The Clark Howard Podcast

Is Your Brokerage Account Safe from AI? & Market Myths Debunked

In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down what you need to know about AI security and seasonal stock market lore. First, Wes addresses the rising safety concerns surrounding automated AI agents accessing brokerage accounts, sharing his two golden rules for protecting your money in a digital world. Then, he separates hype from reality when it comes to famous Wall Street legends like "Scary October," "Sell in May and Go Away," and the January Barometer, offering practical advice on how investors should actually navigate these seasonal market trends.

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All this and more on the October 27, 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

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Re-Thinking Retirement: A Smarter Way To Phase Down & Best Places To Buy Eyeglasses

Retirement is supposed to be the ultimate reward after decades of hard work, but for many, the reality doesn’t match the expectation. Whether it’s financial pressure from inflation and living expenses or simply missing the routine, activity, and social connections of a job, going cold turkey from 40 hours a week to zero isn't working for everyone. Clark breaks down why traditional retirement might need a rethink and explains why he’s a huge fan of "phased retirement."

Also, Clark takes on the notoriously overpriced eyewear industry. From $800 price tags at big cartel chains down to $80 options for essentially the same pair, the price gap is staggering. We cover the latest findings on where to get the absolute best value on prescription glasses and contact lenses. Clark shares where you should – and should never – buy your next pair so you can strike the perfect balance between price, quality, and service.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the October 26, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.   

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Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also,   - how do we teach our kids and young adults about money? Managing money was simple just a few decades ago: cash was king, consumer choices were limited, and savings accounts earned fixed interest rates. Today, we live in the most over-stored country in the world, surrounded by endless retail options, online shopping, and digital payment methods like Venmo and Cash App. Money has become frictionless and abstract, making it easier than ever for young people to fall into financial traps like recurring subscriptions and impulse spending. Because the modern financial world is vastly more complex, parents can no longer rely on kids picking up smart money habits by osmosis – active teaching while they are still under your roof is essential, as Clark explains.

All this and more on the October 23, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

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Winter heating bills won’t be pretty, especially in markets that rely on oil for heat. What can you do now to prepare?  Taking control of monthly expenses comes down to knowing where the real price traps are hiding. Clark unpacks the latest updates on winter heating trends and shifting food prices to help you make smarter financial decisions.

First, discover why home heating oil prices are squeezing homeowners, how steady natural gas supplies are offering relief, and why simple home fixes can keep your home warm without breaking the bank.

Then, Clark exposes what is really happening behind the scenes at the supermarket. While store-brand basics and produce are becoming more affordable, brand-name junk food and processed snacks climb in price as manufacturers test how much shoppers are willing to pay.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the October 21, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.      

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Rapid Fire Q&A: Roth Conversion Traps, RMD Spending Rules, & Switching Careers To Finance

Welcome to another edition of "Rapid Fire" on Ask an Advisor! Today, Wes Moss is opening up the listener mailbag to answer your direct financial questions. From navigating tricky Roth IRA 5-year rules to deciding the exact order of account withdrawals in retirement, we’re covering real-world strategies to help you retire sooner and smarter.

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All this and more on the October 20, 2026, Ask an Advisor “Rapid Fire” 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: 

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Artificial intelligence is creating unprecedented risks for your retirement savings, with AI-driven fraud causing massive financial losses across the country. Deepfakes and voice-cloning technology have become so advanced that scammers can effortlessly mimic real people, leaving brokerage firms and financial institutions vulnerable to fraudulent transfer instructions. Clark has recommendations to help secure your life savings.

Also, navigating finances as a couple can be challenging, especially when partners enter a relationship with different money habits, debt, or savings. While maintaining completely separate bank accounts can breed distrust and weaken marital bonds, combining everything without a strategy can cause friction. Clark explains how to practice a balanced approach built on trust.

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

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

Also,  even if oil and jet fuel prices drop, major U.S. airlines warn that fluctuating costs mean high airfares are here to stay for the foreseeable future. With flight delays and unpredictable pricing making winter travel tricky, flexibility and preparation are key. Clark breaks down his top strategies for beating high airfares and making your travel budget go further.

All this and more on the October 16, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

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Secret Hospital Price Lists Exposed & Simple Cart Trick That Saves You Money

Healthcare costs are skyrocketing, and with health insurance prices expected to jump even higher, taking control of your medical expenses is vital. Clark shares a radical workaround to save thousands on life-saving brand-name medications, plus a powerful free tool at hospitalpricingfiles.org that unveils secret hospital price lists so you can comparison shop non-emergency tests and procedures before you pay.

Plus, as holiday shopping starts earlier than ever, impulse buying can easily destroy your budget. Clark warns against signing up for retailer promotional alerts that trigger emotional spending on wants instead of needs. He shares a favorite strategy to protect your wallet: the 24-hour cart rule.

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

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Are High-Yield Investments Dangerously Risky? & Why Wes Updated His Thinking on HSAs

Jim Cramer says high yields are dangerous – so is retirement income actually at risk? Wes sets the record straight on high-dividend stocks, interest rates, and how to safely build a yield ladder.

Plus, Wes shares a personal shift in his own financial strategy: why he recently updated his thinking on High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) and how Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can become a triple-tax-free powerhouse for your retirement.

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All this and more on the October 13, 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: 

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With gas prices squeezing wallets, you might be tempted to trade in your current ride for a fuel-efficient hybrid or EV. However, making a permanent financial decision based on a temporary spike in gas prices can cost you thousands in the long run. Before you swap keys to save on fuel, make sure the math actually works for your budget.

Also, Clark sets the record straight on a viral Walmart rumor. Stores are rapidly replacing paper price tags with digital shelf labels, leading some to believe Walmart is tracking individual phones to dynamically surge prices as you walk down the aisle. What’s really going on here?

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

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