The Clark Howard Podcast

Clark shares how he got started and the life lessons that motivated and inspired him to do  what he loves doing today - empowering others to live their best lives. Also - you may be throwing money away with your current cell phone provider. Verizon & AT&T have been raising rates while the cost of providing service is going down. Clark gives you the lay of the land, pointing to MINT Mobile & other...

There are ethical debt collectors, but also dirty players in the industry. Clark explains the crooked practice of refreshing the debt, and what your rights and responsibilities are. Also, no utility bills sound good? ‘Passive’ homes are ultra energy efficient, and there are initiatives that go a step beyond. People are building passive, self-powered homes with solar & batteries off the grid. We ha...

The US construction industry has held on to archaic ways of building, failing to adapt better technology routinely used elsewhere in the world - until now. Clark discusses how prefabrication component building is better, faster & cheaper. Now is the time to reimagine how we build to improve durability and price points. Also, for the past decade, traditional life & annuity insurers have been sellin...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark talked about the changing landscape for workers yesterday. Today, for employers - the topic is creating loyalty in a workforce. Retaining motivated employees is a big problem for companies. Clark discusses how giving employees a stake in the game makes profitable sense, and w...

Clark talks with Charis of Clark Deals about how Amazon Prime Days 22 should measure up, the kinds of deals you can expect and competitive deals from other retailers. Also this episode, after 10 years of pathetic earnings on savings, the good side of rising rates is catching up. Clark compares big bank to online bank savings rates right now, lets you know the best saving strategies & the safest pl...

Needed changes in education are overdue and on the way. Clark characterizes post high school ed and how economic forces unleashed by Covid are changing the equation for the better. The rise of the education consumer means relevance and connection to career will be key. Also, Clark lists the many factors contributing to the inflation testing us all - and puts it in historical perspective. This cycl...

Shipping has gotten really expensive. There are now aggregators, many free to join offering special rates for shipping under their codes. Clark talks about saving on shipping for individuals and for small businesses. Also, high gas prices have upped the profile of electric vehicles. Clark gives guidance on when to buy, EV types, the dealer - manufacturer relationship, and the sweet spots for affor...

Overall, crypto has lost about 70% of its value. Many crypto lending organizations have gone insolvent. Digital money is a sound concept. It can eventually help eliminate the bank gouge of moving money. But as an investment? Learn why that’s gambling and Clark’s rule for moving forward. Also, the housing market has been brutal for home buyers on many levels. But the narrative is changing. Clark’s...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, high school, trade school and college grads have unprecedented job opportunity right now - even amid current concerns of looming recession.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Grad Jobs Aplenty: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card T...

Puppy fraud was a constant during the pandemic and continues unabated. Google is going after these scamsters, but their efforts are a drop in the bucket. This scam has worked since the days of classified print ads. Now it’s moved worldwide using fake pictures, akin to vacation rental & car scams. What you can’t see, verify. Scammers also exploit job seekers online. Those 25 to 34 - digital natives...

The inflation of 40 years ago was significantly worse than now. Clark describes the unusual distortions in today’s market, resulting in heavy discounts in some categories. Also, there’s one sector of real estate that’s discounted now - office space IF you know which type. For business owners in need of office space, hear how to take advantage of this unique opportunity.  Discount Categories: Segme...

It’s officially summer today. Get Clark smart strategies for saving money on car rentals, and learn how those under age 25 can avoid huge fees. Also, homeowners face more challenges finding quality, affordable insurance as natural disasters and the cost to rebuild impact rates all over the country. Homeowners need to face and manage risk today. Clark offers guidelines including new mapping reveali...

The Economist reports that many are making a fresh start by becoming entrepreneurs. Clark describes how the climate is favorable for starting a business in so many ways. Also, there are those that have worked out a way to live on cruise ships as a retirement strategy to save on living expenses. Clark explains how this works.  Starting Your Own Business: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cruise Ship R...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark talks about big data and our privacy. Just as errors on your credit report can harm you, the LexisNexis system has major data on consumers that can be erroneous. If you value your privacy and the accuracy of your data, Clark has an assignment for you. Clark Stinks: Segments 1...

Clark has talked about delivery drones, driverless cars, and robots for years. Well, it’s happening for real now. Clark updates Walmart’s drone delivery efforts, Google’s Waymo cars, & GM’s Cruise operation - all part of our future. Also, the difference between Roth and traditional IRAs - a new tax issue around inheriting a traditional IRA, and what to do before you bequeath one. Drones & Automati...

Clark explains what is happening with gas prices at home and abroad, and suggests ways to adapt, including modification of summer travel to offset costs. Meanwhile, airfares are generally 50% higher than last year and around 25% higher than pre-pandemic, but they’re starting to soften. The state of the industry and a sweet spot in the market that can help you save, including deep discount airlines...

Yesterday we officially entered a bear market. This is not a total surprise. Clark explains how stock values are measured, how we got here economically with inflation, how this resolves and the best approach for investors. Also, new rates for borrowing for college have been published for this fall. Clark talks about the impact of student loan debt, parental guilt, & the myth of going to the “it” s...

A disturbing trend - buying certain things online - sight unseen. Don’t believe what you see on the internet. It’s becoming common for people to put in offers on homes they’ve only seen online. Big mistake with houses, cars with no right to a refund, and other items. Also Clark talks new savings on TVs - with buying advice, plus free content via antennas & streaming. Buying Online Sight Unseen: Se...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark discusses the impact of world trade on our finances here. The cost of doing business for our national security - we are entering a new era of world trade alliances and strategic imports. Initially the movement of goods will be less efficient - necessary due to the geopolitica...

Dietary supplements, vitamins and herbal remedies are unregulated. Clark clarifies which labels to trust. Learn about labels that lie vs NSF & USP supplements. Also, Clark explains how the vehicle market is progressing, including good news on the used car front.  The Safety of Supplements: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Car Market Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Suppl...

Employers have outsourced companies to handle pay advances, many of which charge junk fees. Dave is a payroll advance company that asks for voluntary tips, equivalent to paying interest. These advances can lead to a deficit spending habit. Clark offers a better way. Also, the fight to limit robocalls is showing signs of working, so scammers are moving to messaging to get at your money. What to loo...

It could be a rocky summer for power blackouts and we’ve got some vulnerabilities with our energy grid around the county.. What could go wrong and ways to be prepared, including battery powered generators. Also, free stuff! How to get books, music, TV & movies LEGALLY online for nothing! See our guides listed below. Power Outages & Generators: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 FREE Entertainment Cont...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Plus, there are deals to be had right now on several items we use in our lives, including mattresses. Inflation nation, Clark’s calling out the deal categories!  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Current Deal Categories: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 2022 Top Public Co...

A perpetual debate: Can money buy happiness? Clark discusses survey findings on the matter and the role of money in personal freedom and happiness. Also, with concerts and events back in full swing, many aiming to get out aren’t happy with ticket prices, but understanding how the industry operates can help you save. Hear how bucket system pricing in the concert industry is based on dynamic demand...

Memorial Day and the summer travel season is upon us. Airfares have gone way up due to pent up demand and pilot shortages forcing airlines to cut back schedules during peak season - perfect storm for your wallet. Learn essential strategies for saving more on air travel based on when and where flexibility. Another summer expense: cooling your home. With energy prices also up, Clark talks about ther...