The Clark Howard Podcast

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.

The podcast dives into the economic implications of auto tariffs, offering guidance for car buyers in a changing market. It discusses the recent bankruptcy of 23andMe and stresses the importance of deleting personal data. Insights on using rental services like Turo for test driving vehicles are shared, alongside strategies for managing high-yield savings accounts. Additionally, the show addresses the complexities of ambulance insurance and provides tips to protect aging loved ones from financial scams.

Listeners dive into the revealing 'Clark Stinks' segment, sharing the good and the bad of consumer advice. Clark warns about potential scams in the cruise industry, ensuring travelers stay alert. Money-saving tips for summer are shared, including thermostat management strategies. The conversation extends to the challenges of grocery shopping and navigating digital wallets for international travel. Insights on credit card limit reductions highlight banking's growing scrutiny of responsible borrowers.

Recent tariff announcements have sent shockwaves through the stock market. The podcast discusses how these tariffs act as consumer taxes and cautions against knee-jerk investment reactions. Clark offers valuable insights on maintaining a diversified portfolio. Listeners are encouraged to stay calm and avoid panic selling, even as economic changes unfold. It's a crucial reminder that understanding the impact of tariffs can help navigate financial uncertainty.

Explore the rising costs of homeowners insurance and avoid common pitfalls when choosing coverage. Discover how natural disaster risks are impacting premiums and gain insights into navigating mortgages. Dive into the complexities of meme coins and crypto, as they are touted as alternative investments. Unpack the potential risks and rewards of quick wealth accumulation, and learn about savvy financial strategies like Health Savings Accounts versus Flexible Spending Accounts.