The Clark Howard Podcast

As claims become more expensive, home and auto insurance premiums are rising. Learn how forward thinking insurers are looking to reduce the number of claims in partnership with consumers - an approach more common with business insurers. Clark shares steps you can take now to lower your costs. Also - For more than 2 generations the middle class in America has been evaporating. But there are signs o...

The formation of new businesses is way up. Clark is a lifelong entrepreneur. America has the resources and our greatest wealth is within us. There are actually many conditions now favorable to entrepreneurship. Learn the best & worst states in the U.S. to start a business. AND - Military personnel in a war zone face danger everywhere they turn. Outside their stateside posts, they face financial la...

Bloomberg reports women working as skilled freelancers / independent contractors make half as much as men doing the same job. “The meek do not inherit a larger paycheck.” How to self advocate for fair pay. Also - America on the move: We’ve become so much more transient since COVID. Ever dreamed of moving to another town, city, or country to save money? There are numerous communities offering finan...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - An uptick in crime has more people thinking about home burglar alarms. Wireless home security has made DIY installation a viable option and Clark shares a new Consumer Reports briefing to help you make the right home security decision. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Home Security: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment...

Clark discusses the rationale behind Amazon’s forays into healthcare, now culminating in the acquisition of One Medical, a big national chain of healthcare clinics. The idea is to bring a multi-platform approach to better care, better follow up. Also - Recall the Hertz false arrest nightmare suffered by hundreds now seeking compensation. Clark has a follow up.  Amazon Healthcare: Segment 1 Ask Cla...

The quality of the average vehicle sold in the U.S. in recent years is the lowest since 1986! Clark explains what has led to this problem and why therein lies opportunity. Also - ships coming in have created massive surpluses among retailers. The plus for you: deals of a lifetime. Learn which categories are steals right now and how long this could go on. Inflationary pressures in many sectors of t...

Clark revisits retail website Wish to usher it into his “graveyard.” Prices are so cheap! What went wrong? Also, EV - electric vehicle adoption is set to climb over the next few years. But where to recharge is an obstacle for car buyers. Learn how forward-thinking gas station/convenience store operators are getting with the program to serve a growing EV market.  Website WISH: Unfulfilled: Segment...

The hotel industry is suffering mightily from staff shortages, changing how they operate. You could get a discount forgoing housekeeping services, or be charged for it. Clark explains the owner / operator problem and what you should expect from brand name hotels moving forward. Also, the insidious cloak of mystery is about to be lifted from medical costs. 20% of our nation’s economy is eaten up by...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - Word to savers - beware chasing that rate! Trying to make more on savings is leading people to make dangerous choices from financial apps and pseudo banks making unfounded promises of no risk strategies for high returns & FDIC security. What you need to know to safely stash your c...

Labor shortages in larger airports have rendered security lines so unpredictable that people are missing flights. Clark explains how TSA PreCheck, Global Entry & Clear work, and how to get these services for free or discounted. Also - Clark discusses fake positive reviews and the recent Amazon crackdown. A new twist: Negative reviews used to extort merchants. Understand how much the review system...

Do you know when you’re being played by sneaky product placement? Products are placed within the content of streamed TV shows and movies, and social media influencers are paid to recommend products. Know this is bought and paid for advertising - an indirect form of commercials. Also - A special warning about moving your retirement money when changing jobs. If you plan on rolling over a 401(k) into...

With so much economic uncertainty, should you ask for a raise to offset inflation? Dilemma: Employers are getting nervous about potential recession. So the decision to ask for a raise, to stay put or find a higher paying job is an individual assessment. Clark offers guidance to help you think this through. Also - As the Fed raises interest rates, there’s a direct effect 1 billing cycle later on yo...

As the housing market cools, price cuts are happening around the country. A widespread buyers strike has set in. Many fear a housing market collapse as experienced 15 years ago. Clark explains why that won’t happen, and has recommendations for potential home buyers and renters. Also, a special warning about using self-checkout lanes. HOUSING Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Special Warning:...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - The average vehicle loan now is over $700 a month. 1 in 8 loans exceed $1K! Meanwhile the repo rate is rising. Why lenders are more aggressive with repossessions now and the negative domino effect. Clark’s recommendation for avoiding financial car loan disaster.  Clark Stinks: Seg...

It’s unclear what will happen with gas prices moving forward, but prices have eased and the U.S. is leading the world in the production of energy. Clark explains the current energy market, why we see big price differences at the pumps, and saving strategies. Also - The odds are at least 50/50 we’ll have some degree of recession, as central banks worldwide work to slow economies to ease global infl...

Clark explains how Vanguard small investors got clobbered by big tax bills during a target retirement fund conversion, without even withdrawing money. Learn where to put your investments to avoid such tax hits. Also - Air travel is a flat out mess right now. Infrequent travelers are especially rattled. International travel is especially challenging. It’s taking extra days to reach destinations. As...

It’s back to the gym for many after a long absence, but home fitness equipment is a super deal right now. Clark points to the savings. Also - There’s a 1 in 10 chance there’s unclaimed money out there with your name on it. Clark explains how this happens, the third party pitfalls, and how to find it yourself for free.  Home Fitness Equipment: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Missing Money: Segment 3...

The economy has upended the best laid retirement plans of many Americans. So what do you do right now if you are in this situation? Clark discusses a reasonable compromise to help maintain financial security. Also - Every grocery dollar is basically buying 10% less these days - UNLESS you shop differently. Clark shares his base strategies, plus - looks at a cash back app that can help you save.  D...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. AND - For those seeking hedge alternatives to the standard investment portfolio, Clark discusses REITs, Crypto, and specifically GOLD as a safe zone. Learn Clark’s recommendations for owning gold - how much - and if gold is even a real investment.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Owning Gol...

Clark discusses the impact of vehicle shortages & elevated costs including illegal repossessions & how to protect yourself from this, plus new ride sharing offerings. Also - Good Intentions don’t lead to results. Autopilot does. Clark makes the case for automatic saving & investing, especially for those without a 401(k).  Vehicle Cost Pressures - Market Effects: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Auto...

New data illustrates how people are now stretched financially, trading down retail purchases while overall, credit card debt is up. Clark shares some back to basics measures for more mindful spending. Also, current dislocations have opened up a fast growing area of abuse in the trade and technical school funding arena. What to look for - and look out for - when considering training alternatives to...

With Buy Now Pay Later, aka Pay in 4, refunds are a problem, and now Apple Pay offers it. Clark’s warning about this payment method and how to protect yourself. Also - Over 100 million Americans are burdened with medical debt. Learn how this happened, how the hospital monopoly game is played - and what your options are to avoid being crushed by medical debt.  Pay In 4 - New Warnings: Segment 1 Ask...

Labor shortages. reliability problems and high costs are plaguing travel this summer. But the cruise industry is seeing lower demand. Clark explains how you can get screaming deals on cruises and on certain air travel destinations. Also, over 20 million tax returns remain unprocessed. A beleaguered IRS and frustrated taxpayers - Clark recounts how we got in this awful mess and makes the case for a...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. And - Many are trying to decide between renting or buying a home. It’s a true squeezeplay right now but new data sheds light on what might be the best decision. Plus, Clark provides the housing market outlook. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 HOUSING Outlook: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 M...

Add auto insurance increases to higher vehicle & gas prices. Collision rates and the cost of repairs are up too, factors creating a perfect storm of costs for auto insurers, in turn passed along to drivers. Hear 2 ways to lower your auto insurance premiums. Also this episode: Employers thought they’d order everyone back to office work last September. That flew out on the Delta variant. There are p...