5 Questions BEFORE You Claim Social Security & College vs. Retirement Savings Should you claim Social Security early or wait? While the math says waiting guarantees a bigger check, the real answer goes far beyond the numbers. In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down how to determine the right Social Security claiming age for your specific lifestyle, health, and portfolio. Also, Wes shares ideas to help you balance saving for your kid’s college without ruining your own retirement. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 4, 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! Mentioned on the show: When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? - Clark Howard The Math On When You Break Even With Social Security If You Have Enough To Retire Comfortably, Should You? How To Balance College Savings and Retirement - Clark Howard  Clark Howard: Avoid This Costly College Debt Mistake 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

As summer winds down, we’re seeing some wild shifts in the airline industry. Despite recent price hikes, a two-tiered economy in travel has created surprising opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. Clark breaks down why you need to sign up for frequent flyer programs right now, what you actually get (and lose) with new unbundled luxury fares, and where to find the best flight deals over the coming months. Also, your homeowners insurance company might feel like a "frenemy," but you can make them work for your wallet with a few simple DIY home upgrades. Learn how a weekend DIY project can protect your home, prevent costly disasters, and keep more money in your pocket every month! Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 3, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Air Travel Updates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 DIY Home Upgrades: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Score Cheap Fall Airfare and Award Flights The Extra Mile -Delta’s Basic Premium Fares-LifeMiles ‘Revalues’ Biz Class Awards NYTimes: A Guide to Basic Business / Why You Should Re-Shop Your Cruise European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) Life360 | Family-Proof Your Family | Location Sharing & Safety Easy DIY Upgrades To Save on Home Insurance Axios: Treat your home like a hobby Clark Howard's 5 Money Tips for Couples / How To Open a Roth IRA Why Clark Howard Is Obsessed With Roth for Retirement Savings Clark Howard's 5 Money Tips for Couples Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 6 Things To Know  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

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

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

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

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  Why Your HOA Fees Are Skyrocketing⁠ 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

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

The days of automatically upgrading your phone or computer every time it slows down are officially over. Clark breaks down why inflation and rising component costs mean tech prices are going "up, up, and away." Tech giants like Apple are raising device prices to protect their profit margins. While Clark has advised against sinking money into old electronics, the math has changed. Clark shares his rule of thumb for deciding when to repair versus replace, why TVs remain the one truly disposable tech item, and how to avoid the "free phone trap" being pushed by the big three wireless carriers. Also, Clark dives into the massive shakeup happening in the insurance industry. State Farm is facing major backlash from its own agents after dropping a hammer on their compensation models—a desperate move to compete in a market where they are losing ground. Hear which company has taken the lead by embracing a hybrid model, and what to expect buying online vs. with an agent.Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 22, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Electronics: Repair Or Replace?: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Buying Insurance: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The ‘right to repair’ movement has a point, but consumers should read the warranty fine print first — The Conversation Why You Should Avoid These Free Offers From Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile 5 Vacation Scams To Avoid This Travel Season - Clark Howard How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance - Clark Howard Best and Worst Homeowners Insurance Companies - Clark Howard Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard  State Farm’s AI Plan for Sales Agents Sparks Uproar. ‘A Real Slap in the Face.’ Is Accident Forgiveness 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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Is the Retire Sooner Method? & Can You Retire Without Touching the Principal? How do you retire sooner, increase your happiness, and ensure you never run out of money? In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down the Retire Sooner Method—your ultimate retirement happiness GPS. Just like navigating an unfamiliar city, navigating retirement without a map guarantees you’ll get lost. Wes shares the 5 essential steps to build a guided blueprint, maximize your financial freedom, and dramatically reduce money anxiety. Later in the episode, Wes tackles a major fear shared by almost every new retiree: touching the principal. Through a real-life client story, he explains how to bridge your income gap using dividend yields and the famous "4% Rule" so you can protect your hard-earned nest egg and retire with peace of mind. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 21, 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

Today - remote work became essential during COVID, but could it be hurting your career now? While the benefits of working remotely are undeniable, new data shows that "out of sight, out of mind" is a dangerous reality in corporate America. Clark shares several things to consider if you want to protect your paycheck and position yourself for promotions. Also, a massive storm is brewing in the healthcare industry, and it is going to hit your wallet hard. The soaring cost of healthcare—driven heavily by hospital system monopolies in major metro areas—is pushing individual deductibles toward an estimated $15,000 and family deductibles past $30,000 by 2027. Clark explains everything you need to know - including another disadvantage in Advantage Plans.  Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 20, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. WFH Benefits & Risks: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Health Insurance Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Working remotely could make you more vulnerable to a layoff than AI Scam Alert: How To Avoid Home Title Theft - Clark Howard Home Title Lock: Is It the Same As Home Title Insurance? Property Fraud Alert Are Missing Money Websites Legit? - Clark Howard Raisin Review: Can You Trust This Online Savings Marketplace? 16 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in July 2026 Is Plaid Safe? 5 Things to Know Before Linking Your Bank Account  Searching for health insurance? Keep scrolling to avoid government impersonators How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard Best Secured Credit Cards for 2026: Top Picks for Building or Repairing Credit 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