The Clark Howard Podcast

Is Your Portfolio Too AI-Heavy? and Does Social Security COLA Keep Up With Inflation? In this episode, Wes Moss shares startling JP Morgan research: just 41 AI-related stocks now account for nearly 50% of the S&P 500's weight, making the market severely overweight in a single theme. Wes offers actionable advice on how to rebalance your portfolio. Also, with the new COLA increase, Wes sets the record straight on Social Security, demonstrating that it has quietly been one of America's best inflation fighters since 1975. He examines the history of COLA adjustments and provides an honest assessment of the fear surrounding the Social Security trust fund running out, clarifying what that worst-case scenario truly means for current and future retirees. Mentioned on the show: Rule 72(t): Secret Rule To Access Your IRA Early Rule of 72 Calculator - Clark Howard Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the November 4, 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.  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: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As holiday shopping kicks off, protecting deliveries from porch pirates becomes essential. Tips include opting for Amazon lockers and setting carrier notifications. The dangers of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' schemes are explored, revealing how they can lead to unmanageable debt. Insights on freezing your credit and improving online security are also shared, along with advice for scoring the best Black Friday deals without overspending. Plus, a dive into what hospitalists do rounds out the discussion on financial and healthcare concerns.

It's Clark Stinks day where listener critiques spark lively discussions. Clark shares insights on recession probabilities and offers practical steps for financial preparedness. He emphasizes the importance of tackling high-interest debts and building emergency reserves. The podcast also dives into the FICO vs. credit bureau debate, shedding light on identity theft concerns. Plus, listeners weigh in on ad-free streaming choices, and Clark warns about risks when buying medications from foreign pharmacies.

Discover the latest trends in the housing market, where 'involuntary landlords' are surprisingly benefiting tenants with better rental options. Clark shares practical advice for new landlords to avoid common pitfalls. Meanwhile, a growing trend in restaurants towards smaller portion sizes offers health benefits and savings for diners. Tune in for insightful listener questions about luggage durability and emergency savings strategies to maximize your financial well-being.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Clark and Wes tackle whether the stock market is dangerously overvalued amidst AI-driven dynamics. They explore the implications of private equity in 401(k) plans, highlighting potential fees and risks for everyday investors. Clark warns about transparency issues, while Wes sees a chance for improvement in accessibility and costs. Listeners also learn about the importance of diversification and maintaining a balanced portfolio in today's landscape, ensuring a cautious approach to investing.

Discover the ins and outs of reward credit cards as Clark reveals how issuers profit and when they truly benefit cardholders. He explains the advantages of no-annual-fee 2% cash-back cards for most consumers. Dive into the new tax brackets and learn why a Roth 401(k) might be the best choice for many, offering tax-free growth in retirement. Additionally, Clark discusses strategies for handling medical bills and securing linked payment app accounts. This episode is packed with insights to help you manage your finances wisely!

Listener feedback takes center stage as critiques from Clark Stinks add humor to the conversation. Good news emerges with a dramatic drop in residential burglaries, attributed to budget-friendly home security cameras. Clark also discusses effective strategies for avoiding UPS and USPS scams. Plus, insights on investing with target-date funds, Frontier Airlines experiences, and the complexities of soft credit inquiries provide listeners with valuable takeaways. Tune in for practical advice on insurance shopping and holiday porch piracy prevention!

Exciting changes are coming to Health Savings Accounts in 2026, making them more accessible and beneficial. Discover which vehicle—EVs, hybrids, or gas—offers the best savings long-term. Clark breaks down operational costs, revealing that driving an EV costs about $5 per 100 miles, compared to hybrids at over $6 and gas vehicles nearing $13. He also shares tips on handling old coins and discusses travel money tips for Southeast Asia. Plus, insights on avoiding potential pitfalls when purchasing cars from private sellers.

Explore the upcoming shift in retirement investing as private equity makes its way into 401(k) plans. Wes Moss breaks down what private equity is and the potential it holds for diversifying investments. While he highlights the exciting returns, he also warns of the risks involved. Discover how new collective investment trusts will likely facilitate this change, and get tips on financial education for children from wealthy families. Plus, insights on Roth versus traditional 401(k)s and the dynamics of covered call ETFs are discussed.

Food prices continue to rise - and Team Clark continues to find ways to help you control those costs.  Also today, something else costing more - electricity. With winter weather on the horizon how do you keep yourself warm and avoid setting your wallet on fire? Clark discusses ways to help you use less electricity. Grocery Savings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Power Bills: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Save Money on Groceries: 22 Clever Ways Aldi products have a new look / Aldi rebrands its private-label products Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More  /  How To Monitor Your Credit How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion How To Save Money on Utilities   /   Electrify Now Heat Pumps  /  Want a heat pump? This startup just cut the cost in half Is It Ever OK To Co-Sign a Loan With a Family Member? 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