
Hosted by Clark Howard · EN

Starting a business or a side hustle is easier than it used to be in terms of cost and technology. Is there an entrepreneur hiding inside you? While big corporations lay off loyal employees to please shareholders, nimble micro-businesses are thriving by doing things more efficiently. If you’re mid-career and sick of the corporate grind, Clark shares how you can mitigate your risk by starting a side hustle today that could become your full-time passion tomorrow. Also, Clark dives into the $70 billion pool of unclaimed property waiting to be returned to everyday Americans. Know how to safely search public databases for free to see if you have funds lost in space - from old retirement plans, forgotten utility deposits, or insurance policies. In fact, a member of Clark's family recovered $10k this way! Learn how to navigate the documentation, avoid the scammers, and claim what is rightfully yours. Plus, Lane (Clark’s wife!) shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the June 3, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit questions: Ask Clark Startup: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Unclaimed Money: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Axios AM Deep Dive: Small biz revival / Go start a business How to Start an LLC: A Step-by-Step Guide EQUIFAX: Employees - The Work Number Growing Number of Unfixed Mistakes on Credit Reports 14 Prefab Tiny Houses That Are Actually Stylish and So Easy to Install Unclaimed Money: How To Find and Claim Missing Funds for Free How to handle unexpected calls about unclaimed funds What Should I Do With My 401(k) at My Old Company? - Clark Howard Search: Devices that detect hidden cameras and microphones Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Europe? ETIAS is Coming in 2026 What is ETIAS–European Union / Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) 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

Should You Help Your Adult Kids Buy a House? & 5 Things You SHOULD Spend More On Is helping your adult children buy a home a smart investment, or a threat to your retirement? In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down the harsh realities of today's housing market. With the median age of first-time homebuyers skyrocketing past 40 due to high prices and interest rates, more parents than ever are wondering if they should step in with down payment assistance. Wes shares the specific dollar amounts where helping your kids starts to negatively impact your happiness and retirement security, and why shifting your mindset from "spending" to "investing" changes the game. Also, Wes shares the story of "Around-the-World Robin" to illustrate why we often feel financial guilt even when we are totally on track – and outlines the five things you should actually consider spending MORE money on to maximize your happiness. Mentioned on the show: ROTH CONVERSION DECISION TREE Plus, Mallory shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the June 2, 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

Today - A warning about how much information you give an AI chatbot. Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini have made getting financial advice faster and easier than ever. But as the AI gold rush heats up, a massive privacy risk is emerging. Clark breaks down the critical things you should never tell an AI chatbot. Also - The anatomy of a Ponzi scheme that RIPPED OFF $140 million from “investors.” Clark covers two massive fraud cases—Drive Planning and First Liberty—which collectively defrauded thousands of investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars. When inflation or economic uncertainty makes us feel insecure about our money, we become susceptible to smooth pitches. Clark reminds us of the ultimate golden rule of investing: any time someone promises you "guaranteed" double-digit returns with zero risk, it is a lie. Learn how these schemes operate so you can spot the red flags, protect your hard-earned savings, and secure your financial future. Plus, Lane (Clark’s wife!) shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the June 1, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit questions: Ask Clark AI Privacy Risk: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Ponzi Schemes Steal Millions: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Don’t tell your AI chatbot these 5 things to keep your money safe Where Should You Keep Your Cash Reserve? - Clark Howard 6 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds - Clark Howard How To Open a Roth IRA Anatomy of a Ponzi scheme How to Teach Young Kids About Money - Clark Howard How I Set My Teens Up for Retirement in 5 Minutes What Brokerage Do You Recommend for First-Time Investors or Kids? How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion 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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Lane (Clark’s wife!) shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today - A shocking 81% of consumers admit to routinely making impulse buys. But while small impulse buys hurt your weekly budget, there is one major lifestyle purchase that can absolutely sabotage long-term wealth: our second biggest purchase in life - a vehicle. The average cost of a car has climbed to a whopping $50,000, yet we still get tired of our rides and cycle through them too quickly. By making a single change to how, what, and how often you buy an automobile over your working lifetime—and investing those savings into the stock market instead—you could easily put an extra $250,000 directly into your pocket by the time you retire. Use our Wealth Impact Calculator to turbocharge your retirement savings today: All this and more on the May 29, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Car Buying & Your Retirement: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard Is a 401(k) Loan a Good Idea? Almost Never - Clark Howard 401(k) Loan Calculator - Clark Howard Why Does My Locked Credit Card Still Allow Charges? - Clark Howard Lost Your Credit Card? How To Place a Temporary Freeze on Your Account How To Get a Gym Membership for Practically Free - Clark Howard USA TODAY: Why you keep impulse buying, even when broke A Single Change to Your Car-Buying Habits Could Add $250,000 to Retirement Calculator: Wealth Impact of Buying Cars The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard Do I Need a Mechanic Inspection When Buying a Used Car from CarMax or Carvana? 5 Best Places To Buy Pet Medicines - 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

