The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also, deciding whether to throw extra cash at your mortgage or funnel it into the stock market is one of the most debated dilemmas in personal finance, especially now that nearly a quarter of homeowners are carrying rates at 6% or higher. While Clark despises debt and champions the psychological freedom of owning your home free and clear, it’s vital to balance that achievement with the mathematical reality of long-term financial security. Clark offers guidelines for creating your financial priorities, including Team Clark’s new Pay Off Mortgage or Invest Calculator, to help make sure your money is working as hard as possible for the future.


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Financial Priorities: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


What’s the Total Value of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Perks?


Top 10 Perks of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card 

Report: How Much You Need To Save in Each State To Retire Comfortably


Best Prepaid Cards: Top Debit Card Alternatives - Clark Howard 


Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest? - Clark Howard 


Pay Off Mortgage or Invest Calculator (Clark.com)


When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use a 529 Plan - Clark Howard

Best 529 Plans by State: How Clark Howard Picks the Top College Savings Plans


How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps - Clark Howard


Best Term Life Insurance Companies, Plans & Coverage

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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Health care costs in America have reached a breaking point, with many being forced to drop costly medical insurance entirely. But whether you’re insured or paying out of pocket, you have more power than you think. Today, Clark discusses a key practice you can incorporate to help  manage the high cost of health care. Also, we are currently in a period of intense retail instability. Clark explains how your gift cards can become worthless overnight, so in the interest of not wasting money - Clark has an urgent assignment for joyful spending - of gift cards that is. 

Healthcare Cost Strategy: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Use Or Lose Gift Cards Stat: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


Health care sticker shock has become the norm, but talking to your doctor about costs can help you rein it in — The Conversation⁠

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

Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? - Clark Howard

How to Freeze Your Child's Credit - Clark Howard

Why You Need To Use Your Gift Cards ASAP - Clark Howard

10 Secrets All Shoppers Need To Know About Costco - Clark Howard

Ting: Fire Prevention & Power Outage Alerts

How To Lower Your Property Taxes in 4 Steps - 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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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

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 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