With food prices sky high, food waste is an area of real concern - and potential savings. Clark breaks down the truth behind confusing expiration dates like "Best By" versus "Use By" as marketing tactics designed to get you to buy more often. Also, Clark tackles a critical and all too common relationship issue: one partner completely in the dark about household money. A household culture of "he handles it" or "she takes care of that"  is a pathway to financial stress, hidden debt, and complete chaos if the unexpected occurs. Clark discusses how couples can maintain financial independence without secrets, and outlines a simple seasonal document routine to ensure both partners always know where all accounts, debts, and assets are located. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 26, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Waste Not: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Couples’ Financials: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 10 Ways You’re Wasting Money on Groceries - Clark.com Do you toss food once the date on the label has passed? Experts say that's often a waste How To Choose a Tour Company - Clark Howard Best Cash Back Credit Cards: Setting Up a No Annual Fee Rewards System The Most Dangerous Words I Hear From Married Couples as a Financial Adviser: 'He Handles It' When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use a 529 Plan - 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

In this special episode, fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss answers your top questions on high-yield savings accounts, college planning, investing for grandchildren, preparing for retirement, and more. Whether you’re dealing with falling savings rates or trying to navigate high-yield dividend options, Wes breaks down the practical strategies you need to keep your money working for you. Mentioned on the show: Where Should You Keep Your Cash Reserve? - Clark Howard Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard Best 529 College Savings Plans By State All this and more on the August 25, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask Discover the research-backed path to a happier retirement – pre-order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com 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

The latest financial data shows the U.S. savings rate has dropped to an alarming rate. While many households are struggling just to cover the basics, many middle and upper-middle-class families are falling into the lifestyle trap. Find out what the new rate is and what you should aim for instead. Also today, new commission structures for home buyer agents are proving problematic.  Recent lawsuit settlements were supposed to make agent commissions more transparent and negotiable for home buyers. Instead, the law of unintended consequences has created a nightmare for consumers. If you are shopping for a home, know what to watch out for. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 24, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Automatic Saving Gets It Done: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Buyer Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: America’s Savings Rate Has Dropped to an Alarming Low How To Save Money: Spend Less & Build Your Savings  Do You Save More Than the Average American? - Clark Howard How Much of Each Paycheck You Should Save or Invest Why You Need To Lock Your Brokerage Account Today 7 Ways To Invest In Real Estate - Clark Howard Should You Pay Extra for Postal Insurance When Mailing Valuable Items? She tried to fire her real estate agent. It turned into a nightmare. New Real Estate Trap: How a Signed Paperwork Loophole Can Cost You Thousands How to Find a Geriatric Care Manager - Clark Howard What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? Long-Term Care Insurance Is Getting Harder To Buy. Here’s Why You Might Not Need It Anyway Unclaimed Money: How To Find and Claim Missing Funds for Free 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 Americans are ordering medications from online websites and pharmacies, and a major player is being sued by the FTC. Online medical services promising quick prescriptions for sensitive conditions seem convenient, but they could be costing you more than money—they might be handing over your private health data. Clark discusses the broader boom of direct-to-consumer online doctor services and why you need to protect both your wallet and your privacy.  All this and more on the August 21, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Online Med Sites: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard How Do I Use All the Funds on My Visa Gift Card? - Clark Howard Best Secured Credit Cards for 2026: Top Picks for Building or Repairing Credit BBB - Hims & Hers Inc. WSJ: FTC Sues Hims & Hers, Alleging Unlawful Sharing of Data, Deceptive Billing Best Cash Management Account: Comparing Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you think winning the lottery is the only way to achieve financial independence, think again! The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement has shifted drastically over the years in the wake of inflation, rising housing costs, and healthcare challenges, but the core principle of FI is more relevant today than ever. Clark shares his own journey—including retiring at 31 and  starting his first business by living on half his income—to show you how living on less than you make can buy you ultimate freedom. Also, are you really getting a discount, or are retailers just playing mind games? Clark exposes how major stores—especially in clothing and online marketplaces like Amazon—artificially inflate original prices just to mark them back down. Learn how to spot deceptive pricing tricks, use historic price-tracking tools, and resist psychological sales traps so you never get ripped off again. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 19, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. FIRE Movement Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Pricing Tricks: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Does Financial Freedom Mean To You? Our Six Levels What I got wrong about FIRE   /   How to Retire Early in 7 Steps Best Of: The Clark Origin Story  /  About Clark Howard What Is Mortgage Recasting? / Mortgage Recast Calculator How some retailers inflate original prices to create fake discounts How To Get the Best Price Possible Shopping Online - Clark Howard How To Use Camelcamelcamel - Clark Howard National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Home NAELA Best Small Business Credit Cards - Clark Howard How Do I Remove Myself as an Authorized User on a Credit Card? 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 History Really Says About All-Time Market Highs & Should You Move to a 55+ Community? With the S&P 500 continuously hitting new all-time highs in 2026, many investors are wondering if the market has moved too far, too fast. In this episode, Wes Moss dives into the history of market highs, explaining why record-breaking runs are actually far more common—and far less dangerous—than headlines suggest. Also, Wes tackles one of the biggest lifestyle decisions in retirement: deciding where to live. Maintaining a vibrant social circle gets harder as we age, but moving to an active 55+ community can provide the built-in social network, amenities, and lifestyle needed to thrive. Wes walks through a real-life case study of how to properly research, visit during peak seasons, and test-drive these neighborhoods before buying. Plus, he reveals a clever tax strategy for funding your next home without triggering a massive tax bill. Mentioned on the show: The Overlooked 'Rule of 55' Could Unlock an Earlier Retirement A Simple Rule for When To Take Social Security Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 18, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask Discover the research-backed path to a happier retirement – pre-order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com  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

