Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also, a knock on your door from a roofer claiming they’ve spotted hail damage via drone might feel like a lucky break, but it’s often a trap. While the idea of getting a "free new roof" is tempting, filing small or questionable claims is an abuse the industry no longer tolerates. Clark’s home insurance philosophy is an essential must-know to protect your wallet.

• 
  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
• Hail Damage Claims: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• 10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs - Clark Howard
• Why You Should Consider Security Cameras (Without the Monthly Subscription)
• 6 Cheap DIY Home Security Systems - Clark Howard
• Why Study Abroad Can Lead To Higher Starting Salaries For U.S. Graduates - Forbes
• Clark Howard: Habitat for Humanity  / Habitat
• Rethinking Homeowners Insurance: The Catastrophe-Only Rule
• When Should You File a Claim on Your Homeowners Insurance?
• Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard 
• Where Should You Keep Your Cash Reserve? - Clark Howard
• Scam Alert: New ‘Party Invite’ Message Can Empty Your Bank Account

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

While Congress has made it easier than ever to access 401(k) funds through hardship withdrawals, this can be a dangerous trap for your future self. Losing out on decades of compounded interest has long-term consequences. Before you hit retirement savings to cover a financial bump, use the Team Clark 401(k) Loan Calculator to see the true cost of that withdrawal – it might just convince you to find another way to bridge the gap.  Also, Clark breaks down how Amazon has partnered with vehicle brands in new markets, offering another option for more streamlined car buying. Know how to bypass the gimmicks and games to get a fair price on your next vehicle.

• 401(k) Loans: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• The Car Buying Process: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Is a 401(k) Loan a Good Idea? Almost Never - Clark Howard
• 401(k) Loan Calculator (Clark.com)
• Clark Howard's Special Rule for Refinancing Your Mortgage
• Why Clark Says You Should ‘Ignore’ Paze as Trendy New Payment Option
• Why You Should Never Store Your Payment Information Online
• Top 7 Ways To Shop Safely Online - Clark Howard
• Why Amazon and Costco May Be The Best Ways to Buy Your Next Car
• The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard
• Report: 4 Used Electric Vehicles Under $25,000 - Clark Howard
• What Mileage Should I Target on a Used Electric Vehicle?
• CR - Used Hybrids & EVs Ratings 
• SIXT+ | Your Car Subscription
• Should You Ever Lease a Car? - 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

Clark Howard & Wes Moss: Your Top Money Questions Answered!

In this special episode, Clark Howard and Wes Moss join forces to answer real-world money questions from people just like you. No jargon, no fluff – just actionable advice to help you reach your goals faster.

Mentioned on the show:

• Roth 401k Calculator - Clark Howard
• Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference? - Clark Howard
• Why Clark Howard Is Obsessed With Roth for Retirement Savings
• Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute

All this and more on the May 12, 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!

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

In today’s real estate market, you can get burned trying to “flip” homes. The reality of today’s market means the math rarely works for the average investor. Clark explains when we’ll see a healthy environment for investment. Also - The job market is wide open for those willing to roll up their sleeves. Despite foreboding headlines warning of grim prospects for graduates, young people are finding employment more easily than expected. This is especially true for teens looking for summer work. Due to labor shortages in the hospitality and restaurant industries, jobs are readily available. Clark discusses  where the summer (and year round) jobs are now. 

• Real Estate Investing: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Where The Jobs Are: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?  /  Calculator - Clark Howard
• Why Your Teen Needs a Summer Job
• Jobs Archives - Clark Howard
• Authorized User vs. Joint Account Holder - Clark Howard
• How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft - Clark Howard
• How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion
• Who Controls Gas Prices in the US? / NYT: Why Gas Prices Go Up Fast & Fall Slowly
• How To Save Money on Gas: 23 Ways - Clark Howard
• Don't Get Dinged at the Gas Pump by This Visa and Mastercard Policy
• Are You Getting the Best Discount Possible on Your Gas?
• Clark Howard's 'Half-Tank' Strategy To Save on Gas 

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, deciding whether to throw extra cash at your mortgage or funnel it into the stock market is one of the most debated dilemmas in personal finance, especially now that nearly a quarter of homeowners are carrying rates at 6% or higher. While Clark despises debt and champions the psychological freedom of owning your home free and clear, it’s vital to balance that achievement with the mathematical reality of long-term financial security. Clark offers guidelines for creating your financial priorities, including Team Clark’s new Pay Off Mortgage or Invest Calculator, to help make sure your money is working as hard as possible for the future.

• Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
• Financial Priorities: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• 
  What’s the Total Value of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Perks?
• Top 10 Perks of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card 
• Report: How Much You Need To Save in Each State To Retire Comfortably
• Best Prepaid Cards: Top Debit Card Alternatives - Clark Howard 
• Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest? - Clark Howard 
• Pay Off Mortgage or Invest Calculator (Clark.com)
• When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use a 529 Plan - Clark Howard
• Best 529 Plans by State: How Clark Howard Picks the Top College Savings Plans
• How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps - Clark Howard
• Best Term Life Insurance Companies, Plans & Coverage
  

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

Health care costs in America have reached a breaking point, with many being forced to drop costly medical insurance entirely. But whether you’re insured or paying out of pocket, you have more power than you think. Today, Clark discusses a key practice you can incorporate to help  manage the high cost of health care. Also, we are currently in a period of intense retail instability. Clark explains how your gift cards can become worthless overnight, so in the interest of not wasting money - Clark has an urgent assignment for joyful spending - of gift cards that is. 

