The Clark Howard Podcast

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

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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

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Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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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

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Airline Consumer Protections Are Shrinking & Hidden Costs of Caregiving

With the holiday travel season just around the corner, big changes are underway that could impact your upcoming trips. The Department of Transportation is re-interpreting consumer protections for air passengers. Since airlines won’t be eager to step up when they make a mistake, you need to know how to advocate for yourself, and navigate airline customer service.

Also, another urgent conversation families need to have involves the hidden financial costs of caregiving. Nearly 70% of people will require some level of care in their lifetime. With the erosion of long-term care insurance, more families are impacted by caregiving challenges, forcing 56% of caregiving retirees to leave the workforce earlier than planned. Don’t wait until a crisis hits or until your parents are well into their 60s or 70s to talk about the future.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the October 28, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Passenger Rights Eroded: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Prepare For Caregiving Challenges: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Clark Howard's Strategy for Spending Credit Card Rewards ⁠

Follow Clark Howard's #1 Rule To Travel Cheap⁠ / SkyScanner.com⁠

Booked a Flight? This New Tool Will Tell You When the Price Drops

⁠Points Path Review: This Free Tool Makes Using Travel Points Much Easier⁠

⁠Clark Howard’s Secrets to Beating Sky-High Airfares and New Hidden Fees⁠

How to Find a Geriatric Care Manager - Clark Howard

What Is Disability Insurance and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard

The Aging Parents Checklist: Money, Scams, Estate Plans and Final Wishes

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

When Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Instead of Investing? / Calculator

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

Is Your Brokerage Account Safe from AI? & Market Myths Debunked

In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down what you need to know about AI security and seasonal stock market lore. First, Wes addresses the rising safety concerns surrounding automated AI agents accessing brokerage accounts, sharing his two golden rules for protecting your money in a digital world. Then, he separates hype from reality when it comes to famous Wall Street legends like "Scary October," "Sell in May and Go Away," and the January Barometer, offering practical advice on how investors should actually navigate these seasonal market trends.

Mentioned on the show:

Why You Need To Lock Your Brokerage Account Today

The New AI Voice Scam Threatening Your Life Savings — and How to Protect Yourself

AI Agents Trading Stocks While You Sleep? Charles Schwab’s CEO Is Skeptical

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

All this and more on the October 27, 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