Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  

Also,  data centers being built around the country have been polarizing, but one thing is for certain: your electricity bills are going up. Clark describes how the deals are done - often out of public view, who should rightfully pay the freight, and issues a critical call to action.

All this and more on the September 11, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

• Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
• Data Centers- A Call To Action: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Why Clark Howard Changed His Mind About Prenups
• Car Rental Insurance: Everything You Need To Know - Clark Howard
• Is Now the Time To Get a CD or a CD Ladder? - Clark Howard
• Where Should You Keep Your Cash Reserve?  /  TreasuryDirect.gov
• When Should You File a Claim on Your Homeowners Insurance?
• Cell Phone Protection: These Credit Cards Will Replace Your Stolen or Damaged Phone
• NYTimes: Data Centers to Add Billions in Power Costs in 13 States 
• [The Washington Post] How utility and tech firms ‘educate’ regulators with big donations, secret retreats 
• What Is Service Line Insurance and Do I Need It? - Clark Howard
• National September 11 Memorial & Museum
• 9/11 Day · September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

Clark.com resources:

• Episode transcripts
• Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark
• Clark.com daily money newsletter
• Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rapid Fire Q&A: The "Happiest Retiree" Pet Factor, RMD Alternatives, Fidelity’s New Annuity + More Questions Answered

Welcome to our first monthly "Rapid Fire Thursday" episode of Ask an Advisor! Today, Wes Moss is opening up the listener mailbag to answer your direct financial questions. We’re covering a wide range of topics: from how pets fit into the "Happiest Retirees" research, to whether UTMA accounts or Trump Accounts beat out a classic 529 plan for college and savings goals. Plus, we address pension life insurance strategies, handling portfolio planning with reduced life expectancy, and how to navigate the infamous "Tax Torpedo" in retirement.

Mentioned on the show:

• Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules
• The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard
• Best 529 College Savings Plans By State
• Roth IRA vs Traditional (Pre-Tax) IRA Calculator - Clark Howard

All this and more on the September 10, 2026, Ask an Advisor “Rapid Fire” episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.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: 

• BOOKS BY WES MOSS  
• Wes Moss, CFP® 
• Wes Moss - Clark.com
  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you pay a lower price for lower quality? Clark readily admits he would - in some cases. Is buying the absolute cheapest option actually saving you money, or is it a hidden trap? Clark breaks down the everyday dilemma between price and long-term quality, sharing where he happily goes rock-bottom cheap (like flat-screen TVs) versus where paying a bit more pays off for safety, durability, and real value.

Also, are you staying in your job to keep your benefits?  Nearly 1 in 4 Americans are stuck in jobs they want to leave simply because they can't afford to lose their health coverage. Clark exposes the bizarre history behind "job lock" and explains why tying healthcare and complex retirement plans to employment is a system that desperately needs fixing.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 9, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

• Price Vs Quality: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Job Lock: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• When Saving Money Costs More in the Long Run
• Is It Worth Buying High-End Appliances? - Clark Howard
• How To Open a Roth IRA - Clark Howard
• Roth IRA Growth Calculator - 2026 - Clark Howard
• My 7 Rules for Using Credit Cards - Clark Howard
• US Mobile Review: 6 Things To Know Before You Sign Up
• The Best International Phone Plans - Clark Howard
• Using Cellular Data Internationally: Buying a Local SIM Card 
• Staying in a job for the health insurance? About 1 in 4 Americans do, a survey says
• The Millionaire Next Door
• Is LifeLock Worth It? - Clark Howard
• How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion

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

Why the "K-Shaped" Economy is WRONG & What Rising Interest Rates Mean for You

Is the "K-shaped" economy an accurate description of what Americans are experiencing today? Wes breaks down why the economy looks less like a "K" and more like an "E" — and what that means for your money, spending, and job prospects.

