The Clark Howard Podcast

An upside to the labor shortage: taking your pay rate higher. Walmart’s truck driving program is just one example. But there’s something you should know about company training programs touted as “free” in various industries. Also, the CashApp data breach is huge. What information the criminals have is disturbing but there’s a Clark smart way to protect yourself. Company Training Programs: Segment...

We tend to cycle through electronic devices too fast. Do you have old phones & other devices sitting in a drawer? Clark has advice for selling them, a subscription warning - and a general rule on how long to keep electronics. Also - High inflation doesn’t necessarily make you a sitting duck. We’re getting squeezed from all sides. Clark offers 5 steps to better budgeting & this rule to live by: It’...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, debt collectors may soon be sliding into your texts, emails & direct messages on social media. Clark lets you know what your rights are. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Debt Collection & Your Rights: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: FIDELITY Security Overview Use...

Clark lends perspective on today’s surging housing prices and mortgage rates and offers clear guidelines for making a homebuying decision in this difficult market. And for home buyers considering an ARM - a Clark warning. Also, as war in Ukraine affects the global energy market, the U.S remains the world’s largest energy producer. The expected economic impact at home, our energy future, and what w...

RoboBurger is here! The restaurant industry must adapt to labor shortage conditions. Clark discusses how part of the solution is robotics offering machine made food and convenience. Also, props to Walmart on developing scam busting software, ultimately recovering $4 million in gift card fraud targeting the elderly. That’s a fraction of the losses caused by this long running scam and its mutations....

Mark Cuban has taken on the pharmaceutical industry. Clark discusses what he hopes to accomplish with the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company and how it can help consumers save more. Will Mark Cuban’s New Prescription Company Really Save You Money? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choi...

As people return to travel, the airlines are caught with staff shortages in all positions, canceling thousands of flights in the past few weeks. Clark has several strategies to help get you where you’re going. Plus - got coins laying around? You can help yourself and businesses at the same time. Coin Shortage: What To Do With Your Old Coins Flight Plan Strategies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Wa...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, 20% of Americans now live in multi-generational households. A real opportunity that deals with the extreme housing shortage: Accessory dwellings or ADUs. Clark explains the multiple benefits this kind of dwelling can provide.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Housing: ADUs: Segment 3 A...

Financial advisors - even if you think you have a good one, you may be spending way more money than you need to. Clark makes it clear how the industry plays the game and how to protect yourself when you put your money to work. Also, we throw away a staggering 40% of the food we buy in the U.S. With grocery prices high - understanding product dates and what you should & should not pay attention to...

Clark discusses how to choose a printer for work or home, considering your usage and the high price of ink! Consumer Reports has updated the best deals on printers. Also, high gas prices have driven up the popularity of scooters and e-bikes. What to know about using these alternatives. Best Printer For You: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 E-Bikes & Scooters: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned...

The pandemic reassessment of work continues to evolve, with many older workers returning to phased retirement jobs. Clark discusses the flexibility now required of both employers and workers, and the outlook for entrepreneurs. Also, the 10 states with lowest overall tax burden on middle income earners, including income, sales, & property taxes.  The New Nature of Work: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment...

Clark explains why you shouldn’t freak out if you get rejections from the colleges of your choice. And what to know about middle skills education and career paths. Plus, Summertime travel blues: Clark talks ways to get a deal despite rising prices & how to navigate a time when travel prices have gone crazy. Learn Clark’s prime travel rule and “the August rule”.   College Decisions: Segment 1 Ask C...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark discusses how to make the most of the Fed raising rates, covering credit card debt, HELOCs & mortgages, student loan rates - and the most important thing to do in a time of rising interest rates.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Rising Interest Rates: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segmen...

Clark shares back to basics info on how to shop wisely and tell what’s truly a deal and what is not - including Clark’s Amazon rule. Also, why you should be wary of scanning QR codes - A Clark scam warning.  Know Real Deals to Beat Inflation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 DANGER: QR Codes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How You Can Use Unit Price to Save Money When Shopping...

Clark has a special RIP OFF ALERT concerning veterans and members of our military seeking to further their education. AND - STREAMING TV: new streaming choices can save you big money. Colleges Ripping Off Veterans: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Streaming TV Savings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4   Mentioned on the show: Why Commercials Are Coming to the Biggest Streamers Live TV Streaming Ch...

The pandemic has changed costs of living around housing and transportation. Americans are on the move again. This is a time when you can do a full reset for your life, career and your wallet. This tool helps you find a place to live based on your budget. AND - Not everything is going up in price. Clark reveals opportunities in the marketplace. Affordable Cities For Renters: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Se...

Clark shares 2 new cell phone deals and then explains how he fought a 6 month battle for his wallet, and finally won. Also, Clark clears up confusion surrounding credit reporting changes on the way… A huge roadblock to good credit is being modified.   Clark’s Consumer Fight: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Medical Debt & Your Credit: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4   Mentioned on the show: New AT&T...

Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, the state of car rental rates with predictions and tips for getting a good deal this summer.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Summer Car Rentals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Earthquake Coverage - The Really Big One Medical Receipts: HSA-Compatible FSA Expenses | WageW...

Clark talks taxes including why you should check your refund whether you’ve filed yet or not, and free filing. Also - Travel Riddle: when should you use your airline and hotel reward miles and points?  TAXES: Refunds & Free Filing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 TRAVEL: Airline Miles & Hotel Points: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Prote...

Word to employers: We’re in an experimental, reset time for employees. Flex schedules and 4-day workweeks are well worth considering to improve efficiency and retention - and they’re catching on. Also, how the overdraft fee game has been played and how bank competition means game over!  The 4 Day Workweek : Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Death of Overdraft Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4...

Opportunity knocks this summer! Whether you’re a teacher, student, or just looking to make extra money, the marketplace has taken minimum wages up and up. And parents, if you can, offer some type of match and open a Roth to incentivize the saving habit for your working teen. Meanwhile, a Giant Monster Mega Bank has done something great - really! Bank of America has a great new security center tool...

Clark offers direction for car buyers of both new and used vehicles in the market now as shortages persist. Also, Clark explains the challenges and considerations of buying a house under current market conditions.   Buying a Vehicle: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Buying a House: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should I Buy a Used Car, New Car or Lease Right Now? How to Buy a...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, If you’ve had a traditional 401(k) and now access to a Roth 401(k), Clark answers questions on handling both.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Traditional to Roth 401(k): Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 401(k) Rollover: What You Need To Know & Options Ask Clark:...

Historically Americans are the worst savers but many improved during lockdown. Now, many are saving less and taking on more debt. Clark offers direction for resetting your goals. Plus, Tax time and Clark has info on what documents to keep and for how long, including property and business records. Saving-Spending Reset: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Tax Records: An Overview: Segment 3 Ask Clark: S...

Clark discusses how the war in Ukraine is affecting us all with higher energy prices, from gasoline to home energy. Learn steps you can take right now to mitigate your costs.  Gasoline Prices: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Energy Prices: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 23 Ways To Save Money on Gas You can still find 'cheap' gas — if you know where to look [The Washingto...