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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also,  the new car market is in a weird phase, with automakers behaving like pack animals. Instead of fighting for market share or offering affordable options, manufacturers have decided they are perfectly happy selling fewer vehicles if it means keeping prices sky-high and maximizing margins. If you're wondering whether to buy or hold, Clark shares his rule of thumb. All this and more on the July 17, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Auto Industry Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best Travel Credit Cards: How To Find the Perfect Fit for Your Spending Clark Deals - Today's Best Deals of the Day Are You ‘Spaving’? Why Trying to Save Could Be Costing You More  One Million New-Car Buyers Are Gone and They’re Not Coming Back Soon A Single Change to Your Car-Buying Habits Could Add $250,000 to Retirement 10 Cars That People Keep for 15 Years or More - Clark Howard Axios: Radical new electric trucks Unum - Contact Us Tax-Loss Harvesting: Definition and Example  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 big banks are absolutely thrilled when you fall for the "cockroach" of personal finance myths: the completely false idea that you need to carry a balance and pay interest on your credit cards to build an excellent credit score. Not so. Clark explains. Also today, we face an unprecedented wave of sophisticated fraud, with online crime complaints officially surpassing one million for the first time. Driven by advanced AI, scammers are now launching highly realistic "spear-phishing" attacks using actual data breaches from hotels and cruise lines. If you get an urgent message claiming your upcoming hotel reservation can't be validated or that you owe more money on a cruise, do not take the bait. Stay vigilant, question unexpected requests for money, and always independently verify any urgent alerts regarding your travel plans or financial accounts. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 15, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Credit Card Myth: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Scams Gone Wild: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The #1 Mistake That Can Hurt Your Credit Score - Clark Howard Scammers Are Using Your Real Hotel Reservations for Spear-Phishing Attacks Carnival data breach affects nearly 6 million people | Travel Weekly New Scam Targets Microsoft Users, FBI Warns. Here's How to Protect Yourself How to spot a CAPTCHA scam We Can't Stop Falling for These 7 Scams. Here's How to Protect Yourself From Each One The Best Phone Plan For You – Compare Phone Plans What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard  For Mint Mobile Plans and Pricing Details, click SAVINGSPOD 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 200-Hour Friendship Rule & Are Financial Advisors Worth It? Making friends as an adult is harder than ever – but just how much time does it actually take to build a close friendship? In this episode, Wes Moss discusses the growing friendship gap in America and the surprising research behind forming meaningful connections. A study from the University of Kansas found that becoming a close friend takes far more intentional time than most people realize. Wes explains why friendships become more difficult to maintain as we age and what you can do to build and preserve strong relationships throughout life. Plus, are financial advisors really worth the cost? With about half of pre-retirees working with an advisor and half managing on their own, Wes breaks down who can benefit from professional financial guidance—and who may not need it. From investing and tax planning to estate and family considerations, learn when financial advice can add real value. Mentioned on the show:  Early Mortgage Payoff Calculator - Clark Howard  Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 14, 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

Use payment apps? How much? Clark has a major warning about a serious financial risk hiding in plain sight: storing your hard-earned cash inside payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. While these platforms are convenient for sending money, a shocking number of people use them like regular bank accounts to store large sums of money. Therein lies a dangerous reality that could cost you plenty.   Also, millennials are rethinking life milestones, especially when it comes to weddings. A recent story of a beautiful $5,000 wedding proves that you don’t need to bury yourself in debt to celebrate love. If you want to spend a fortune and you have the cash, go for it—but if you want to start your marriage on a stronger financial footing, younger generations are proving you can have an unforgettable, gorgeous wedding at a crazy inexpensive price. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 13, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. A New Payment App Warning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Affordable Weddings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Storing Cash in PayPal, Venmo or Cash App Carries Hidden Risks, CFPB Says Safer Ways To Send Money - Clark Howard Who Should Consider Setting Up a Trust? - Clark Howard Car Rental Insurance: Everything You Need To Know - Clark Howard Car-Rental Insurance and the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Clark Howard's Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding Should I Borrow Money To Pay for a Wedding? - Clark Howard 6 tips for a more affordable wedding - Clark Howard  The Costco Price Secret Almost Nobody Knows - Clark Howard Are Airline Ticket Consolidators a Good Way To Save Money on International Flights? 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