The Clark Howard Podcast

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 1Ask Clark: Segment 2A Briefing On BOND FUNDS: Segment 3Ask Clark: Segment 4Mentioned 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 resourcesEpisode transcriptsCommunity.Clark.com  /  Ask ClarkClark.com daily money newsletterConsumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoicesAdvertisers: Policygenius.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scared to Spend? Don't Cancel Plans and #1 Investment BenchmarkWorried 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

Dive into the investment potential of gold as a reliable asset amidst market uncertainties. Learn strategies for purchasing gold and why it can be a smart move. On the tech front, uncover the latest deals from cell phone carriers and find out how to choose the best plan for your needs. Additionally, explore the shift to ACH payments for bills and the advantages of Health Savings Accounts for managing medical expenses. Tune in for actionable tips on both money and tech!

Listeners engage in a lively discussion about tackling medical insurance denials and the power of appealing these decisions. There’s humor in analyzing unpleasant smells, illustrating an unusual yet entertaining comparison. The podcast highlights the implications of health data privacy, especially with recent issues faced by 23andMe. Furthermore, insights are shared on navigating Social Security decisions, and tackling health insurance frustrations, while encouraging proactive financial strategies. Tips are also provided for making smart investment choices.

Dive into the rapid rise of AI and why relying too heavily on it might cost you time and money. Uncover practical advice on navigating class action settlements and the frustrations of using virtual credit cards. Explore the financial impact of leaving restaurant leftovers behind and learn the benefits of taking home those doggy bags. Plus, gain insights on credit card rewards, condo insurance, and travel strategies for your next adventure. It's a treasure trove of tips and tricks to enhance your consumer savvy!

Wes Moss, a fiduciary financial advisor, shares insights on navigating market volatility caused by recent tariff announcements. He provides valuable lessons from both market meltdowns and recoveries, emphasizing the importance of a balanced investment strategy. Additionally, Wes discusses findings from the Mappiness Project, revealing the top activities that boost happiness, like maintaining close relationships and enjoying warm weather. He also answers listener questions on retirement planning, showcasing his expertise in creating financial confidence.

Learn all about stagflation, its historical roots, and how it could impact your personal finances. The discussion highlights why traditional banks may not be the best choice in today's economy. Dive into the dangers of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' schemes and the psychological effects they have on consumers. Discover strategies to manage credit effectively in this challenging environment, including tips to improve your credit score. Plus, hear about the complexities of Social Security and frustrating travel experiences that raise ethical questions.

In this episode, feedback from listeners sparks a lively discussion about the job market's current state, highlighting similarities to 2009's recession. Clark shares insights on where job seekers can find opportunities in today's frozen market. Techniques for maximizing credit card rewards for travel are explored, alongside essential tips for safeguarding personal information. A cautionary tale about scams serves as a reminder to verify everything, while practical advice on purchasing protections ensures listeners feel informed and wary of financial fraud.

Dollar Tree is rethinking its pricing strategy to tackle inflation, raising questions for bargain shoppers. The gasoline landscape is shifting, revealing opportunities for motorists to access better prices. Listeners ponder the implications of rising condo insurance costs in California and how to handle unexpected fees from their HOAs. As travel plans unfold, challenges with lesser-known booking platforms emerge, alongside insights on optimizing Costco memberships and exploring gas choices to save money.

Wes Moss, a fiduciary financial advisor, shares his expertise on investing and retirement planning. He discusses the dangers of shifting investments to cash during volatile times and offers three strategies to combat that urge. With inflation impacting finances heavily, Wes provides essential tips for maintaining purchasing power while optimizing investments. Listeners also get a chance to have their burning questions answered, enhancing their financial literacy. It's a treasure trove of advice for savvy investors.