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Is Your Internet Provider Ripping You Off? & How Clark Finished College Fast To Save Money Are you still paying the "inertia tax" on your home internet? As giant cable megamergers reshape the market, big providers are steadily jacking up prices on customers who stay on autopilot – just like old landline companies did decades ago. Clark reveals how to break free from the cable monster. Plus, with student loan interest rates soaring and college costs out of control, Clark breaks down the growing trend of 3-year bachelor's degree programs. Drawing on his personal experience of rushing through undergrad to save cash, Clark explains how accelerated and reduced-credit degree options are helping students bypass massive debt, slash room-and-board expenses, and keep their financial futures on track. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 23, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Clark Smart Home Internet: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Save On College: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard's Tips To Save Money on Home Internet in 2026 Report: The #1 Internet Provider in America - Clark Howard Fixed Wireless Internet: Using Your Cellular Service Provider for Home Internet Internet Archives - Clark Howard Mint Mobile Deal: Unlimited Plan & Home Internet for $45/Mo. Your Discover Card Is Migrating to Capital One: What to Expect  What's Going on With Federal Student Loans? | NEA The number of colleges getting rid of student debt is growing  Home Equity Loan Calculator - Clark Howard When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use a 529 Plan - Clark Howard  Best 529 College Savings Plans By State 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

The Dark Side of Retirement (and How To Avoid It) & Lump Sum vs. Monthly Pension Decision Tree Retirement is often touted as the ultimate goal, but Wes reveals why reaching the finish line can bring unexpected challenges. Wes exposes the sobering statistics behind aging in America, emphasizing why true retirement success requires building a "portfolio of purpose" alongside financial security. Also, Wes breaks down his brand-new decision tree to help you settle the age-old debate of choosing a lump sum versus monthly pension payouts, introducing his straightforward 6% Rule and four key questions to protect your wealth, fight inflation, and secure a blissful retirement. Mentioned on the show:  ⁠How To Invest a Lump Sum or Cash You've Left Uninvested⁠ ⁠Pension vs Lump Sum Calculator - Clark Howard⁠ All this and more on the September 22, 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.com 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

The banks are at it again, and Clark wants to make sure you don't fall into a dangerous debt trap. Home equity levels are at record highs as financial institutions aggressively push homeowners to tap equity with HELOCs and cash-out refinances to pay off credit cards or fund lifestyle expenses. Clark explains why turning your home's equity into high-interest debt is a massive financial risk, how it mimics the harmful bank tactics of 20 years ago, and why keeping your low fixed-rate mortgage intact is critical for long-term stability. On the auto front, while major manufacturers continue prioritizing high-margin luxury vehicles over budget-friendly models, smart options still exist. Clark highlights nine major auto brands still averaging under $40,000 per sale, and reveals why the absolute best financial move you can make today is simply keeping your current vehicle on the road as long as possible. