The cost of living has everyone feeling the pinch, no matter their income. Clark reveals the shocking trend of affluent shoppers flocking to discount retailers like Dollar General and Dollar Tree. With six years of inflation and the invisible cost of tariffs, your dollar just doesn't stretch like it used to, forcing everyone to rethink where they buy everyday essentials. Learn why people from all income levels are now mixing and matching where they shop for value. Also, Clark tackles a terrifying new wave of fraud: AI Doctor Scams. Crooks are using sophisticated artificial intelligence to make real doctors and medical researchers appear to endorse dubious health products they've never actually supported. These convincing, fake endorsements prey on your desperation, especially if you're looking for solutions traditional medicine hasn't provided. Clark shares his best advice on how to protect your wallet and your health by vetting medical claims and going straight to trusted sources.
Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the October 8, 2025, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: link
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Dollar Tree’s Newest Customers and Warning: Scary New AI Doctor Scams
04:19 - Ask Clark - I recently married and my husband moved in. What’s the future of dollar stores like Dollar Tree as prices rise and shelves empty? (Sybil in Washington)
07:33 - Ask Clark - Should I add my new husband to my homeowners insurance policy, or will that raise my premium? (Leslie in North Carolina)
08:23 - Ask Clark - Is it smarter to put 10% or 20% down when buying a new home? (Chris in Iowa)
10:28 - Warning: Scary New AI Doctor Scams
14:14 - Ask Clark - Are we missing out by not switching to a high-deductible plan and HSA? (Emily in Kansas)
16:56 - Ask Clark - Should listeners really look for the cheapest option when getting dental implants? (M in Connecticut)
19:33 - Ask Clark - Does link actually work for subscriptions and online payments? (Beth in Wisconsin)
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