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
17 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 30min
02.14.25 Valentines Edition: Couples And Money / Wedding Costs
Happy Valentine’s Day! This discussion dives into how couples can foster financial harmony by communicating openly about money. Navigate the complexities of wedding costs, which are soaring to around $36,000, and discover tips for prioritizing long-term financial health over extravagant celebrations. It also sheds light on the importance of credit counseling for financial challenges, alongside advice for safe travel planning and consumer rights in the realm of gift cards. Love and money can coexist with the right strategies!
11 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 31min
02.12.25 Finding A Side Gig / Finances: Teach Your Children Well
Learn about the booming trend of side gigs as many look for extra income, along with tips to recognize scams and understand tax implications. Explore the critical gap in financial education for kids and ways to equip them with essential money skills. There's also a discussion on managing aging parents' healthcare and the complexities of high-mileage vehicle repairs. Plus, get insights on navigating rising life insurance premiums and the importance of improving credit health before applying for new credit.
Feb 11, 2025 • 34min
02.11.25 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
Wes Moss, a CFP® and fiduciary financial advisor, dives into crucial financial decisions related to pensions and investments. He provides a simple method for choosing between a monthly pension and a lump sum, emphasizing the 6% test and inflation's impact. Wes shares insights on investing during high market periods, challenging the fear of peaks. He also tackles listener questions on investment strategies, exploring Vanguard funds and tax implications for inherited IRAs. This engaging discussion offers valuable tips for navigating financial waters with confidence.
14 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 34min
02.10.25 Housing & Transportation Costs / 2025 Traffic
Navigating financial challenges? Discover how to avoid money traps associated with housing and transportation costs. With 2025 bringing back more in-office work, anticipate heavier metro traffic and learn strategies to cope. Delve into the complexities of homeownership and its hidden expenses, plus tips for safe vehicle purchases. The podcast also tackles the importance of understanding medical privacy in consumer tests and offers insights into evolving workplace culture. Don't miss expert advice on managing elderly driving safety too!
Feb 7, 2025 • 39min
02.07.25 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Energy Prices & Home Building
This week, the discussion dives into rising energy prices, revealing surprising causes behind the spike. Home building practices are also reexamined, emphasizing the need for efficiency. Listener feedback in 'Clark Stinks' brings humor and insights into financial advice. Clark shares practical tips on lowering heating bills and navigating complex issues like switching phone carriers and understanding credit reports. Additionally, he clarifies the fiduciary role in financial services, helping consumers make informed choices.
8 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 33min
02.05.25 Credit Score Perfectionism / When Travel Goes Awry…
Many aim for a perfect credit score, but it's often unnecessary—aiming for 760-780 is more realistic. Learn how to manage your credit effectively and what to do about missed payments. When travel plans go awry, having strategies in place is crucial. Discover tips for handling cancellations and the best ways to advocate for yourself with service reps. Finally, explore smart strategies for booking affordable flights and using hotel points efficiently, ensuring your travel experience is as smooth and budget-friendly as possible.
6 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 40min
02.04.25 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss - DeepSeek Shockwave: What It Means for the Economy and Your Investments
Wes Moss, a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor and expert in investing and retirement, dives into the recent AI breakthrough, DeepSeek, and its potential to boost American productivity. He discusses how this technology impacts markets and investment strategies. Wes also shares five key tips for stock diversification to mitigate losses. The conversation touches on the motivations driving workforce engagement and strategies for effective retirement planning, including the importance of maintaining safe assets for stability.
5 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 31min
02.03.25 The Net Worth Gap For Renters Vs Buyers / Valentine Diamond Deals
Discover the startling wealth gap between renters and homeowners, with homeowners boasting a net worth of $400,000 compared to just $10,400 for renters. Learn how renters can bridge this gap through smart financial strategies. As Valentine's Day nears, find out about exciting diamond deals emerging from a saturated market. Explore insights on navigating insurance claims and the evolving choices in the diamond industry, including the rise of lab diamonds, as well as tips on managing auto loans and the pitfalls of owning a timeshare.
Jan 31, 2025 • 32min
01.31.25 Warning: Vacation Rentals / Best Ways To Buy A Vehicle
Short-term vacation rentals like VRBO and Airbnb are facing more issues, raising questions about user responsibility. Learn how to navigate these platforms and the importance of good communication with hosts. On the flip side, purchasing a vehicle can be both thrilling and daunting. Discover innovative buying options that prioritize consumers and tips to avoid pitfalls, such as the risks of debit cards. Plus, find out how to manage your finances better with smart investment strategies.
Jan 29, 2025 • 33min
01.29.25 Warning: Individual Stock Trading / Pay Transparency
The stock market is becoming a risky gamble, especially for young investors, who should focus on long-term strategies. As new laws aim to improve pay transparency, understanding your worth is becoming easier in the job market. Listeners share experiences with hidden hotel fees, emphasizing the need for clear pricing. Additionally, documenting rental car damages is crucial for dispute resolution. Lastly, insights into travel credit cards reveal the best options while navigating the world of charitable giving.
