The Clark Howard Podcast
The Clark Howard Podcast

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

October 5, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

DIY to Save, and the Rising Threat of Romance Scams

Clark Howard opens this episode with a confession: in his early 20s, after a big car repair bill, he took auto mechanics classes for nine months—two nights a week—while working full-time. "Cars were much simpler then," he admits, and his own mechanical attempts were "dangerous," but the experience taught him a lasting lesson. You don't have to hire someone for everything. You just have to actually skill up, not wing it.

That philosophy anchors the first half of the episode: finding ways to spend less by learning to do things yourself, and finding ways to earn extra money by looking at what you already own. The second half turns to a far darker topic—romance scams, which Clark calls "perhaps the fastest growing scam category there is," one that overwhelmingly goes unreported because victims are too embarrassed to tell anyone.

Learning to DIY Without Destroying Your Wallet

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (01:04) **Introduction: Spend Less & Earn More** - Clark introduces the episode's two themes: DIY to save money and the rise of romance scams.
  • 2 (02:00) **DIY & Skill Up to Save Money** - Clark shares his personal story of taking auto mechanics classes to avoid costly repairs and encourages listeners to learn basic skills.
  • 3 (04:55) **The Closet Test & Selling Old Items** - Krista and Clark discuss selling unused possessions online for extra cash.
  • 4 (06:21) **Listener Q: Lawyer Pushing for Second Insurance Claim** - Doug from Georgia asks if he should allow his lawyer to pursue an underinsured motorist claim after being made whole.
  • 5 (08:28) **Listener Q: Costco Card vs. Double Cash Card for Dining** - Sally from Kansas asks which credit card is better for her spending habits.
  • 6 (09:23) **Listener Q: Are Third-Party Phone Chargers Safe?** - Keenan from Georgia asks if he can safely buy cheaper chargers on Amazon instead of from Apple.
  • 7 (15:08) **Main Segment: The Rise of Romance Scams** - Clark delivers a detailed warning about the growing threat of romance scams, which affect all age groups.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Clark Howard

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: