Nationally-syndicated consumer expert Clark Howard shows you practical money-saving ideas to help you Save More, Spend Less, and Avoid Ripoffs.
Clark takes on the touchy subject of merging finances with a significant other. The transition from financial independence to shared responsibility requires planning and ongoing conversations. Clark warns that silence is the enemy of a healthy relationship. Also today, Clark revisits the popular dream of retiring on a cruise ship. While "living at sea" was once considered a brilliant financial hack, the post-COVID landscape has changed the math entirely. Clark breaks down the current reality.
Mentioned on the show:
Clark.com resources:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Successful People Struggle With Retirement & What’s Going On With the Economy?
In this episode, Wes tackles the psychological hurdle that many high-achievers face when they finally reach the "Retirement Green Zone." After decades of using hard work, discipline, and ambition to build a nest egg, it can be incredibly difficult to simply turn that drive off. Wes discusses the "ambition guilt" that many retirees feel when they pursue creative hobbies or passions that don’t generate a paycheck. Rather than viewing this transition as "lowering" your ambition, Wes argues that the key to a happy retirement is rechanneling that legendary work ethic into areas that feed your soul instead of your bank account. Also, it can feel like we’re in a confusing state of the 2026 economy, where record-breaking corporate data seems at odds with the reality on the ground. While U.S. company profits soared by 26% in late 2025 and nominal GDP has grown significantly since 2019, many consumers are still feeling the weight of high prices. Wes explains how we are living in a "K-shaped" economy and breaks down what these disparities mean for your wallet and how to navigate an environment where productivity is higher than ever, but the benefits aren't being shared equally.
Mentioned on the show:
Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 21, 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
Security cameras can work well to help protect your home and safety. Clark references Consumer Reports and CNET reviews highlighting quality, DIY camera options that offer motion alerts and peace of mind without the recurring bill. Also today - Online purchases mean delivery decisions, amid offerings of ultra-fast delivery from Amazon and its e-commerce competitors. Clark warns that there is nothing "free" about shipping. The trend is to receive items the day you order them, often in hours. But there’s another option that goes the opposite way - delayed delivery for less money. That trend is your friend.
Mentioned on the show:
Clark.com resources:
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 today - the travel industry’s ongoing reaction to rising fuel costs calls for new guidance for booking travel. Clark reveals why he never starts his search on an airline’s website and how a simple shift in your booking psychology can save you hundreds.
Mentioned on the show:
Clark.com resources:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The real estate market is traditionally at its height in the spring. This year, AI is factoring into home sales in two distinct ways. While AI slop infests listings, AI is improving the mortgage approval process. Know what to look out for as a homebuyer. Also, is studying abroad worth the cost? At a time when grads’ job prospects are jumbled by market upheaval, a new study shows that a semester overseas can boost a graduate's starting salary by thousands. And the advantages don’t end there. Clark explains how some students are taking the idea a step further.
Mentioned on the show:
Clark.com resources:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How To Find (and Afford) Your Dream Home in Retirement
Deciding where to spend your retirement is one of the most significant transitions you’ll ever make, but it requires a systematic approach to get it right. Whether you plan to stay in your current home or relocate to a new destination, your environment directly impacts your long-term happiness. In this episode, Wes Moss shares tips to find – and afford – your dream community in retirement. Many retirees face the "housing overlap headache," where you find your new home in five minutes, but it takes five months to sell your old one. If you don't want to carry a mortgage or trigger a "tax tsunami," Wes breaks down a strategy that can help.
Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 14, 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
One in five Americans uses self-storage units. How do you avoid rip-offs in an industry long characterized by bait & switch tactics? Learn Clark’s strategies for avoiding such price hikes, and essential steps for protecting your belongings. Also, you may have seen the news stories about the late Jimmy Buffet’s family doing battle over his estate. Believe it or not, this type of situation is not that rare. The "Great Wealth Transfer" has ushered in a surge of estate disputes. Clark shares how smart planning now can help prevent family conflicts and legal fees from eroding your legacy.
Mentioned on the show:
Clark.com resources:
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 today - Scam artists are getting more sophisticated and they’re targeting your retirement funds. Clark explains this digital crime wave and how fraudsters are using sophisticated tools & tricks to get into your accounts. The first step in protecting your money is being aware of some of the latest techniques these criminals use.
Mentioned on the show:
Clark.com resources:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today - if you’ve been planning summer travel, you may have sticker shock from hotel & airfare costs. Travel inflation is real, so it pays to know Clark’s "Golden Rules" for booking to ensure you don't overpay. Also, Clark discusses the growing movement to ban cell phones in schools, restaurants, and concert venues. Some businesses and artists are jumping on the cell phone BAN-wagon.
Mentioned on the show:
Clark.com resources:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Young Investors Are Taking Big Risks & Costly Pension Mistake
Are you feeling financially behind? You aren’t alone. Wes Moss reveals that a staggering 73% of Americans feel like they are losing the financial race — and why the "solution" many are turning to is actually a dangerous trap. Wes explains how to leverage your greatest asset to build real, lasting wealth through patient accumulation. Also, Wes tackles the "Pot of Gold" syndrome that haunts retirees. A study from MetLife shows that one in five Americans who receive a pension lump sum run out of that money in an average of just four years. Learn how to protect your future by turning a one-time lump sum into a permanent stream of financial freedom.
Mentioned on the show: How To Turn Part of Your Nest Egg Into a Pension
Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 7, 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
Investing has never been cheaper - or more expensive - depending on where you choose to grow your money. What to know to be a Clark Smart investor. Also - Should you use ChatGPT Health? While AI is revolutionizing medical research and helping patients find specialized care - this all comes with a warning.
Mentioned on the show:
Clark.com resources:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices