The Clark Howard Podcast

In today’s episode - Clark recently saw a quote from one of the stars of “Shark Tank” about how much we waste money on daily habits, offering a new way to think about spending categories to locate areas where you can - Spend Less. Also, biometrics are clearly here to stay, and they can be a big positive for security. But what are you willing to give up, and how secure is your secure information? ...

New vehicle pricing is down. But the overall cost of ownership is up and AAA has the numbers. The daily cost difference between vehicles will blow your mind. Also, new data charts life expectancies compared to healthcare spending per capita. Clark looks at how the U.S stacks up compared to other countries.  New Cars: The Cost Of Ownership: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 U.S Healthcare Spending: Se...

When it comes to medical bills, ask and you shall receive a discount - in many cases! Clark shares the success stats on some strategies to be aware of when you open that medical bill. Also - the FBI has issued warnings about a serious crime called ‘Jugging’ spreading across the country. What to know to protect yourself.  Dealing With Medical Bills: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 ATM Safety Warning...

Buying a used car can be the wild, wild west. There are many pitfalls to be aware of, and brands to target because of their reliability. Clark shares Consumer Reports reliability ratings. Also, there’s real opportunity around the country for renters to pay less if you're willing to shop. And at renewal time, many landlords are offering rewards for paying rent on time and other gimmicks to retain y...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, auto insurance rates increased by almost 20% last year. Will these increases continue? Clark explains how we got here, the state of the industry, and what you can do to keep costs down. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Auto Insurance Industry Changes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment...

Clark has tips for mortgage and other loan shoppers, including advice about credit inquiries, and the importance of OptOutPreScreen in your life. Also, when it comes to establishing credit, it’s important to get it right the first time. Clark shares credit building know-how for young adults & college students. OptOutPreScreen: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Establishing Credit: Segment 3 Ask Clark...

Today, a warning about hotel frequent stay programs. Hotel points have been significantly devalued. Clark breaks down who should be brand loyal and who should not bother. Also, Clark has an update on something he’s talked about on the show - laundry detergent sheets. So do they work? Hotel Rewards Downgraded: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Update: Laundry Detergent Sheets: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Seg...

Today - we are going back to basics on saving. Recent stats are cause for concern about consumer spending and our average saving rate. Also, there’s a surge in Ponzi schemes stealing hundreds of millions from would-be investors. Clark relates real accounts of recent schemes and the red flags to look out for.   Saving-First And Automatically: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Ponzi Schemes: Segment 3...

Today, Clark discusses the two main problems with gift cards and what one state is trying to do to prevent gift card scams. Also in this episode, the scourge of ATM fees. Learn where they are the highest, and how you can avoid paying them. Gift Card Problems & Reforms: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Avoiding ATM FEES: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Gift Card Scams | Consumer...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Clark clears confusion surrounding new rules with real estate agent commissions for home buyers and sellers.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 New Rules On Real Estate Agent Commissions: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Want job security in this uncertain mar...

Today, Clark hosts digital advisor Kim Komando to discuss online security including passwords, followed by answers to some tech questions. Komando On Tech Security: Segment 1 Clark Asks Kim Your Tech Questions: Segment 2 Mentioned on the show: 5 Tips To Protect Your Digital Privacy Keeper Security: Password and Secrets Management 1Password: Top-Rated Password Manager for Personal … Dashlane: Passw...

Consumers have demanded lower prices and we’re seeing results! Manufacturing is slowing due to oversupply in many categories. Clark tells you where prices are trending down, and which retailers have responded to consumer signals in the marketplace with lower prices. Also today, with the arrival of fall sports - a big warning about something that could make your money disappear if you aren’t carefu...

Team Clark is getting many questions about the recent massive data breach, possibly the second largest breach in history and one that includes social security numbers. Find out what you need to do about the National Public Data Breach. Also, Clark discusses how there’s a right way and a wrong way for companies to implement dynamic pricing. Evidently, some companies are taking the practice way too...

Clark is out on one of his adventures today, returning tomorrow. Wes Moss, a fiduciary financial advisor and friend of Team Clark, joins Christa to answer your investing questions and discuss two important retirement topics. The stock market can have major swings. Unfortunately, the volatility can cause us to panic and take money out in response. However, numbers show that missing the best 10 days...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, news for first time homebuyers that changes Clark’s long time advice.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Buying A New Vs Used Home: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Does Escrow (in Escrow) Mean, and How Does It Work? What Clark Says You Should Do With Your I Bo...

Clark is out today, but returns tomorrow in time for Clark Stinks. Back by popular demand is Wes Moss, a fiduciary financial advisor that Clark and Christa have known for years. A recent article from the Wall Street Journal took a shot at two time-honored investment strategies: the 60/40 portfolio and the 4% rule. Will these two financial principles work in the future? CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®...

At least one third of Americans are worried about not being able to pay their bills. Clark has long been concerned about influencers convincing followers to spend money on products they’re endorsing. Now there’s a new trend on social media from a new wave of influencers, and it’s great. Also, there’s good news on gas prices. Spending Less Is Trending: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Gas Prices: Seg...

The decision to own a pet should not be taken lightly, with veterinary hospital bill shock causing great financial strain on pet owners. Clark explains the market forces at work, and where to look for more affordable pet care. Also, a special warning if you or someone you know is considering buying a condo in Florida. There’s been a pivot in the real estate market.  Pet Care Costs: Segment 1 Ask C...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.    Also - A recent stat reveals that unhappy workers may reduce Global GDP by up to 9% - so what do workers want? Clark discusses “enlightened self-interest” and the vital importance of valuing employees.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Boss Advice About Workers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segme...

There’s an allegation that companies are buying and using consumer data to charge individual, discriminatory prices. Clark discusses how to get around the loyalty tax you may unknowingly be paying. Also today, there is a trend in weddings to rethink the fantasy event and scale down to have funds for other priorities. Clark shares ideas to help couples save on their special day.  Privacy & The Pric...

QR codes are everywhere, and criminals have found a way to exploit them. Approach with caution and know what to look out for. Also, Clark recently got caught up in a rental car toll issue and tells you how to avoid the toll fee traps that can come with car rentals.  QR Code Scams: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Rental Car Toll Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 'I'm done s...

Clark shares some tough new stats about American credit card debt. If you are in debt, you are definitely not alone. Know the strategies that can set you on a path to freedom from debt.  Later, insurers are exploring some interesting ways to cut down on the critical problem of distracted driving. Clark has his own way of banishing phone use while behind the wheel. Credit Card Debt: Segment 1 Ask C...

An important lesson for new investors: Clark explains the penny stock pump & dump rip off - a worsening problem in the digital age. Also, as the number of robo calls decline, “robo texts” are increasing and come in many forms, looking to get at your identity and into your wallet. Know how to spot scam texts and hit DELETE.  Penny Stock Rip Off: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Beware Of Scam Texts:...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, most states are still under costly monopoly power control for energy and those costs continue upward. But you are not powerless! In addition to the payback of lower bills, there are tax credits for energy efficient home improvements.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Home Energy Tax Cr...

Clark has updated information if you are thinking of selling a car, with new direction on where to get fair market value pricing.   Also, a recent ruling means Amazon has to make a big change to how they handle 3rd party sellers of unsafe items.  Selling Or Trading In A Car: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Amazon Recall Ruling : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: This Car Site Of...