The Clark Howard Podcast

Rising interest rates - raise interest in how to optimize savings yields. Clark explains your best moves with Series I Savings Bonds and CDs in the current context of cooling inflation and where rates stand today. If you’ve got cash to stash, you’ll better understand the savings moves to make right away to make the most of your money in time. Also, many Americans are neglecting an important part o...

In a slowing economy, be a skeptic, especially when it comes to finding employment. The way we find jobs today is very different, but some elements of landing a job remain the same. Clark shares the importance of networking, along with warnings about “ghost jobs” and job scams. Also today, Clark presents a new take on the age old question: Can money buy happiness? Thoughts on the nature of happine...

It’s complicated when kids leave the nest these days. How long should young adults receive support from their parents? Almost half of parents are supporting at least 1 adult child and the average amount given monthly is surprisingly high. Follow Clark’s plan to help kids launch into independence as adults. Also today - International travelers! There’s a global gotcha when paying for anything overs...

Scammers have learned how to manipulate search results, laying the groundwork for rip offs and identity fraud. Today, learn what to avoid and how to correctly obtain your credit report & score. Also, a new study exposes mislabeling of a very popular supplement - which speaks to an ongoing problem in the dietary supplement - herbal remedy market. Buying unverified products can have serious health c...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode - Warning: There is no viable secondary market for timeshares- but there ARE con job “timeshare resale services” and now criminal rings are into timeshare resale scams. Clark’s best advice for unloading a timeshare.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Timeshare Fraud Ring:...

We all want to improve our credit. Learn Clark smart ways to build or rebuild your credit including the best secured credit cards. Also, Clark recently talked about the end of free shipping. Well its partner, free returns, is now on life support. Free returns have gone through the roof and online sellers are cracking down. What to know before you buy.  Establish/Repair Your Credit: Segment 1 Ask C...

Yet more statistics confirm how little American couples and families talk about money. This reluctance is actually harmful to your financial security and independence. It’s vital to know how to start the conversation - and keep it ongoing. Also, Influencers are so powerful in the marketplace today, and are now taking the moving industry by storm. When it comes to moving and the risks involved, don...

There’s a new twist on grocery vs restaurant inflation. Clark helps you stretch your food dollars given what’s happening now. Also today, Clark offers a savings strategy free of bank worries, that is both secure and can yield more interest on your parked cash. Plus a NEVER EVER Rule on buying CDs.  Supermarket vs Restaurant Inflation:  Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A SAVINGS Twofer: Segment 3 Ask...

Many remain unsettled about the stock market rollercoaster we’ve been on lately. Clark illustrates basic investment principles with a simple calculation that should calm your fears and enhance your understanding of WHY you ride it out long term. And - where to NEVER EVER place your Roth IRA.  Also today - you likely have many digital accounts. Know how to ensure your loved ones have access when th...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, most Americans think their children are going to be worse off than they are. Clark discusses what’s behind this “recency bias” and gives a counterpoint to the pervading sense that our best days are behind us. Why is Clark optimistic?  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Reason For O...

New federal rules on mortgage fees - known as  loan level price adjustments - have a lot of people hot under the collar. This affects people in different ways depending on credit score and down payment. Clark explains what’s going on and those most affected. Also - Summer approaches, and skin cancer rates dictate protecting your skin. You can also protect your wallet because the best sunscreens ar...

Clark shares new travel info including Spirit’s StatusMatch promotion and news on last minute fares. Also in this episode, the plague of customer NO service has only gotten worse. Clark offers strategies, including a NEVER NEVER rule about what NOT to say. Air Travel Info: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Customer No Service: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Spirit Airlines will...

What to know about Apple’s new savings account offer. Plus, a cautionary note about companies promoting high savings rates that only amount to promissory notes because they’re NOT insured. Learn what to look out for to protect your hard earned savings. Also today, the wait is over. Finally a new rule on medical debt kicks in that could kick up your credit score.  Apple Savings Offer: Segment 1 Ask...

One of the biggest financial decisions in life is the purchase of a home. Clark has warnings about 2 trends that can be perilous in the long run for home buyers. Also on today’s episode, the recent shuttering of David’s Bridal stores points to a bigger concern: How to handle making an advance deposit on a future purchase. Clark has an important “NEVER NEVER NEVER NOT EVER” rule, to protect your mo...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, throughout history, older generations have maligned youth, and Gen Z - ages 11 to 26 - has received their share of criticism. So why are they the best at saving for retirement in human history? There’s a behavioral finance reason at work here….  Clark Stinks: Segmen...

Consumer goods manufacturers are using a targeted strategy to rip off consumers with vaunted versions of self-care and home products, boasting massive profit margins on their so-called premium lines. Don’t fall for this marketing scheme. Also, after shameless industry cartel gouging forever, OTC FDA approved free market hearing aids are finally available at significantly lower prices - and some ar...

There’s a strange way people are violating others’ privacy on payment apps. Clark tells you the vulnerability, and what you can do about it, depending on the app. Also, the housing market remains in a kind of freeze. But new national data reveals a general trend potential home buyers can take advantage of. Payment App Violation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Seasonal Home Buying: Segment 3 Ask Cl...

The US spends 20% of our national income on healthcare vs. 8% in other countries.. Our system is rife with inefficiencies. Clark touches on 3 areas: Amazon One Medical, the primary care physician shortage and insurance issues you should be aware of. Also, the FBI has issued an alert about charging devices in public spaces. Know the risk and how to avoid it. Healthcare Updates: Segment 1 Ask Clark:...

Tomorrow is tax day. What if you can't pay what you owe right now? Understand the penalties: Failure to pay vs failure to file. AND - be aware of tax scams. Also in this episode, the banking industry is going through a troubled phase, making it a difficult time for customers. Banks are closing accounts with no warning, making Clark’s “Noah’s Ark Rule” more important than ever.  Tax Day-Failure To...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode - A shortage of planes, a shortage of pilots, supply and demand - airfares are up around 20%. But there are ways to save including how far out from travel you book, and which days are cheaper to fly. Learn new ways to save money on flights.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1...

Clark has warned against commissioned insurance products including fixed, variable and/or universal life; annuities, and annuities disguised under different names. Someone selling on commission is NOT a fiduciary, but some self-described fiduciaries are using a loophole to do just that. Clark explains what to look out for when choosing a financial planner. Also, we’re going through a clear job rot...

Something new & customer friendly from Amazon is a win win. On the other hand, with online retail, know there’s really no such thing as free shipping. Also in this episode, new reporting states that without a fix from Congress, Social Security will be running short in a decade. Has this altered Clark’s advice on what age it’s best to start taking the benefit?  Amazon Return Prevention: Segment 1 A...

One of the main ways you empower yourself with money is to owe less. Americans are taking on more and more credit card debt now for lifestyle, and over 40% of card holders are just servicing the debt. Learn Clark smart ways to start digging out. Also, AI is in the news constantly. Artificial Intelligence will open up so many new ways of doing things, but there are major concerns and dire predictio...

With savings rates up and I Bond rates headed down, Clark clears confusion on whether it’s time to buy or sell Series I Savings Bonds. Also, the scales are starting to “tip” when it comes to gratuities. Being confronted with the tip option touchscreen guilt machine is hitting critical mass. Hear how Clark handles this.  I Bond Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Ubiquitous Tipping Dilemma:...

For many sports events, fields are actually spray painted to make them look beautiful, which has led to lawn painting, especially where water is restricted and costly. How some homeowners, including Clark - are saving water by altering their lawns. Also, It’s not uncommon for people to pull their investments out of the market when it trends downward. Right now with economic uncertainty, people are...