The Clark Howard Podcast

What Will Our College Grads Do for Work? & Is the U.S. Dollar Dying?

In this episode, Wes Moss debunks two of the biggest myths in the economy right now. First, Wes looks at the actual data behind youth unemployment. Despite the rise of AI, the numbers for college grads aged 22–27 remain remarkably stable. Wes explains why the labor market is far more dynamic than the "net new jobs" headlines suggest – and why there is plenty of reason for parents to be optimistic about their children's careers. Also, Wes addresses the "Death of the Dollar." From global trade invoices to commodity pricing, Wes breaks down why the U.S. Dollar remains the undisputed heavyweight of the global economy, despite the constant "De-dollarization" doom-talk in the news.

Mentioned on the show:


YCharts - Financial Research and Proposal Platform

Review and Rebalance Your Portfolio With X-Ray’s New Holdings Breakdown

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 5, 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

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There’s a new scam hitting inboxes that several of our team members admit would have fooled them. Digital thieves are sending fake party invitations that appear to be coming from your friends. After hacking into email contact lists, scammers send out deceptive invites to download viruses onto your device, giving them access to your financial accounts and private emails. Know what to do before clicking any links. Also today, learn - how to tell if a debt collector is legit, actionable strategies if faced with collector harassment, and where to turn for legitimate help paying off debt. 

The Party Invite Scam: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2


Debt Collection & Debt Relief: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Scam Alert: New ‘Party Invite’ Message Can Empty Your Bank Account

Fraud Is Skyrocketing: 5 Ways To Protect Your Hard-Earned Assets

Why You Should Never Click on Random Text Messages

The Best Place To Buy a Mattress - Clark Howard

Which Documents Should You Keep and for How Long?


How To Send a 'Drop Dead' Letter to a Collection Agency   

What to Do When You're Being Harassed About an Old "Zombie Debt"

6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling

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

How To Build Your Credit Score from Scratch - 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

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Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today - While the widespread adoption of security cameras has revolutionized public safety, their application is spurring privacy debate throughout the country.  The rules of engagement for our data are dangerously lacking. It's time to demand clear state and local laws that delineate how this data is stored and shared, especially when private businesses are involved. 


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Security Camera Privacy Backlash: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Simple Trick To Pay Down Credit Card Debt Quicker - Clark Howard

How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion

Should I Freeze My Credit With the Other Credit Bureaus?

Privacy vs. Protection: Where Should We Draw the Line on Security Cameras?

What Is a Roth 401(k) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard

Target Date Funds: Clark Howard's Favorite Retirement Investment

How To Choose Funds in Your 401(k) (and How Not To)

Fidelity Investments Review: Pros & Cons - Clark Howard

Best 529 College Savings Plans By State

Life Insurance Archives - 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

Now is a good time for some financial spring cleaning. Take a close look at your bank statements to identify any "subscription creep" draining your wallet. Clark shares a pro-tip to simplify tracking expenses so you know exactly where your money is going every month. Also, a timeshare by any other name — like "vacation plan" — is still a timeshare. And they have seen a massive resurgence. Big-name hotel brands have revamped these contracts, offering "points" and flexibility instead of the old-school fixed week and location. Clark’s advice remains unchanged: don't let the lure of escapism turn into a permanent financial obligation you can't escape.

Financial Spring Cleaning: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Timeshare Resurgence -Warning: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

7 Ideas for Saving Money on Your Streaming TV Bill in 2026

How To Manage Your Monthly Subscriptions To Save Money

7 Types of Subscriptions You May Want To Cancel Today

How To Get a Gym Membership for Practically Free - Clark Howard

What Is Service Line Insurance and Do I Need It? - Clark Howard

Why Vacation Clubs Are Even Worse Than Timeshares

How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your Timeshare - Clark Howard

5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad - 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

Why Retirement Confidence Is Plunging & Fiduciary vs. Financial Advisor

Wes Moss breaks down a troubling shift in the American economy: the rapid decline of retirement confidence. Drawing on three decades of data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), Wes highlights a staggering trend where worker confidence has dropped in 2026. This pessimistic outlook is mirrored by the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment index, which has hit an all-time historical low. Wes identifies the primary culprit. Also, Wes tackles the crucial question of who you should trust to manage your money during these uncertain times. He demystifies the industry by comparing financial advisors to peppers in a grocery store: while they may look identical on the outside, their "heat" levels vary wildly. Wes discusses why transparency is key and provides actionable advice on how to check your advisor's contract to ensure your investments are working for you, not for your advisor's bottom line.

Mentioned on the show:

WSJ - America’s Most Tortured Retirement Regulation Is Struck Down (Again)


How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor

Best Financial Advisors in 2026 - Clark Howard

What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One?

What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the April 28, 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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices