The Clark Howard Podcast
The Clark Howard Podcast

08.21.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / WARNING: Online Medical Services

August 21, 2026

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5 min read

Clark Answers His Critics and Warns About Online Medical Services

The Clark Howard Podcast's weekly "Clark Stinks" segment opened with a listener complaint about a recurring theme: Clark's comparison of 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans. Andrew from Oklahoma argued that declaring 401(k)s better than 403(b)s is misleading, since the main difference depends on the employer, not the law. Nonprofits can set up excellent 403(b) plans with low fees, good fund options, and matching contributions. Clark conceded the point fully, but explained why in practice the distinction holds: "A lot of 403(b) plans are made available to particularly school teachers that are hideously horrifically awful." He described how a teacher can end up with less money at the end of a year than they contributed, due to hidden fees and commissions built into many 403(b) products. "It is a scandal," Clark said, "and is the very structure of the law that has greenlit having 403(b) plans be substantially in practice inferior compared to the typical 401(k)." He directed listeners to 403bwise.com, a site that lets teachers check their school district's plan and learn how to advocate for better options. Clark's frustration was palpable: "We have a hard time filling teaching positions around the country, and then we turn around and cheat them on their retirement plan."

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (01:17) **Show Opening & Clark Stinks Introduction** - Clark introduces the weekly Clark Stinks segment where he learns from listener critiques, and previews the second topic about online medical services.
  • 2 (03:01) **Critique: 401(k) vs. 403(b) Comparison** - Andrew from Oklahoma argues Clark misleads by saying 401(k)s are better than 403(b)s, since the employer determines plan quality.
  • 3 (06:22) **Tip: Cashing Out Gift Card Balances** - Tim from Texas suggests applying leftover gift card balances to utility bills, a method Clark endorses.
  • 4 (07:12) **Critique: Building Credit for Young Adults** - Jim in Florida challenges Clark's advice to add a young adult to a parent's credit card, suggesting a collateralized credit card at a credit union instead.
  • 5 (09:24) **Critique: Elder Care & the Sandwich Generation** - Charlotte from North Carolina criticizes Clark for putting the burden of elder care on adult children, arguing boomers should take responsibility.
  • 6 (12:26) **Critique: Retaining Wall Dispute** - Ken in South Carolina says Clark missed the mark on a neighbor's failing retaining wall, suggesting the homeowner build their own wall on their property line.
  • 7 (15:19) **Critique: Insurance Coverage for Retaining Wall Damage** - Carolyn in South Dakota says Clark should have advised reading the policy exclusions and checking neighbor's liability coverage.

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Guests on this episode

Show Notes

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also,  many Americans are ordering medications from online websites and pharmacies, and a major player is being sued by the FTC. Online medical services promising quick prescriptions for sensitive conditions seem convenient, but they could be costing you more than money—they might be handing over your private health data. Clark discusses the broader boom of direct-to-consumer online doctor services and why you need to protect both your wallet and your privacy.  All this and more on the August 21, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

  • Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
  • Online Med Sites: Segment 3
  • Ask Clark: Segment 4

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