The Clark Howard Podcast

Student loan forgiveness was a promise made 15 years ago to those going into public service. That promise was broken repeatedly. Clark explains what went wrong, and what’s going right now. Student loan forgiveness is much easier through September. Meanwhile, noticing possible hearing or vision problems? There are some new, convenient and often free ways to do initial testing at home - apps that ca...

Clark explains why you should never invest through a bank. And then there’s Wells Fargo. Their latest foray into criminal behavior involves FINRA manipulation. Plus, in a time of high inflation, understanding how retailers operate is key to stretching every dollar. In addition to shopping everyday low price retailers, learn how to make the "high-low pricing model” work for you. Wells Fargo’s FINRA...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark has a health lesson for all based on a recent operation.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Clark’s Health Lesson: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4   Mentioned on the show: Where To Buy the Best Cheap Printer Evaluate Life Insurance Why You Do Not Want To Get a Big Tax Refund Check...

Clark offers legitimate resources for assisting Ukraine and discusses the economic impact. Also, current new & used car pricing info and buying strategies. With the spring car buying season coming and continued high vehicle prices, enter the new Consumer Reports reliability ratings.  Ukraine: Donation Guidance and Economic Impact: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Update: Vehicle Pricing & Purchasing...

Romance scams have skyrocketed with hundreds of millions lost to criminals exploiting pandemic vulnerability. And they’re stealing via untraceable fake crypto exchanges. Clark walks through how this happens so you can protect your heart - and wallet. Scam 2: Zelle, the cash payment app pushed by banks offering no consumer protections - is ripe for scammers & they’re all over it. Clark details Zell...

The solution to the nation’s skilled worker shortage has been there all along, as more industries step up to participate in apprenticeships. New opportunities to be paid as you learn in the field and in the classroom can be found in technical college settings.  Clark also explains the behind the scenes battle going on for the 20% of the U.S. economy going to healthcare. Two nontraditional players...

A new trick of the predatory lending trade: Banks team with fintechs to make 225% loans. Beware these online offers with hidden rates. Clark explains how this happens and what to look out for. Plus - Around 30% of people in committed relationships hide debt or money from their partners. The corrosive effects of financial infidelity and Clark smart tips to help couples navigate finances.  Predatory...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, shopping internet plans and understanding the limits, fees and contracts has been very frustrating. Great news - that is about to end.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Internet Service: Clarity & Choice: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4   Mentioned on the show: 8 Things To Know Before Y...

Labor shortages are so pervasive, it will take innovation and automation to fill the gaps. Clark talks about life in a time of worker shortages, the future outlook and solutions. Plus, in the wake of the FIRE movement, Clark gets to the core of FI - financial independence, vs RE - retire early. and offers an important compromise that may serve you well.  Labor Shortage Outlook: Segment 1 Ask Clark...

Severe weather can cause lengthy power outages. Clark discusses solar with backup battery power and generator use. Also, Amazon is not the bargain they used to be and is raising the cost of Prime. 2 other options for inflation weary, price conscious consumers. Solar Backup & Home Generators: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Amazon Prime Vs Walmart+: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4   Mentioned on the...

Clark discusses some possible economic implications around the stock market and gas prices, as the invasion of Ukraine unfolds. Also, the AT&T 3G network shutdown has occurred with Verizon & T-Mobile to follow. Learn what services are affected and what you can do. Plus, Apple, Amazon & Google have a new standard that allows devices to communicate automatically with each other, even when from diffe...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Meanwhile, Covid fatigue is peaking and people are getting out more. Lots of things that didn’t happen over the last 2 years are coming back, Hear specific recommendations for booking summer travel, and wedding planning.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Summer Travel & Wedding Planning: Seg...

5 years later, the Equifax class action settlement over the massive 2017 breach - is finalized. Many are receiving claim notifications. Clark explains what this means for you. Later, great news on the cell phone front. How about free calling and texting? Clark shares industry trends involving phone contracts and a couple of great new offers. The Equifax Data Breach Settlement: Segment 1 Ask Clark:...

