The Clark Howard Podcast

The news just gets worse for travelers dealing with airline customer no service. Clark cites heavy fines against airlines for non refund of tickets on canceled flights, and discusses how you can avoid high baggage fees. Also in this episode: Grocery inflation is beginning to ease, item by item and Clark shares a money saving example in the meat department, and why using a “reverse shopping list” i...

With the price of cars still up there, your money should buy reliability. Clark runs down highlights from new Consumer Reports rankings. Also in this episode: Like a game of Twister, corporate pandemic pivots left some in better stead than others. Many tech companies over expanded and it’s coming back to haunt those companies, their employees and customers.  Reliable Car Brands: Segment 1 Ask Clar...

This December the shelves are stocked and there are still deals to be had. Clark talks friendly prices in toyland and for clothing, laptops and appliances. Also this episode: Medical providers of all types are promoting instant credit. Clark explains why these credit plans are bad medicine - financially. Holiday Deals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Medical Credit Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segme...

Following a PR disaster and Senate hearings, the banks that created fraud-riddled Zelle are coming to the reform table. Clark describes testing going on now, soon coming to consumers. Also, the current state of holiday shipping is not what Clark predicted. Potential Zelle Reform: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Holiday Shipping: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: These Big Banks...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, the short term rental market keeps going through changes channeled through Airbnb & VRBO themselves, and by local governments, directly affecting rental property decisions and renter experiences. Clark shares recent examples of both, including what Airbnb is doing to regain trust i...

The Costco Citi Visa card is eliminating one of its best benefits starting January 1st. Get Clark’s card benefit workaround. Also, if you’ve ever kicked yourself for not canceling a free trial subscription or an automatic renewal, you are not alone. Learn how to manage subscriptions and avoid the built-in hassles of free trials. Costco Citi Visa Benefit Cut: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark Sa...

How much can you save at Costco vs traditional supermarkets? You may be surprised! Clark also has an important warning issued by the USPS concerning how you mail cards and packages. Clark shares tips for more secure mailing & bill pay - and tells you the one thing you should NEVER carry with you because if it’s stolen, YOU could end up in jail.  Clark’s TV Grocery Study: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segme...

Survey says: The slowest fast food lines belong to the most popular fast food place. And a serious innovation for workers at one of these restaurants is a big success. Also - Job mobility in the modern era has created the problem of stranded 401(k)s getting cashed out. If you’ve got one or more old 401(k) accounts, a new financial portability service can help consolidate your retirement funds.  Fa...

New warnings if you have a leased car or are trying to buy a vehicle. Dealers are getting desperate, and some are using dirty tactics you need to know about. Also, it’s go time for holiday shopping and Clark has several excellent tips for how to save while shopping online this holiday season, plus shipping and store pick-up advice.  Vehicle Purchases & Lease Buyouts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark shares another reason to change your grocery shopping habits if you haven’t yet. Learn just how you’re being played if you are extremely brand name loyal. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Big Brand Price Hikes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Save Mon...

FTX Crypto has gone bust, and there are lots of questions about where millions in client money has gone. Clark explains what has happened with FTX and other crypto exchanges and what’s next. Learn Clark’s NEVER NEVER rule for crypto. Another rip off - Scams against people age 60 and over are up 40% in the last 2 years. And that’s only what’s reported. The scams add up to $Billions stolen, and crim...

Get Clark’s take on where mortgage rates are heading, plus great news about how lenders will determine your creditworthiness for a mortgage in the future. Also - The way future energy is discussed needs to be broader, based in the marketplace. A major natural gas company is integrating solar into the mix. How cool is that? Clark knows! Mortgage Rate Outlook: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Futu...

The importance of choosing a financial adviser wisely can not be emphasized enough, and Clark has even more proof. Learn what to avoid, and when & how to hire a real financial planner. Also, the ongoing labor shortage is leading to adaptive innovations by American companies. Clark discusses manufacturing and automation as businesses adjust to labor force conditions - and what these changes will lo...

Keeping track of passwords and frequently having to change them is a part time job. But passwords may soon be a thing of the past. Now the industry believes they’ve come up with a more secure answer. Also, the auto insurance industry is all in to telematics tracking. For those with privacy concerns and lower than average miles driven, there’s a growing startup offering a viable alternative.  Beyon...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, over the past couple of years, population shifts have led some cities to offer pay incentives for people to move there. Clark has an update on these locales, incentives, and how these programs are working out.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Getting Paid To Move: Segment 3 Ask Clark:...

Clark shares poll results on the question, “What would you tell your younger self if you could?” We received some great and very wise responses. And later - how people are handling this inflationary holiday includes cutting back & keeping it simple, and/or taking advantage of how the overhang of excessive inventory has created deals in many categories. Gift to Self: NOT overspending.  Audience Pol...

Clark shares a wild story about a hotel booking gone terribly wrong, and how to protect yourself when booking with third party sites. Plus, Clark’s longtime creed: Save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off. Today - spotlight on a myriad of ripoffs proliferating right now and how to avoid them.  Hotel Booking Wisdom: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Scam Alerts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment...

It’s that time of year - charity solicitations. But there are fake charities vying for our hard earned dollars and targeting our senior loved ones. Clark has some important guidelines for legitimate charitable giving. Also. we live in an era of surveillance. Our life online can be tracked and sold for profit, but WE don’t get paid. Yet, that option isn’t new and has resurfaced. Worth it? Clark exp...

A new home buying trend is emerging that allows more people to become homeowners - BUT there are major considerations before entering into something very difficult to exit. Also, air travel patterns have changed, one of several factors driving up fares. Clark has 2 booking tips that can help you save in this current travel environment.  Home Buying Housemates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Airfar...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - Return policies are different this holiday season. Rapid changes are underway and vary from retailer to retailer, online vs in-store. What to know before any purchase.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Beware New Return Policies: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: W...

I Bonds aka Inflation Bonds have reset. Recently there was a land rush on I Bonds, offering a rate over 9%. The interest earnings rate is reset every 6 months based on an inflation measurement index. Clark explains the new structure and rate, and why I Bonds remain the best place to park savings. Also - In the pandemic wake, discretionary revenge spending has resulted in shocking numbers for both...

Due to inflation, there are big changes in the tax brackets. Clark discusses how this affects investing and buying some types of life insurance. Also, add new seasonal job openings to the ongoing labor shortages and know there’s great side gig opportunity out there to close any gaps in your monthly budget. But, beware the “freeway ramp scam” and its online permutations offering big money for hourl...

The 401(k) contribution limit has been increased for 2023, but this headline buries the lead: New rules for Roth IRA income and contribution limits. And - Clark-onomics:  The U.S. deficit. Clark explains how we got here since the budget surpluses of the 90’s and what we can learn from recent events in the UK. New Roth IRA & 401(k) Limits: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clarkonomics: The Deficit: S...

Clark discusses changes from Netflix, the overall morphing of streaming services across providers and how to protect your wallet with the changes underway. Also, time for year end tax considerations. Those with non-retirement investment accounts should know about tax loss harvesting to save on taxes. When you sell a winner, you pay capital gains tax. You can also harvest losses. Clark explains.  N...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! For the first time ever - for the entire podcast - Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 - 4 Mentioned on the show: Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Review: Earn Up to 2% Cash Back on All Purchases Consider US Treasury Bills, Notes and Bonds Study: Walk 3,800 to 9,800 steps daily to reduce...