23andMe Bankruptcy: Why You Should Erase Your Data Now Raisin Review: Can You Trust This Online Savings Marketplace? Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) “Guaranteed” Not to Lose Money in the Stock Market? What’s the Catch? — FinancialFreedomforWomen.Org What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink? The Only Two Exceptions to Clark Howard's Annuity Rule What’s the Best Way To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency? Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2025 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, Clark looks at how the cost of summer travel is trending, and shares money saving advice from a recent trip abroad. Also in this episode, Clark explains the significance of bond funds to the market and to your investments. Latest Travel Tips: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A Briefing On BOND FUNDS: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room 5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels From Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly? Scams & Rip-Offs Archives - Clark Howard Travel Insurance Checklist: 5 Types of Coverage To Consider Inverse Relation Between Interest Rates and Bond Prices Best 0% Intro APR Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2025 Clark Howard's 2025 Credit Card Debt Elimination Strategy 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 Advertisers: Policygenius.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scared to Spend? Don't Cancel Plans and #1 Investment Benchmark Worried about the market and your upcoming vacation? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains why you shouldn't cancel your beach trip due to market volatility. Learn a rational approach to navigating bear markets and protecting your life plans. Also, Wes reveals the surprising investment benchmark everyone is really watching (and why it might be misleading you!). Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 22, 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

Today, Clark talks GOLD! Should you be buying gold to help offset the uncertainty of the stock market? Clark discusses the nature of gold as an asset, and, should you decide to buy it, the best way to do so. Also - you may have seen lots of ads lately from the big cell phone carriers. Is it time to switch?  Gold As An Asset: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cell Phone Plan Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should I Buy Gold? Is It a Good Investment? Should You Buy Gold at Costco? Warning: How You Should NOT Buy Gold Trump Says Tariffs Are Reciprocal. They Aren’t. The trade deficit isn’t an emergency – it’s a sign of America’s strength WSJ: Verizon Offers 3-Year Price Lock for Wireless Customers Best Verizon MVNOs: Cell Phone Companies That Use Verizon’s Towers Verizon Wireless Deal: Get Four Unlimited Lines for $100 13 New Cell Phone Deals in April  - Google Fi Review The Best Phone Plan For You – Compare Phone Plans Best Phone Plans: Get Exactly What You Want at the Cheapest Price Xfinity Mobile Review: Verizon’s Network Starting at $20 a Month Spectrum Mobile Review: 7 Things To Know Before You Sign Up Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How To Do It Safely Charles Schwab Review: Pros & Cons 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad What Is an HSA Account 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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, when it comes to medical insurance denials, companies count on people just paying up. But those who appeal are often successful. Clark shares a new guide that makes the appeal process easier.   Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Appeal Health Insurance Denial: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Certificate of Deposit (CD): What Is It, Best Places To Open One Buy U.S. Treasury Bonds: A Conservative Way To Beat Your Savings Account 23andMe Bankruptcy: Why You Should Erase Your Data Now What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? What Is an ABLE Account? Find Out Why Health Insurance Denied Your Claim What Should You Do if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied? Can a Patient Advocate Help With Your Medical Bills? What's the Best Way To Send Money Overseas? 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

AI is spreading fast - too fast. Can you trust the answers you get? Clark relates how trusting AI can cost you time and money.  Also, consumers are leaving money on the table when eating out. Asking for a doggy bag? No shame in that game! What’s RIGHT about leftovers.   AI Warning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 To Go Box: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Gen AI's Accuracy Problems Aren't Going Away Anytime Soon, Researchers Say Elliott Report: Home Should You Respond to Class-Action Lawsuits? Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2025 NYTimes: Is the Doggy Bag Dead? Should I Be Concerned That I’m Receiving Mail at Home With Someone Else’s Name? How To Save on Travel With Google Flights What Condo Owners Need To Know About 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

Tariff Meltdown Investing Lessons and Top 5 Activities for Happiness The stock market was in a meltdown last week after the tariff announcement, and it has been a roller coaster over the last several days. How do we handle such uncertainty as investors? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss shares lessons from the market meltdown -- and melt up – along with encouraging statistics to help us feel confident with our finances. Also, Wes shares fascinating data about the top five activities that help make us the happiest – and the worst. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 15, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions:  clark.com/ask. Why Timing the Tariff Market Could Cost You Big 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

Today brings a Clarkonomics session on something much in the news - the potential for stagflation. Clark explains this economic environment and how you can prepare.  Also, something terrible just got worse: Pay in 4. Why you should just say NO to Buy Now Pay Later. Clarkonomics - Stagflation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 BNPL Spells TROUBLE: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Certificate of Deposit (CD): What Is It, Best Places To Open One 18 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in April 2025 Are Money Market Funds a Safe Place To Stash My Savings? Why Big Banks Are a Bad Place for Your Cash Social Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision File a Consumer Complaint  /  Air Travel Service Complaint | secure.dot.gov Axios: BNPL is everywhere  / Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Worries Clark Howard How To Improve Your Credit Score in 5 Key Areas What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work? Why Clark Howard Wants You to Set Up a 'Financial Chromebook' 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 in this episode - we now find ourselves in a frozen job market. Clark explains how this compares to conditions in 2009, and where laid off workers and others seeking employment, are most likely to find work.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Direction For Job Seekers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:  6 Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Worth at Least $500 How To Save Money on Utilities Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places 401(k) limit increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000 States rush to hire federal workers out of work after DOGE cuts Booking a Cruise? Here Are 5 Ways To Do It for Less The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Should I Freeze My Credit With the Other Credit Bureaus? How To Monitor Your Credit  Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips 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 today’s episode - We may need a new name for Dollar Tree, because things there are changing again as the retailer adapts to inflation pressures. Also, the gasoline industry is going “bottom bucket - top bucket”.  Clark explains what this means for motorists, and how to save more on quality gas.  Dollar Tree Changes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Spend Less On Gas: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Can I Do if My HOA Is Doing a Poor Job? A Secret Mortgage Blacklist Is Leaving Homeowners Stuck With Unsellable Condos - WSJ What Condo Owners Need To Know About Insurance Polybutylene for Inspectors What Does a Home Warranty Cover and Is It Worth The Money? Does the Brand of Gasoline Really Matter? Buying Gas From a Station on This List Is Better for Your Car 6 Things To Know Before You Buy Gas at Costco Wholesale 7 Money Mistakes You Might Be Making at the Gas Station How To Save Money on Gas: 23 Ways How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save 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

Should You Shift Investments to Cash? and How To Beat Inflation As investors, we naturally want to protect everything and make everything safe. It’s our human emotion. But fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss warns us to beware the siren’s song of safety luring you to move to cash. He has three tips to help you ignore the urge. Also, inflation has been wild over the last several years. While inflation is always part of the equation, intense periods of inflation can wreak havoc. Wes shares the secrets to help you beat it.   Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 8, 2025, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions:  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