The Clark Howard Podcast

Lump Sum Investing vs. Dollar-Cost Averaging & Is It Ever Too Late To Save for Retirement?

Wes Moss tackles one of the most paralyzing questions in finance: should you "cannonball" into the market or wade in slowly? While historical data shows that one method wins about two-thirds of the time, Wes explains why participation will always trump perfection.

Also, a sobering new study claims the average American has less than $1,000 saved for retirement. However, when you look past the headlines at the actual math, the story changes – and so does the outlook for "Late Start Larry and Lisa." If you’re in your 50s and feel like you’ve missed the boat, this segment is for you. Wes breaks down the 2026 contribution limits and shows how aggressive saving in your final working years can still turn a modest nest egg into a million-dollar retirement.

Mentioned on the show:

How Psychology Can Make or Break Your Portfolio

Retirement Calculators

What’s the Average Retirement Account Balance in America?

Is It Ever Too Late To Save for Retirement? - Clark Howard

8 Retirement Catch-Up Secrets for Savers 55+ - Clark Howard

Retirement Savings Limits in 2026 - Clark Howard

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the March 3, 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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Today - Nearly every purchase we make offers the “opportunity” to pay over time. Why Clark seriously despises Pay-In-4.  Also, Clark addresses the worsening doctor shortage and a related  profession that can help fill the gap.

The Pay-In-4 Trap: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Ask Your Pharmacist: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Buy Now, Pay Later: A Helpful Tool or a Debt Trap?

How Lemon Laws Safeguard Consumers from Defective Goods

What Is a C.L.U.E Report and Its Impact on Your Insurance

5 Things To Know About Amazon Pharmacy Before You Sign Up

Why Does Clark Howard Wear 2 Watches?

[The Washington Post] Here’s a proven way to slow aging. Any volunteers?

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 - In newer limited service hotels, rooms have gotten much smaller - at the expense of privacy. Clark explains the trend and the criteria he checks before booking.


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Micro Hotel Rooms & Privacy: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Charles Schwab Review: Pros & Cons - Clark Howard

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

Innovative Toll Solutions - Open Roads

Federal Trade Commission - File A Complaint

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

The Surprising Thing You Need To Check Before Booking a Hotel Room

The Best Day and Time to Book a Cheap Flight - Clark Howard

Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2026

Does Your Travel Credit Card Check These 4 Boxes? - 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: megaphone.fm/adchoices
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The frenzy surrounding gold and silver has dominated recent financial headlines. Clark explains the role of these commodities as hedges vs. investments and discusses how much (or little) you should own, and the best way to buy & sell.  Also today - do big price tags equal great quality when it comes to appliances? Clark breaks down why "designer" features often mean more points of failure and why the most effective tools are simply made to last,  and do one job well.

Buying/Selling Gold: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

No-Frills Appliances: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

How To Value and Sell Coins, Jewelry and Silver - Clark Howard

Should I Buy Gold? Is It a Good Investment? - Clark Howard

Look Out for These Gold Bar Scams as Prices Surge

Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Here's Your Estimated 2026 Tax Refund Schedule - Clark Howard

The Best Time and Place To Buy Small Kitchen Appliances

Here's How Long Your Home Appliances Should Last - Clark Howard

Dacia History - Dacia Cars

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: 5 Things To Know Before You Sign Up

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

Mint Mobile Introduces 5G Home Internet From $30/Month

How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? - Clark Howard

What Can I Safely Use for Peer-to-Peer Payments? - 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: megaphone.fm/adchoices
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steak Night Sticker Shock & Is a Market Correction Coming?

Beef and steak prices are soaring. But beyond the grocery store and date night, it’s costing you more than you think, as Wes Moss explains. Also, Wes also address the psychological "twinge" investors feel when the stock market hits new all-time highs. What should investors do in 2026? While it’s tempting to think an all-time high is a signal to get out, history suggests the opposite.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the February 24, 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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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices