The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode - DEALS. Clark shares why January 20th is a key date for deep discounts, what’s on sale and where to find the bargains - including TRAVEL. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Deep Discounts & Deals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: New Tool Shows Southw...

Tax season is upon us with a better staffed IRS expected this year. Clark has a few reminders before you file. Also in today’s show - Clark has always advocated paying off debt. Does that include paying down your mortgage faster? Clark has a formula for determining that, and advice for prioritizing where to put any extra funds you may have.    Tax Reminders: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Funding...

With the new year comes new health insurance deductibles, and many are feeling it when filling prescriptions. Learn why employer prescription plans are your frenemy - and what Mark Cuban is doing in the world of prescription medications. Also in this episode, what constitutes being wealthy? Clark discusses how people perceive and self-assess wealth in the U.S., knowing the difference between reali...

Various factors are contributing to a shortage of college students, forcing many schools to cut tuitions and reevaluate their relevance. This as state supported trade, technical and community colleges are challenged to better align curriculum to the needs of the workplace. Clark discusses the transformation in higher education, its value, and your new negotiating power. Also, Clark has the latest...

We've all been victims of customer-no-service. So how do you effectively complain and resolve an issue? Persistent patience and various resources including a new service. Also, do you have things gathering dust you now regret buying? Take the “closet test” and learn to defeat the tactics behind impulse buying. Customer No-Service Resources: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Prevent Buyer’s Remorse: S...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, with the new EV tax credits, is this the year to buy an electric vehicle? Clark goes over the important considerations around this major decision. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 EV Tax Credits & Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4   Mentioned on the show: 5 Things...

Freelancing and side gigs are becoming the norm for many Americans between jobs or looking to make more money. Get Clark’s tips on how to find legit jobs and set up your side business. Later, how would you like a bank loan at 200%? Predatory lending is happening on a national scale, hurting lots of people - and it’s legal. Clark explains how this came about and what you should know to avoid this t...

Clark gets back to basics today to help you determine if you need a budgeting app and which one may work best for you. Also in this episode, the streaming giants are losing subscribers and money so changes are on the way. Get Clark’s take on what to look out for to protect your wallet, and what to know about free TV.  Budgeting Apps: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Streaming Changes & Free TV: Segm...

There’s a price war going on in the cell phone industry and consumers can win savings! Clark points the way. Also, the South experienced record cold over the holidays causing pipes to burst and costing millions in water damage. No matter where you live, know how to prevent this and what steps to take if you have suffered damage to your dwelling. Cell Plan Deals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Prev...

Clark’s first in a series about new tax rules in effect: A GREAT development with 529 plans may change your decisions on how to save for college. Also, Clark covers energy credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn what you may be eligible for, covering heat pumps, solar and more, and why you should take your time!  New 529 Plan Rules: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Energy Credits: Segment...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark goes back to basics on credit card debt.  If you're committed to paying off debt, Clark smart strategies can help get you to debt free.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Credit Card Debt: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4   Mentioned on the show: Poll: Almost half of Americans are h...

Airbnb hired a background check company to vet owners and renters, fueling complaints of unjustified bans, mistaken identity, and no real appeal process. Clark weighs in. Also - planes, trains and automobiles - Clark got caught in the Southwest meltdown, and recounts his 3 day journey to make it home by Christmas. Airbnb Background Checks: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark’s Holiday Travel Misa...

A new year, and many have resolved to work out more. Clark answers the burning question: When do you sign a contract with a gym that obligates you for 1, 2 or 3 years? Get the lowdown on gym membership and the commitment to fitness. Also, hear why younger generations are now more likely to suffer fraud than seniors. Clark counts the ways, and shares how to protect yourself.  Commit To Be Fit: Segm...

Gift cards are universal but there’s a mistake about half us make with them. Major retailers make hundreds of millions of dollars on gift cards never redeemed. Clark has an assignment for you, including when best to start. Also - “cash stuffing” - a new term for a classic idea Clark has long recommended, can teach the real value of real money.  Gift Cards: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cash Stuff...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, Clark shares a key step to defend your identity and accounts from SIM swapping - the theft of your cell service. Now T-Mobile has a new security feature that helps block this type of fraud. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 T-Mobile SIM Protection: Segment 3 Ask Clark: S...

Good news this Christmas week - Despite upheaval in some employment sectors, Clark shares indications we are moving closer to economic equilibrium. Gas prices are now lower, including diesel for truckers, and a new report finds online prices declining as well in many categories. Also, the car rental game has gotten tougher for consumers. Companies are becoming more fee aggressive. Know the Clark s...

Many loved ones are separated, living in different parts of the country, and that has consequences and remedies worth considering, especially over the holidays. Also, tis the season for identity theft. Clark covers the basics including different types of ID theft and 3 key strategies to protect yourself, including some NEVER EVER rules.  Reconnecting This Holiday: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Id...

Is it wiser for a family to fund an investment account over a 529 plan? 529 plans are a slam dunk for a kid definitely going to college. But if there’s uncertainty surrounding attending college, Clark offers 2 alternative ways to save for the best tax outcome. Also, the pharmacy industry is under duress due to staffing shortages. Learn which are the top-ranked pharmacies for customer service. Inve...

Despite increased wages, average earnings have not kept pace with inflation. Since the initial pandemic layoffs, labor force participation has gone down meaningfully, especially among men, while job opportunities with training and higher wages abound. Clark tells you how to bid your wages up in this evolving economy. Also, teaching youth about money now needs to include crypto, which can be challe...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode - lots of people would like to retire early, but how do you know if you are really ready? Clark talks through 2 major areas to consider, before making that big decision. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Retirement Readiness Considerations: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4...

This is the week for appreciating service providers with holiday tipping - more of an art than a science. Needed guidance found here. Also, Clark has a prediction about new heat pump, solar and EV tax credits, and reasons you should take your time approaching these incentives. Holiday Tipping: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Energy Tax Incentive Advice: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on t...

When applying for a credit card, knowing your approval odds is a great tool being offered more often. But therein lies hazard. Household debt is rising at the fastest rate since 2007 as credit card debt soars. Also in this episode, Clark lays out 2 main reasons home prices have been going up beyond the general rate of inflation since before the recent run ups, and offers a partial remedy for home...

Amazon has a new virtual health clinic. Clark explains the tie-in with Amazon Pharmacy and how this limited service works. Also, there’s a battle royale over pricing between manufacturers and retailers that goes way back and has recently gotten bigger. When shopping online, ever wonder why you often can’t see the price until you put the item in your cart? Clark explains what’s really going on and...

Has your power company offered you a “special deal” that they say may save you money? Because it’s become much more complicated to provide kilowatts, power companies are trying to shift capacity burden to consumers via time of use meters and certain incentives. Clark shares how this could end up costing you more. Also, what’s better for your investments - actively managed mutual funds or index fun...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode: Reading is fundamental and a bit of a lost art due to technology. Yet, it’s technology that can make the enriching and relaxing endeavor of long-form reading all the more convenient - and sometimes FREE. Clark helps you discover your e-book options. Clark Stinks: Se...