09.28.26 TIPS Vs Bonds / How To Protect Your Social Security Now

September 28, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

In a single episode of the Clark Howard Podcast, host Clark Howard addresses two pressing financial anxieties: how to protect savings from inflation without leaning too heavily on stocks, and how to prevent someone from hijacking your Social Security benefits before you ever file for them. For older investors especially, the core problem is that the traditional safe harbor for non-stock money—bonds—has become treacherous in a high-interest-rate environment, while the alternatives salespeople push often come with hidden costs that lock you in for years. Howard offers a specific, technical tool as a solution, and he insists that even listeners decades away from retirement need to take one immediate, practical step.

The Bond Conundrum and the Case for TIPS

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What you'll learn

1 (01:04) **Inflation-Proofing Without Heavy Stocks** - Clark introduces the episode’s main thesis: how to outrun inflation without relying heavily on stocks, followed by a warning to protect Social Security from identity theft.
2 (03:38) **TIPS: The Alternative to Traditional Bonds** - Clark explains Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) as a defensive investment that keeps up with inflation plus offers a small return.
3 (04:17) **Age-Based Investing Rules** - Clark reiterates the standard age-based approach: younger investors should be overwhelmingly in stocks, while those in their late 50s and beyond need a more balanced portfolio.
4 (05:28) **Beware Wall Street Clowns and Insurance Salespeople** - Clark identifies two predatory alternatives that investors are often sold.
5 (06:23) **The TIPS Ladder vs. TIPS Funds** - Clark explains the technical difference between owning a TIPS ladder and a TIPS fund, arguing the ladder is safer for avoiding downside risk.
6 (08:02) **The Bigger Picture: Defensive Measures** - Clark frames the TIPS strategy as a personal defensive measure against a lack of political seriousness on deficit spending and inflation.
7 (08:57) **Listener Q: Is It Safe to Give AI Access to Financial Data?** - Nathaniel from New York asks whether it is safe to let AI aggregate and review financial data, given the risks of sharing login credentials.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Clark Howard

Show Notes

How To Inflation-Proof Your Portfolio & The Free Account Everyone Needs To Set Up Before Retirement

Navigating your investments as you age can get confusing, especially when rising interest rates make traditional bond funds a scary prospect. While young investors can comfortably ride out stock market volatility, those approaching their late 50s and beyond need a more balanced portfolio to protect their hard-earned money. Instead, consider Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) as a powerful, inflation-proof alternative to standard bonds, as Clark explains.

Also, there is an urgent security measure you need to take right now – no matter your age. Many people assume they don't need a MySocialSecurity account until they are ready to retire, or they worry the program won't exist in the future. Clark walks us through why it’s so crucial to open an account as soon as possible.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 28, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Bond Alternative: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
Your Social Security: Segment 3
Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show: