The Clark Howard Podcast

Many aim for a perfect credit score, but it's often unnecessary—aiming for 760-780 is more realistic. Learn how to manage your credit effectively and what to do about missed payments. When travel plans go awry, having strategies in place is crucial. Discover tips for handling cancellations and the best ways to advocate for yourself with service reps. Finally, explore smart strategies for booking affordable flights and using hotel points efficiently, ensuring your travel experience is as smooth and budget-friendly as possible.

Wes Moss, a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor and expert in investing and retirement, dives into the recent AI breakthrough, DeepSeek, and its potential to boost American productivity. He discusses how this technology impacts markets and investment strategies. Wes also shares five key tips for stock diversification to mitigate losses. The conversation touches on the motivations driving workforce engagement and strategies for effective retirement planning, including the importance of maintaining safe assets for stability.

Discover the startling wealth gap between renters and homeowners, with homeowners boasting a net worth of $400,000 compared to just $10,400 for renters. Learn how renters can bridge this gap through smart financial strategies. As Valentine's Day nears, find out about exciting diamond deals emerging from a saturated market. Explore insights on navigating insurance claims and the evolving choices in the diamond industry, including the rise of lab diamonds, as well as tips on managing auto loans and the pitfalls of owning a timeshare.

Short-term vacation rentals like VRBO and Airbnb are facing more issues, raising questions about user responsibility. Learn how to navigate these platforms and the importance of good communication with hosts. On the flip side, purchasing a vehicle can be both thrilling and daunting. Discover innovative buying options that prioritize consumers and tips to avoid pitfalls, such as the risks of debit cards. Plus, find out how to manage your finances better with smart investment strategies.

The stock market is becoming a risky gamble, especially for young investors, who should focus on long-term strategies. As new laws aim to improve pay transparency, understanding your worth is becoming easier in the job market. Listeners share experiences with hidden hotel fees, emphasizing the need for clear pricing. Additionally, documenting rental car damages is crucial for dispute resolution. Lastly, insights into travel credit cards reveal the best options while navigating the world of charitable giving.

Wes Moss, a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor, shares valuable insights on retirement savings and Social Security changes. He assures listeners that it’s never too late to start saving for retirement, offering strategies that ease financial anxiety. The conversation highlights impending Social Security adjustments affecting public sector employees and discusses how legislative shifts could enhance benefits for many. Wes also answers listener questions, emphasizing the role of fiduciary advisors in securing financial futures.

When looking for a flight deal, there’s a trick that can save you a lot of money. Clark points to 3 airlines that might not be on your radar, but should be. Also - is your car spying on you? It’s highly likely. And what happens with your data? Clark discusses privacy concerns prevalent today.  New Airlines & Destinations: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vehicular Spying & Privacy Rights: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes: Coming to a Tiny Airport Near You: New Airlines How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft What Is a Credit Union? / Credit Union vs. Bank: What's the Difference? Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Should You Get a Store Credit Card? Is your car spying on you? What it means that Tesla shared data in the Las Vegas explosion Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in 2025 Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 SURFSHARK - Alternative Number: your online identity safeguardPOLICYGENIUS - The Simple Way To Buy InsuranceAPELLA WEALTH - Advice For LifeLearn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This installment dives into the funny and insightful 'Clark Stinks' segment, where listener feedback takes center stage. Clark also tackles the pitfalls of changing jobs and how it can lead to significant losses in 401(k) savings. Discover crucial tips on avoiding costly retirement mistakes, plus comparisons between Roth and traditional accounts. The episode touches on maximizing college savings through 529 plans, offering practical advice for parents. It's a blend of humor, personal stories, and valuable financial wisdom!

The podcast dives into the growing issue of consumerism and online shopping addiction, offering simple strategies to help listeners avoid overspending. It emphasizes the importance of unsubscribing from enticing retail communications to foster better financial habits. Additionally, the host warns about the dangers of public Wi-Fi, suggesting alternatives like personal hotspots for secure online activities. The discussion also touches on managing retirement accounts and the essential role of reviewing financial statements to spot fraud quickly.

Wes Moss, a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor and member of Team Clark, dives deep into the world of investing and retirement planning. He discusses the necessity of stocks for building a retirement nest egg, highlighting that a median happy retiree needs around $700,000. Wes also tackles the issue of FOMO—fear of missing out—and emphasizes why ignoring impulsive investment decisions is crucial. Listeners also get to hear about effective retirement strategies, including diversification and the balance between stocks and stable assets.