New #1 longest-lasting car (9 23 26)

💵 Today’s Top Stories

Study: #1 Vehicle Most Likely To Last 250,000 Miles

This Japanese brand and its luxury component dominate the list of vehicles most likely to last a quarter-million miles. Who’s next? Read more.

3 Money Mistakes To Avoid When Traveling Abroad

Traveling gets expensive, especially if you make a few seemingly harmless money mistakes. Clark reveals which travel traps to avoid, including one that could make your purchases cost up to 10% more. Read more.

Best Money-Saving Cell Phone Plans Available Right Now

Is inflation squeezing your monthly budget? Consider these money-saving cell phone plans. We researched more than 200 phone plans before selecting these top picks. Read more.

Free and Easy Ways To Learn More About Technology

Want to master your smartphone or learn new software to stay up to date? Here are the resources you can use for free. Read more.

💸 Ask Clark

Ask Clark Howard

Podcast | YouTube

On his podcast, Clark Howard answers real reader questions on money, credit, debt, retirement, travel, and more, along with co-host Christa DiBiase.

Today's question

Mara in Ohio asks:

"What are the best accounts for an 18 year old to invest in a Roth?"

Clark's answer: Vanguard or Fidelity — maybe Schwab, but definitely Vanguard or Fidelity.

At 18, you open a Roth IRA, and it's going to be ultra-low cost at Vanguard. It's basically the lowest cost of all and ultra-easy to set up. Now, the advantage of Fidelity or Schwab over Vanguard is if you want the human relationship of being able to go into a branch, since Fidelity and Schwab have physical locations all over the country. With Vanguard, everything is done online. However, 18-year-olds usually prefer doing things online rather than having to talk to a human anyway. I promise an 18-year-old can have that account up, running, and funded in under 10 minutes.

Submit a question for Clark

📊 Stat of the Day

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🏡 $35 Trillion: Amount of real estate equity in America. The New York Times reports that homeowners withdrew an estimated $47 billion in equity in the first three months of 2026, up 2% from last year. Clark urges us to remember that home equity lines of credit are only for making improvements to your home.

💰 Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

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See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙 Podcast

Retirement is often touted as the ultimate goal, but Wes reveals why reaching the finish line can bring unexpected challenges. Wes exposes the sobering statistics behind aging in America, emphasizing why true retirement success requires building a "portfolio of purpose" alongside financial security. Also, Wes breaks down his brand-new decision tree to help you settle the age-old debate of choosing a lump sum versus monthly pension payouts.

Watch the Full Episode

☎ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

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