06.12.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / “Spaving” Your Way To An Empty Wallet

A shift is happening in the skies right now, as airlines quietly slash schedules and strip away basic comforts taken for granted for decades. If you don't double check your bookings, you could be walking blindly into a canceled itinerary—or a "bare-bones" cabin with zero food or water. Meanwhile, a strange new industry experiment means the ticket you bought for a connecting flight may turn out to be for an unforeseen road trip instead. Clark explains. Shifting to the housing market, if you’re looking to purchase your first home, Clark has a strict warning: Wait. It is a historically bad time to buy your first house in most of America, and doing so right now is essentially stepping into a financial trap. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the June 15, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Air Travel: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 1st Time Home Buyers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Zero Service: Delta Air Lines To Remove Main Cabin Drinks & Snacks On 450 Flights Delta's Popular Short-Haul Perk is Going Away — Here's Why [The Washington Post] Airlines surprise passengers with ‘flights’ that are buses It's a historically bad time to buy your first home  20 major housing markets with enough inventory to create homebuyer deals later this year Surprise medical bills and the No Surprises Act 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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.    Also, we all love the thrill of scoring a great deal, but a dangerous retail trap called "spaving"—spending money to "save" money—might be quietly sabotaging your budget. Retailers like Amazon have mastered the art of the impulse buy, using tricks like "buy two, get an extra discount" or free shipping minimums to trigger a dopamine rush that makes us chase the deal instead of the actual value. Even Clark is guilty of it! Know how to recognize when you're being manipulated at checkout, and the simple rules you can use to protect your hard-earned cash from the spaving trap.  All this and more on the June 12, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Defeat This Spending Trap: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Get a Free Credit Report - Clark Howard  How To Monitor Your Credit - Clark Howard  National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Home NAELA Best Free Streaming Services in 2026: Movies and TV for Cord Cutters Streaming TV - Clark.com Are You ‘Spaving’? Why Trying to Save Could Be Costing You More Target Date Funds: Clark Howard's Favorite Retirement Investment 10 Secrets All Shoppers Need To Know About Costco - Clark Howard Warehouse Clubs 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

Clark’s teaching mission has always focused on getting you to save every dollar you can for retirement, especially when you can “set it and forget it” through automatic contributions. It’s the best way to achieve financial freedom. Smart new initiatives are helping Americans save more:  Automatic Retirement Savings Programs.   Meanwhile, if you feel like your paycheck isn't going as far as it used to, you’re right. Comparing what everyday items cost 30 years ago versus today, the math explains why so many hardworking Americans feel completely squeezed. Critical pillars of the American dream have skyrocketed. Check out the link below to calculate your own inflation reality and see how to make your dollars work harder for you. Inflation Calculator - Clark.com Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the June 10, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark  Automatic Retirement Savings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Calculating Inflation: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: [The Washington Post] A better way to make saving money easier What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard How I Set My Teens Up for Retirement in 5 Minutes Here's What 26 Everyday Things Cost In The 1990s Vs. 2026 Inflation Calculator - Clark.com Dacia Cars - Good Thinking - Dacia Chase - Payment Choices Matter 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

Are you on track for a happy retirement? It takes more than just a healthy bank account. In this episode, Wes Moss shares the lifestyle data that separates truly happy retirees from the rest. It all comes down to a "magic number" of core pursuits – the super-activities that keep you moving, socializing, and fulfilled. Then, he dives into the financial side, breaking down the psychological power of dividend investing and how it can bring calm to your retirement portfolio. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the June 9, 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

Tired of watching your auto and homeowners insurance premiums skyrocket? Good news: There are some simple ways to save money on both. The massive run-ups in auto insurance are finally slowing down, and there are concrete steps you can take right now to lower those bills without just shopping around.  Switching gears, Clark looks at a fascinating and hopeful trend highlighted by The Washington Post regarding how the next generation is fighting screen addiction. With reports showing that 50% of teens spend over four hours a day staring at their phones, a growing number of college students and campus leaders are fighting back. You may be inspired to unplug, step away from the digital noise, and build deeper connections with the people in your life. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the June 8, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark  Lower Insurance Premiums: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fight Screen Addiction: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 9 Easy Ways To Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums Your Insurer Owes You a Discount for Taking a Defensive Driving Course in These States Car Insurance Archives - Clark Howard Why Clark Says Everyone Should Have a Dash Cam Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard Is a Safe Deposit Box Really Safe? - Clark Howard  [The Washington Post] How college students are learning to socialize without cellphones Best Low APR Credit Cards for Carrying a Balance - Clark Howard  Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 6 Things To Know  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, are you blindly renewing your lease and paying more for rent every year? Stop! A massive boom in apartment construction across most of the country has officially flipped the script. It’s time to stop being passive and start letting the market work for you. Clark breaks down the exact strategy to slash your monthly housing costs. All this and more on the June 5, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Lower Rent: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why Series I Savings Bonds Are a Good Deal Again 401(k) Loan Calculator - Clark Howard Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy How To Make Your Online Accounts Accessible When You Die Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Ask your landlord to lower your rent — now 4 Fastest Ways To Improve Your Credit - 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

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