The Clark Howard Podcast
Clark Howard
Save more and spend less is more than just a motto for money expert Clark Howard; it’s a way of life. Clark and his crew — Team Clark — are on a mission to empower people to take control of their personal finances by providing money-saving tips, consumer advice, hot deals and economic news to help everyone achieve financial freedom. Clark is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host and a consumer reporter for television stations around the country. His podcast, The Clark Howard Show, receives more than one million downloads each month and is a hub for listeners to get valuable advice on-demand any time. Clark answers questions on the most popular business and consumer topics including; how to buy a cars, financing a home, retirement planning, shopping for insurance and getting the most out of your savings. Join the conversation and submit your question to www.clark.com/askclark . Clark spearheads two free resources — Clark.com and ClarkDeals.com — to encourage consumers to save more, spend less and avoid ripoffs.
Episodes
Mentioned books
22 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 41min
07.15.25 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
Wes Moss, a fiduciary financial advisor and author focusing on retirement strategies, dives into crucial financial topics. He explores the optimal timing for taking Social Security benefits, emphasizing personalized scenarios to maximize payouts. Wes also discusses target date funds, comparing them to TV dinners for their convenience while cautioning that they’re not without flaws. The conversation is lively, covering various listener questions about investment strategies and planning for retirement, making complex topics more accessible.
26 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 26min
07.14.25 Auto Insurers Tracking Drivers / Gas Station Credit Card Surcharge Surprise
The rising costs of auto insurance take center stage as insurers increasingly track drivers, sometimes without their consent. Discover the ins and outs of usage-based premiums, which can either reward or penalize conscientious drivers. Later, get the scoop on credit card surcharges at gas stations, where surprise fees can hit your wallet hard. Clark argues for transparency in these practices, providing essential info to help you navigate your finances wisely.
8 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 33min
07.11.25 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / For Job Seekers
This discussion dives into listener critiques and the importance of learning from feedback. It offers valuable insights into the current job market, especially for recent graduates, suggesting trades as a viable path. There's a comparison of mutual funds and ETFs, exploring their tax implications. It also highlights secure payment methods and addresses concerns about financial tracking tools. Plus, Clark shares tips on protecting financial data and the benefits of gaining work experience while in school.
14 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 30min
07.09.25 Cruise Industry Update / Affordable Housing Solutions Are Out There
The cruise industry is experiencing a shift as demand wanes, prompting savvy tips for cheaper travel options and better experiences. Listeners learn how to navigate independent excursions and find budget flights. On the housing front, innovative building techniques from Brooklyn promise to tackle America’s affordable housing crisis. Additionally, urgent advice is given on solar panel installation to maximize savings. The conversation balances travel insights with pressing issues, making for an enlightening and entertaining listen.
16 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 36min
07.08.25 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
Wes Moss, a fiduciary financial advisor and author of 'What the Happiest Retirees Know', shares crucial insights on retirement planning. He warns listeners about a significant Roth 401(k) rollover mistake related to the 5-year rule that could lead to big losses. Wes also shares heartwarming wisdom drawn from a couple's retirement journey, highlighting essential keys to a happy retirement. Additionally, he tackles listener questions, providing valuable strategies for optimizing Social Security and navigating market fluctuations for financial stability.
17 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 32min
07.07.25 Epidemic Of SCAMS On Social Media / Fight Health Insurance Denials
Scams on social media are running rampant, with influencers and bots misleading users about products and investments. Meanwhile, health insurance denials are a major hurdle for many; appeals can often turn the tide in your favor. The conversation highlights the importance of consumer vigilance and understanding patient rights to combat these issues. With rising ambulance costs and insurance complexities, the discussion emphasizes the need for awareness and informed advocacy in healthcare.
27 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 32min
07.02.25 OK 401(k) / It’s A Large Small Business World
Today’s discussion dives into the concerning trends in retirement accounts and the best practices for maximizing 401(k) benefits. There’s a strong focus on the role of small businesses in wealth creation and economic stability, especially amid uncertainty. Listeners learn about the importance of steady retirement saving and common pitfalls to avoid. The podcast also tackles the intrigue of Moo Moo's high-yield savings offer and highlights the critical importance of understanding insurance in today’s financial landscape.
16 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 28min
06.30.25 Airfare Update / Travel Credit Card Points Devalued
Explore the latest tricks airlines use to hike fares and how savvy travelers can navigate these changes. Discover the troubling trend of credit card points losing value, mirroring issues faced by frequent flyer miles. Learn tips for securing cheap flights, including strategic booking for business class travel to New Zealand. Plus, find out how membership perks can save frequent flyers money, and weigh the pros and cons of traditional vs. Roth 401(k) contributions. Get informed on making smart financial choices in today's travel landscape!
58 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 36min
06.27.25 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Savings Rate Vigilance
This installment tackles listener feedback on past financial advice, shedding light on the games banks and brokerages play with your money. It critically examines the worth of extended warranties and explores tax benefits of I-bonds. Listeners share their frustrations with financial institutions, and the importance of end-of-life conversations is emphasized, offering insights into the emotional relief they can provide. Also discussed are travel benefits with T-Mobile and practical tips for navigating tax returns and savings rates.
7 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 30min
06.25.25 Warehouse Club Wisdom / Working Your Way Out Of Debt
Many people are turning to warehouse clubs like Costco for budget-friendly shopping amidst economic concerns. However, there's a caveat—Clark expresses unease over a new payment option that he advises against. Tackling the burden of debt, the conversation explores practical strategies for managing finances, including side hustles and smart savings. The show also dives into the evolving landscape of online payment systems, touching on security issues and support for those navigating their financial challenges.
