The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, when your health insurer denies coverage for a treatment, procedure, or medication, don't assume that's the final answer. Clark explains a little-known consumer right that could help you overturn a denial: an external appeal reviewed by an independent third party. While some patients do appeal insurance decisions, very few take the next step when they're denied again. Clark shares why persistence matters, how the appeals process works, and why insurers often reverse decisions when consumers push back. For serious illnesses, these denials aren't just about money—they can be a matter of life and death. Learn how to fight back, when to appeal again, and how an independent review could force your insurer to pay for care it initially refused to cover.

All this and more on the June 26, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Insurance Appeals: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

6 Home Expenses You Have To Budget For (Beyond Your Mortgage)

Privacy and security built into your payments

5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad


5 Best Places To Buy Pet Medicines - Clark Howard


How To Get a Gym Membership for Practically Free - Clark Howard


What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea? - Clark Howard


Should I Avoid Callable CDs? / CD Ladder Calculator - Clark Howard


What Should You Do if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied?

This Little-Known Appeal Could Force Your Insurer to Pay. Here’s How to File It.


How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps - Clark Howard 

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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Fifty years ago, Clark founded an alternative school called Career Action for adults who were struggling to find their path after high school. The program was intense, with long days, strict standards, and a focus on preparing students for the workplace. It was successful for decades—but here's what's remarkable: virtually every job skill that was taught eventually became obsolete. The lesson is more important than ever today: you can't stay static. Also, Clark explains why extended warranties are usually a bad deal for consumers. Whether it's electronics, smartphones, appliances, or cars, the math overwhelmingly favors the companies selling the coverage. Clark shares what you need to know about smartphone insurance, home warranties, and extended auto warranties—and the one exception if you're determined to buy coverage for your vehicle.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the June 24, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Adaptation Education: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Warranty Decisions: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

What Starting a School Taught Clark Howard About Success

Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It?

Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car?

Cell Phone Protection: These Credit Cards Will Replace Your Stolen or Damaged Phone


What Does a Home Warranty Cover and Is It Worth The Money?

That Extended Warranty Is Almost Never Worth the Money. This Is Why You Fall for It Anyway.


Report: The Most Reliable Cars for Your Money - Clark Howard

12 Long-Lasting Cars Proven to Get to 200,000 Miles and Beyond

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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With technology stocks making up nearly half of the S&P 500, many index investors are asking an important question: Is this concentration a risk—or simply the natural evolution of the market? In this episode, Wes Moss and Clark Howard tackle the growing dominance of tech companies in major indexes, discuss whether traditional index investors should consider diversifying beyond tech, and explore how age and retirement timelines may influence those decisions. They tackle concerns about what happens when so much market value is concentrated in just a few companies—and whether investors nearing retirement should think differently.

Mentioned on the show: Don’t Let FOMO Cost You a Fortune: The Investing Mistake Many Are Making With SpaceX’s IPO

Plus, Wes and Clark answer several listener questions on investing, retirement, and personal finance.  All this and more on the June 23, 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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If you've felt squeezed every time you shop for groceries, there may finally be some good news. Kroger is cutting prices on thousands of items as competition heats up with Walmart, Costco, Aldi and Lidl. Clark explains why grocery stores are fighting harder than ever for your business, why private label products are becoming the best value in the store, and how inflation continues to affect everyday staples like tomatoes. Then, Clark looks at a new way to cut one of your biggest monthly bills. AT&T has launched a new "Build-a-Plan" option starting at just $15 per month. Clark explains who this plan works for, how much data most people actually need, and why so many consumers are paying for unlimited plans they rarely use. If you've been hesitant to leave one of the major wireless carriers but want to spend less every month, this new offering could be exactly the kind of competition that helps put money back in your pocket.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the June 22, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Save More On Groceries: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Save More On Your Phone Plan: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Grocery Prices Are Forcing a Major Change

How to Save Money on Groceries: 22 Clever Ways

Citi Stops Issuing Oft-Recommended Cash Back Credit Card

Best Credit Cards for Groceries in 2026

Cash Back Credit Card Calculator


Understanding Home Equity Agreements

AT&T’s New “Build-A-Plan” Starts at $15/Month With Data

The Best Phone Plan For You – Compare Phone Plans

Best Cell Phone Plans & Deals (2026): Find the Cheapest Option for Your Needs

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 - I have a homework assignment for you.  From streaming services and device protection plans to fitness apps and smart gadgets, recurring monthly charges can quietly pile up and put pressure on your budget. While one small price increase may not seem like a big deal, multiple hikes across several services can add up fast. Clark shares a simple strategy to help you stay on top of subscription costs without turning it into a part-time job. He also shares a personal story about canceling Netflix and the family backlash that followed, and how a lower-cost plan became the compromise. If subscription fatigue is setting in and you're looking for an easy way to cut expenses, this seasonal money-saving habit could help you keep more of your hard-earned cash.

All this and more on the June 19, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Subscription Check-up: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

What Does Clark Think About Living on a Cruise Ship for Retirement?

Is Living on a Cruise Ship Still a Retirement Bargain? - Clark Howard

Clark's Road Trip Hack: Renting a Car vs. Driving Your Own


The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard 

Subscription Fatigue? Do This 4 Times a Year to Save Money


7 Types of Subscriptions You May Want To Cancel Today


How To Manage Your Monthly Subscriptions To Save Money 


Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy

Global Rescue – Medical & Security Evacuation, Field Rescue


Travel insurance you can trust | Travelex Insurance 

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