The Clark Howard Podcast

The car market is gradually healing but we’re not there yet. Clark gives a timeline on availability, affordability, and a potential alternative to buying now if you need wheels right away. And - Back To Basics - Open Enrollment decisions are upon us.  Clark clears confusion surrounding Health Savings Accounts or HSAs which can offer long term financial security -  and the difference between an HSA...

Current customer outrage at Dunkin’ for devaluing rewards offers a lesson about these programs in general, including travel points from hotels and airlines. Clark discusses how this game is played and what participating consumers should understand about so called loyalty programs. Also, Clark has been talking about affordable hearing aids being just around the corner for 5 years. FINALLY they’re h...

Hear Clark’s unique perspective on the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger, as he takes a wider view of the marketplace and your money saving strategies and options. Also, because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the cost of heating will go up about 25% this winter depending on temperature severity. Clark offers specific advice, particularly if you live in the Mid-Atlantic or New England.  Supermark...

First an update on the recommendation to buy short term treasuries, including an easy button idea for doing so. And, Clark welcomes special guest, Professor James Choi from Yale University - the behavioral economist behind some striking research around when you should start saving money. He and Clark share ideas on conventional financial advice vs what people actually do - and the gray areas in be...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - CLARKONOMICS: The 60/40 Rule. The general rule of having 60% of an investment portfolio in stocks and 40% in bonds has proven ineffective twice in history - during the 1920’s - and 100 years later - now. Clark explains why and offers best practices for investors.  Clark Stinks: Se...

Open enrollment for health insurance is upon us. Clark clarifies options available, including Health Savings Accounts - to help you make important health coverage decisions. Also, battered by disruption, the car market continues to struggle. Clark discusses where the industry is right now and moving forward, including when you should buy (not now) and what to do if you MUST buy now. Open Enrollmen...

Job scams work both ways. The pandemic move to online recruitment has led to some pitfalls for both job seekers and employers. What to know about fake jobs and fake applicants - and a Clark smart key rule for landing a real job. Also, do you know what your colleagues earn doing the same work as you? The movement toward pay transparency has begun.  Fake Jobs - Fake Applicants!: Segment 1 Ask Clark:...

Credit reports are used by creditors, employers, insurance companies, and more - and many are inaccurate. Learn how this can hurt you and what you can do about it! Also, buy now pay later aka pay in 4 - has infested the U.S. economy on all fronts and delinquencies are on the rise. Clark explains how this works and the hazard for your wallet.   Vigilance: Your Credit Report: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Se...

Storms, fire, flood or other sudden misfortune could separate you from access to vital accounts and documents. Get Clark smart guidelines to help keep you and loved ones operational - just in case.  Also, we’ve had several questions and comments from parents trying to teach their children about money. Clark shares just how important that is - and how to approach the subject effectively for kids an...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, holiday travel season approaches and if you haven’t flown in a while, Clark has some news you could use.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Holiday Air Travel: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 15 of the Best Free Workout Apps Medicaid and Nursing Homes: A Quick Guid...

We’re seeing the horrific devastation of recent hurricanes, knowing they won’t be the last. But there are new ways of building that can help keep power on when catastrophic weather hits. Where this is being done, and what’s needed for the future. Also, Americans are going for the real thing, as artificial meat sales go down. Why the novelty of meat substitutes has worn off.  A Rethink On Rebuildin...

While holiday sales abound, including from online retailers, shipping is getting more expensive. Fedex is having serious issues that may affect holiday deliveries - and all carriers are dealing with disruptions. Get Clark’s best advice for holiday shipping. Also, Clark explains the “pig butchering” scam technique via messaging apps. When you respond, you open the door to a slow con. This is happen...

A special session of Clarkonomics on home buying. The home market has been through periods of distortion this entire century. Clark gives historical perspective explaining how we got here, the current climate for home buyers and sellers, and where the housing market is headed. Also, there are some new ways to save on grocery delivery without breaking the bank. As the pandemic subsides, retailers c...

EV’s are in great demand right now, but today buying an electric vehicle doesn’t make financial sense. Clark discusses the industry outlook and your alternatives, until the time is right to buy an EV. Also, DEBT - the price you pay is more than financial. The stress of debt takes a toll on health. Clark talks about the different types of debt and approaches to getting it under control.  Electric V...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark discusses several factors behind rapidly rising auto insurance premiums and how you can make a difference in what you pay.   Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Rising Auto Insurance Rates: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Best Places To Buy Eyeglasses How T...

Once upon a time, people were considered adults and on their own by age 18. Today, that’s not the norm. Parents often keep “emerging adults” on their cell phone & streaming plans, health & auto insurance and subscriptions - due in part to family plan tie-ins. Thoughts on when and how to cut the cord. Also, what you should know about health apps and medical searches, and your most personal privacy....

Fidelity has refined their Robo-Advisor service. The new Fidelity-GO is really different. Clark explains the offerings, fees and your opportunity here. Also, Frontier Airlines recently had a zero dollar sale - but there’s a reason you didn’t see it on Clark Deals. This is a problem the Federal government is addressing with a new proposal to require full price disclosure. The game today involves ba...

The ships have come in and retailers have too much merchandise - over supply. Meanwhile due to inflation, demand has lessened = SALES. Clark points to holiday shopping deals, as this year, October is the new November. Bonus - Walmart’s new return policy. Also - Clarkonomics returns. Clark sets the table on how The U.S. and world economies got to where we are now and explains the moves that are com...

You may have noticed how difficult it is to find a company phone number. Turns out, that is by design. For business, Clark discusses real ways to build customer loyalty. And if you’re with a company that only rewards new customers, ignoring your loyalty, play their game to protect your wallet. Also, Clark discusses the financial pressures on the cost of energy this winter in the U.S., as part of t...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, we all know walking is great for physical health, but it may also help ward off something we all fear - dementia. What is known about how much walking is great for your cognitive health. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Walking for Mental Health: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentione...

In spite of inflation, there are deals to be had. Amazon is in major overstock mode right now - offering a separate site for discounts, and a section for deals on open box returns - Clark explains. Also, there are those among us who, despite not making a lot of money, are able to save significant amounts. Clark shares how the goal of Financial Independence is achieved.  Amazon Cuts Deals: Segment...

Labor shortages are everywhere, but one sector particularly hurting affects us all - the government. Governments all over the country are short of workers, especially at state and local levels in varied capacities. Some of these jobs may come with the rare pension. You may be part of the solution. Clark paid his way through undergraduate school working for HUD - a good steady job. Also, credit car...

The clock is ticking on the best inflation investment. Series I Savings Bonds are about to go through a reset in November. Clark explains rates and holding terms. Act now to make inflation work for you. Also, when the free market speaks, industries must respond to survive. Automaker Ford has new rules for anticompetitive dealerships - great news for car buyers.   Series I Savings Bonds: Segment 1...

A completely illegal practice is going on by nursing homes and their collectors. Under federal law - The Nursing Home Reform Act - it’s illegal to go after family members for nursing home debt. What to do if you’re contacted for this type of collection. Meanwhile, bad investment advice is being peddled to young would-be investors on TikTok and other social media channels. There are 225 professiona...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Airbnb is a great concept - subject to problematic execution. Learn what potential problems await both guests and hosts and how to prepare.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Airbnb: Opportunity & Hazard: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Should Never Invest...