Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also,  many Americans are ordering medications from online websites and pharmacies, and a major player is being sued by the FTC. Online medical services promising quick prescriptions for sensitive conditions seem convenient, but they could be costing you more than money—they might be handing over your private health data. Clark discusses the broader boom of direct-to-consumer online doctor services and why you need to protect both your wallet and your privacy.  All this and more on the August 21, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

• Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
• Online Med Sites: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard
• How Do I Use All the Funds on My Visa Gift Card? - Clark Howard
• Best Secured Credit Cards for 2026: Top Picks for Building or Repairing Credit
• BBB - Hims & Hers Inc.
• WSJ: FTC Sues Hims & Hers, Alleging Unlawful Sharing of Data, Deceptive Billing
• Best Cash Management Account: Comparing Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab

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

If you think winning the lottery is the only way to achieve financial independence, think again! The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement has shifted drastically over the years in the wake of inflation, rising housing costs, and healthcare challenges, but the core principle of FI is more relevant today than ever. Clark shares his own journey—including retiring at 31 and  starting his first business by living on half his income—to show you how living on less than you make can buy you ultimate freedom.

Also, are you really getting a discount, or are retailers just playing mind games? Clark exposes how major stores—especially in clothing and online marketplaces like Amazon—artificially inflate original prices just to mark them back down. Learn how to spot deceptive pricing tricks, use historic price-tracking tools, and resist psychological sales traps so you never get ripped off again.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 19, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

• FIRE Movement Update: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Pricing Tricks: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• What Does Financial Freedom Mean To You? Our Six Levels
• What I got wrong about FIRE   /   How to Retire Early in 7 Steps
• Best Of: The Clark Origin Story  /  About Clark Howard
• What Is Mortgage Recasting? / Mortgage Recast Calculator
• How some retailers inflate original prices to create fake discounts
• How To Get the Best Price Possible Shopping Online - Clark Howard
• How To Use Camelcamelcamel - Clark Howard
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Home NAELA
• Best Small Business Credit Cards - Clark Howard
• How Do I Remove Myself as an Authorized User on a Credit Card?

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

What History Really Says About All-Time Market Highs & Should You Move to a 55+ Community?

With the S&P 500 continuously hitting new all-time highs in 2026, many investors are wondering if the market has moved too far, too fast. In this episode, Wes Moss dives into the history of market highs, explaining why record-breaking runs are actually far more common—and far less dangerous—than headlines suggest.

Also, Wes tackles one of the biggest lifestyle decisions in retirement: deciding where to live. Maintaining a vibrant social circle gets harder as we age, but moving to an active 55+ community can provide the built-in social network, amenities, and lifestyle needed to thrive. Wes walks through a real-life case study of how to properly research, visit during peak seasons, and test-drive these neighborhoods before buying. Plus, he reveals a clever tax strategy for funding your next home without triggering a massive tax bill.

Mentioned on the show:

• The Overlooked 'Rule of 55' Could Unlock an Earlier Retirement
• A Simple Rule for When To Take Social Security

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 18, 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

Finding an affordable rental was hard enough, but now landlords are taking a cue from hotels and airlines by hitting tenants with hidden junk fees. From mandatory charges for bundled trash pickup and overpriced cable to outrageous $200 monthly add-ons just for working from home, these unexpected fees inflate the cost of living. When apartment hunting, Clark urges us to check for this specific list before committing to a lease.

Meanwhile, tap-to-pay remains one of the safest ways to shop using digital tokenization, but scammers have found a clever way to exploit your generosity. Fraudsters posing as street solicitors for fake charities are asking people to tap their phones to donate, only to take the device and quietly alter a $20 donation into a $200 charge. Clark shares what you need to know to protect your wallet.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 17, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

• Renter Junk Fees: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Phone Tap-To-Pay Alert: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• The rent was already high. Then came the $200 work-from-home fee -USA TODAY 
• Clark Deals: Today’s Top Travel Deals
• How To Use Priceline To Save on Travel - Clark Howard
• Military and Veterans Guide: Free Resources for Your Finances
• Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips - Clark Howard
• Costco Travel: 5 Things To Know Before You Book - Clark Howard
• USA TODAY: Tap to pay is convenient. These 6 steps can protect your money
• Empower Review: How It Works, Pros & Cons - Clark Howard
• Best Budgeting Apps in 2026: Our Top 7 - Clark Howard
• Clark.com Calculators

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, to protect your young adult and give your family peace of mind, there are critical legal and financial forms every teenager should sign at age 18. Setting up these documents is simple, inexpensive, and essential for any family navigating the transition to adulthood. Taking a few minutes to put these protections in place today can save your family from unnecessary hardship when it matters most, as Clark explains.

All this and more on the August 14, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

• Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
• Essential Signings: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• What's the Best Thermostat Setting for Summer To Save Money?
• 5 Major Bills You Can Lower This Month - Clark Howard
• Fixed Wireless Internet: Using Your Cellular Service Provider for Home Internet
• Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? - Clark Howard
• 3 Financial Documents Everyone Should Have by Age 18
• What Do I Need To Do To Make Sure My Financial Affairs Are in Order Before I Die or Become Disabled?
• Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything

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

Apple device prices are soaring due to rising hardware costs, and their newest solution is to offer “forever leases” on iPhones, Macs, and iPads for a fixed monthly fee. While this subscription-style leasing model might make sense if you’re a tech enthusiast, it’s a dangerous financial trap for the average consumer. Before you fall for the low monthly sticker price—or get tied down by a carrier’s misleading "free phone" promotion—understand the long-term cost to your wallet.