The No Surprises Act for medical billing includes a bonus benefit most don’t know about, and it can help you save big on medical procedures. Also, great news about a new digital checking account - fee free with reward points, and more. Online Banking Archives - Clark Howard / How to Switch Banks in 4 Simple Steps.  No Surprises: A New Medical Benefit: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Rewards Che...

The story on gas prices - pandemic to now - explains where we are and where prices at the pump are going. There IS a bright spot on the energy front. Also, there’s been an increase in automotive fatalities in the U.S. This, along with the car shortage, is impacting auto insurers, increasing their costs. Brace for your policy renewal and use Clark’s recommended strategy.  Update: Gas Prices: Segmen...

Great saving strategies to build financial independence. Step 1: Defining your goals. Also, home title fraud is a devastating crime. Learn which homes are most at risk and how to protect your property.  Saving Strategies for Financial Independence: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Title Protection: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Eq...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, there have been many stories of Apple AirTags being exploited by criminals for stalking and car theft. Now comes a great story of someone using an AirTag to STOP criminals. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Apple AirTags Revisited: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4   M...

The Citi Double Cash card was simple and intensely popular. But recent changes have created confusion. You now have Thank You points - Do you still get 2% cash back? Clark explains. Also, Clark on the Frontier / Spirit discount airline merger, schedule reliability and needed consumer protections for U.S. flyers. Citi Double Cash Visa Changes Explained: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Frontier /...

Mark Cuban’s direct to consumer drug manufacturing company is up and running. Clark contrasts Cuban’s CostPlusDrugs and Costco pricing, to chain pharmacy pricing methods, revealing a clear way to SAVE. Also, Americans are getting seriously ripped off on auto loans. 80% of vehicle buyers purchase the wrong way - 8 million are delinquent - 46% are upside down in their loan. 2 Clark rules to live by...

As part of the evolution of evaluating credit risk, for those with no credit report Experian has a way to set up your own. Clark smart credit advice. Plus - The cruise industry is in absolute turmoil. Clark updates both the hazard, and opportunity.  Create Your Own Credit File: Sement 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cruise Update: Hazard & Opportunity: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:...

Stocks are going through a cyclical decline and investors are nervous. Whether nearing retirement or younger, you can be positioned emotionally and financially to weather a down cycle. Also - Planning ahead for Valentine’s Day can help you save. Clark smart tips on Valentine’s gifts, and a warning about romance scams.  STOCK MARKET: Ride the Decline Fortified: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Valent...

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - A 2022 tax year heads up for those who receive income via a pay app. What small businesses need to know about pay app income and the IRS. Major Tax-Reporting Change for Users of Venmo, PayPal and Others Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 New Tax Rule for Small Business: Segment 3 Ask Cl...

Clark shares how & where he saves money, teaching you to crack the price label codes at warehouse clubs - Priceless! Also, What memberships & subscriptions are lurking and are you using them? Use Clark’s way to find out. $5 a month for nothing is $60 a year! Clark helps you get it back!  Clark Howard - Deal Hunter - Spills Trade Secrets: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark Smart Assignment: Resto...

Hiring a contractor is a big challenge. Angie's List - now Angi - is undertaking a new business model seeking to be a trusted resource. Clark takes a first look and discusses vetting services. Also, Clark examines the current problem of organized theft rings throughout the country, how they affect consumers, and how retailers are reorienting stores and security. The New Angie’s List: Segment 1 Ask...

The future is almost here. Today, big players are perfecting electric flying taxis. Clark discusses the market adoption and possible uses of electronic aircraft. Also, at a time of rising prices, store brands - aka private labels - have new strength in the marketplace, key for your wallet. Clark conveys the quality of various house brands and how much you can save. Electronic Aircraft an Imminent...