The Clark Howard Podcast

Avoid Holiday Shopping Traps & The Dangerous Car Recall You Can’t Ignore

In this episode, Clark shares his simple, battle-tested trick to stop impulse spending during peak holiday shopping season – including his hands-only shopping cart rule that will save you money both online and in stores.

Also, have you heard about how some cars are bursting into flames? And do you know how to check if your vehicle has any sort of recall? With over 3.5 million vehicles currently under critical "park outside" fire risk recalls, Clark breaks down why driver response rates are dangerously low, why gas vehicles (not just EVs) are catching fire, and how ignoring this warning could cost you your home.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the November 4, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Mindful Shopping: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Wheels On Fire: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

The Secret Perk of Abandoning Your Online Shopping Cart

4 marketing tricks to not fall for this holiday season

Gadgets Are Going Premium—and Manufacturers Are Raking It In - WSJ

Sub-$100 smartphones becoming a rarity as AI memory prices soar

Why This Is the Worst Time of the Year To Buy an iPhone

We Just Got Married. How Do We Blend Our Finances?

BBB-File a Complaint

Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, Equipment

The Center for Auto Safety - Recall-Check

Consumer Reports: Best New SUVs and Cars for Under $30,000

How to Buy a New Car: 5 Smart Steps To Get the Best Deal

The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard

9 Things You Should Always Buy Used - Clark Howard

When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Give Out Your Social Security Number

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts

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The Real Cost of Owning a Car & Can You Actually Retire on $500,000?Wes breaks down the cold, hard numbers on two major financial questions that could completely change your path to financial independence. First, Wes dives into "car math," looking past the monthly payment to reveal the true total cost of ownership — including depreciation, fuel, maintenance, and insurance — across popular vehicles. He breaks down the 20-year math behind buying new versus used, keeping cars for 10 years versus cycling every three to five, and even whether ridesharing is the better move for low-mileage drivers, illustrating how holding onto your ride for a decade can pocket you an extra $100,000 in compound growth.

Next, Wes examines the Federal Reserve's latest net worth data and tackles a crucial retirement question: can the average American really retire on $500,000? While it is challenging, Wes maps out how the math genuinely works if you leverage three critical variables.

Mentioned on the show:

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

The 6 Money Habits of People Who Become Wealthy - Clark Howard

All this and more on the November 3, 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.com

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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Are AI Chatbots Secretly Tricking Holiday Shoppers? & Why You MUST Ask for an Itemized Hospital Bill

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, millions of consumers are turning to AI shopping assistants like Meta’s Muse for the very first time to hunt down the best deals. While these chatbots speak with total authority, Clark warns against taking their recommendations as absolute fact. Beyond the retail aisles, artificial intelligence is also driving up costs in healthcare as hospital systems and health insurance providers deploy AI against one another in payment disputes. Hospitals are increasingly using AI to flag additional billable charges, leaving patients stuck with inflated balance bills when insurers refuse to cover the extra costs. To avoid paying more than you legitimately owe, Clark stresses the importance of becoming an active consumer.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the November 2, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Holiday Shopping: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

AI & Healthcare Costs : Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

5 Ways To Save on Holiday Shopping This Year - Clark Howard

6 Grocery Stores Cheaper Than Walmart - Clark Howard

Why Frequent Travelers Should Be Using an eSIM

NYTimes: Battle of Hospital A.I. vs. Insurer A.I. Is Pushing Medical Costs Higher

The Free Tool That Exposes Hidden Hospital Costs

Can a Patient Advocate Help With Your Medical Bills? - Clark Howard

How To Safely Use Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps - Clark Howard

How To Make Your Venmo Transactions Private - Clark Howard

Is a HELOC a Good Idea? The Simple Answer - Clark Howard

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

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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Clark Stinks & #1 TV Brand People Keep the Longest

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

Also today, are there TV brands worth paying extra money for? Just in time for Black Friday, new data from CNET readers reveals the TV brand people actually keep the longest – and it’s not the most expensive one on the wall.All this and more on the October 30, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

TV Purchase: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Should You Make Your Child an Authorized User on Your Credit Card?

How and When To Cancel a Credit Card - Clark Howard

Should You Max Out Your 401(k) Early in the Year?

How to Max Out Your 401(k)

Best Credit Cards for Restaurants and Dining in 2026 - Clark Howard

Should I Contribute to a 529 Plan Only To Roll It Into a Roth IRA Later?

Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute

Some TV Brands Aren’t Worth the Hype. CNET Readers Say These Are

Should you register your new products? - Clark Howard

Clark.com - Streaming TV

#1 Way To Protect Yourself From Credit Card Skimmers

5 Ways To Save on Holiday Shopping This Year - 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

Rapid Fire Q&A: Financial Advisor Fees, Direct Indexing Traps, & 30-Year Treasury Yields

Welcome to another Rapid Fire Thursday edition of Ask an Advisor with Wes Moss! Today, Wes opens up the listener mailbag to answer several direct questions on wealth management, investment strategies, and retirement planning. Wes covers everything from when financial advisor AUM fees should taper down to the hidden tax traps of Direct Indexing, utilizing 30-year Treasuries, and understanding a major loop-hole in the Rule of 55!

Mentioned on the show: ⁠

How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor⁠ / ⁠Financial Advisor Costs⁠

Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2026 - Clark Howard

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

The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard

WSJ - Opinion: For Investors and Savers, TINA Is Giving Way to TARA⁠

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

All this and more on the October 29, 2026, Ask an Advisor “Rapid Fire” 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.com

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