The Clark Howard Podcast

03.31.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss

The Hack That Turns Trump Accounts Into $3M Nest Eggs & Retire Sooner Method vs. FIRE Wes Moss breaks down a powerful financial "hack" involving the new Trump Accounts that could change the trajectory of your family’s wealth forever. By shifting the conversation to a "Year 0" savings plan, parents and grandparents can use these accounts to kickstart a child's financial life from the day they are born. It’s a dramatic shift in how we think about retirement, proving that the one thing we can truly control is the amount of time we allow our money to grow. Also, Wes tackles the growing divide between the "Retire Sooner" method and the popular FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which over half of Gen Z now claims to follow. While the FIRE movement often requires hyper-lean budgeting, high savings percentages, and extreme deprivation to retire by 40, Wes argues for a more realistic and sustainable approach. Plus, Mallory shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the March 31, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask.      Note: Christa will be back on Ask an Advisor next week! 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

03.30.26 The Credit Bureaus: Errors & Apathy / Sticker Shock: New Smart Phones

It’s always been important to monitor your credit reports, and now - more so. The number of inaccuracy complaints is up dramatically, and such mistakes can impede your ability to buy a home, get a car, or even land a job. Clark shares the latest research on how the bureaus are responding (or not) and offers direction for dealing with credit report errors. Also - Pressures in the chip industry have led to shortages and higher costs for smart phones. Should you upgrade now or wait?     Credit Bureau Errors: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Price Of New Cell Phones: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Experian and TransUnion Are Leaving More Mistakes on Credit Reports — ProPublica Why You Need To Check Your Credit Report Today - Clark Howard What Is a Good Credit Score? - Clark Howard Clark Deals: Cell Phones & Smartphones Archives 5 Tax Scams You Need To Watch Out for in 2026 - Clark Howard What's the Best Savings Account for a Teenager? - Clark Howard What Brokerage Do You Recommend for First-Time Investors or Kids? 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

03.27.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Avoid Two Costly 401(k) Mistakes

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today - the American 401(k) is a tale of two economies. While the average balance grew by a staggering amount in 2025, more workers than ever are "raiding" their accounts to cover short-term needs. Our “Man From Roth” explains the best approach for maximizing your retirement investments, while minimizing future taxation. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 401(k) Guidance: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Deals - Today's Best Deals of the Day 5 Best Grocery Delivery Services - Clark Howard My 7 Rules for Using Credit Cards - Clark Howard Best Place To Sell Your Gold What You Need To Know About the Fidelity Cash Management Account 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad - Clark Howard 10 Common Job Search Scams - Clark Howard How to Get a Mortgage in 8 Steps - Clark Howard Why Clark Howard Is Obsessed With Roth for Retirement Savings What the Credit Card Companies Don't Want You To Know Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How To Do It Safely 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

03.25.26 Home Insurance Spy Drones / K-Economy Price Patterns

Think your home is private? Think again. Clark discusses the rise of insurance companies using drones, satellite data & AI to inspect property – and make replacement demands based on what could be bad data. Also today - Retailers are responding to today’s marketplace with different prices for different customers. Companies of all types are targeting two extremes: the big spenders and the budget-conscious. Clark explains how to navigate these "price buckets" to make sure you aren't overpaying.  Home Insurance Spy Tech: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 K-Economy Pricing Patterns: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The US Sun: Homeowner hit with $20k bill after State Farm secretly inspected roof by drone Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard What Is an ABLE Account? - Clark Howard Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution) BBB-File a Complaint AT&T rolls out new pricing YouTube TV drops 12 new offers to retain subscribers  - TheStreet Best Credit Card Sign-up Bonuses 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

03.24.26 Clark + Wes: Investing During Global Conflict & Sneaky Risks of Private Credit

Clark + Wes: Investing During Global Conflict & Sneaky Risks of Private Credit Is the conflict in the Middle East about to tank your investments? Money experts Clark Howard and Wes Moss sit down for a special "Ask an Advisor" segment to discuss oil prices, the economy, travel price predictions, and most importantly, what to do when the state of the world is making you nervous about your investments. In the second half, Clark and Wes explain the difference between private equity & private credit, and share a major warning about private credit. They break down why "12% yields" are often a trap and how to protect your portfolio from the latest "story investments." Mentioned on the show: What Happens to the Stock Market When Oil Prices Spike? What To Do When the State of the World Is Making You Nervous About Your Investments Investing Rule: You Can't Predict (So Stop Trying) - Clark Howard How Psychology Can Make or Break Your Portfolio How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor  /  Best Financial Advisors All this and more on the March 24, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.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