The Clark Howard Podcast

10.05.26 DIYing to SPEND LESS / Steel Your Heart Against ROMANCE SCAMS

The Clark Howard Podcast

Show Notes

Cut Your Bills by DIYing & Protect Yourself From This Devastating Online Scam

"Necessity is the mother of invention"—that classic adage takes on new meaning under today’s cost pressures. High prices are driving many to look for creative ways to stretch a dollar, from scoping out everyday deals to embracing DIY projects. Instead of relying on expensive professionals for every task, leaning into basic home skills, repairs, and crafting can keep hard-earned money in your pocket – and possibly evolve into a profitable side hustle.

Also, Clark exposes the dangerous mechanics behind online romance scams. Criminals are using a calculated playbook to target victims of every age group, from vulnerable young adults to lonely hearted seniors. It is critical to stay vigilant, recognize the warning signs, and keep a close eye on friends and relatives to ensure nobody falls victim to these costly emotional traps.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the October 5, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

DIY For Dollars!: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Anatomy of a Romance Scam: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

[The WP] As high prices persist, some Americans are cutting back on spending

I Made Some Money Selling an Old Digital Camera.

Here’s HowHow to Sell Your Stuff on Facebook Marketplace - Clark Howard

Facebook Marketplace Scams: Everything You Need to Know

Citi Double Cash® Card Review: 5 Things To Know in 2026

Daejon Love case highlights online romance scams: Research reveals scammers’ tactics – and how to defend against them — The Conversation

NYTimes: Costco, Kayaks and Netflix: Medicare Advantage’s Perks Get Scrutiny

Check These 3 Boxes Before Applying for Premium Travel Cards

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

Unclaimed Money: How To Find and Claim Missing Funds for Free

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 →