The Clark Howard Podcast

07.31.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Property Taxes

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, with real estate values skyrocketing past the rate of inflation, homeowners across the country are facing massive property tax hikes—and in some cases, people are literally being priced out of their homes. The core idea should be simple: no one should be forced out of their home due to runaway tax bills. You can appeal on your own, hire a specialized company, or bring in an attorney for larger commercial properties. The key is to act fast: pay close attention to your assessment, check the math, and fight for your money! All this and more on the July 31, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Property Tax Sticker Shock: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs - Clark Howard Why Clark Howard Has Ditched Bill Pay and What He's Doing Instead When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use a 529 Plan - Clark Howard How Long Do You Need To Keep Tax Documents? - Clark Howard Safer Ways To Send Money: Clark Howard’s Rules for Protecting Your Cash America is in the middle of the biggest property tax revolt in 50 years Report: The States With the 10 Highest and Lowest Property Taxes A Single Change to Your Car-Buying Habits Could Add $250,000 to Retirement The Sneaky Web Tricks Costing You Money - Clark Howard Stop Paying for a Credit Card You Barely Use - 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

07.29.26 Investor Alert: Correction Protection / T-Mobile T-Bones Your Wallet

The stock market is sitting at historical highs, but inflated valuations mean we could be facing a major correction or extended period of low returns. With leveraged funds adding dangerous fuel to this speculative fire, the risk of a sharp market shock is real. If you’re approaching or currently in retirement, now is the time to review your portfolio. On the consumer front, T-Mobile is turning its back on the customer-first culture that made it famous, forcing legacy subscribers off locked-in rates and hitting loyal users with continuous price increases. You don’t have to accept a bloated cell phone bill. By breaking up family plans based on actual usage, avoiding the "free iPhone" trap that locks you into expensive contracts, and exploring budget-friendly sub-brands that use the exact same towers, you can slash your monthly bill down to $10–$30 a line. Calculate your annual cell phone spend today—you might be shocked by how much you can save! Compare plans right now at clark.com/phoneplanfinder. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 29, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. High Market Anxiety: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Beat Cell Service Hikes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: A Key Investing Lesson to Remember Right Now How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor - Clark Howard The next crash: why this time might not be different Why You Need To Lock Your Brokerage Account Today What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard T-Mobile Retires Legacy Plans: Expect a Price Increase - Clark.com Why Now Is the Time To Switch Your Cell Phone Service How To Get a Free Cell Phone in 2026 (Best Deals + Hidden Catch) The Best Phone Plan For You – Compare Phone Plans What Should You Do if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied? Credit Score Guide - 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

07.28.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss

What Are The Money Green Zones? & The Happy Retiree Super Power Are you flying blind when it comes to your retirement savings? Forget the terrifying headlines telling you that you need tens of millions of dollars to retire—that kind of advice often does more damage than good by making your goals feel completely out of reach. In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down brand-new research on what everyday Americans actually have saved and introduces three attainable, concrete "Money Green Zones" where happiness levels and financial autonomy jump dramatically. Plus, Wes reveals the ultimate superpower of happy retirees that has nothing to do with your bank account, and everything to do with your well-being. Mentioned on the show: Betterment Review: How It Works, Pros & Cons - Clark Howard Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2026 A Key Investing Lesson to Remember Right Now Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 28, 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

07.27.26 Elder-Parent Care / HOA & Condo Fees

It’s the toughest role reversal we face in life: stepping in to manage aging parents' finances. As parents get older, it’s common for physical health to take priority while finances take a back seat. Clark breaks down the vital lessons on elder-parent care. Waiting until a crisis or a parent's passing to look for wills, passwords, and bank accounts guarantees chaos later. Also, Clark tackles a growing budget buster for some homeowners: surging HOA and condo fees. What used to be a minor monthly expense has turned into a massive financial strain due to "amenities creep" and inflation. Clark warns that an HOA acts like its own taxing authority with the power to fine you or even foreclose on your home, making it vital to know exactly what you are signing up for before you buy. If you already live in a community where the board is running amuck, Clark shares his personal experience serving on three different boards and explains why organizing with your neighbors and running for a seat is the ultimate way to protect your wallet. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 27, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Oversight Beats Hindsight: Aging Parents: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 HOA & Condo Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Checklist: What to discuss with aging parents about finances NYTimes: 5 Money Lessons From Readers in the Trenches of Elder-Parent Care How Two Clark-Approved Annuities Can Reduce Retirement Stress Surging HOA Fees Are Pushing Homeowners to the Brink - The WSJ Should You Make Your Child an Authorized User on Your Credit Card? What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips - 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

07.24.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / AI Shopping Bots

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, many of us are getting more comfortable using artificial intelligence in our daily lives. While AI can be an incredibly useful tool, a dangerous new trend is emerging that could cost you serious money: AI shopping bots. Before you let an AI bot handle your wallet, you need to understand the hidden agenda at play. All this and more on the July 24, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 AI Shopping Bot Pitfalls: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Credit Score Guide - Clark Howard Credit Score Expert Discusses Tips, Mistakes and Misconceptions Is Your Credit Card Working Against You in 2026? - Clark Howard How Dividing Your Monthly Credit Card Payment Speeds Up Your Payoff DateAxios: Exclusive: SpaceXAI, GoPuff want you to shop with Grok Visa plugs its payment network into ChatGPT, letting AI agents shop and pay for users This Device Can Help You Avoid an Annoying Car Rental Fee 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