The Clark Howard Podcast

Today - Clark takes aim at the "monster mega banks" and explains why they are often the worst place for your investment dollars. Major banks are rebranding branches to capture more consumer assets, yet these institutions often lack a fiduciary duty to their clients. You’ve got lower-cost alternatives to help you get ahead.   Also, Clark shares an important message for grandparents or anyone who loves and cares about a grandparent -  a heartfelt reminder to protect those who have spent a lifetime building their savings, from going broke in their later years. 

Where NOT To Invest: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

For Grandparents: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

3 Places You Should Never Invest Your Money - Clark Howard


How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor  /  Best Financial Advisors

What You Need To Know About the Vanguard Cash Plus Account

What You Need To Know About the Fidelity Cash Management Account

Best Cash Management Account: Comparing Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab

How To Open a Roth IRA

Zillow - Prepare for your first home with confidence

How Much Does It Cost to Be a Grandparent?

Why Clark Howard Refuses To Rent a Car From Hertz

How Long Should I Save Pictures of My Car Rental? - Clark Howard

Why You Should Never Prepay for a Rental Car - Clark Howard

5 Things You Should Re-Shop To Save Money - Clark Howard

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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How Oil Price Shocks Impact the Market & AI Isn’t Killing Jobs—It’s Burning Us Out

As we face one of the largest oil supply disruptions in history, Wes Moss explores how geopolitical shocks in the Middle East impact your wallet and the stock market, while reinforcing why long-term longevity beats market timing every time. Also, a new crisis is emerging in the workplace – AI-driven burnout. Contrary to fears of job loss, recent data across 443 million work hours suggests that AI tools are actually expanding our workdays and increasing weekend labor. Wes discusses why the real risk of the tech revolution isn't a lack of work, but rather the challenge of balancing an "always-on" culture where every task is now achievable.

Mentioned on the show:

Do You Really Need To Rebalance Your Portfolio?

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the March 17, 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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Finally profitable again, the auto insurance industry has developed a renewed sense of competition for customers. Clark shares guidelines for finding companies big on customer service and value.  Also,  Americans are saving big bucks through “no spending” trends, and switching retailers. Thrift-centered businesses like Goodwill and Dollar Tree are thriving across all demographics. Clark admits he was wrong about Dollar Tree’s decision to move past its signature $1 price point, explaining how the transition to a multi-price range has elevated the brand across the country.

Best Auto Insurers: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Discounters Thriving: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


Best Auto Insurance Companies - Clark Howard

Report: These 10 Vehicles Are the Best for the Money in 2026

New York Post: Dollar Tree is invading posh neighborhoods after years of catering to low-income customers— breaking ‘stigma of the dollar store’

Best Term Life Insurance Companies, Plans & Coverage

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

What Is a Credit Union? - Clark Howard

16 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in March 2026

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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Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today - as college costs level off due to a competitive marketplace, more institutions are finding creative ways to attract students – including offering tuition-free degrees. Clark shares resources to help you find these opportunities!


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Free Tuition: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

4 Common Scams on Cash App, Venmo and Zelle (and How To Avoid Them)

Rent vs Buy Calculator - Clark Howard

Fidelity Rewards Visa vs. Schwab Investor Card® from American Express: Which Is Best?

Best Cash Management Account: Comparing Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab

How to get out of a cable or internet contract without paying a penalty

Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution)

Where Should I Set Up My Health Savings Account (HSA)?

ETFs vs Mutual Funds: What’s the Difference and When Does It Matter?

Optimizing HSA Transfers for Long-Term Growth

[W Post] More colleges are offering free tuition. Explore our database.

Colleges Offering Free Tuition by Income (2026)

Which Colleges Offer Free Tuition? Full List Of Schools

How To Find Tuition-Free Colleges: Schools That Offer Free Tuition

Where To Take Free Online Courses - Clark Howard

Best 529 College Savings Plans By State⁠

When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Use a 529 Plan

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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Today - The growing "unretirement" trend reveals that nearly half of retirees who return to the workforce do so out of financial necessity rather than choice. Clark shares several considerations and strategies for retirement planning. Later - you may have seen ads for online memberships for medical tests that will give you insights into your health. But will your information be protected? How important is medical privacy to your financial life? Because federal and state laws are often silent on these specific privacy standards, Clark suggests a unique, cautious approach.

Unretirement: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Medical Privacy: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Retirement on Pause: High Costs Push Older Americans Back to Work

Age Americans Actually Retire (It’s Earlier Than They Plan)


How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor

ETFs vs Mutual Funds: What’s the Difference and When Does It Matter?

Fidelity Investments Review: Pros & Cons

Popular online lab tests may not be covered by HIPAA protections

Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution)

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

Why You Do Not Want To Get a Big Tax Refund Check - Clark Howard

Best 529 College Savings Plans By State


When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Use a 529 Plan

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: megaphone.fm/adchoices
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices