The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also in this episode, Clark shares a narrow set of strategies for becoming a landlord successfully in today’s fraught housing market. To determine if a property is a viable investment, know the classic 1% rule.


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Investment Real Estate: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your Timeshare

How To Make Your Venmo Transactions Private

Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard

Teslarati: Tesla partners with Lemonade for new insurance program

10 Things Homeowners Insurance Doesn't Always Cover

How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion

Should You Invest in a Rental Home? Here's Clark's 1% Rule

What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work?

Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference?

What Is a SEP IRA and Who Is Eligible?

What Is the Highest Credit Score?

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

Clark dives into the predatory world of health insurance, where companies are under fire for "strategy-based" claim denials - and consumers are faced with outrageous hospital bills. Clark explains why and how you must self-advocate as a customer.  Also, as power bills surge due in large part to data centers, you’re not a sitting duck. Clark argues that you shouldn't have to subsidize the energy needs of big tech, and explores the "secret weapons" available to homeowners and renters alike.

Appeal Medical Denials: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Fight The Power (Bills): Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

What Should You Do if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied?

Clark Howard and the Prostate Cancer Foundation

How to understand a medical bill and EOB

American Medical Association States & Territories

How to Freeze Your Child's Credit

The U.S. may have a secret weapon against rising electricity prices

This startup is building a network of home batteries to help solve the grid’s woes

How To Save Money on Utilities

What Are Solid-State Batteries, and Why Do They Matter for Electric Vehicles?

Which Home Security Systems Rank Better Than Ring?

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

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

Large Cap vs. Small Cap: Which Is Best? & Why Your Returns Don’t Match the Headlines

With the median S&P 500 company now valued at $35 billion and "Mega Caps" like Microsoft reaching the $3+ trillion mark, the scale of the market has reached levels that are difficult to even conceptualize. While large caps have dominated the last three years with returns, Wes highlights why investors shouldn't ignore small and mid-cap categories. With small caps currently catching up in 2026 and offering more attractive valuations, diversifying beyond the top 10 stocks in the S&P 500 is more critical than ever. Also, have you ever wondered why individual investors consistently underperform the broader market. While the S&P 500 has averaged a 13% return over the last decade, the average balanced investor has seen closer to 8%. Wes discusses the framework needed to stop chasing headlines and start building long-term wealth.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the January 20, 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

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

The condo market is struggling around the country, particularly in coastal areas. This creates both opportunity and hazard for potential buyers, and insurance is certainly a factor. Speaking of moving, more and more Americans are moving overseas to save money or retire. Should you become an expat? Clark shares his essential "test drive" rule for anyone considering an international move and breaks down the vital questions you need answered before you commit, concerning taxation, safety, and healthcare.

Buying A Condo: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Should You Retire Abroad?: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

The Condo Market Hasn’t Been This Bad in Over a Decade - WSJ

5 Reasons Policymakers Should Prioritize Disaster Resilience

Verizon + Openbank Savings

Why Does Clark Howard Wear 2 Watches?

More Middle-Income Americans Are Trying to Make a New Life Overseas - WSJ

Best 529 College Savings Plans By State

What's the Best Savings Account for a Teenager?

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

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

2026 MLK Day Service Project

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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also in this episode, the job market is in a lower gear as businesses continue to lay off employees and slow hiring. Clark’s take? There’s an opportunity in the marketplace. If you’ve been laid off or you feel anxious about your job right now, consider Clark’s perspective as a lifelong entrepreneur. 


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

When 1 Door Closes…: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

7 Money Mistakes You Might Be Making at the Gas Station

Is Now a Good Time To Refinance Your Mortgage?

Why You Should Avoid These Free Offers From Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile

The Best Cell Phone Plan Deals in January

Top 7 Ways To Shop Safely Online

Costco Travel: 5 Things To Know Before You Book

5 Things to Know About the Costco Car Rental Program

SCORE: Free Small Business Mentorship and Resources

What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work?

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

The best deals on TVs available now!

Report: The #1 Internet Provider in America

Internet Price War: Why Now Is a Good Time To Threaten To Cancel

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