The Clark Howard Podcast

10.12.26 Gas Prices & Vehicle Choice / Is Price Tech Stalking You?

The Clark Howard Podcast

Show Notes

With gas prices squeezing wallets, you might be tempted to trade in your current ride for a fuel-efficient hybrid or EV. However, making a permanent financial decision based on a temporary spike in gas prices can cost you thousands in the long run. Before you swap keys to save on fuel, make sure the math actually works for your budget.

Also, Clark sets the record straight on a viral Walmart rumor. Stores are rapidly replacing paper price tags with digital shelf labels, leading some to believe Walmart is tracking individual phones to dynamically surge prices as you walk down the aisle. What’s really going on here?

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the October 12, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Gas Prices & Your Car: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Digital Pricing Transition: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Should You Buy a New Car Because of Gas Prices?

How To Save Money on Gas: 24 Ways - Clark Howard

Clark Howard's 'Half-Tank' Strategy To Save on Gas

7 Money Mistakes You Might Be Making at the Gas Station

The Best and Worst Days To Buy Gas in 2026, According to GasBuddy

Why the Best Price on Your Next Car Is Getting Harder to Find

How To Buy a Used Car - Clark Howard

How to Buy a New Car: 5 Smart Steps To Get the Best Deal

The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard

Clark Howard Debunks New Walmart Shopping Myth

Walmart+ Membership Program: 4 Things To Know - Clark Howard

Why You Should Never Mail a Check - Clark Howard

Safer Ways To Send Money: Clark Howard’s Rules for Protecting Your Cash

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

More from The Clark Howard Podcast

Oct 23, 2026

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, - how do we teach our kids and young adults about money? Managing money was simple just a few decades ago: cash was king, consumer choices were limited, and savings accounts earned fixed interest rates. Today, we live in the most over-stored country in the world, surrounded by endless retail options, online shopping, and digital payment methods like Venmo and Cash App. Money has become frictionless and abstract, making it easier than ever for young people to fall into financial traps like recurring subscriptions and impulse spending. Because the modern financial world is vastly more complex, parents can no longer rely on kids picking up smart money habits by osmosis – active teaching while they are still under your roof is essential, as Clark explains.

Oct 21, 2026

Winter heating bills won’t be pretty, especially in markets that rely on oil for heat. What can you do now to prepare? Taking control of monthly expenses comes down to knowing where the real price traps are hiding. Clark unpacks the latest updates on winter heating trends and shifting food prices to help you make smarter financial decisions.

Oct 20, 2026

Rapid Fire Q&A: Roth Conversion Traps, RMD Spending Rules, & Switching Careers To Finance

Oct 19, 2026

Artificial intelligence is creating unprecedented risks for your retirement savings, with AI-driven fraud causing massive financial losses across the country. Deepfakes and voice-cloning technology have become so advanced that scammers can effortlessly mimic real people, leaving brokerage firms and financial institutions vulnerable to fraudulent transfer instructions. Clark has recommendations to help secure your life savings.

Oct 16, 2026

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.

See all episodes →