The Clark Howard Podcast

07.10.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Social InSecurity

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also,  economic anxiety is climbing straight up the income ladder, and Americans everywhere are growing deeply worried. On top of that, a troubling new report confirms that Social Security is on track to face insolvency by 2032—a year earlier than we originally thought. If Congress continues to ignore it, roughly 70 million Americans who rely on these checks could see cuts to their benefits in less than six years. To fix this issue, Clark says it’s time to make hard choices as a nation. But despite the widespread pessimism about the future, Clark delivers a straight talk: We still live in the most dynamic economy in the world with incredible opportunities for entrepreneurship, but it is time to stop playing political games and protect the hard-earned money of the American people. All this and more on the July 10, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Fix Social Security!: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Where To Buy the Best Cheap Printer - Clark Howard What Can I Safely Use for Peer-to-Peer Payments? - Clark Howard Costco Pricing Secrets: What Does a Price Ending in .00 Really Mean? About Diners Club International NYTimes: Social Security at Risk for Cuts by 2032, Unless Congress Acts Higher prices for gas, groceries and flights will likely outlast the Iran war How are Americans doing financially? FICO® Score 10T  /  What Is a Good Credit Score? Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy 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

07.08.26 The Clark Smart Way To Buy A Mattress / Student Loan Update

The mattress industry is in chaos, and major brands like Sleep Number are facing bankruptcy. Clark breaks down how the mattress market became incredibly oversaturated and why traditional mattress stores have seen their business models become obsolete. While online shopping and warehouse clubs have revolutionized how we buy beds, the wave of recent bankruptcies poses a risk to consumers. Clark reveals his ultimate rule for buying a new mattress safely. Also, Clark addresses the looming crisis in higher education as federal student loan interest rates spike to 6.5%. With college costs and inflation stretching family budgets to the limit, Clark explains why you should never sacrifice your own retirement savings or saddle your children with a lifetime of crushing debt just to attend a "dream" school. Clark delivers a heavy dose of tough love and practical strategies for parents. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 8, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Buying A Mattress: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Student Loans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Best Place To Buy a Mattress - Clark Howard Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts Fidelity vs. Vanguard vs. Schwab: Which Brokerage Is Best? How Long Do You Need To Keep Tax Documents? - Clark Howard Education Dept Updates Key Student Loan Guidance In Advance Of July Changes - Forbes NYTimes: Education Dept. Lowers Student Loan Rates for Borrowers in Auto Pay The Trump administration says it is cutting student loan interest. Here are some facts and context The Right Way & Wrong Way to Use a 529 Plan That Doesn't Cover the Full Cost of College Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Trump Accounts: What You Need To Know - 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

07.07.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss - Best Of

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, 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: How I Became Less Ambitious—and Happier—in Retirement Pension vs Lump Sum Calculator - Clark Howard Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on this July 7th Best Of Wes - 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

07.06.26 Shining A UV Light On Sunscreens / Side Hustle Savvy

Today, something new under the sun - at least in the U.S.: A now FDA approved sunscreen option long in use overseas, arrives next year.  Meanwhile, are you overpaying for sunscreen just because of a fancy brand name? Consumer Reports released its annual sunscreen rankings, and the results again prove you don't have to spend a fortune to protect your skin. Also, Clark dives into the reality of modern side hustles. A TikTok influencer recently went viral after testing different side hustles every day for 100 days to make $100 a day, learning that only three were actually worth sticking with. The truth is, if a side hustle is incredibly easy to start, there are no effective barriers to entry. When anyone can do a job, the organizer doesn’t have to pay you well. If you want to make a meaningful, steady income, you need a side hustle that leverages education, training, or special skills that set you apart from the crowd. However, if you just need quick, one-time cash, look no further than your own home—just like Christa, who came out of her closet with cash assets!  Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 6, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Best Sunscreens: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Smart Side Hustles: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 21 Best Sunscreens of 2026, Lab-Tested and Reviewed Consumer Reports: Sunscreen Ratings & Reviews  Monarch Money Review: Is This Budgeting Tool Worth the Price? Why You Should Keep Old Credit Card Accounts Open - Clark Howard How and When To Cancel a Credit Card - Clark Howard 30 Easy Side Hustle Ideas The Only Reason You Should Make an Improvement to Your Home What's the Best Way To Send Money Overseas? - Clark Howard AutoSlash Review: How To Save on a Rental Car - Clark Howard HotelSlash: #1 Site for Cheap Hotel Rates 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

07.03.26 BEST OF: Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / FREE Tuition

Happy 4th of July Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns July 6th with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today - as college costs level off due to a competitive marketplace, more institutions are finding creative ways to attract students – including offering tuition-free degrees. Clark shares resources to help you find these opportunities! Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Free Tuition: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ⁠4 Common Scams on Cash App, Venmo and Zelle (and How To Avoid Them)⁠ ⁠Rent vs Buy Calculator - Clark Howard⁠ ⁠Fidelity Rewards Visa vs. Schwab Investor Card® from American Express: Which Is Best?⁠ ⁠Best Cash Management Account: Comparing Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab⁠ ⁠How to get out of a cable or internet contract without paying a penalty⁠ ⁠Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution)⁠ ⁠Where Should I Set Up My Health Savings Account (HSA)?⁠ ⁠ETFs vs Mutual Funds: What’s the Difference and When Does It Matter?⁠ ⁠Optimizing HSA Transfers for Long-Term Growth⁠ ⁠[W Post] More colleges are offering free tuition. Explore our database.⁠ ⁠Colleges Offering Free Tuition by Income (2026)⁠ ⁠Which Colleges Offer Free Tuition? Full List Of Schools⁠ How To Find Tuition-Free Colleges: Schools That Offer Free Tuition ⁠Where To Take Free Online Courses - Clark Howard⁠ ⁠Best 529 College Savings Plans By State⁠⁠ ⁠When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Use a 529 Plan 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