On the savings front, everyday savers have a prime opportunity now to lock in high returns before interest rates drop. If you have cash you won't need for 1 to 5 years, Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are one of the safest ways to beat inflation. Clark walks us through how to easily purchase broker-placed CDs through top discount brokerages or reputable online banks, why you should strictly avoid giant mega-banks that offer virtually zero interest, and how to protect yourself from the predatory "auto-rollover" trap that slashes your rates the moment your term ends.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 12, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

• Apple Trap: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• CD Opportunity: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Should You Lease an iPhone Through Apple Upgrade?
• Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? - Clark Howard
• Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK
• Eurostar.com: Book Europe Train Tickets and Holidays
• When Do You Need a Travel Agent? - Clark Howard
• Is Now the Time To Get a CD or a CD Ladder?
• Certificate of Deposit (CD): What Is It, Best Places To Open One
• CD Interest Calculator  /   What To Do BEFORE Your CD Expires
• BBB-File a Complaint
• How to Protect Your Wallet From Rental Car 'Gotchas' - Clark Howard
• Should I Use a Credit Card or Give Up My Bank Account Info To Save 2.3%?

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

Is Your Retirement Missing Purpose? & Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared To Spend Your Retirement Savings

Wes starts by looking at what ancient wisdom and modern research teach us about true fulfillment. As we leave the workforce, we often lose daily structure, active socialization, and full households all at once. To counter these major life headwinds, Wes discusses how planning your lifestyle goals even ten years out leads to significantly greater joy once you stop working. Also, Wes tackles the massive psychological barrier of spending down your hard-earned nest egg. Running out of money is the single biggest financial fear for most Americans. Wes shares the rule that offers an extremely high probability of success, giving you the confidence to stop worrying, start spending wisely, and enjoy the retirement you earned.

Mentioned on the show:

• Cost of Living Calculator | City and Salary Comparison Tool
• Do You Really Need To Rebalance Your Portfolio?
• If You Have Enough To Retire Comfortably, Should You?  

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 11, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask

Discover the research-backed path to an earlier, 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

Are you looking to break free from the time killing, mindless scrolling of phone addiction? Clark reviews the popular Brick Phone Lock—a $60 physical device paired with an app designed to lock you out of your most distracting apps. This tool might be a game-changer if phone addiction is actively hurting your productivity, work, and/or personal relationships.

Also, a massive investigative report reveals how high-profile NFL players lost millions to a sophisticated e-commerce scheme using fake Shopify stores and manipulated earnings simulations. Clark breaks down how over $1 billion has been stolen from professional athletes—and what can be learned from it. Know how to spot the red flags, protect your hard-earned money, and avoid falling for the same trap—no matter who recommends the deal.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 10, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

• STOP Scrolling: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Affinity Fraud: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Brick Phone Lock Review: Why This Device Is a Game-Changer
• Can a $60 Plastic Cube Solve Our Screen-Time Crisis? - The WSJ
• Is Frontier's GoWild! Pass Worth It? - Clark Howard 
• Is There a Safe Way to Use Your Debit Card? - Clark Howard 
• NFL Players Targeted in E-Commerce Scheme Using Fake Shopify Stores
• How To Find the Biggest Scams in Your Area - Clark Howard
• Why You Need Paper Evidence of Your Financial Accounts
• 7 Things To Know About Costco Pharmacy - Clark Howard
• 10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs - Clark Howard
• Travel Archives - 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, Clark has always considered himself an incurable romantic, and for years, his stance on prenuptial agreements was clear: signing one felt like writing a contract for failure before the marriage even began. But looking at the reality that over half of marriages end in divorce, he realized his emotional roadblock was shortchanging the people listening to his advice.

All this and more on the August 7, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

• Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
• Prenuptial Agreements: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• What You Need To Do if Your Phone Gets Lost or Stolen
• Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips - Clark Howard
• Are AutoSlash and HotelSlash Legit? - Clark Howard
• Register Your Trip with STEP
• Why Clark Howard Changed His Mind About Prenups
• How To Save Money: Spend Less & Build Your Savings
• How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance  /   Car Edge

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

More people are looking for ways to create their own job security. Clark shares two invaluable, free resources every aspiring entrepreneur should know about, and breaks down why the freedom of entrepreneurship remains one of the best ways to build lasting stability.

Also, a critical look at the rise of AI-powered, cashierless grocery stores and automated micro-markets. Highlighting an outrageous story where Ford wrongly fired an employee over an automated market glitch, Clark addresses the dangerous gap between automated retail technology and human common sense. Know how to protect yourself with electronic receipts and tap-to-pay records, ensuring an automated mistake doesn't turn into a major headache for you.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 5, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

• Resources For Entrepreneurs: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Automated Check-Out: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Business & Entrepreneurs Archives - Clark Howard 
• Service Corps of Retired Executives  /  SCORE.org
• America’s SBDC  /  Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
• National Trades Jobs Report 
• CNBC: 27-year-old locksmith spent $7,000 on tools, works around the clock in NYC: 'I'd never held a screwdriver in my life' before starting
• Unclaimed Money: How To Find and Claim Missing Funds for Free
  

Mint Mobile Code: SAVINGSPOD

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

5 Questions BEFORE You Claim Social Security &

College vs. Retirement Savings

Should you claim Social Security early or wait? While the math says waiting guarantees a bigger check, the real answer goes far beyond the numbers. In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down how to determine the right Social Security claiming age for your specific lifestyle, health, and portfolio. Also, Wes shares ideas to help you balance saving for your kid’s college without ruining your own retirement.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 4, 2026, Ask an Advisor 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!

Mentioned on the show:

• When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? - Clark Howard
• The Math On When You Break Even With Social Security
• If You Have Enough To Retire Comfortably, Should You?
• How To Balance College Savings and Retirement - Clark Howard 
• Clark Howard: Avoid This Costly College Debt Mistake

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