The Clark Howard Podcast

02.23.26 Invested Savings: ETFs vs. Mutual Funds / The Truth About Pet Wellness Plans

How you invest savings can make a big difference in how much you have later in life. Clark explains ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) vs. mutual funds - and the superior choice for your non-retirement accounts.  Also, we love our pets and pet wellness plans may sound like a solid option for affordable vet care – but there’s a major catch. ETFs vs Mutual Funds: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Pet Wellness Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ETFs vs Mutual Funds: What’s the Difference and When Does It Matter? Where Should I Set Up My Health Savings Account (HSA)? Life Insurance Archives - Clark Howard HSA vs FSA: What's the Difference? - Clark Howard Is Pet Insurance Worth It? - Clark Howard 4 Fastest Ways To Improve Your Credit - Clark Howard Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips Southwest changes are infuriating fansClark.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: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

02.20.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Crypto - A Different Perspective

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today - with the recent Bitcoin slide costing people millions, and concerns of a possible “crypto winter”, Clark shares his perspective on Crypto and guidance for those interested in this still speculative endeavor.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Clark On Crypto: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Trump Accounts: What You Need To Know - Clark Howard Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Free File Fillable Forms | Internal Revenue Service Best Travel Credit Cards: How To Find the Perfect Fit for Your Spending Car Rental Insurance: Everything You Need To Know When Should You File a Claim on Your Homeowners Insurance? NYTimes: Crypto Takes a Deep Slide Despite Trump’s Support How to Refinance Your Student Loans - Clark Howard Clark Howard's Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding Is Chase Sapphire Reserve® Worth It? - 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: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

02.18.26 Relocating Overseas / Debt Trap Exit Strategies

FEBRUARY 18       Relocating Overseas  /  Debt Trap Exit Strategies Some of you listening right now may be living abroad, temporarily or indefinitely. There is an increasing desire to experience life overseas, and some countries are paving the way. Clark discusses relocation incentive programs and other considerations vital to the life changing decision to move abroad. Also - if you have credit card debt, Clark has some strategies to pay it off sooner and keep yourself as debt free as possible moving forward.  Moving Abroad: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Debt: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 5 Countries That Will Pay You To Move How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way - Clark Howard What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink? Simple Trick To Pay Down Credit Card Debt Quicker Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2026 Debt Archives - Clark Howard How To Get Out of Debt in 7 Steps - Clark Howard Credit Card Debt Consolidation: 3 Paths To Consider, 2 To Avoid These Are the Biggest Scams That Cost Seniors the Most Money CELL PHONES - 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: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

02.17.26 Ask An Advisor With Wes Moss

Should You Use Your “Sacred” Retirement Fund To Save Your Business? & 2026 Jobs Outlook As rapid technological shifts ripple through every industry, many entrepreneurs are finding themselves in a temporary cash flow crunch. While retirement accounts are often viewed as a "sacred chest" that shouldn't be touched, Wes Moss explores how to strategically leverage your brokerage and Roth IRA accounts to bridge the gap. Also, Wes dives deep into the latest data from the U.S. labor market to see what it actually means for your portfolio. Despite some "ancient history" revisions from 2025 that initially painted a gloomy picture, the January 2026 jobs report tells a much more resilient story. Whether you’re managing a business or a retirement timeline, understanding these labor trends is key to staying invested with confidence. Mentioned on the show: Asset Class Returns A Jack Bogle Lesson: Remember Reversion to the Mean How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion What Is Long-Term Care Insurance Cost & Coverage Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the February 17, 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: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

02.16.26 Your Relationship With Money / Self-Employed Retirement Planning

You may be examining your spending habits this year, looking to set goals to improve your financial health. Clark discusses how your money mindset will affect your future in a big way. Are you spending your way into debt misery, or saving your way to frugality regret? Clark invokes finding a healthy balance between discipline and enjoyment. Also - A great way for the self-employed to save tax free for the future. A powerful wealth-building tool is finally getting the attention it deserves: the Solo 401(k) A Balanced Money Mindset: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Solo 401k's Take Off: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Two Key Pillars to Financial Freedom - Clark Howard How Many Bank Accounts Should You Have? - Clark Howard 1 Day Pass by Sling  /  Sling’s Subscription Option What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? How To Open a Roth IRA Emergency Fund: Everything You Need to Know - Clark Howard 5 Things to Know About New Settlement That Could Change Credit Card Rewards 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: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices