03.18.26 Where NOT To Invest - NEVER EVER / The Grandparent Trap

There are ways to combat the runup in gas prices right now. Clark shares a smart strategy to help stretch your gas money, and explains why used EVs are a bargain for the right driver. Also, are you tired of being ripped off by printer ink? Clark breaks down the "cheap printer, expensive ink" trap and reveals smarter ways to save. SPEND LESS On Gasoline: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Avoid Printer Ink Rip-Offs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard's 'Half-Tank' Strategy To Save on Gas How To Save Money on Gas: 23 Ways - Clark Howard How long do electric vehicle batteries actually last? BYD just killed your EV argument with a battery that competes with gas engines The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard Report: Best Used Cars for the Money - Clark Howard 6 Things To Know Before You Buy Gas at Costco Wholesale Where To Buy the Best Cheap Printer - Clark Howard Best Term Life Insurance Companies, Plans & Coverage How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps - Clark Howard National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Home NAELA 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 today - Is booking travel a smart idea right now? Airfares are surging with the price of jet fuel since hostilities began. Clark shares smart strategies to help you book for less. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Flight Booking Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Find Tuition-Free Colleges: Schools That Offer Free Tuition Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 6 Things To Know How To Get a Gym Membership for Practically Free - Clark Howard How To Find the Best Deal on Cheap Internet Service in 4 Steps Fixed Wireless Internet: Using Your Cellular Service Provider for Home Internet The American Community Survey: Is It Legitimate and Do You Have To Answer? 4 Ways To Fight Sky-High Airfares This Summer How the Iran war is disrupting air travel -- and advice if you're planning a trip Travelers stranded by war learn insurance won't cover flight cancellations Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy Cancel for Any Reason Trip Insurance: Should You Buy It? Warning: Do NOT Trust Hotel Brand Names - Clark Howard BBB-File a Complaint How to avoid scams while applying for ESTA Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK 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 - Clark takes aim at the "monster mega banks" and explains why they are often the worst place for your investment dollars. Major banks are rebranding branches to capture more consumer assets, yet these institutions often lack a fiduciary duty to their clients. You’ve got lower-cost alternatives to help you get ahead.   Also, Clark shares an important message for grandparents or anyone who loves and cares about a grandparent -  a heartfelt reminder to protect those who have spent a lifetime building their savings, from going broke in their later years.  Where NOT To Invest: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 For Grandparents: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 3 Places You Should Never Invest Your Money - Clark Howard How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor  /  Best Financial Advisors What You Need To Know About the Vanguard Cash Plus Account What You Need To Know About the Fidelity Cash Management Account Best Cash Management Account: Comparing Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab How To Open a Roth IRA Zillow - Prepare for your first home with confidence How Much Does It Cost to Be a Grandparent? Why Clark Howard Refuses To Rent a Car From Hertz How Long Should I Save Pictures of My Car Rental? - Clark Howard Why You Should Never Prepay for a Rental Car - Clark Howard 5 Things You Should Re-Shop To Save Money - 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

How Oil Price Shocks Impact the Market & AI Isn’t Killing Jobs—It’s Burning Us Out As we face one of the largest oil supply disruptions in history, Wes Moss explores how geopolitical shocks in the Middle East impact your wallet and the stock market, while reinforcing why long-term longevity beats market timing every time. Also, a new crisis is emerging in the workplace – AI-driven burnout. Contrary to fears of job loss, recent data across 443 million work hours suggests that AI tools are actually expanding our workdays and increasing weekend labor. Wes discusses why the real risk of the tech revolution isn't a lack of work, but rather the challenge of balancing an "always-on" culture where every task is now achievable. Mentioned on the show: Do You Really Need To Rebalance Your Portfolio? Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the March 17, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.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

Finally profitable again, the auto insurance industry has developed a renewed sense of competition for customers. Clark shares guidelines for finding companies big on customer service and value.  Also,  Americans are saving big bucks through “no spending” trends, and switching retailers. Thrift-centered businesses like Goodwill and Dollar Tree are thriving across all demographics. Clark admits he was wrong about Dollar Tree’s decision to move past its signature $1 price point, explaining how the transition to a multi-price range has elevated the brand across the country. Best Auto Insurers: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Discounters Thriving: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best Auto Insurance Companies - Clark Howard Report: These 10 Vehicles Are the Best for the Money in 2026 New York Post: Dollar Tree is invading posh neighborhoods after years of catering to low-income customers— breaking ‘stigma of the dollar store’ Best Term Life Insurance Companies, Plans & Coverage How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps - Clark Howard What Is a Credit Union? - Clark Howard 16 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in March 2026 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 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

Today - The growing "unretirement" trend reveals that nearly half of retirees who return to the workforce do so out of financial necessity rather than choice. Clark shares several considerations and strategies for retirement planning. Later - you may have seen ads for online memberships for medical tests that will give you insights into your health. But will your information be protected? How important is medical privacy to your financial life? Because federal and state laws are often silent on these specific privacy standards, Clark suggests a unique, cautious approach. Unretirement: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Medical Privacy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Retirement on Pause: High Costs Push Older Americans Back to Work Age Americans Actually Retire (It’s Earlier Than They Plan) How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor ETFs vs Mutual Funds: What’s the Difference and When Does It Matter? Fidelity Investments Review: Pros & Cons Popular online lab tests may not be covered by HIPAA protections Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution) How To Get a Gym Membership for Practically Free - Clark Howard Why You Do Not Want To Get a Big Tax Refund Check - 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: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should You Dump U.S. Stocks for International? & Top Retirement Number To Watch in 2026 With international stocks outperforming the S&P 500 recently, many investors are asking the same question: Is it time to pivot overseas? Before you overhaul your portfolio, learn why you might already have more international exposure than you think. Also, Wes revisits the most important metric for your financial peace of mind in 2026: The Rich Ratio. Retirement isn't about the total size of your nest egg; it’s about the "margin" between what you have and what you need. We explain how to calculate your ratio in under 60 seconds and why "financial richness" is often achieved more quickly by lowering your "needs"—specifically by tackling "big rocks" like your mortgage. Whether your ratio is currently above or below 1.0, this simple math will provide a clear roadmap for your retirement security. Mentioned on the show: A Better Way To Think About Your Net Worth Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute Are You Richer Than You Think? Your "Rich Ratio" Could Tell You Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the March 10, 2026, Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.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: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode - We all have to buy groceries. So how do you find big savings? Clark has hard data on where the cheapest supermarket prices can be found. Also - Rising baggage fees are changing the math on airline cards. Clark shares an update and new recommendations for travel credit cards.  SAVE MORE On Groceries: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Update: Airline Credit Cards: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ⁠6 Grocery Stores Cheaper Than Walmart Consumer Reports - Most and Least Expensive Supermarkets⁠ ⁠How to Save Money on Groceries: 22 Clever Ways - Clark Howard⁠ ⁠1⁠⁠0 Ways You're Wasting Money on Groceries - Clark Howard⁠ ⁠How To Get a Free Cell Phone in 2026 (Best Deals + Hidden Catch)⁠ Why Clark Is Making a Modification to His Travel Credit Card Advice ⁠United Airlines Makes Major Rewards Change to Favor These Credit Cards⁠ ⁠Top 10 Perks of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card⁠ ⁠Total Value of Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Perks ⁠5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad - Clark Howard⁠ ⁠Is There an Affordable Way To Get Wi-Fi on a Cruise Ship?⁠ ⁠What’s the Best Way To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency? 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 today -  if you have been considering doing a renovation or adding an ADU to your home - is now the right time?  There’s been a general shift in the market.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Home Improvement: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard HSA vs FSA: What's the Difference? - Clark Howard Is Now a Good Time To Refinance Your Mortgage? - Clark Howard Clark Howard's Special Rule for Refinancing Your Mortgage Why Now Is the Best Time in Years for a Home Renovation [The WP] Your backyard could be a home. Here’s how to build one. 16 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) Calculator - Clark Howard Is Your Home Underinsured? - Clark Howard Homeowners Insurance 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