How To Build Wealth Without a Tech Job & Hidden Dangers of Coast FI

Forget the myth that you have to work on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley to build massive wealth. Wes reveals the power of the "Everywhere Millionaires" – the 3 million Americans who have accumulated a collective $65 trillion by building unglamorous, low-tech, and non-tech businesses. Discover why tactile, essential industries are producing some of the richest entrepreneurs in the country (including a former hot dog stand owner who sold his business for $1 billion).

Then, Wes issues a crucial warning for young investors drawn to the Coast FI movement. While saving aggressively early in life is fantastic, relying solely on compound interest while taking your foot off the savings gas pedal in your 20s or 30s carries massive hidden risks. Wes explains why life’s unexpected variables mean you shouldn't step back from your financial goals too soon.

Mentioned on the show:

All this and more on the September 15, 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: 

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

Think you need an expensive, full-blown security system to protect your home? Think again. Clark shares how even a single inexpensive security camera can serve as a massive deterrent against burglars. While surveillance technology certainly has its privacy drawbacks, Clark breaks down the major safety benefits for homeowners.

Plus, long considered a reliable platform bringing legitimacy to ticket resale, StubHub is now facing intense backlash from customers stranded at major events like the World Cup. Clark discusses findings from a Wall Street Journal report detailing how the company reportedly gutted customer service, altered contact methods, and hid their legal address to dodge arbitration requests and frustrate customers seeking refunds. Hear Clark's take on this unbelievable situation and what it means for anyone buying resale tickets today.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 14, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

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,  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.

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

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:

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: 

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.

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

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:

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: 

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.

Mentioned on the show:

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:

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.

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

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: 

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.

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

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