The Clark Howard Podcast

Home Depot is doing something that all employers should do. Clark talks about what distinguishes a winning corporate culture. Also today, Help Wanted: electricians, plumbers, CPAs, air traffic controllers, police officers and more. Clark shares opportunities for employment that empower workers to create financial security and personal wealth.  Employers Should Know: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2...

Clark discusses the societal changes in how college costs are trending now, the existing burden of student loan debt, and the best way to save in a 529 Plan. Also today, Clark has news on the car insurance front. The cycle has turned. Brace for good news and know how to make the most of it. How To Choose A 529 Plan: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Auto Insurance Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment...

Not only does carrying the burden of debt create an enormous amount of stress, but a new poll shows that it affects so much more. Clark discusses how it can even affect your career mobility. Also, Clark talks about the best deals in reliable used cars right now. Debt Paralysis: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Best Deals In Used Cars: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Debt Archiv...

Yesterday Clark talked about using credit cards responsibly to your advantage. Today Clark discusses why he refers to the debit card as a “piece of trash fake Visa”.  Know the risks of debit card use.  Also - The big pharmacy chains are closing hundreds of stores, and Clark wants to make sure you’re aware of another option for lower cost prescriptions that’s also convenient. Piece Of Trash That Bu...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, there’s a market share war with credit card companies. Competition is hot. So how do you choose? Clark has updated his cards and offers a new tool to help you choose the best credit cards for you. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Clark Smart Credit Cards: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Seg...

Shopping season is upon us and the use of payment apps is commonplace, but more fraud protections are needed. Know the safest way to use these apps including Venmo, Zelle, Cash App & PayPal. Also, when using credit cards, though it hasn’t been required in years, many retailers still have you sign the receipt. Clark has a good idea why that’s happening.  Payment App Precautions: Segment 1 Ask Clark...

Independent retail chains selling gas and food are becoming an economic force benefiting consumers. So what are the best convenience store chains in the nation? Clark delivers new rankings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Also today - One reason the U.S. economy is faring better than most other developed economies in the world is American entrepreneurship. Covid era startups have cre...

Our Consumer Action Center is getting a lot of calls about a growing text message scam that appears to be from your credit card company. Know how to spot it so you don’t get taken. Also, Clark shares some ways restaurants at all levels are exploring ways to cut costs. Know what to look for to save more on dining out, including smaller portions for less money. Credit Card Text Scams: Segment 1 Ask...

Today’s mandatory arbitration abuses trace back to a law passed a century ago, repeatedly upheld to deny citizens their right to a day in court. Clark shares yet another case in point. Also in this episode- open enrollment is an opportunity to choose among health care plans which offer one of Clark’s favorite tools for long term financial security. Should you opt for an HSA - Health Savings Accoun...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today, criminal rings are heavily engaged in cell phone theft now, and they’re after your financials. Know what to do before, and after the loss or theft of your cell phone - just in case.   Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Cell Phone Theft: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on...

With the recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters around the country, Clark has specific advice for home buyers. Also today, as remote work scams proliferate, learn more about how to find legitimate work from home. Flood Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Legit WFH Jobs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM Zillow will now s...

Today, Clark discusses what’s going on with U.S. oil prices from a global perspective, in light of potentially escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Also, Medicare open enrollment is underway. With all the upheaval with Advantage plans this year, it’s more important than ever to understand the changes in your plan, and compare your options. Clark has a valuable resource to help you make the bes...

Vigilance shoppers - With the holiday season already underway, sales are coming and going faster, increasing the likelihood of being overcharged - which happens more often than you might think. Clark has tips on how it pays to pay attention. Also today in retail peril - why you DON’T want to save 10% on your purchase if you apply for a store card.  Overcharged At Checkout: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Seg...

In the news we’re seeing stories of travelers stranded and out thousands of dollars, because of the way they booked flights and hotels. Clark explains how to avoid this trap when making your travel plans. Also today, why PBMs - the prescription benefits managers included in many employer insurance programs - are often more costly than self-paying for meds. Clark gives you ways to save more on pres...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also travelers, Clark has new info on Real ID requirements, electronic driver’s licenses and a great new way to renew your passport.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 New Travel Document Options & Requirements: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The best deals on TVs avail...

Today, Clark has an update from the FDIC in the aftermath of the recent fintech meltdown, including the dangers of “blended banking” and how to spot fake savings account offers. Also - if you are in the market for a house, you may see offers for land contracts or seller financing. Know the downsides of alternative rent-to-own type mortgages Protections For Savers - An FDIC Update: Segment 1 Ask Cl...

Who wants to be a Millionaire? Clark discusses how this level of financial security can be within reach - even for those earning average pay. Also today - given the monumental scope of data breaches, in addition to task number one: freezing your credit - Clark has another tip for securing your identity. We all need to batten down the hatches, and Clark shares an important step to help you do just...

On today’s Special Edition, Clark welcomes longtime friend and colleague, Jonathan Clements. A London born, Cambridge University graduate, financial writer Jonathan Clements is the founder and editor of HumbleDollar.com and author of "From Here to Financial Happiness," "How to Think About Money" and seven other books. His vast experience and contributions include serving as financial education dir...

Recently Clark discussed how appealing auto insurance claims can lead to big savings. The same holds true for health insurance - and now there’s a tool to help you make a successful appeal of a denied claim. Also today, HOAs can be very controversial. Clark shares a story with a lesson about a ridiculous action by an aggressive HOA. Appeal Health Insurance Denials: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 H...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.   Also in this episode, many people are wary of increasing automation in vehicles, but there’s a vital upside to this new technology. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Automated Vehicle Safety: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Big Change to the Sam's Club Rewards Program...

Mortgage rates are a main concern for prospective home buyers, but Clark has other important considerations that make a huge difference in how much you’ll pay over time.   Also, according to the Journal of Alzheimer’s Association, in addition to being the fourth largest cause of death for people age 70 and older in the U.S., dementia costs an estimated $80 billion per year. The good news is - ther...

Did you hear about the clever woman who sent an AirTag to herself to catch a mail thief? These devices are proving handy for a lot of reasons. Also, what is the best energy source we have in the United States? That’s a trick question. Clark explains.  Tracking Devices: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 American Power Production: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: California woman f...

Clark shares two creative ways to save money on travel. Speaking of travel, do you have vacation time remaining this year?  Clark discusses the importance of getting away!  Car & RV Rental Deals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vacation Time: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: One Way Specials | Cruise America How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps FCC.gov- File A Complaint Co...

Mortgage questions are up since the Fed Rate cut. Clark discusses what to expect with interest rates, and other factors that figure into cost effective strategies for home buyers and those considering refinancing. Also, it’s not too early to start thinking about the holidays and your budget. What to expect from retailers in terms of October & November deals and seasonal hiring. Mortgage Update: Se...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, the tourism industry has been on a rollercoaster since the pandemic, with revenge travel peaking this past summer. Overwhelmed, Europe has been dishing out some backlash against tourists. So Clark has “zig-zag” advice for planning your next overseas adventure.  Clark Stinks: Segmen...