The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, is your home insurance company offering free smart tech? It is becoming increasingly common for insurers to send free monitoring devices to prevent two of the biggest – and costliest – headaches homeowners face: electrical fires and water damage. Such offers can be a win-win - for the insurer AND home owner. All this and more on the October 9, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Home Monitoring Tech: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

4 Things To Know Before You Buy a TV Antenna - Clark Howard

How To Watch Local Channels Without Cable - Clark Howard

Fixed Wireless Internet: Using Your Cellular Service Provider for Home Internet

5 Ways To Manage the Massive Run-Up in Insurance Costs

Easy DIY Upgrades To Save on Home Insurance - Clark Howard

The Home Service Clark Howard Says You Should Actually Pre-Pay

My Auto and Homeowners Insurance Went Up Substantially. Should I Fire My Independent Agent?

Avalanche vs. Snowball: Which Debt Payoff Method Is Best?

YNAB Review: 5 Things To Know About the Budgeting Tool

How To Track, Plan, and Budget for Annual Expenses - Clark Howard

Best Budgeting Apps in 2026: Our Top 7 - Clark Howard

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts

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Interest rates are up, and Clark addresses how to maximize savings, and what mortgage rates mean for the housing market. The giant monster mega banks are paying an insulting 0.01% on savings accounts, essentially a zero return. What rate should you be looking for elsewhere?

Meanwhile, the housing market shifts yet again as 30-year mortgage rates hit 7%, crushed by geopolitical instability and inflation. However, there’s a clear silver lining for potential buyers: high rates have stalled the market, forcing sellers into price cut capitulation. If you can afford the monthly payment, buying at a significantly lower purchase price now and refinancing down the road when rates drop is an enormous long-term advantage.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the October 7, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Save More - Shop Bank Rates: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Mortgage Rates & Housing Capitulation: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

16 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in October 2026

High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) Calculator

How To Open a Roth IRA

5 Free Streaming Services All Cord Cutters Should Have

6 Things to Know Before You Rely on Free Streaming TV

Mortgage Refinance Calculator – With Cash Out and Points

Credit Score Guide - Clark Howard

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 6 Things To Know

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts

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Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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Interest Rate Spike: Panic or Opportunity? & 7 Most Important Ages In Retirement Planning

Why are bond yields climbing so rapidly, and what does it mean for your money? Wes Moss breaks down the massive shift in the $51 trillion U.S. bond market and why higher interest rates might actually be good news for your portfolio. Plus, Wes walks through the seven most important retirement planning ages every investor needs to mark on their calendar.

Mentioned on the show:

KFF is a nonpartisan health policy organization

The Overlooked 'Rule of 55' Could Unlock an Earlier Retirement

A Simple Rule for When To Take Social Security - Clark Howard

What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? - Clark Howard

Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference? - Clark Howard

All this and more on the October 6, 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 – order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.comWe 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

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Cut Your Bills by DIYing & Protect Yourself From This Devastating Online Scam

"Necessity is the mother of invention"—that classic adage takes on new meaning under today’s cost pressures. High prices are driving many to look for creative ways to stretch a dollar, from scoping out everyday deals to embracing DIY projects. Instead of relying on expensive professionals for every task, leaning into basic home skills, repairs, and crafting can keep hard-earned money in your pocket – and possibly evolve into a profitable side hustle.

Also, Clark exposes the dangerous mechanics behind online romance scams. Criminals are using a calculated playbook to target victims of every age group, from vulnerable young adults to lonely hearted seniors. It is critical to stay vigilant, recognize the warning signs, and keep a close eye on friends and relatives to ensure nobody falls victim to these costly emotional traps.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the October 5, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

DIY For Dollars!: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Anatomy of a Romance Scam: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

[The WP] As high prices persist, some Americans are cutting back on spending

I Made Some Money Selling an Old Digital Camera.

Here’s HowHow to Sell Your Stuff on Facebook Marketplace - Clark Howard

Facebook Marketplace Scams: Everything You Need to Know

Citi Double Cash® Card Review: 5 Things To Know in 2026

Daejon Love case highlights online romance scams: Research reveals scammers’ tactics – and how to defend against them — The Conversation

NYTimes: Costco, Kayaks and Netflix: Medicare Advantage’s Perks Get Scrutiny

Check These 3 Boxes Before Applying for Premium Travel Cards

Best Travel Credit Cards: How To Find the Perfect Fit for Your Spending

Unclaimed Money: How To Find and Claim Missing Funds for Free

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts

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Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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Clark Stinks & Why Health Insurance Costs Are Surging (and How To Prepare)

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.

Also, healthcare costs are surging nationwide, and Americans are feeling the squeeze whether they get coverage through an employer or buy a plan on the state exchanges. With exchange premiums set to jump up to 20% in hard-hit areas and employer health benefit costs projected to spike at the highest rates in decades, navigating this open enrollment season will require making tough, strategic choices. Take the time during open enrollment to re-evaluate your coverage, compare providers, and look at alternative plan tiers.

All this and more on the October 2, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Open Enrollment: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

TIPS: The Inflation-Proof Alternative to Standard Bonds - Clark Howard

Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels From Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly?

The Hidden Danger of Booking Your Vacation Through Third-Party Sites

35 Clever and Unusual Ways To Save Money - Clark Howard

Health Insurance Archives - Clark Howard

Axios: Large employers drop health benefits as costs rise

Long-Term Care Insurance Is Getting Harder To Buy. Here’s Why You Might Not Need It Anyway

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 questions: Ask Clark.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices