The Clark Howard Podcast

Today, something new under the sun - at least in the U.S.: A now FDA approved sunscreen option long in use overseas, arrives next year.  Meanwhile, are you overpaying for sunscreen just because of a fancy brand name? Consumer Reports released its annual sunscreen rankings, and the results again prove you don't have to spend a fortune to protect your skin. Also, Clark dives into the reality of modern side hustles. A TikTok influencer recently went viral after testing different side hustles every day for 100 days to make $100 a day, learning that only three were actually worth sticking with. The truth is, if a side hustle is incredibly easy to start, there are no effective barriers to entry. When anyone can do a job, the organizer doesn’t have to pay you well. If you want to make a meaningful, steady income, you need a side hustle that leverages education, training, or special skills that set you apart from the crowd. However, if you just need quick, one-time cash, look no further than your own home—just like Christa, who came out of her closet with cash assets! 

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 6, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Best Sunscreens: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Smart Side Hustles: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:


21 Best Sunscreens of 2026, Lab-Tested and Reviewed


Consumer Reports: Sunscreen Ratings & Reviews 

Monarch Money Review: Is This Budgeting Tool Worth the Price?


Why You Should Keep Old Credit Card Accounts Open - Clark Howard


How and When To Cancel a Credit Card - Clark Howard

30 Easy Side Hustle Ideas


The Only Reason You Should Make an Improvement to Your Home


What's the Best Way To Send Money Overseas? - Clark Howard


AutoSlash Review: How To Save on a Rental Car - Clark Howard


HotelSlash: #1 Site for Cheap Hotel Rates

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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Happy 4th of July Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns July 6th with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off!

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


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Considering entrepreneurship via buying a franchise? Clark shares his most important rule before investing your hard-earned money: go work for that franchise first. Instead of relying on the sales pitch, spend several months on the job learning how the business really operates, what challenges owners face and whether the opportunity lives up to the promises. Taking this important step could save you from making a costly mistake and help you become a smarter entrepreneur. Also, Clark discusses the expansion of TrumpRx, a government prescription price comparison resource that now includes hundreds of additional generic medications. With prescription costs keeping many Americans from filling the medications they need, Clark reviews several ways to save money on prescriptions, including Costco, Sam’s Club, Amazon Pharmacy, Walmart, Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs and charitable programs that may provide free medications. He also explains what to do if you need an expensive brand-name medication and can’t afford it, including exploring manufacturer patient assistance programs that could help lower your costs.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 1, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Please note: No new episode on Friday. We wish you a safe and Happy Independence Day!

Franchise Entrepreneurs: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

New Savings On Meds: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Clark Howard’s Advice Before You Buy a Franchise


What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard

6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling


10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs - Clark Howard 

How Can Discount Drug Apps Offer Such Big Savings on Prescription Medications?


These Pharmacies Offer $4 Prescriptions - Clark Howard

How To Comparison Shop Drug Prices Before Your Doctor Sends in a Prescription


Will Mark Cuban's Prescription Company Really Save You Money? 


What Is Disability Insurance and How Does It Work? - Clark Howard


How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps - Clark Howard

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts


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Clark.com daily money newsletter


Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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Is the bucket investing strategy the best way to plan for retirement? In this episode, Wes Moss breaks down the powerful visual behind bucket investing and explains why organizing your money into cash, income, growth, and alternative income buckets can simplify retirement planning. He also shares the biggest drawbacks investors should understand before adopting the strategy. Also, Wes tackles a growing trend: professionals looking for more flexibility, purpose, and balance through a second career. He outlines the key questions to ask before making a career switch and explains why financial advising is emerging as one of the most in-demand professions in America.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the June 30, 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

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Clark’s first business was a travel agency and he specialized in saving his clients money. Travel costs are challenging now, with airlines facing higher fuel expenses and travelers paying the price. Clark shares his back-to-basics strategy for finding affordable trips, including why flexibility is your greatest money-saving tool. Learn why Clark lets the deal determine the destination, how shoulder-season airfare pricing can create opportunities for savings, and why being a "free agent" when booking flights can help you see more of the world for less. Also, Clark explains the growing problem of "dark patterns" online—those annoying popups, misleading buttons, and sneaky subscription tactics designed to manipulate your decisions. While many of these practices aren't illegal, they are deceptive and can lead to unwanted purchases and recurring charges if you're caught unaware. Know what to watch for and how to avoid getting tricked into spending money you never intended to spend.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the June 29, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.  Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Clark Smart Travel: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Dark Patterns On The Lit Web: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

How To Beat Summer Sticker Shock and Travel the ‘Clark Howard Way’


Follow Clark Howard’s #1 Rule To Travel Cheap

Best Travel Credit Cards: How To Find the Perfect Fit for Your Spending

How Does Booking Travel Through a Credit Card Rewards Program Compare?


3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room 

Dark patterns on the web are designed to manipulate you – why aren’t they all illegal?


Best Free Password Managers: 10 Top Picks - Clark Howard 


How To Create and Use Passkeys - Clark Howard


Safe Browser Alternatives That Promise Not To Track You

NYT - Her Life Savings Mysteriously Disappeared After a Systems Glitch


Why You Need Paper Evidence of Your Financial Accounts

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