Wes also tackles the burning question on every investor and homeowner's mind: What happens if interest rates keep rising? From the 10-Year Treasury yield to the inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices, learn how potential rate hikes could impact your mortgage, car loans, and fixed-income portfolio.

Mentioned on the show:

• Axios: The closing of the "K"
• Remote work -- not AI -- has sidelined recent college graduates
• 5 Keys To Be a Successful Investor

All this and more on the September 8, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask

Discover the research-backed path to a happier retirement – order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com

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

Learn more about Wes: 

• BOOKS BY WES MOSS  
• Wes Moss, CFP® 
• Wes Moss - Clark.com
  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also, Clark discusses retirement with Wes Moss including how we can plan for not only a solid financial future, but a happy one as well.

• Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
• Clark & Wes On Retirement: Segments3 & 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Why Property Taxes Are Soaring (and How To Fight Back)
• Why You Need To Lock Your Brokerage Account Today
• Why Your HOA Fees Are Skyrocketing - Clark Howard
• The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard
• T-Mobile Retires Legacy Plans: Expect a Price Increase
• FCC - Filing an Informal Complaint
• Why some Americans are forced to retire too soon - Marketplace
• A Single Change to Your Car-Buying Habits Could Add $250,000 to Retirement
• Gen Z 401(k) Savings Compared to Older Generations

Discover the research-backed path to an earlier, happier retirement – order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com.

All this and more on the September 4, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

Note: No show on Monday due to Labor Day. Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

Clark.com resources:

• Episode transcripts
• Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark
• Clark.com daily money newsletter
• Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A surprising new study shows that Millennials and Gen Z account for 80% of all new timeshare purchases. In an era where homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for younger generations, buying into a timeshare might offer a psychological sense of owning real estate—but it is one of the worst financial traps you can walk into. 

Also, how can you tell if something is a fake brand or not? There is a helpful new browser extension called Knockoff designed to clean up your Amazon search results. Because Amazon functions largely as a third-party marketplace and fulfillment house, the platform has been flooded with junky, counterfeit items and unknown knockoff brands. A member of Team Clark tested Knockoff and found it does a great job filtering out suspect sellers and warning you about low-quality duplicates as you shop. Read the full review.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 2, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

• Timeshare Trap: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Amazon Brand Filter: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• ⁠Why Timeshares Still Stink
• How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your Timeshare - Clark Howard
• Car Rental Insurance: Everything You Need To Know - Clark Howard
• Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know
• Air Traffic Control Chaos: Brace Yourself Travel Headaches
• Knockoff: The Free Tool That Spots Fake Brands on Amazon
• Why You Need To Lock Your Brokerage Account Today

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

In this episode, Wes shares why retiring as soon as possible is more critical than most people realize. He highlights why waiting too long can cost you the best, most active years of your life, and explains how the Retire Sooner Method helps you shave years off your career so you can enjoy true freedom while you still have the energy to use it.

Also, Wes tackles one of the biggest threats facing new retirees today: Sequence of Returns Risk. Even in a strong market, market downturns in the first few years of retirement can drastically alter your long-term wealth. Through a side-by-side example of two retirees with identical 5% average returns, Wes demonstrates how early negative returns during active withdrawals can leave one person with nearly a million dollars less than the other. You'll gain a clear understanding of why timing matters just as much as average returns, along with practical steps to adjust early withdrawal strategies and safeguard your nest egg against market volatility.

Mentioned on the show: Understanding The Biggest Risk to New Retirees (Sequence of Return Risk)

All this and more on the September 1, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask

Discover the research-backed path to a happier retirement – order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com

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

• BOOKS BY WES MOSS  
• Wes Moss, CFP® 
• Wes Moss - Clark.com
  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American healthcare and financial systems can feel deeply broken, but you are not powerless. With healthcare costs skyrocketing and deductibles growing larger every year, many people feel trapped when facing a medical procedure. Clark shares an instructive real-world story from The Washington Post, explaining how price transparency (and lack thereof) impacts your wallet and why price-shopping non-emergency medical procedures is essential for protecting your savings.