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 21, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Home Equity Guidelines: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Vehicles Under $40,000: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Is a HELOC a Good Idea? The Simple Answer - Clark Howard  Which Documents Should You Keep and for How Long?  China Extends 240-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy Coverage to 55 Countries Report: The Average Price of a New Vehicle - Clark Howard  New cars cost nearly $50K. Here are 5 brands for under $40K -USA TODAY How To Buy a Used Car - Clark Howard When Should I Drop Comprehensive and Collision Coverage? The Center For Auto Safety Lemon Law Tips  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! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also, there are new tools for parents to keep track of their babies' health and sleep. These are much more sophisticated than old fashioned monitors. Is there cause for concern? Smart monitors and AI-powered devices are now tracking everything from sleep patterns and health metrics to developmental milestones and growth rates right from birth. While these analytics are popular with parents used to tracking their own health data, you have to ask: who else is watching? Before you install an AI surveillance system in your nursery, Clark shares a warning to consider. All this and more on the September 18, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 AI Baby Health Surveillance: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best 529 Plans by State: How Clark Howard Picks the Top College Savings Plans Best Return of Premium Life Insurance for 2026 Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance: Understanding the Difference Why Your HOA Fees Are Skyrocketing - Clark Howard NYTimes: Aw, It’s Baby’s First A.I. Surveillance System 12 Ways You May Be Exposing Yourself to Fraud - Clark Howard 7 Essential Rules To Get Great Customer Support Every Time Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark drops an urgent warning for vehicle owners regarding a massive spike in auto insurance claim denials. If you let a friend, colleague, or extended family member borrow your vehicle to run a quick errand, you could be setting yourself up for financial disaster. Also, a sleazy car insurance tool has made an AI video of Clark endorsing its product. This is happening all over social media. Clark tackles the explosion of sophisticated AI-generated scams plaguing social media platforms like Facebook. From deepfake videos using Clark’s own voice and image to pitch bogus insurance products, to fake ads offering unbelievable discounts on luxury goods, scammers are leveraging advanced technology to trick you out of your hard-earned money. Clark shares how you can protect your wallet, spot counterfeit deals, and why you need to adopt a healthy sense of skepticism—not cynicism—whenever you see trusted public figures or targeted ads popping up in your feed. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 16, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Who Gets To Drive: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 AI Targeted Scam Ads: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best Auto Insurance Companies and Some of the Worst⁠ ⁠Credit Card Debt Consolidation: 3 Paths To Consider, 2 To Avoid⁠  ⁠Clark Howard's Credit Card Debt Elimination Strategy⁠ ⁠Simple Trick To Pay Down Credit Card Debt Quicker - Clark Howard⁠ ⁠Modern Scams are Getting Harder to Spot. Here's What to Do⁠ ⁠TSA PreCheck® vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR+: Which Is Best for You?⁠ ⁠How I Set My Teens Up for Retirement in 5 Minutes - Clark Howard⁠ How To Open a Roth IRA 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

How To Build Wealth Without a Tech Job & Hidden Dangers of Coast FI Forget the myth that you have to work on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley to build massive wealth. Wes reveals the power of the "Everywhere Millionaires" – the 3 million Americans who have accumulated a collective $65 trillion by building unglamorous, low-tech, and non-tech businesses. Discover why tactile, essential industries are producing some of the richest entrepreneurs in the country (including a former hot dog stand owner who sold his business for $1 billion). Then, Wes issues a crucial warning for young investors drawn to the Coast FI movement. While saving aggressively early in life is fantastic, relying solely on compound interest while taking your foot off the savings gas pedal in your 20s or 30s carries massive hidden risks. Wes explains why life’s unexpected variables mean you shouldn't step back from your financial goals too soon. Mentioned on the show: Are You Well Invested? Here’s a 6-Point Check          Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute How To Invest a Lump Sum or Cash You've Left Uninvested Pension vs Lump Sum Calculator - Clark Howard The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard All this and more on the September 15, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions: WesMoss.com/askDiscover the research-backed path to a happier retirement – order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com 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

Think you need an expensive, full-blown security system to protect your home? Think again. Clark shares how even a single inexpensive security camera can serve as a massive deterrent against burglars. While surveillance technology certainly has its privacy drawbacks, Clark breaks down the major safety benefits for homeowners. Plus, long considered a reliable platform bringing legitimacy to ticket resale, StubHub is now facing intense backlash from customers stranded at major events like the World Cup. Clark discusses findings from a Wall Street Journal report detailing how the company reportedly gutted customer service, altered contact methods, and hid their legal address to dodge arbitration requests and frustrate customers seeking refunds. Hear Clark's take on this unbelievable situation and what it means for anyone buying resale tickets today. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 14, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Home Security Cams: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 StubHub TROUBLE: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: These Studies Show Even One Home Security Camera Is a Deal-Breaker for Burglars Why You Should Consider Security Cameras (Without the Monthly Subscription) Why You Should Keep Old Credit Card Accounts Open - Clark Howard Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute Best Small Business Credit Cards - Clark Howard  The StubHub Customers Who Battled for Tickets—and Battle Harder for a Refund Best Financial Advisors in 2026 - Clark Howard⁠  / Facet: How It Works How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion How To Save on Travel With Google Flights - 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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also,  data centers being built around the country have been polarizing, but one thing is for certain: your electricity bills are going up. Clark describes how the deals are done - often out of public view, who should rightfully pay the freight, and issues a critical call to action. All this and more on the September 11, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Data Centers- A Call To Action: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why Clark Howard Changed His Mind About Prenups Car Rental Insurance: Everything You Need To Know - Clark Howard Is Now the Time To Get a CD or a CD Ladder? - Clark Howard Where Should You Keep Your Cash Reserve?  /  TreasuryDirect.gov When Should You File a Claim on Your Homeowners Insurance? Cell Phone Protection: These Credit Cards Will Replace Your Stolen or Damaged Phone NYTimes: Data Centers to Add Billions in Power Costs in 13 States  [The Washington Post] How utility and tech firms ‘educate’ regulators with big donations, secret retreats  What Is Service Line Insurance and Do I Need It? - Clark Howard National September 11 Memorial & Museum 9/11 Day · September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rapid Fire Q&A: The "Happiest Retiree" Pet Factor, RMD Alternatives, Fidelity’s New Annuity + More Questions Answered Welcome to our first monthly "Rapid Fire Thursday" episode of Ask an Advisor! Today, Wes Moss is opening up the listener mailbag to answer your direct financial questions. We’re covering a wide range of topics: from how pets fit into the "Happiest Retirees" research, to whether UTMA accounts or Trump Accounts beat out a classic 529 plan for college and savings goals. Plus, we address pension life insurance strategies, handling portfolio planning with reduced life expectancy, and how to navigate the infamous "Tax Torpedo" in retirement. Mentioned on the show: Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Roth IRA vs Traditional (Pre-Tax) IRA Calculator - Clark Howard All this and more on the September 10, 2026, Ask an Advisor “Rapid Fire” 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

Would you pay a lower price for lower quality? Clark readily admits he would - in some cases. Is buying the absolute cheapest option actually saving you money, or is it a hidden trap? Clark breaks down the everyday dilemma between price and long-term quality, sharing where he happily goes rock-bottom cheap (like flat-screen TVs) versus where paying a bit more pays off for safety, durability, and real value. Also, are you staying in your job to keep your benefits?  Nearly 1 in 4 Americans are stuck in jobs they want to leave simply because they can't afford to lose their health coverage. Clark exposes the bizarre history behind "job lock" and explains why tying healthcare and complex retirement plans to employment is a system that desperately needs fixing. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 9, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Price Vs Quality: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Job Lock: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: When Saving Money Costs More in the Long Run Is It Worth Buying High-End Appliances? - Clark Howard How To Open a Roth IRA - Clark Howard Roth IRA Growth Calculator - 2026 - Clark Howard My 7 Rules for Using Credit Cards - Clark Howard US Mobile Review: 6 Things To Know Before You Sign Up The Best International Phone Plans - Clark Howard Using Cellular Data Internationally: Buying a Local SIM Card  Staying in a job for the health insurance? About 1 in 4 Americans do, a survey says The Millionaire Next Door Is LifeLock Worth It? - Clark Howard 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

Why the "K-Shaped" Economy is WRONG & What Rising Interest Rates Mean for You Is the "K-shaped" economy an accurate description of what Americans are experiencing today? Wes breaks down why the economy looks less like a "K" and more like an "E" — and what that means for your money, spending, and job prospects. Wes also tackles the burning question on every investor and homeowner's mind: What happens if interest rates keep rising? From the 10-Year Treasury yield to the inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices, learn how potential rate hikes could impact your mortgage, car loans, and fixed-income portfolio. Mentioned on the show: Axios: The closing of the "K" Remote work -- not AI -- has sidelined recent college graduates 5 Keys To Be a Successful Investor All this and more on the September 8, 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.com 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, Clark discusses retirement with Wes Moss including how we can plan for not only a solid financial future, but a happy one as well. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Clark & Wes On Retirement: Segments3 & 4 Mentioned on the show: Why Property Taxes Are Soaring (and How To Fight Back) Why You Need To Lock Your Brokerage Account Today Why Your HOA Fees Are Skyrocketing - Clark Howard The Biggest Investing Lesson From Trump Accounts - Clark Howard T-Mobile Retires Legacy Plans: Expect a Price Increase FCC - Filing an Informal Complaint Why some Americans are forced to retire too soon - Marketplace A Single Change to Your Car-Buying Habits Could Add $250,000 to Retirement Gen Z 401(k) Savings Compared to Older Generations Discover the research-backed path to an earlier, happier retirement – order The Retire Sooner Method by Wes Moss today at retiresoonermethod.com. All this and more on the September 4, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Note: No show on Monday due to Labor Day. Have a safe and wonderful weekend! Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A surprising new study shows that Millennials and Gen Z account for 80% of all new timeshare purchases. In an era where homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for younger generations, buying into a timeshare might offer a psychological sense of owning real estate—but it is one of the worst financial traps you can walk into.  Also, how can you tell if something is a fake brand or not? There is a helpful new browser extension called Knockoff designed to clean up your Amazon search results. Because Amazon functions largely as a third-party marketplace and fulfillment house, the platform has been flooded with junky, counterfeit items and unknown knockoff brands. A member of Team Clark tested Knockoff and found it does a great job filtering out suspect sellers and warning you about low-quality duplicates as you shop. Read the full review. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 2, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Timeshare Trap: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Amazon Brand Filter: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ⁠Why Timeshares Still Stink How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your Timeshare - Clark Howard Car Rental Insurance: Everything You Need To Know - Clark Howard Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know Air Traffic Control Chaos: Brace Yourself Travel Headaches Knockoff: The Free Tool That Spots Fake Brands on Amazon Why You Need To Lock Your Brokerage Account Today 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

In this episode, Wes shares why retiring as soon as possible is more critical than most people realize. He highlights why waiting too long can cost you the best, most active years of your life, and explains how the Retire Sooner Method helps you shave years off your career so you can enjoy true freedom while you still have the energy to use it. Also, Wes tackles one of the biggest threats facing new retirees today: Sequence of Returns Risk. Even in a strong market, market downturns in the first few years of retirement can drastically alter your long-term wealth. Through a side-by-side example of two retirees with identical 5% average returns, Wes demonstrates how early negative returns during active withdrawals can leave one person with nearly a million dollars less than the other. You'll gain a clear understanding of why timing matters just as much as average returns, along with practical steps to adjust early withdrawal strategies and safeguard your nest egg against market volatility. Mentioned on the show: Understanding The Biggest Risk to New Retirees (Sequence of Return Risk) All this and more on the September 1, 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.com 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

The American healthcare and financial systems can feel deeply broken, but you are not powerless. With healthcare costs skyrocketing and deductibles growing larger every year, many people feel trapped when facing a medical procedure. Clark shares an instructive real-world story from The Washington Post, explaining how price transparency (and lack thereof) impacts your wallet and why price-shopping non-emergency medical procedures is essential for protecting your savings. Clark also addresses the growing wave of financial stress facing millions of households now. As inflation strains budgets and credit card default rates rise, debt collectors are taking consumers to court in record numbers. If you or a loved one are dealing with aggressive debt collectors, Clark walks through your legal rights, how to stop harassing calls, and why getting every agreement in writing is non-negotiable. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 31, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Compare Medical Procedure Costs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Debt Collection Help: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: [WPost] His surgery was $23,000. After shopping around, he paid less than $5,000. Americans seeking affordable doctors and medicines abroad — The Conversation Is Medical Tourism Right for You? - Clark Howard 10 Ways To Save Money on Health Care - Clark Howard  Remove my private info from Google Search  /  Results about you Is the Privacy App Permission Slip Worth It? A Review 4 Rules Every Consumer Needs to Know to Fight Back Against Debt Collectors NYT: Debt Collection Suits Rise Sharply. Help for Consumers. How To Send a 'Drop Dead' Letter to a Collection Agency 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor - Clark Howard What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? - Clark Howard Best Free Password Managers: 10 Top Picks - Clark Howard How To Create and Use Passkeys - 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