The Clark Howard Podcast

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The Clark Howard Podcast

Clark Howard

Nationally-syndicated consumer expert Clark Howard shows you practical money-saving ideas to help you Save More, Spend Less, and Avoid Ripoffs.

26 minutes 28 seconds

04.01.26 Adjustable Rate Mortgages - A Waning / High Deductible Health Plans
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are booming again, but Clark has a major warning: this "oldie but baddy" could be a financial time bomb. Clark breaks down why banks are pushing ARMs, who they actually work for (a narrow group indeed), and the "reset" risk that could cost you your home. Also, health insurance has become insanely expensive. Many Americans are skipping meals just to pay for healthcare. Clark discusses why catastrophic-only plans are a dangerous gamble and identifies the real culprit behind our skyrocketing medical bills.
- Danger: Adjustable Rate Mortgages: Segment 1
- Ask Clark: Segment 2
- High Deductible Health Plans: Segment 3
- Ask Clark: Segment 4
Mentioned on the show:
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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 April 2026, 9:00 am
36 minutes 50 seconds

03.31.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
The Hack That Turns Trump Accounts Into $3M Nest Eggs & Retire Sooner Method vs. FIRE

Wes Moss breaks down a powerful financial "hack" involving the new Trump Accounts that could change the trajectory of your family’s wealth forever. By shifting the conversation to a "Year 0" savings plan, parents and grandparents can use these accounts to kickstart a child's financial life from the day they are born. It’s a dramatic shift in how we think about retirement, proving that the one thing we can truly control is the amount of time we allow our money to grow. Also, Wes tackles the growing divide between the "Retire Sooner" method and the popular FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which over half of Gen Z now claims to follow. While the FIRE movement often requires hyper-lean budgeting, high savings percentages, and extreme deprivation to retire by 40, Wes argues for a more realistic and sustainable approach.

Plus, Mallory shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the March 31, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask.

Note: Christa will be back on Ask an Advisor next week!

We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes. Let us know what you think in the comments!

Learn more about Wes:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 March 2026, 9:00 am
28 minutes 33 seconds

03.30.26 The Credit Bureaus: Errors & Apathy / Sticker Shock: New Smart Phones
It’s always been important to monitor your credit reports, and now - more so. The number of inaccuracy complaints is up dramatically, and such mistakes can impede your ability to buy a home, get a car, or even land a job. Clark shares the latest research on how the bureaus are responding (or not) and offers direction for dealing with credit report errors. Also - Pressures in the chip industry have led to shortages and higher costs for smart phones. Should you upgrade now or wait?
- Credit Bureau Errors: Segment 1
- Ask Clark: Segment 2
- The Price Of New Cell Phones: Segment 3
- Ask Clark: Segment 4
Mentioned on the show:
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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
30 March 2026, 9:00 am
32 minutes 54 seconds

03.27.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Avoid Two Costly 401(k) Mistakes
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today - the American 401(k) is a tale of two economies. While the average balance grew by a staggering amount in 2025, more workers than ever are "raiding" their accounts to cover short-term needs. Our “Man From Roth” explains the best approach for maximizing your retirement investments, while minimizing future taxation.
- Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
- 401(k) Guidance: Segment 3
- Ask Clark: Segment 4
Mentioned on the show:
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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 March 2026, 9:00 am
31 minutes 23 seconds

03.25.26 Home Insurance Spy Drones / K-Economy Price Patterns
Think your home is private? Think again. Clark discusses the rise of insurance companies using drones, satellite data & AI to inspect property – and make replacement demands based on what could be bad data. Also today - Retailers are responding to today’s marketplace with different prices for different customers. Companies of all types are targeting two extremes: the big spenders and the budget-conscious. Clark explains how to navigate these "price buckets" to make sure you aren't overpaying.
- Home Insurance Spy Tech: Segment 1
- Ask Clark: Segment 2
- K-Economy Pricing Patterns: Segment 3
- Ask Clark: Segment 4
Mentioned on the show:
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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25 March 2026, 9:00 am
37 minutes 54 seconds

03.24.26 Clark + Wes: Investing During Global Conflict & Sneaky Risks of Private Credit
Clark + Wes: Investing During Global Conflict & Sneaky Risks of Private Credit

Is the conflict in the Middle East about to tank your investments? Money experts Clark Howard and Wes Moss sit down for a special "Ask an Advisor" segment to discuss oil prices, the economy, travel price predictions, and most importantly, what to do when the state of the world is making you nervous about your investments. In the second half, Clark and Wes explain the difference between private equity & private credit, and share a major warning about private credit. They break down why "12% yields" are often a trap and how to protect your portfolio from the latest "story investments."

