The Clark Howard Podcast

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

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Today, something new under the sun - at least in the U.S.: A now FDA approved sunscreen option long in use overseas, arrives next year.  Meanwhile, are you overpaying for sunscreen just because of a fancy brand name? Consumer Reports released its annual sunscreen rankings, and the results again prove you don't have to spend a fortune to protect your skin. Also, Clark dives into the reality of modern side hustles. A TikTok influencer recently went viral after testing different side hustles every day for 100 days to make $100 a day, learning that only three were actually worth sticking with. The truth is, if a side hustle is incredibly easy to start, there are no effective barriers to entry. When anyone can do a job, the organizer doesn’t have to pay you well. If you want to make a meaningful, steady income, you need a side hustle that leverages education, training, or special skills that set you apart from the crowd. However, if you just need quick, one-time cash, look no further than your own home—just like Christa, who came out of her closet with cash assets! 

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 6, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Best Sunscreens: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Smart Side Hustles: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


21 Best Sunscreens of 2026, Lab-Tested and Reviewed


Consumer Reports: Sunscreen Ratings & Reviews 

Monarch Money Review: Is This Budgeting Tool Worth the Price?


Why You Should Keep Old Credit Card Accounts Open - Clark Howard


How and When To Cancel a Credit Card - Clark Howard

30 Easy Side Hustle Ideas


The Only Reason You Should Make an Improvement to Your Home


What's the Best Way To Send Money Overseas? - Clark Howard


AutoSlash Review: How To Save on a Rental Car - Clark Howard


HotelSlash: #1 Site for Cheap Hotel Rates

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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Happy 4th of July Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns July 6th with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off!

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today - as college costs level off due to a competitive marketplace, more institutions are finding creative ways to attract students – including offering tuition-free degrees. Clark shares resources to help you find these opportunities!


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Free Tuition: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


⁠4 Common Scams on Cash App, Venmo and Zelle (and How To Avoid Them)⁠


⁠Rent vs Buy Calculator - Clark Howard⁠


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


⁠Best Cash Management Account: Comparing Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab⁠


⁠How to get out of a cable or internet contract without paying a penalty⁠


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


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


⁠ETFs vs Mutual Funds: What’s the Difference and When Does It Matter?⁠


⁠Optimizing HSA Transfers for Long-Term Growth⁠


⁠[W Post] More colleges are offering free tuition. Explore our database.⁠


⁠Colleges Offering Free Tuition by Income (2026)⁠


⁠Which Colleges Offer Free Tuition? Full List Of Schools⁠


How To Find Tuition-Free Colleges: Schools That Offer Free Tuition


⁠Where To Take Free Online Courses - Clark Howard⁠


⁠Best 529 College Savings Plans By State⁠⁠


⁠When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Use a 529 Plan

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

Considering entrepreneurship via buying a franchise? Clark shares his most important rule before investing your hard-earned money: go work for that franchise first. Instead of relying on the sales pitch, spend several months on the job learning how the business really operates, what challenges owners face and whether the opportunity lives up to the promises. Taking this important step could save you from making a costly mistake and help you become a smarter entrepreneur. Also, Clark discusses the expansion of TrumpRx, a government prescription price comparison resource that now includes hundreds of additional generic medications. With prescription costs keeping many Americans from filling the medications they need, Clark reviews several ways to save money on prescriptions, including Costco, Sam’s Club, Amazon Pharmacy, Walmart, Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs and charitable programs that may provide free medications. He also explains what to do if you need an expensive brand-name medication and can’t afford it, including exploring manufacturer patient assistance programs that could help lower your costs.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 1, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Please note: No new episode on Friday. We wish you a safe and Happy Independence Day!

Franchise Entrepreneurs: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

New Savings On Meds: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Clark Howard’s Advice Before You Buy a Franchise


What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard

6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling


10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs - Clark Howard 

How Can Discount Drug Apps Offer Such Big Savings on Prescription Medications?


These Pharmacies Offer $4 Prescriptions - Clark Howard

How To Comparison Shop Drug Prices Before Your Doctor Sends in a Prescription


Will Mark Cuban's Prescription Company Really Save You Money? 


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


How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps - 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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the bucket investing strategy the best way to plan for retirement? In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down the powerful visual behind bucket investing and explains why organizing your money into cash, income, growth, and alternative income buckets can simplify retirement planning. He also shares the biggest drawbacks investors should understand before adopting the strategy. Also, Wes tackles a growing trend: professionals looking for more flexibility, purpose, and balance through a second career. He outlines the key questions to ask before making a career switch and explains why financial advising is emerging as one of the most in-demand professions in America.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the June 30, 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

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