The Clark Howard Podcast

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: 

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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.

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Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also,  every time a major technological shift happens, we hear predictions of widespread job destruction—and the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence is driving those fears to a whole new level. Clark breaks down what the AI boom actually means for your paycheck, how tech expansion shifts hidden costs onto consumers, and the concrete steps you can take today to pivot, re-educate, and make your career resilient against technological change.

All this and more on the August 28, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

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With food prices sky high, food waste is an area of real concern - and potential savings. Clark breaks down the truth behind confusing expiration dates like "Best By" versus "Use By" as marketing tactics designed to get you to buy more often.

Also, Clark tackles a critical and all too common relationship issue: one partner completely in the dark about household money. A household culture of "he handles it" or "she takes care of that"  is a pathway to financial stress, hidden debt, and complete chaos if the unexpected occurs. Clark discusses how couples can maintain financial independence without secrets, and outlines a simple seasonal document routine to ensure both partners always know where all accounts, debts, and assets are located.
Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 26, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

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In this special episode, fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss answers your top questions on high-yield savings accounts, college planning, investing for grandchildren, preparing for retirement, and more. Whether you’re dealing with falling savings rates or trying to navigate high-yield dividend options, Wes breaks down the practical strategies you need to keep your money working for you.

Mentioned on the show:

All this and more on the August 25, 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: 

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

The latest financial data shows the U.S. savings rate has dropped to an alarming rate. While many households are struggling just to cover the basics, many middle and upper-middle-class families are falling into the lifestyle trap. Find out what the new rate is and what you should aim for instead.

Also today, new commission structures for home buyer agents are proving problematic.  Recent lawsuit settlements were supposed to make agent commissions more transparent and negotiable for home buyers. Instead, the law of unintended consequences has created a nightmare for consumers. If you are shopping for a home, know what to watch out for.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 24, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

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Clark.com resources:

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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.

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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.

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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:

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: 

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.

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

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