• Healthcare Cost Strategy: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Use Or Lose Gift Cards Stat: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Health care sticker shock has become the norm, but talking to your doctor about costs can help you rein it in — The Conversation⁠
• What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard
• Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? - Clark Howard
• How to Freeze Your Child's Credit - Clark Howard
• Why You Need To Use Your Gift Cards ASAP - Clark Howard
• 10 Secrets All Shoppers Need To Know About Costco - Clark Howard
• Ting: Fire Prevention & Power Outage Alerts
• How To Lower Your Property Taxes in 4 Steps - 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

What Will Our College Grads Do for Work? & Is the U.S. Dollar Dying?

In this episode, Wes Moss debunks two of the biggest myths in the economy right now. First, Wes looks at the actual data behind youth unemployment. Despite the rise of AI, the numbers for college grads aged 22–27 remain remarkably stable. Wes explains why the labor market is far more dynamic than the "net new jobs" headlines suggest – and why there is plenty of reason for parents to be optimistic about their children's careers. Also, Wes addresses the "Death of the Dollar." From global trade invoices to commodity pricing, Wes breaks down why the U.S. Dollar remains the undisputed heavyweight of the global economy, despite the constant "De-dollarization" doom-talk in the news.

Mentioned on the show:

• YCharts - Financial Research and Proposal Platform
• Review and Rebalance Your Portfolio With X-Ray’s New Holdings Breakdown

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 5, 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: 

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

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

There’s a new scam hitting inboxes that several of our team members admit would have fooled them. Digital thieves are sending fake party invitations that appear to be coming from your friends. After hacking into email contact lists, scammers send out deceptive invites to download viruses onto your device, giving them access to your financial accounts and private emails. Know what to do before clicking any links. Also today, learn - how to tell if a debt collector is legit, actionable strategies if faced with collector harassment, and where to turn for legitimate help paying off debt. 

• The Party Invite Scam: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Debt Collection & Debt Relief: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Scam Alert: New ‘Party Invite’ Message Can Empty Your Bank Account
• Fraud Is Skyrocketing: 5 Ways To Protect Your Hard-Earned Assets
• Why You Should Never Click on Random Text Messages
• The Best Place To Buy a Mattress - Clark Howard
• Which Documents Should You Keep and for How Long?
• How To Send a 'Drop Dead' Letter to a Collection Agency   
• What to Do When You're Being Harassed About an Old "Zombie Debt"
• 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling
• Avalanche vs. Snowball: Which Debt Payoff Method Is Best?
• How To Build Your Credit Score from Scratch - 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 today - While the widespread adoption of security cameras has revolutionized public safety, their application is spurring privacy debate throughout the country.  The rules of engagement for our data are dangerously lacking. It's time to demand clear state and local laws that delineate how this data is stored and shared, especially when private businesses are involved. 

• Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
• Security Camera Privacy Backlash: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• Simple Trick To Pay Down Credit Card Debt Quicker - Clark Howard
• How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion
• Should I Freeze My Credit With the Other Credit Bureaus?
• Privacy vs. Protection: Where Should We Draw the Line on Security Cameras?
• What Is a Roth 401(k) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard
• Target Date Funds: Clark Howard's Favorite Retirement Investment
• How To Choose Funds in Your 401(k) (and How Not To)
• Fidelity Investments Review: Pros & Cons - Clark Howard
• Best 529 College Savings Plans By State
• Life Insurance 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

Now is a good time for some financial spring cleaning. Take a close look at your bank statements to identify any "subscription creep" draining your wallet. Clark shares a pro-tip to simplify tracking expenses so you know exactly where your money is going every month. Also, a timeshare by any other name — like "vacation plan" — is still a timeshare. And they have seen a massive resurgence. Big-name hotel brands have revamped these contracts, offering "points" and flexibility instead of the old-school fixed week and location. Clark’s advice remains unchanged: don't let the lure of escapism turn into a permanent financial obligation you can't escape.

• Financial Spring Cleaning: Segment 1
• Ask Clark: Segment 2
• Timeshare Resurgence -Warning: Segment 3
• Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

• 7 Ideas for Saving Money on Your Streaming TV Bill in 2026
• How To Manage Your Monthly Subscriptions To Save Money
• 7 Types of Subscriptions You May Want To Cancel Today
• How To Get a Gym Membership for Practically Free - Clark Howard
• What Is Service Line Insurance and Do I Need It? - Clark Howard
• Why Vacation Clubs Are Even Worse Than Timeshares
• How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your Timeshare - Clark Howard
• 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad - 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

Why Retirement Confidence Is Plunging & Fiduciary vs. Financial Advisor

Wes Moss breaks down a troubling shift in the American economy: the rapid decline of retirement confidence. Drawing on three decades of data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), Wes highlights a staggering trend where worker confidence has dropped in 2026. This pessimistic outlook is mirrored by the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment index, which has hit an all-time historical low. Wes identifies the primary culprit. Also, Wes tackles the crucial question of who you should trust to manage your money during these uncertain times. He demystifies the industry by comparing financial advisors to peppers in a grocery store: while they may look identical on the outside, their "heat" levels vary wildly. Wes discusses why transparency is key and provides actionable advice on how to check your advisor's contract to ensure your investments are working for you, not for your advisor's bottom line.

Mentioned on the show:

• WSJ - America’s Most Tortured Retirement Regulation Is Struck Down (Again)
• How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor
• Best Financial Advisors in 2026 - Clark Howard
• What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One?
• What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 28, 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: 

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

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