The Clark Howard Podcast

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


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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

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Many Americans reaching millionaire status still feel like they are standing on shaky financial ground. Clark explains the psychological and cultural traps that can keep high earners feeling insecure - and how the "bear preparing for winter" strategy can build financial confidence. Also, with all the job scams and ghost job listings out there now, how do you know an opportunity is real?  Whether seeking career change or a part-time gig, con artists are using fake listings to harvest your identity and your money. Clark reveals the red flags to watch for, including the essential "verify before you apply" workflow.

Financial Confidence: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Job Scams: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

High-Income But Low Confidence? This 5-Point Plan From a Financial Planner Can Fix That

Credit Cards That Can Beat 2% Cash Back on Everyday Purchases

Earn a $200 Cash Bonus With This Credit Card - Clark Howard

Where Should I Set Up My Health Savings Account (HSA)?

Clark.com - CREDIT CARDS

How to avoid a side hustle scam

Why You Should Keep Old Credit Card Accounts Open - Clark Howard

How and When To Cancel a Credit Card - Clark Howard

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today - it’s prom season, and so many kids and parents are breaking the bank to pay for it!  Prom has officially turned into a high-pressure, "red-carpet" event driven more by social media likes than actual memories. Clark is here to tell you that you don't have to go into debt to have a great time. 


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Prom Spending: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard

These Credit Cards Are America’s Favorites on Latest Consumer Survey

These Are the Most and Least Expensive States for Home Insurance

9 Ways To Pay for College Without Student Loans - Clark Howard

My Tax Preparer Made a Mistake: What Can I Do?

Best Sites to Start an LLC - We Ranked Them All

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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Clark takes on the touchy subject of merging finances with a significant other. The transition from financial independence to shared responsibility requires planning and ongoing conversations. Clark warns that silence is the enemy of a healthy relationship. Also today, Clark revisits the popular dream of retiring on a cruise ship. While "living at sea" was once considered a brilliant financial hack, the post-COVID landscape has changed the math entirely. Clark breaks down the current reality.      

Couples & Finances: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Cruise Ship Residency: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Clark Howard's 5 Money Tips for Couples

Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute

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

My Teenage Daughter Just Got $2,000. Should I Open a Bank Account for Her?

Living on a Cruise Ship in Retirement: A Brilliant Hack or a Costly Mistake?

Elliott Report: Home

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

Going™ | Flight Alerts, Mistake Fares & Cheap Tickets

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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