Clark also addresses the growing wave of financial stress facing millions of households now. As inflation strains budgets and credit card default rates rise, debt collectors are taking consumers to court in record numbers. If you or a loved one are dealing with aggressive debt collectors, Clark walks through your legal rights, how to stop harassing calls, and why getting every agreement in writing is non-negotiable.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 31, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

• Compare Medical Procedure Costs: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Debt Collection Help: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• [WPost] His surgery was $23,000. After shopping around, he paid less than $5,000.
• Americans seeking affordable doctors and medicines abroad — The Conversation
• Is Medical Tourism Right for You? - Clark Howard
• 10 Ways To Save Money on Health Care - Clark Howard 
• Remove my private info from Google Search  /  Results about you
• Is the Privacy App Permission Slip Worth It? A Review
• 4 Rules Every Consumer Needs to Know to Fight Back Against Debt Collectors
• NYT: Debt Collection Suits Rise Sharply. Help for Consumers.
• How To Send a 'Drop Dead' Letter to a Collection Agency
• 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling
• How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor - Clark Howard
• What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? - Clark Howard
• Best Free Password Managers: 10 Top Picks - Clark Howard
• How To Create and Use Passkeys - Clark Howard

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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also,  every time a major technological shift happens, we hear predictions of widespread job destruction—and the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence is driving those fears to a whole new level. Clark breaks down what the AI boom actually means for your paycheck, how tech expansion shifts hidden costs onto consumers, and the concrete steps you can take today to pivot, re-educate, and make your career resilient against technological change.

All this and more on the August 28, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

• Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
• AI & Jobs: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Top Fortune 500 Companies for Remote Work - Clark Howard
• How To Find a Trustworthy Mechanic - Clark Howard
• Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know
• Should I Keep My Old Car or Buy a New Car? - Clark Howard 
• NYTimes: A.I. Companies Are Recruiting Electricians and Carpenters by the Thousands
• Employers still place a premium on people skills, not AI, when making hiring decisions
• Should I Convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? - Clark Howard 
• Top 7 Ways To Shop Safely Online - Clark Howard 

Clark.com resources:

• Episode transcripts
• Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark
• Clark.com daily money newsletter
• Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With food prices sky high, food waste is an area of real concern - and potential savings. Clark breaks down the truth behind confusing expiration dates like "Best By" versus "Use By" as marketing tactics designed to get you to buy more often.

Also, Clark tackles a critical and all too common relationship issue: one partner completely in the dark about household money. A household culture of "he handles it" or "she takes care of that"  is a pathway to financial stress, hidden debt, and complete chaos if the unexpected occurs. Clark discusses how couples can maintain financial independence without secrets, and outlines a simple seasonal document routine to ensure both partners always know where all accounts, debts, and assets are located.
Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 26, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

• Waste Not: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Couples’ Financials: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• 10 Ways You’re Wasting Money on Groceries - Clark.com
• Do you toss food once the date on the label has passed? Experts say that's often a waste
• How To Choose a Tour Company - Clark Howard
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards: Setting Up a No Annual Fee Rewards System
• The Most Dangerous Words I Hear From Married Couples as a Financial Adviser: 'He Handles It'
• When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use a 529 Plan - Clark Howard

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

In this special episode, fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss answers your top questions on high-yield savings accounts, college planning, investing for grandchildren, preparing for retirement, and more. Whether you’re dealing with falling savings rates or trying to navigate high-yield dividend options, Wes breaks down the practical strategies you need to keep your money working for you.

Mentioned on the show:

• Where Should You Keep Your Cash Reserve? - Clark Howard
• Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute
• The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard
• Best 529 College Savings Plans By State

All this and more on the August 25, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask

Discover the research-backed path to a happier retirement – pre-order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com

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

Learn more about Wes: 

• BOOKS BY WES MOSS  
• Wes Moss, CFP® 
• Wes Moss - Clark.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices