The Clark Howard Podcast

Cut Your Bills by DIYing & Protect Yourself From This Devastating Online Scam

"Necessity is the mother of invention"—that classic adage takes on new meaning under today’s cost pressures. High prices are driving many to look for creative ways to stretch a dollar, from scoping out everyday deals to embracing DIY projects. Instead of relying on expensive professionals for every task, leaning into basic home skills, repairs, and crafting can keep hard-earned money in your pocket – and possibly evolve into a profitable side hustle.

Also, Clark exposes the dangerous mechanics behind online romance scams. Criminals are using a calculated playbook to target victims of every age group, from vulnerable young adults to lonely hearted seniors. It is critical to stay vigilant, recognize the warning signs, and keep a close eye on friends and relatives to ensure nobody falls victim to these costly emotional traps.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the October 5, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

DIY For Dollars!: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Anatomy of a Romance Scam: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

[The WP] As high prices persist, some Americans are cutting back on spending

I Made Some Money Selling an Old Digital Camera.

Here’s HowHow to Sell Your Stuff on Facebook Marketplace - Clark Howard

Facebook Marketplace Scams: Everything You Need to Know

Citi Double Cash® Card Review: 5 Things To Know in 2026

Daejon Love case highlights online romance scams: Research reveals scammers’ tactics – and how to defend against them — The Conversation

NYTimes: Costco, Kayaks and Netflix: Medicare Advantage’s Perks Get Scrutiny

Check These 3 Boxes Before Applying for Premium Travel Cards

Best Travel Credit Cards: How To Find the Perfect Fit for Your Spending

Unclaimed Money: How To Find and Claim Missing Funds for Free

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts

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Clark Stinks & Why Health Insurance Costs Are Surging (and How To Prepare)

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.

Also, healthcare costs are surging nationwide, and Americans are feeling the squeeze whether they get coverage through an employer or buy a plan on the state exchanges. With exchange premiums set to jump up to 20% in hard-hit areas and employer health benefit costs projected to spike at the highest rates in decades, navigating this open enrollment season will require making tough, strategic choices. Take the time during open enrollment to re-evaluate your coverage, compare providers, and look at alternative plan tiers.

All this and more on the October 2, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Open Enrollment: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

TIPS: The Inflation-Proof Alternative to Standard Bonds - Clark Howard

Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels From Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly?

The Hidden Danger of Booking Your Vacation Through Third-Party Sites

35 Clever and Unusual Ways To Save Money - Clark Howard

Health Insurance Archives - Clark Howard

Axios: Large employers drop health benefits as costs rise

Long-Term Care Insurance Is Getting Harder To Buy. Here’s Why You Might Not Need It Anyway

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Episode transcripts

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Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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Alert: Bank Imposter Scam Draining Life Savings & Shocking Truth About Travel Costs Right Now

Clark exposes a dangerous financial scam that is draining people’s entire life savings and explains why your protections might not apply if you fall for it. Financial imposter scams are becoming sharper and more sophisticated. Clark shares the single mandatory step you must take whenever you receive an urgent alert from a fraud department to keep your hard-earned money safe.

Plus, if you're planning a vacation, Clark reveals why shoulder season travel savings have practically vanished this year and what's really driving up the cost of your next trip. From soaring fuel prices to weakening dollar values, cruise lines and airlines are feeling the pinch and passing the expenses on to you. Learn where you can still find genuine travel deals if you’re willing to shift your strategy on the calendar.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 30, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Saving Your Life’s Savings: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Travel Update: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Warning: A Devastating Bank Impersonation Scam Is Draining Life Savings in Minutes

This type of scam cost Americans half a BILLION dollars last year

Why Now Is the Best Time To Buy a New Mattress — With One Major Catch

The Best Place To Buy a Mattress - Clark Howard

If ‘fall is really the new summer,’ are there any autumn travel deals left?

International eSIM: The Best Way to Stay Connected | GigSky

eSIM for Cruise Ships: Stay Connected at Sea

5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room - Clark Howard

The Safe Way to Reshop Your Travel Deals and Save Hundreds

Clark.com resources:

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Best Free Streaming Services in 2026: Movies and TV for Cord Cutters

The Best Phone Plan For You - Compare Phone Plans - Clark Howard

What Credit Card Should I Get - Clark Howard

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Secret to Giving Yourself 'Permission to Spend' in Retirement & Are Pensions Back?

Wes dives into new research showing that median-wealth retirees underspend their potential income by 8% – and wealthier retirees underspend by a staggering 47% to 53%. Wes breaks down the psychological difference between spending assets versus spending income streams, and the little-known shift that can give you the "license to spend" without locking your money away in an annuity.

Plus, are pensions making a surprise comeback? Wes explores recent Wall Street Journal data showing thousands of companies adding pension-style plans, why workers want them back, and what this means for the future of retirement.

Mentioned on the show:

What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink?⁠

⁠How Two Clark-Approved Annuities Can Reduce Retirement Stress⁠

⁠Annuity Calculator: Is it Worth It? - Clark Howard⁠

⁠How To Turn Part of Your Nest Egg Into a Pension - Clark Howard⁠

⁠What It Would Take Each Month To Build Your Own Social Security Check From Scratch⁠

⁠The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard⁠

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

⁠Pensions Were on the Brink of Extinction. Now Companies Are Bringing Them Back.⁠

All this and more on the September 29, 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.comWe 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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How To Inflation-Proof Your Portfolio & The Free Account Everyone Needs To Set Up Before Retirement

Navigating your investments as you age can get confusing, especially when rising interest rates make traditional bond funds a scary prospect. While young investors can comfortably ride out stock market volatility, those approaching their late 50s and beyond need a more balanced portfolio to protect their hard-earned money. Instead, consider Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) as a powerful, inflation-proof alternative to standard bonds, as Clark explains.

Also, there is an urgent security measure you need to take right now – no matter your age. Many people assume they don't need a MySocialSecurity account until they are ready to retire, or they worry the program won't exist in the future. Clark walks us through why it’s so crucial to open an account as soon as possible.

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

Bond Alternative: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Your Social Security: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

TIPS: The Inflation-Proof Alternative to Standard Bonds - Clark.com

Long-Term Treasuries: What a 5% Return Means for Your Money

Empower Review: How It Works, Pros & Cons - Clark Howard

My Social Security: The Free Account Everyone Needs To Set Up Before Retirement

How Can I Estimate My Social Security Benefit? - Clark Howard

The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts

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Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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