The Clark Howard Podcast

Humans are prone to “static analysis” - the idea that if an attempted solution didn’t work, it never will. But innovations prove otherwise and Clark has a real life example in the vital area of water shortages. Also, many Americans, especially the elderly, are taken advantage of with technology schemes. Clark discusses a new fintech offering strategies to prevent this now rampant fraud. Try Try Ag...

Today, choosing the right phone plan could save you up to $1500 a year. Clark introduces our new Phone Plan Finder tool to help you cut through the confusion and make that choice much easier. Then Clark discusses a great new retirement savings option for part-time and self-employed workers. Also - It’s vital to understand your liability risks and insure accordingly, which for many, includes umbrel...

A recent FTC settlement validates Clark’s long-held advice on car warranties. Know how the game is played including “bust outs”, and how to best proceed if you wish to purchase an extended warranty on a vehicle. Also, restaurants are getting crushed by costs, so they are getting creative with ways to serve us fresh food at a discount.  Auto Warranty Schemes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fresh Fo...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, an app capable of helping job seekers transfer their skills to new industries and locate positions close to home. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Locate Contract Work: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Donating & Volunteering Archives - Clark Howard Why You S...

Rampant data breaches facilitate SIM swapping fraud - allowing criminals to usurp 2 factor authentication by stealing your phone service. Clark explains this very common form of identity theft and how you can easily prevent it. Also - Why hotels are in financial distress these days, what that means for travelers and how this calls for a new approach to booking.  Sim Swapping 101: Segment 1 Ask Cla...

The number one issue people are contacting Team Clark about: Buying a used car. Clark goes back to basics on how to purchase a used vehicle, so you know how to protect yourself before setting foot on a dealer lot.  Later - Antitrust lawsuits allege corporate landlord price collusion via software. What apartment renters need to know and strategies to get the best deal on rent.  Buying A Used Vehicl...

Influenced by market noise, many struggle with financial decisions regarding their investments for the future. What is the ideal mix of stocks, bonds, domestic and overseas funds? Vanguard just came out with some new recommendations.   Also, Clark shares something that should ease your mind about the future of jobs with AI and other rapidly changing technologies.  Investment Decisions: Segment 1 A...

There are a lot of bonus offers coming from big banks right now, trying to capture multiple lines of your business. Should you go for it? Depends. Clark explains. Also - Consumers collectively seeking store brands to fight inflation is paying off. The big box retailers are battling it out with their private label items as they compete for private label dominance!  Big Bank Bonus Offers: Segment 1...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Target has announced it will no longer accept one form of payment. Clark shares why this is a good idea, with a payment method warning for you. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Using Checks- A Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Get an Identity Protecti...

We’ve talked a lot recently about rising insurance rates. The car insurance industry is facing some backlash now, as consumers explore their options. Clark has advice on lowering your premiums. Also today - many people buy lottery tickets, but the odds of winning are insanely low. One couple actually hit a huge jackpot, but what happened next is a very sad story.  Save More On Auto Insurance: Segm...

Recently there has been backlash about the use of phones by teenagers, especially at schools. Some districts and states are doing something about it. Also - restaurants are trying to bring in customers through promotions and deals, but how do you know if you are really getting a bargain? Student Cell Phone Bans: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Restaurant Promotions: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 M...

New statistics showing average 401K balances by generation reveal a trouble spot. Clark focuses on Gen X. Also, if you or someone you know does contract work full time or as a side hustle, Clark has important advice about taxes. Gen X Retirement: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 1099 Tax Traps: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Average 401(k) Balance by Age Axios: Gen X savin...

Today, Clarkonomics with an overview of the current job market and how to be prepared. Also - Incorrect pricing has been plaguing consumers alongside inflation and may soon be remedied in some places by technology. Meanwhile, why you need to keep your eye on the price!  Job Market Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Incorrect Pricing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Axios:...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, many homeowners continue to receive unsolicited offers to buy their property. Clark discusses what you need to know about such offers, and the first step a seller should take. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Unsolicited Home Buying Outfits: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on...

We’re starting out August with some great news - there is something you can do for free that may help you live longer, and happier. Also - unhappy news of elderly women being ripped off by a home gutter system salesperson. Clark has an important warning for homeowners. An Attitude Of Gratitude: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Improvement Rip-Offs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on...

In today’s show - more Americans are installing alarm systems to help them not only feel safe from crime, but also for protection in a fire. The alarm business has been rife with long term contracts and high monthly costs. Clark tells you how to get a deal with the same safety. Another area where costs vary wildly is prescription eyeglasses. There's a new rule that makes it even easier to get your...

Inflation has curved downward affecting interest rates, presenting challenges for savers. There are great differences between financial institutions regarding savings rates. Clark discusses how to get the best rates on CDs and savings accounts, and why you NEVER allow a CD to auto-renew.  Also, Amazon is feeling the heat from Temu and Shein, and they are answering with a new competitive site.  Sav...

Today, Clark explains how, with the economy in slower gear, it is more important than ever to re-shop travel. The savings can be significant. Also- a warning about a common and potentially devastating scam wherein a criminal posing as a fraud specialist, is actually a specialist at committing fraud targeting bank & retirement accounts. Know what this scam looks & sounds like, and what to do when y...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, are you paying too much for your summer soundtrack? With online music services raising prices, find out how to legally stream music for free. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Free Music Online: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why I Think Medicare Advantage P...

Be aware, falling for this hotly touted investment pitch can burn your wallet - What to know about Private Placements. Also, when is a bank not a bank? Hundreds of millions of dollars have vanished from multiple fintechs, money that was deposited via the fintech apps. Clark did some digging and lets you know what he’s found out.  Beware Of Private Placements: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fintech...

Semper Paratus! Clark discusses the CrowdStrike outage and what you can do to prepare for any future tech outages. Also - Even as the economy strengthens, financial struggles are real and persistent for many, made worse by today’s high interest rates. Use Clark smart strategies for handling credit card debt. Crowdstrike Lesson: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Debt: Segment 3 Ask Clark:...

Some home buyers are using mortgage products to make houses more affordable, but these types of mortgages can be very dangerous to your wallet. Also, it’s time to do back to school shopping for many parents. Clark shares tips for saving money on everything from supplies to clothes to computers. Dangerous Mortgages: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Back To School Shopping: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segmen...

Changes are happening at 2 of Clark’s favorites retailers, Costco & Sam’s Club, that members need to know about. Also, Clark talks about why there are an increasing number of brownouts and blackouts across the country and how to be prepared without spending a fortune. Clark Deals - Generators Changes At Costco & Sam’s Club: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Be Prepared For Power Blackouts: Segment 3...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today - Seniors are getting scammed more and more. But there are ways to help protect loved ones.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Senior Scam Alert: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard's Simple Steps To Get Better Customer Service Do Not Give Your Social...

In today’s show - this is an election year, and we don’t do politics here. But we’re hearing all sorts of perspectives from across the political spectrum about whether Americans are doing better or worse than they were years ago. Clark cuts through the clutter to get at what’s really going on in a segment called Clarkonomics.  Also, what’s more American than good old USA legal tender? So what do y...