Mentioned on the show:
All this and more on the March 24, 2026, 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:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 March 2026, 9:00 am
30 minutes 43 seconds

03.23.26 SAVE MORE On Gasoline And Printer Ink
There are ways to combat the runup in gas prices right now. Clark shares a smart strategy to help stretch your gas money, and explains why used EVs are a bargain for the right driver. Also, are you tired of being ripped off by printer ink? Clark breaks down the "cheap printer, expensive ink" trap and reveals smarter ways to save.
- SPEND LESS On Gasoline: Segment 1
- Ask Clark: Segment 2
- Avoid Printer Ink Rip-Offs: Segment 3
- Ask Clark: Segment 4
Mentioned on the show:
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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
23 March 2026, 9:00 am
36 minutes 37 seconds

03.20.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Airfare Booking Strategy
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today - Is booking travel a smart idea right now? Airfares are surging with the price of jet fuel since hostilities began. Clark shares smart strategies to help you book for less.
- Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
- Flight Booking Strategy: Segment 3
- Ask Clark: Segment 4
Mentioned on the show:
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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
20 March 2026, 9:00 am
24 minutes 49 seconds

03.18.26 Where NOT To Invest - NEVER EVER / The Grandparent Trap
Today - Clark takes aim at the "monster mega banks" and explains why they are often the worst place for your investment dollars. Major banks are rebranding branches to capture more consumer assets, yet these institutions often lack a fiduciary duty to their clients. You’ve got lower-cost alternatives to help you get ahead. Also, Clark shares an important message for grandparents or anyone who loves and cares about a grandparent - a heartfelt reminder to protect those who have spent a lifetime building their savings, from going broke in their later years.
- Where NOT To Invest: Segment 1
- Ask Clark: Segment 2
- For Grandparents: Segment 3
- Ask Clark: Segment 4
Mentioned on the show:
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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
18 March 2026, 9:00 am
44 minutes 37 seconds

03.17.23 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss
How Oil Price Shocks Impact the Market & AI Isn’t Killing Jobs—It’s Burning Us Out

As we face one of the largest oil supply disruptions in history, Wes Moss explores how geopolitical shocks in the Middle East impact your wallet and the stock market, while reinforcing why long-term longevity beats market timing every time. Also, a new crisis is emerging in the workplace – AI-driven burnout. Contrary to fears of job loss, recent data across 443 million work hours suggests that AI tools are actually expanding our workdays and increasing weekend labor. Wes discusses why the real risk of the tech revolution isn't a lack of work, but rather the challenge of balancing an "always-on" culture where every task is now achievable.

Mentioned on the show:

Do You Really Need To Rebalance Your Portfolio?

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the March 17, 2026, 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:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
17 March 2026, 9:00 am
29 minutes 33 seconds

03.16.26 Best Auto Insurers / Discounters Go Wide
Finally profitable again, the auto insurance industry has developed a renewed sense of competition for customers. Clark shares guidelines for finding companies big on customer service and value. Also, Americans are saving big bucks through “no spending” trends, and switching retailers. Thrift-centered businesses like Goodwill and Dollar Tree are thriving across all demographics. Clark admits he was wrong about Dollar Tree’s decision to move past its signature $1 price point, explaining how the transition to a multi-price range has elevated the brand across the country.
- Best Auto Insurers: Segment 1
- Ask Clark: Segment 2
- Discounters Thriving: Segment 3
- Ask Clark: Segment 4
Mentioned on the show:
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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
16 March 2026, 9:00 am
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