The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, overwhelmingly the people who should have a will do not. The recent saga surrounding the will of Aretha Franklin is a valuable lesson for us all.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Making A Will: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Costco vs. Sam's Club Credit Cards Com...

A trend you may have noticed  - stores and restaurants are opening later and/or closing earlier. Post Covid we’re seeing new patterns.  Also, from the Supreme Court decision to the latest in loan forgiveness, Clark has an update on student loan debt.  Sooner Than Later Service: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Student Loan Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show America Is Becom...

Have you seen the ads for a device that Elon Musk supposedly invented to cut electric bills? Clark tells you if that’s for real, and discusses some exciting upcoming options for power to your home. Also, believe it or not it’s time to shop back to school items. Clark points to some exceptional deal categories and shares shopping strategies.  Energy Savings & Backup Power: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segm...

Savers! The window is closing on long term CDs. Clark fills you in on what you can do now to maximize money put aside for saving, vs for investing. Put your money to work the right way. Also, money saving takeaways from Clark’s summer vacation including car rental and currency practices.  5 Year CD Rates Now: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Lessons Abroad- Clark’s Summer Vacation: Segment 3 Ask Cla...

Clark has important information on receiving a free or very affordable college education, including state based aid, reimbursement programs, Income Share Agreements, second level state universities and pricing resources. Also, how would you like to make extra money renting out your car? More competition is entering this field, and it could be good for your wallet. Affordable College: Segment 1 Ask...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode,  how to save someone’s life using a simple household item. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 CPR: Taking The Plunge: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show American Express Send & Split with Venmo & PayPal Ask the Doctor: Are eggs risky for heart health? Eg...

Good news consumers! A new law changes the rules for 3rd party sellers on online marketplaces such as Amazon & Walmart. Clark covers what you need to know about these sellers, and the problem with online purchasing via your phone. Also today, long-term care insurance is cost prohibitive for most. Still, advance planning is a smart idea. Know what elder care options exist today and potentially in t...

Homeowners insurance is getting more difficult to get or keep, even in states beyond FL & CA. Clark explains industry challenges and what homeowners can do about this growing problem. Also - What you don’t know can hurt you. Recent CFPB data show complaints against the credit bureaus roughly doubled in one year, highlighting the importance of being vigilant about your credit report accuracy. Homeo...

With the second wave of summer travel upon us, Clark has an update on mid to late summer travel  prices. Also in this episode, Clark looks at the likelihood of recession as a normal part of a free market, how it would compare by historical measures, the negative and positive effects on the economy, and what you need to know if the economy does slow.  Summer Travel Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segm...

As back-to-school season approaches, Clark shares opportunities to help students begin to establish credit.  Also today, from fully remote to hybrid work, to mandatory return to the office - employers are reevaluating the remote option, leaving some employees with serious decisions to make.  Building Student Credit: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Remote Work Dilemma: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4...

Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns from travel adventures July 17th. Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark explains the difference between hard inquiries and soft hits to your credit report, and other factors that affect your credit report and score.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Credit Report Inqui...

Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns from travel adventures July 17th. One major key to financial freedom is avoiding ruinous fraud. Recent reporting shows ponzi schemes up 70% over the year, so it’s vital to be aware of what’s coming at you through various channels. Clark’s primer on what to look out for includes incoming alerts and what NEVER to click on. Also, hotel brand consistenc...

Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns from travel adventures July 17th. Many took the wrong lesson from the speculative fever of 2020-21. As meme stock & crypto frenzy stoked message boards, people drove values up, and many ended up with heavy losses. Gambling & speculation should never be confused with investing. Understand the power of DULL and other lessons from a tortoise investor....

Happy 4th of July! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns from travel adventures July 17th. Clark waxes poetic on the topic of neighbors. What’s this got to do with money? Plenty. Also in this episode, consumers are borrowing more and credit card debt is up along with interest rates on that debt. Clark reviews the unprecedented difficulties that got us here, and offers strategies for cut...

We’re in a unique travel season this year, so we asked for travel stories unique to you - good and bad - and you delivered! Clark shared a story about putting layers of clothing on in order to avoid baggage fees. Apparently, he’s not the only one: Hate Baggage Fees? Wear a Fishing Vest on the Plane - The Wall Street Journal.  Team Clark thanks our fellow Clarksters for sharing their misadventures...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, Clark explains the rise of the zombie mortgage, with origins dating back to the lending practices of 2001 - 2007 leading to the housing bust & great recession. Learn why years later, people are now getting foreclosure notices on old home equity loans & second mortga...

Good news if you’re interested in life on the road - specifically RV life. If you’re in the market, Clark explains why it’s a good time to buy, and offers direction on what type of RV to choose. Also  today, travel agents almost went extinct, but the industry is growing again. Get Clark’s advice on when you need a travel agent, and the best way to choose one.  The RV Market: Segment 1 Ask Clark: S...

Summed up in a sentence - what’s your money strategy? Clark shares money philosophies courtesy of Humble Dollar. Also in this episode, Things are rapidly changing in the solar energy industry. Clark has an update on how to approach roof solar and the microgrid community solar advantage. Money Philosophies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Solar Power Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned...

Hotels have gotten pricier while experiences have deteriorated. Looking for bargains, people are getting ripped off at UFO third party booking sites. Clark shares a new site he’s been testing that works differently than all the others, and promises to save you big bucks. Also - There’s a new twist in retail - part entertainment, part auction. Clark gives you the pros & cons of online  “live shoppi...

For the last 3 generations the average size of the American home has gone up and up. Not so much anymore. Clark discusses why people are turning back the clock and downsizing their homes. Also today - do you ever try to haggle with merchants for a better price? It’s a worldwide practice Americans are generally uncomfortable with, but can actually be a very effective way to get a deal! Clark shares...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, there’s much discussion about how AI is revolutionizing the nature of work and change is happening rapidly. Clark lends historical perspective and discusses what is key for your job prospects going forward.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 AI And Career Flexibility : S...

Clark shares findings from a new study about today’s working households and their outlook for retirement. Why are 28% of high income earners struggling in retirement? How you can resolve to build your reserve. Also today, Clark is all about FREE and doesn’t much mind the tradeoffs – and more people are receptive to saving money now. Enter TextNow.com - a FREE cell phone service that may work for y...

Now more than in the past 15 years, it pays to seek out the best interest rates on savings so you make the most on your money.  Announcing our new guide at Clark.com with a listing of best savings accounts updated weekly and a brand new savings calculator. Also in this episode, travel is up, so travel scams are back with a vengeance - all varieties. Clark tells you what to look out for. WHO you bo...

Clark fills you in on current direct student loan rates just announced. As the payment holiday comes to an end, know what is required to get and stay current on these loans. Also, recent developments in the electric car space will open up more EV choices.  Student Loan Updates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 EV Announcements: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Student loan paymen...

In light of the recent Labor Department report, Clark has key job advice to keep in mind moving forward. Also in this episode, there’s a federal statute concerning how the $7500 tax credit works for buying an electric vehicle and a surprising way to take full advantage of that credit. Clark also discusses the industry now and what potential buyers need to know.  The Job Market Is Booming: Segment...