The Clark Howard Podcast

Rapid Fire Q&A: The "Happiest Retiree" Pet Factor, RMD Alternatives, Fidelity’s New Annuity + More Questions Answered

Welcome to our first monthly "Rapid Fire Thursday" episode of Ask an Advisor! Today, Wes Moss is opening up the listener mailbag to answer your direct financial questions. We’re covering a wide range of topics: from how pets fit into the "Happiest Retirees" research, to whether UTMA accounts or Trump Accounts beat out a classic 529 plan for college and savings goals. Plus, we address pension life insurance strategies, handling portfolio planning with reduced life expectancy, and how to navigate the infamous "Tax Torpedo" in retirement.

Mentioned on the show:

Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules

The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard

Best 529 College Savings Plans By State

Roth IRA vs Traditional (Pre-Tax) IRA Calculator - Clark Howard

All this and more on the September 10, 2026, Ask an Advisor “Rapid Fire” 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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Would you pay a lower price for lower quality? Clark readily admits he would - in some cases. Is buying the absolute cheapest option actually saving you money, or is it a hidden trap? Clark breaks down the everyday dilemma between price and long-term quality, sharing where he happily goes rock-bottom cheap (like flat-screen TVs) versus where paying a bit more pays off for safety, durability, and real value.

Also, are you staying in your job to keep your benefits? Nearly 1 in 4 Americans are stuck in jobs they want to leave simply because they can't afford to lose their health coverage. Clark exposes the bizarre history behind "job lock" and explains why tying healthcare and complex retirement plans to employment is a system that desperately needs fixing.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 9, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Price Vs Quality: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Job Lock: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

When Saving Money Costs More in the Long Run

Is It Worth Buying High-End Appliances? - Clark Howard

How To Open a Roth IRA - Clark Howard

Roth IRA Growth Calculator - 2026 - Clark Howard

My 7 Rules for Using Credit Cards - Clark Howard

US Mobile Review: 6 Things To Know Before You Sign Up

The Best International Phone Plans - Clark Howard

Using Cellular Data Internationally: Buying a Local SIM Card

Staying in a job for the health insurance? About 1 in 4 Americans do, a survey says

The Millionaire Next Door

Is LifeLock Worth It? - Clark Howard

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

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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Why the "K-Shaped" Economy is WRONG & What Rising Interest Rates Mean for You

Is the "K-shaped" economy an accurate description of what Americans are experiencing today? Wes breaks down why the economy looks less like a "K" and more like an "E" — and what that means for your money, spending, and job prospects.

Wes also tackles the burning question on every investor and homeowner's mind: What happens if interest rates keep rising? From the 10-Year Treasury yield to the inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices, learn how potential rate hikes could impact your mortgage, car loans, and fixed-income portfolio.

Mentioned on the show:

Axios: The closing of the "K"

Remote work -- not AI -- has sidelined recent college graduates

5 Keys To Be a Successful Investor

All this and more on the September 8, 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

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, Clark discusses retirement with Wes Moss including how we can plan for not only a solid financial future, but a happy one as well.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Clark & Wes On Retirement: Segments3 & 4

Mentioned on the show:

Why Property Taxes Are Soaring (and How To Fight Back)

Why You Need To Lock Your Brokerage Account Today

Why Your HOA Fees Are Skyrocketing - Clark Howard

The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard

T-Mobile Retires Legacy Plans: Expect a Price Increase

FCC - Filing an Informal Complaint

Why some Americans are forced to retire too soon - Marketplace

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

Gen Z 401(k) Savings Compared to Older Generations

Discover the research-backed path to an earlier, happier retirement – order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com.

All this and more on the September 4, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

Note: No show on Monday due to Labor Day. Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

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

A surprising new study shows that Millennials and Gen Z account for 80% of all new timeshare purchases. In an era where homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for younger generations, buying into a timeshare might offer a psychological sense of owning real estate—but it is one of the worst financial traps you can walk into.

Also, how can you tell if something is a fake brand or not? There is a helpful new browser extension called Knockoff designed to clean up your Amazon search results. Because Amazon functions largely as a third-party marketplace and fulfillment house, the platform has been flooded with junky, counterfeit items and unknown knockoff brands. A member of Team Clark tested Knockoff and found it does a great job filtering out suspect sellers and warning you about low-quality duplicates as you shop. Read the full review.

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

Timeshare Trap: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Amazon Brand Filter: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

⁠Why Timeshares Still Stink

How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your Timeshare - Clark Howard

Car Rental Insurance: Everything You Need To Know - Clark Howard

Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know

Air Traffic Control Chaos: Brace Yourself Travel Headaches

Knockoff: The Free Tool That Spots Fake Brands on Amazon

Why You Need To Lock Your Brokerage Account Today

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