Today - For home sellers, making sure your house is ready and appealing to buyers can mean you have to have a tough skin, but it can pay off. If you want your home to stand out in today's market, you have to nail the first impression. Clark breaks down how to stop turning buyers off and start getting offers. Also, Clark shares a terrifying cautionary tale that will make you think twice about choosing "paperless" billing. A systems glitch at Fidelity completely wiped out a Colorado woman's life savings, leaving her account balance at zero with no electronic record that she ever even existed. It took months of stressful battles with a flippant customer service department to restore her decades of hard work. There are currently forces at work that could leave you entirely responsible for proving your own net worth. While Clark isn't telling you to stuff cash under your mattress, he is sounding an urgent warning. Plus, Lane (Clark’s wife!) shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the May 27, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark Word To Home Sellers: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Money Fails & Paper Trails: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: These Are the 2 Biggest Hidden Expenses When Selling a Home How To Buy a House in 9 Steps - Clark Howard NYTimes: Her Life Savings Mysteriously Disappeared After a Systems Glitch Why You Need Paper Evidence of Your Financial Accounts Should You File for Bankruptcy? - Clark Howard 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling 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

Forced To Retire Early? The Shocking Data Everyone Needs To Know & Market Warning for Investors Why do most Americans retire years earlier than they planned? In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down a startling trend from recent 2026 retirement studies. While most workers plan to clock out around age 65 or 66, the data shows the average actual retirement age is 61 or 62. Wes explores the three major reasons behind this gap – and shares the exact planning strategy you need to protect your financial future. Also, Wes dives into recent market volatility. While the market managed a shockingly fast 12-day recovery, Wes issues a crucial warning: this speed is the exception, not the rule. Learn the historical reality of market corrections so you don't get lulled into a false sense of security. Plus, Mallory shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 26, 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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, while many of us use fitness trackers to count steps or monitor sleep, the latest data shows some of these devices are evolving into genuine lifesavers. Clark has worn a Garmin for twenty years and a Samsung smartwatch, but the Oura Ring has truly impressed him and for good reason, as new findings indicate. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Oura Reports: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Is Turo Legit? 5 Things To Know Before You Use It 5 of Clark Howard's Most Extreme Frugal Hacks What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? - Clark Howard The Insurance Policies You Need (and Some You Don't) What Age Are Americans Actually Starting Social Security? Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance: Understanding the Difference Oura Ring Helps Uncover 'Multiple Cases of Lymphoma,' Says Its Chief Medical Officer Axios: Finish Line: The quiet rise of "prescribing connection" 4 Ways To Stop Junk Mail - Clark Howard How To Choose the Best Charities for Your Donations - Clark Howard Memorial Day 2026: Facts, Meaning & Traditions 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

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, Clark shares important travel know-how. Navigating the rental car counter has become more like rocket science than a simple travel chore, but protecting your wallet starts with a few simple steps. With "car rental rage" on the rise due to surprise charges and poor service, it is critical to follow Clark’s timely rules. Also, if you’re looking for a domestic getaway, soft demand in a normally popular travel market presents a golden opportunity for the savvy traveler! Clark’s Rental Cars 101: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vegas Nerve: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Protect Your Wallet From Rental Car ‘Gotchas’ Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips - Clark Howard Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know American Express Platinum Card® Review: Is It Worth It? Amex premium car rental protection 5 Things to Know About the Costco Car Rental Program 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room What Domestic Destination Is a Deal Right Now? HotelTonight: Last Minute Hotel Deals at Great Hotels Priceline - Find Cheap Hotel Rooms & Discount Hotels Travel Archives - 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

10 Essential Duties of a Real Fiduciary Financial Advisor (It’s Not Just Investing) If you think a financial advisor’s only job is to pick stocks, you’re missing out on the most valuable services a true fiduciary provides. In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down the ten essential roles a fee-only advisor should play. Whether you are engineering a retirement cash flow or navigating the emotional rollercoaster of market volatility, learn why a real fiduciary is your "personal CFO" for every major life decision, not just your investment portfolio.Mentioned on the show: What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? Best Financial Advisors in 2026 - Clark Howard How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor - Clark Howard Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the May 19, 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

Recent financial statistics reveal something highly disturbing: The average American saves just 4% of their pay. Saving just four cents of every dollar earned is inadequate to provide long-term security and leaves the majority of the country living on the edge of a financial cliff. If you find yourself stuck in this cycle, it is time to embrace the "penny-at-a-time" strategy. Also, the upcoming Memorial Day weekend brings massive sales events at furniture stores. The industry is flat on its back due to a frozen housing market, with many retailers in acute financial distress. If you’re in the market for furniture, know how to play the pay game strategically to avoid getting burned. Average Saving Doesn’t Cut It: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Warning: Furniture Sales: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 4 simple ways to start saving Save Money Archives - Clark Howard Simple Trick To Pay Down Credit Card Debt Quicker - Clark Howard What Brokerage Do You Recommend for First-Time Investors or Kids? 4 Types of Term Life Insurance Companies Explained - Clark Howard Why You Need To Check Your Credit Report Today - Clark Howard Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card at a Furniture Store 5 Things to Know About New Settlement That Could Change Credit Card Rewards SIM Card Swapping: The Dangerous Cell Phone Scam Everyone Needs To Know About This Simple iPhone Update Stops Dangerous Spyware From Stealing Your Data What Is a Passkey and How Do Passkeys Work? 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