Finding an affordable rental was hard enough, but now landlords are taking a cue from hotels and airlines by hitting tenants with hidden junk fees. From mandatory charges for bundled trash pickup and overpriced cable to outrageous $200 monthly add-ons just for working from home, these unexpected fees inflate the cost of living. When apartment hunting, Clark urges us to check for this specific list before committing to a lease. Meanwhile, tap-to-pay remains one of the safest ways to shop using digital tokenization, but scammers have found a clever way to exploit your generosity. Fraudsters posing as street solicitors for fake charities are asking people to tap their phones to donate, only to take the device and quietly alter a $20 donation into a $200 charge. Clark shares what you need to know to protect your wallet. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 17, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Renter Junk Fees: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Phone Tap-To-Pay Alert: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The rent was already high. Then came the $200 work-from-home fee -USA TODAY  Clark Deals: Today’s Top Travel Deals How To Use Priceline To Save on Travel - Clark Howard Military and Veterans Guide: Free Resources for Your Finances Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips - Clark Howard Costco Travel: 5 Things To Know Before You Book - Clark Howard USA TODAY: Tap to pay is convenient. These 6 steps can protect your money Empower Review: How It Works, Pros & Cons - Clark Howard Best Budgeting Apps in 2026: Our Top 7 - Clark Howard Clark.com Calculators 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, to protect your young adult and give your family peace of mind, there are critical legal and financial forms every teenager should sign at age 18. Setting up these documents is simple, inexpensive, and essential for any family navigating the transition to adulthood. Taking a few minutes to put these protections in place today can save your family from unnecessary hardship when it matters most, as Clark explains. All this and more on the August 14, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Essential Signings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What's the Best Thermostat Setting for Summer To Save Money? 5 Major Bills You Can Lower This Month - Clark Howard Fixed Wireless Internet: Using Your Cellular Service Provider for Home Internet Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? - Clark Howard 3 Financial Documents Everyone Should Have by Age 18 What Do I Need To Do To Make Sure My Financial Affairs Are in Order Before I Die or Become Disabled? Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple device prices are soaring due to rising hardware costs, and their newest solution is to offer “forever leases” on iPhones, Macs, and iPads for a fixed monthly fee. While this subscription-style leasing model might make sense if you’re a tech enthusiast, it’s a dangerous financial trap for the average consumer. Before you fall for the low monthly sticker price—or get tied down by a carrier’s misleading "free phone" promotion—understand the long-term cost to your wallet. On the savings front, everyday savers have a prime opportunity now to lock in high returns before interest rates drop. If you have cash you won't need for 1 to 5 years, Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are one of the safest ways to beat inflation. Clark walks us through how to easily purchase broker-placed CDs through top discount brokerages or reputable online banks, why you should strictly avoid giant mega-banks that offer virtually zero interest, and how to protect yourself from the predatory "auto-rollover" trap that slashes your rates the moment your term ends. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 12, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Apple Trap: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 CD Opportunity: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should You Lease an iPhone Through Apple Upgrade? Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? - Clark Howard Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK Eurostar.com: Book Europe Train Tickets and Holidays When Do You Need a Travel Agent? - Clark Howard Is Now the Time To Get a CD or a CD Ladder? Certificate of Deposit (CD): What Is It, Best Places To Open One CD Interest Calculator  /   What To Do BEFORE Your CD Expires BBB-File a Complaint How to Protect Your Wallet From Rental Car 'Gotchas' - Clark Howard Should I Use a Credit Card or Give Up My Bank Account Info To Save 2.3%? 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

Is Your Retirement Missing Purpose? & Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared To Spend Your Retirement Savings Wes starts by looking at what ancient wisdom and modern research teach us about true fulfillment. As we leave the workforce, we often lose daily structure, active socialization, and full households all at once. To counter these major life headwinds, Wes discusses how planning your lifestyle goals even ten years out leads to significantly greater joy once you stop working. Also, Wes tackles the massive psychological barrier of spending down your hard-earned nest egg. Running out of money is the single biggest financial fear for most Americans. Wes shares the rule that offers an extremely high probability of success, giving you the confidence to stop worrying, start spending wisely, and enjoy the retirement you earned. Mentioned on the show: Cost of Living Calculator | City and Salary Comparison Tool Do You Really Need To Rebalance Your Portfolio? If You Have Enough To Retire Comfortably, Should You?   Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the August 11, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/ask Discover the research-backed path to an earlier, happier retirement – pre-order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com. 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