The Clark Howard Podcast

The banks are at it again, and Clark wants to make sure you don't fall into a dangerous debt trap. Home equity levels are at record highs as financial institutions aggressively push homeowners to tap equity with HELOCs and cash-out refinances to pay off credit cards or fund lifestyle expenses. Clark explains why turning your home's equity into high-interest debt is a massive financial risk, how it mimics the harmful bank tactics of 20 years ago, and why keeping your low fixed-rate mortgage intact is critical for long-term stability.

On the auto front, while major manufacturers continue prioritizing high-margin luxury vehicles over budget-friendly models, smart options still exist. Clark highlights nine major auto brands still averaging under $40,000 per sale, and reveals why the absolute best financial move you can make today is simply keeping your current vehicle on the road as long as possible.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 21, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Home Equity Guidelines: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

New Vehicles Under $40,000: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

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

Which Documents Should You Keep and for How Long?

China Extends 240-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy Coverage to 55 Countries

Report: The Average Price of a New Vehicle - Clark Howard

New cars cost nearly $50K. Here are 5 brands for under $40K -USA TODAY

How To Buy a Used Car - Clark Howard

When Should I Drop Comprehensive and Collision Coverage?

The Center For Auto Safety Lemon Law Tips

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, there are new tools for parents to keep track of their babies' health and sleep. These are much more sophisticated than old fashioned monitors. Is there cause for concern? Smart monitors and AI-powered devices are now tracking everything from sleep patterns and health metrics to developmental milestones and growth rates right from birth. While these analytics are popular with parents used to tracking their own health data, you have to ask: who else is watching? Before you install an AI surveillance system in your nursery, Clark shares a warning to consider.

All this and more on the September 18, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

AI Baby Health Surveillance: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

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

Best Return of Premium Life Insurance for 2026

Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance: Understanding the Difference

Why Your HOA Fees Are Skyrocketing - Clark Howard

NYTimes: Aw, It’s Baby’s First A.I. Surveillance System

12 Ways You May Be Exposing Yourself to Fraud - Clark Howard

7 Essential Rules To Get Great Customer Support Every Time

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts

Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark

Clark.com daily money newsletter

Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

Submit your questions: Ask Clark.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark drops an urgent warning for vehicle owners regarding a massive spike in auto insurance claim denials. If you let a friend, colleague, or extended family member borrow your vehicle to run a quick errand, you could be setting yourself up for financial disaster.

Also, a sleazy car insurance tool has made an AI video of Clark endorsing its product. This is happening all over social media. Clark tackles the explosion of sophisticated AI-generated scams plaguing social media platforms like Facebook. From deepfake videos using Clark’s own voice and image to pitch bogus insurance products, to fake ads offering unbelievable discounts on luxury goods, scammers are leveraging advanced technology to trick you out of your hard-earned money. Clark shares how you can protect your wallet, spot counterfeit deals, and why you need to adopt a healthy sense of skepticism—not cynicism—whenever you see trusted public figures or targeted ads popping up in your feed.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 16, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Who Gets To Drive: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

AI Targeted Scam Ads: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Best Auto Insurance Companies and Some of the Worst⁠

⁠Credit Card Debt Consolidation: 3 Paths To Consider, 2 To Avoid⁠

⁠Clark Howard's Credit Card Debt Elimination Strategy⁠

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

⁠Modern Scams are Getting Harder to Spot. Here's What to Do⁠

⁠TSA PreCheck® vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR+: Which Is Best for You?⁠

⁠How I Set My Teens Up for Retirement in 5 Minutes - Clark Howard⁠

How To Open a Roth IRA

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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How To Build Wealth Without a Tech Job & Hidden Dangers of Coast FI

Forget the myth that you have to work on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley to build massive wealth. Wes reveals the power of the "Everywhere Millionaires" – the 3 million Americans who have accumulated a collective $65 trillion by building unglamorous, low-tech, and non-tech businesses. Discover why tactile, essential industries are producing some of the richest entrepreneurs in the country (including a former hot dog stand owner who sold his business for $1 billion).

Then, Wes issues a crucial warning for young investors drawn to the Coast FI movement. While saving aggressively early in life is fantastic, relying solely on compound interest while taking your foot off the savings gas pedal in your 20s or 30s carries massive hidden risks. Wes explains why life’s unexpected variables mean you shouldn't step back from your financial goals too soon.

Mentioned on the show:

Are You Well Invested? Here’s a 6-Point Check

Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute

How To Invest a Lump Sum or Cash You've Left Uninvested

Pension vs Lump Sum Calculator - Clark Howard

The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard

All this and more on the September 15, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/askDiscover 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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Think you need an expensive, full-blown security system to protect your home? Think again. Clark shares how even a single inexpensive security camera can serve as a massive deterrent against burglars. While surveillance technology certainly has its privacy drawbacks, Clark breaks down the major safety benefits for homeowners.

Plus, long considered a reliable platform bringing legitimacy to ticket resale, StubHub is now facing intense backlash from customers stranded at major events like the World Cup. Clark discusses findings from a Wall Street Journal report detailing how the company reportedly gutted customer service, altered contact methods, and hid their legal address to dodge arbitration requests and frustrate customers seeking refunds. Hear Clark's take on this unbelievable situation and what it means for anyone buying resale tickets today.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 14, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Home Security Cams: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

StubHub TROUBLE: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

These Studies Show Even One Home Security Camera Is a Deal-Breaker for Burglars

Why You Should Consider Security Cameras (Without the Monthly Subscription)

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

Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute

Best Small Business Credit Cards - Clark Howard

The StubHub Customers Who Battled for Tickets—and Battle Harder for a Refund

Best Financial Advisors in 2026 - Clark Howard⁠ / Facet: How It Works

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

How To Save on Travel With Google Flights - 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