Historically, Clark warns against buying used cars from rental car companies. But Hertz just sweetened the deal for customers. Is it enough to impress Clark into changing his mind? clark.com/cars/hertz-is-offe…

Where Should You Keep Your Retirement Dry Powder? What happens to your retirement income if the stock market drops 30%? Wes Moss explains how retirement "dry powder" can help you avoid selling stocks during a downturn—and where to keep it across your investment accounts. 🎧 Roth IRA 5-year rules? Which retirement account should you tap first? Wes tackles these questions and more in aRapid Fire edition of Ask an Advisor. Get the answers on The Clark Howard Podcast at Clark.com/podcast or YouTube.com/clark. #WesMoss #RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #Investing #RothIRA

“My voice is my password. Please verify me.” Ever heard that prompt when you call your bank or brokerage? It’s not safe anymore because of AI, Clark explains. Here’s how to lock down your accounts with extra security layers. clark.com/scams-rip-offs/ai-…

What if a scammer could drain your retirement savings without you realizing it? AI-powered scams are getting more sophisticated, and even your investment accounts could be at risk. Clark recommends an important safeguard: an ACATS lock, which can add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized transfers from your brokerage account. It's a simple precaution that could help protect the money you've spent a lifetime building. 🎧 Could AI scammers get their hands on your life savings? Clark explains the growing threat of deepfakes and voice-cloning scams—and the steps you can take to protect your money before it's too late. Don't wait until your accounts are compromised. Hear Clark's full advice on The Clark Howard Podcast. Listen at Clark.com/podcast or watch at YouTube.com/clark. #ClarkHoward #RetirementSavings #AIScams #FraudPrevention #Investing #ProtectYourMoney See less

Waiting for a better time to buy a home? Clark says next year could look very different. He’s already seeing signs of what he calls “price capitulation” in some cities—sellers lowering asking prices enough to finally bring buyers back into the market. Combine that with Clark’s expectation that today’s higher mortgage rates will begin coming down, and he believes the conditions for homebuyers could improve significantly next year. #ClarkHoward #HousingMarket #HomeBuying #MortgageRates #RealEstate #HomePrices #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #PersonalFinance

Think booking flights on a Tuesday or searching in incognito mode will save you money? Five years of Google Flights data reveal the best times to buy airline tickets, including when to book for Thanksgiving, Christmas and international travel. clark.com/travel/best-day-bo…

Booking a flight or planning your next vacation? The way you pay matters more than you think. With airfares remaining high and travel disruptions adding uncertainty, Clark has an important reminder: Don't use a debit card to pay for travel. Credit cards offer consumer protections that debit cards don't provide in the same way. But Clark warns that having those protections isn't enough—you also need to know when and how to assert your rights. 🎧 Also on The Clark Howard Podcast: Airlines warn that high airfares could be here to stay. Clark shares his strategies for finding better flight deals, navigating winter travel and making your travel budget go further. Listen at Clark.com/podcast or watch at YouTube.com/clark. #ClarkHoward #TravelTips #TravelSavings #CreditCards #Airfare #TravelDeals #PersonalFinance

Now, with more retailers offering deliveries within hours, Amazon is changing its strategy. Clark explains why the company is opening smaller, strategically located warehouses—and what that could mean for how quickly your next order arrives. 🎧 Also on The Clark Howard Podcast: Is Walmart really using digital price tags to raise prices as you walk down the aisle? Clark sets the record straight on the viral rumor. Listen at Clark.com/podcast or watch at YouTube.com/clark. #ClarkHoward #Amazon #Walmart #OnlineShopping #ConsumerNews

Did you know credit bureaus can sell your contact info to creditors and insurers without asking you first? Learn what data Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are legally allowed to share -- and how Clark says you can shut down prescreened offers and protect your privacy today. clark.com/personal-finance-c…

What if you could compare hospital prices BEFORE getting the bill? Hospitals are required to disclose their pricing information, but finding it isn't always easy. Clark shares a free tool at HospitalPricingFiles.org that helps you uncover hospital pricing information and compare costs for non-emergency procedures before deciding where to go. With health care costs climbing, knowing what you could pay ahead of time may help you avoid an expensive surprise. Also... ⬇ 🎧 Paying too much for prescription medications? You could be missing out on thousands in savings. Clark shares a surprising workaround for expensive brand-name drugs that could change what you pay at the pharmacy. Don't pay more than you have to. Find out how this strategy works on The Clark Howard Podcast. Listen at Clark.com/podcast or watch at YouTube.com/clark.

Watching your checkout total blow past your budget week after week? It's completely possible to cut your grocery bill by 20% to 50% without resorting to extreme couponing. Check out these top ways to save at the supermarket. clark.com/save-money/save-mo…

An investment that protects your money from inflation sounds like a no-brainer, right? Not necessarily. Wes breaks down Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) and explains why their inflation protection comes with a trade-off: lower interest yields compared with traditional Treasury bonds. While TIPS can have a place in your retirement portfolio, Wes says they aren't necessarily a must-have—and their long-term returns can be surprisingly similar to other bonds. 🎧 Are you protecting your retirement savings the right way? Hear Wes explain how to think about inflation protection and your fixed-income investments on The Clark Howard Podcast. Listen at Clark.com/podcast or watch at YouTube.com/clark. #WesMoss #RetirementPlanning #TIPS #Inflation #Bonds #Investing #RetirementSavings #PersonalFinance

Thinking about booking a big trip or cruise soon? Standard travel insurance might not cover you if you just decide you can’t go -- or if plans change unexpectedly. Clark explains how "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage works, why it could save your wallet, and the #1 rule on where you should never buy it. clark.com/travel/cancel-for-…

Thinking about buying a car from @Carvana or @carmax ? Clark has one important tip. Clark likes the transparent pricing and return policies both companies offer. But there's one thing he says you should always do before that return window closes. Have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic of your choosing. It's a simple step that could help you avoid an expensive mistake. 🎧 Thinking about switching cars to save on gas? Not so fast! Clark explains why trading in your vehicle during a spike in gas prices could end up costing you thousands. Catch the full conversation on The Clark Howard Podcast at Clark.com/podcast or YouTube.com/clark. Listen at Clark.com/podcast or watch at YouTube.com/clark.

Tired of paying for multiple streaming services just to watch football? A listener called Clark out during Clark Stinks!, arguing that a simple $20 TV antenna has saved him money by letting him watch local NFL games for free. Clark agrees! An antenna can pick up games broadcast over the air without another monthly subscription. And the bonus? Clark says the picture quality can actually be better than streaming. Of course, not every game is available over the air—but it's worth checking before paying for another service. 🎧Hear Clark's response on Clark Stinks! and catch the full episode of The Clark Howard Podcast at Clark.com/podcast, YouTube.com/clark, or your favorite podcast platform. #ClarkHoward #ClarkStinks #NFL #Football #CordCutting #Streaming #TVAntenna #SaveMoney #MoneySavingTips

55. 59½. 62. 65. 67. 70. 73 or 75. Do you know why these ages matter? From accessing retirement money without a penalty to Social Security, Medicare and required minimum distributions, Wes says some ages open important financial opportunities—while others come with deadlines that could cost you if you miss them. The key? Put these milestones on your own retirement timeline so you know what options you’ll have and when. #WesMoss #Retirement #RetirementPlanning #SocialSecurity #Medicare #401k #RetirementIncome #PersonalFinance

Cooler weather, smaller crowds and massive discounts on hotels and flights. What else could you want, if you have the ability to travel in the fall? Well, not this year, as Clark explains. clark.com/travel/why-the-tra…

Clark usually says NEVER buy extended warranties. But here's one exception. When it comes to your heating and cooling system, Clark says a seasonal maintenance plan may actually be worth considering—especially if you tend to forget routine checkups. But he has another warning: Some HVAC companies are under pressure to sell homeowners repairs they may not need. His advice? Get a second opinion before agreeing to expensive work. 🎧 Hear Clark explain both tips on The Clark Howard Podcast. Plus, it's time for Clark Stinks! and Clark explains why your home insurer may be offering free smart devices to help prevent costly electrical fires and water damage. Listen at Clark.com/podcast, watch at YouTube.com/clark, or find the show on your favorite podcast platform. #ClarkHoward #HVAC #HomeMaintenance #Homeowners #HomeRepairs #MoneySavingTips #ClarkStinks #PersonalFinance

Where does Clark Howard buy a mattress? Costco. But it’s not just about the price. Clark says one of the most important things when buying a mattress is having the right to a full refund if it doesn’t work for you—not just store credit toward another mattress. His rule: Wherever you shop, make sure you can get your money back. #ClarkHoward #Costco #MattressShopping #CostcoFinds #ShoppingTips #SaveMoney #MoneySavingTips #ConsumerAdvice