The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Lane (Clark’s wife!)  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.    Also today - A shocking 81% of consumers admit to routinely making impulse buys. But while small impulse buys hurt your weekly budget, there is one major lifestyle purchase that can absolutely sabotage long-term wealth: our second biggest purchase in life - a vehicle. The average cost of a car has climbed to a whopping $50,000, yet we still get tired of our rides and cycle through them too quickly. By making a single change to how, what, and how often you buy an automobile over your working lifetime—and investing those savings into the stock market instead—you could easily put an extra $250,000 directly into your pocket by the time you retire. Use our Wealth Impact Calculator to turbocharge your retirement savings today: 

All this and more on the May 29, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Car Buying & Your Retirement: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


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


Is a 401(k) Loan a Good Idea? Almost Never - Clark Howard


401(k) Loan Calculator - Clark Howard


Why Does My Locked Credit Card Still Allow Charges? - Clark Howard

Lost Your Credit Card? How To Place a Temporary Freeze on Your Account


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

USA TODAY: Why you keep impulse buying, even when broke


A Single Change to Your Car-Buying Habits Could Add $250,000 to Retirement


Calculator: Wealth Impact of Buying Cars 


The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard

Do I Need a Mechanic Inspection When Buying a Used Car from CarMax or Carvana?


5 Best Places To Buy Pet Medicines - Clark Howard 

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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Today - For home sellers, making sure your house is ready and appealing to buyers can mean you have to have a tough skin, but it can pay off. If you want your home to stand out in today's market, you have to nail the first impression. Clark breaks down how to stop turning buyers off and start getting offers. Also, Clark shares a terrifying cautionary tale that will make you think twice about choosing "paperless" billing. A systems glitch at Fidelity completely wiped out a Colorado woman's life savings, leaving her account balance at zero with no electronic record that she ever even existed. It took months of stressful battles with a flippant customer service department to restore her decades of hard work. There are currently forces at work that could leave you entirely responsible for proving your own net worth. While Clark isn't telling you to stuff cash under your mattress, he is sounding an urgent warning.

Plus, Lane (Clark’s wife!) shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the May 27, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions:  Ask  Clark

Word To Home Sellers: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Money Fails & Paper Trails: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


These Are the 2 Biggest Hidden Expenses When Selling a Home


How To Buy a House in 9 Steps - Clark Howard

NYTimes: Her Life Savings Mysteriously Disappeared After a Systems Glitch


Why You Need Paper Evidence of Your Financial Accounts


Should You File for Bankruptcy? - Clark Howard

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

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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Forced To Retire Early? The Shocking Data Everyone Needs To Know & Market Warning for Investors

Why do most Americans retire years earlier than they planned? In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down a startling trend from recent 2026 retirement studies. While most workers plan to clock out around age 65 or 66, the data shows the average actual retirement age is 61 or 62. Wes explores the three major reasons behind this gap – and shares the exact planning strategy you need to protect your financial future. Also, Wes dives into recent market volatility. While the market managed a shockingly fast 12-day recovery, Wes issues a crucial warning: this speed is the exception, not the rule. Learn the historical reality of market corrections so you don't get lulled into a false sense of security.

Plus, Mallory shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 26, 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

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Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.    Also, while many of us use fitness trackers to count steps or monitor sleep, the latest data shows some of these devices are evolving into genuine lifesavers. Clark has worn a Garmin for twenty years and a Samsung smartwatch, but the Oura Ring has truly impressed him and for good reason, as new findings indicate.  


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Oura Reports: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


Is Turo Legit? 5 Things To Know Before You Use It


5 of Clark Howard's Most Extreme Frugal Hacks


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


The Insurance Policies You Need (and Some You Don't)


What Age Are Americans Actually Starting Social Security?


Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance: Understanding the Difference

Oura Ring Helps Uncover 'Multiple Cases of Lymphoma,' Says Its Chief Medical Officer

Axios: Finish Line: The quiet rise of "prescribing connection"


4 Ways To Stop Junk Mail - Clark Howard

How To Choose the Best Charities for Your Donations - Clark Howard


Memorial Day 2026: Facts, Meaning & Traditions

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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With  Memorial Day weekend upon us, Clark shares important travel know-how. Navigating the rental car counter has become more like rocket science than a simple travel chore, but protecting your wallet starts with a few simple steps. With "car rental rage" on the rise due to surprise charges and poor service, it is critical to follow Clark’s timely rules. Also, if you’re looking for a domestic getaway, soft demand in a normally popular travel market presents a golden opportunity for the savvy traveler!

Clark’s Rental Cars 101: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Vegas Nerve: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


How to Protect Your Wallet From Rental Car ‘Gotchas’⁠


Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips - Clark Howard

Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know


American Express Platinum Card® Review: Is It Worth It?

Amex premium car rental protection


5 Things to Know About the Costco Car Rental Program


3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room

What Domestic Destination Is a Deal Right Now?


HotelTonight: Last Minute Hotel Deals at Great Hotels

Priceline - Find Cheap Hotel Rooms & Discount Hotels


Travel 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