The Clark Howard Podcast

The 200-Hour Friendship Rule & Are Financial Advisors Worth It?

Making friends as an adult is harder than ever – but just how much time does it actually take to build a close friendship? In this episode, Wes Moss discusses the growing friendship gap in America and the surprising research behind forming meaningful connections. A study from the University of Kansas found that becoming a close friend takes far more intentional time than most people realize. Wes explains why friendships become more difficult to maintain as we age and what you can do to build and preserve strong relationships throughout life. Plus, are financial advisors really worth the cost? With about half of pre-retirees working with an advisor and half managing on their own, Wes breaks down who can benefit from professional financial guidance—and who may not need it. From investing and tax planning to estate and family considerations, learn when financial advice can add real value.

Mentioned on the show:  Early Mortgage Payoff Calculator - Clark Howard 

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 14, 2026, Ask an Advisor 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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Use payment apps? How much? Clark has a major warning about a serious financial risk hiding in plain sight: storing your hard-earned cash inside payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. While these platforms are convenient for sending money, a shocking number of people use them like regular bank accounts to store large sums of money. Therein lies a dangerous reality that could cost you plenty.   Also, millennials are rethinking life milestones, especially when it comes to weddings. A recent story of a beautiful $5,000 wedding proves that you don’t need to bury yourself in debt to celebrate love. If you want to spend a fortune and you have the cash, go for it—but if you want to start your marriage on a stronger financial footing, younger generations are proving you can have an unforgettable, gorgeous wedding at a crazy inexpensive price.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 13, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

A New Payment App Warning: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Affordable Weddings: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Storing Cash in PayPal, Venmo or Cash App Carries Hidden Risks, CFPB Says


Safer Ways To Send Money - Clark Howard


Who Should Consider Setting Up a Trust? - Clark Howard


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

Car-Rental Insurance and the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)


Clark Howard's Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding


Should I Borrow Money To Pay for a Wedding? - Clark Howard


6 tips for a more affordable wedding - Clark Howard 


The Costco Price Secret Almost Nobody Knows - Clark Howard

Are Airline Ticket Consolidators a Good Way To Save Money on International Flights?

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,  economic anxiety is climbing straight up the income ladder, and Americans everywhere are growing deeply worried. On top of that, a troubling new report confirms that Social Security is on track to face insolvency by 2032—a year earlier than we originally thought. If Congress continues to ignore it, roughly 70 million Americans who rely on these checks could see cuts to their benefits in less than six years. To fix this issue, Clark says it’s time to make hard choices as a nation. But despite the widespread pessimism about the future, Clark delivers a straight talk: We still live in the most dynamic economy in the world with incredible opportunities for entrepreneurship, but it is time to stop playing political games and protect the hard-earned money of the American people.

All this and more on the July 10, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Fix Social Security!: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


Where To Buy the Best Cheap Printer - Clark Howard


What Can I Safely Use for Peer-to-Peer Payments? - Clark Howard

Costco Pricing Secrets: What Does a Price Ending in .00 Really Mean?


About Diners Club International

NYTimes: Social Security at Risk for Cuts by 2032, Unless Congress Acts

Higher prices for gas, groceries and flights will likely outlast the Iran war

How are Americans doing financially?


FICO® Score 10T  /  What Is a Good Credit Score?


Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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Clark.com daily money newsletter


Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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The mattress industry is in chaos, and major brands like Sleep Number are facing bankruptcy. Clark breaks down how the mattress market became incredibly oversaturated and why traditional mattress stores have seen their business models become obsolete. While online shopping and warehouse clubs have revolutionized how we buy beds, the wave of recent bankruptcies poses a risk to consumers. Clark reveals his ultimate rule for buying a new mattress safely. Also, Clark addresses the looming crisis in higher education as federal student loan interest rates spike to 6.5%. With college costs and inflation stretching family budgets to the limit, Clark explains why you should never sacrifice your own retirement savings or saddle your children with a lifetime of crushing debt just to attend a "dream" school. Clark delivers a heavy dose of tough love and practical strategies for parents.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 8, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Buying A Mattress: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Student Loans: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


The Best Place To Buy a Mattress - Clark Howard


Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts


Fidelity vs. Vanguard vs. Schwab: Which Brokerage Is Best?

How Long Do You Need To Keep Tax Documents? - Clark Howard


Education Dept Updates Key Student Loan Guidance In Advance Of July Changes - Forbes

NYTimes: Education Dept. Lowers Student Loan Rates for Borrowers in Auto Pay


The Trump administration says it is cutting student loan interest. Here are some facts and context

The Right Way & Wrong Way to Use a 529 Plan That Doesn't Cover the Full Cost of College

Best 529 College Savings Plans By State


Trump Accounts: What You Need To Know - 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

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In this episode, Wes tackles the psychological hurdle that many high-achievers face when they finally reach the "Retirement Green Zone." After decades of using hard work, discipline, and ambition to build a nest egg, it can be incredibly difficult to simply turn that drive off. Wes discusses the "ambition guilt" that many retirees feel when they pursue creative hobbies or passions that don’t generate a paycheck. Rather than viewing this transition as "lowering" your ambition, Wes argues that the key to a happy retirement is rechanneling that legendary work ethic into areas that feed your soul instead of your bank account. Also, we’re in a confusing state of the 2026 economy, where record-breaking corporate data seems at odds with the reality on the ground. While U.S. company profits soared by 26% in late 2025 and nominal GDP has grown significantly since 2019, many consumers are still feeling the weight of high prices. Wes explains how we are living in a "K-shaped" economy and breaks down what these disparities mean for your wallet and how to navigate an environment where productivity is higher than ever, but the benefits aren't being shared equally.

Mentioned on the show:

How I Became Less Ambitious—and Happier—in Retirement

Pension vs Lump Sum Calculator - Clark Howard

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on this July 7th Best Of Wes - Ask an Advisor 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

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