The Clark Howard Podcast

Americans are spending more than ever on eyeglasses. Clark discusses the industry cartel at work & multiple ways you can save, and has a warning about employee vision coverage. Also, promising news about how our food is grown in the U.S. The concept of growing produce in a factory goes back a generation. But indoor vertical farming is starting to boom and the benefits are many. Don’t Get Taken on...

It’s Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - Airport self-screening is becoming a reality. TSA screening is a tough job - crying out for modern AI tech as long employed overseas. The Dept. of Homeland Security has initiated the development of TSA PreCheck self-screening. Clark describes the benefits this will bring, and...

Clark explains how virtual credit card numbers work to protect you while shopping online. Check to see if any of your cards offer the virtual number service, and make it your online card. Also, solar roof tech has progressed, offering greater efficiency and lower cost. A new development from GAF Energy brings self-powering our homes closer within reach. Virtual Credit Card Protection: Segment 1 As...

Netflix just went up and price increases overall for streaming services continue due to original programming production costs. Clark has a few ways to help you streamline your streaming. Also, vehicle news including the $20K Ford Maverick, help for the blinding headlights problem, and Toyota’s refurbishing program - brilliant! Streaming Services Price Creep: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vehicles...

Clark describes retiree regret when resettling in vacation spots. How to avoid costly moves using Clark’s “training wheels” strategy. Plus, a look at rent or buy decision factors in today’s market. And - Many retailers & restaurants have shorter store hours & empty shelves - Clark relates what’s happening now and what’s to come. In addition, hear how corporate public relations can further botch se...

Right now opportunities & incentives are plentiful in many sectors because of worker shortages. The military is employing retention incentives, and new recruit bonuses topping out at $50K, which may be a worthy path for some. Also, Clark reviews the pandemic effect on energy, where we are now with home energy and gas prices - and where the U.S. is headed as an energy producer.  Military Bonuses: S...

It’s Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark shares news about a huge shift happening in the way cars are sold. Carmax, Carvana & Vroom have changed the game in favor of consumers, and manufacturers are duking it out with anti-competitive dealerships. A new program from GM tells the tale. Clark Answers His Critics...

Clark outlines several factors that lead to one conclusion: Women need to save more of their paycheck for retirement than men. Also, the banks are desperately handing out credit cards like candy now. Clark relates different scenarios based on your credit, and conveys what is core & key to keeping your credit healthy with credit card use. Special Retirement Advice For Women: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Se...

Inaccuracy of credit reports is a longstanding problem. More than half of all complaints to the CFPB were about the credit bureaus, who see us as mere data points, not customers. Clark on how the system functions and how to protect your credit. Clark also describes Walmart’s new “InHome” delivery service compared to the Walmart+ option, vs Amazon initiatives. Generally Walmart is 20% cheaper on gr...

Pandemic cruise scenarios call for a backup plan. Clark explains what can happen with cruises and with lodging cancellation policies. In this era of travel uncertainty, learn the KEY to travel planning. Also, as shipping delays persist, many customers are out their deposit money indefinitely for no show furniture & appliances. Retailer bankruptcy adds more difficulty. Clark suggests an alternative...

It’s Friday! Clark Stinks day -Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, this tax year will be a bit different for 2021 filings, with a special warning from the IRS. Clark shares a smart tax refund strategy, plus the outlook on inflation.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Tax Season Strategy & Inflation: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the s...

Verizon trades in customer data - apps, browsing etc. to sell for profit. Clark breaks down the opt-out, and suggests a cheaper way to be on Verizon’s network. // Now is the worst time to buy a car since 1946. Clark shares his best advice and the vehicle market outlook.  Ask Clark topics include: How to avoid becoming the victim of credit card fraud / Why Some Stores Don’t Take Credit Cards / Ask...

More companies are offering the Roth 401(k). What you need to know about this retirement savings option. // Crooks are using Apple AirTags to track people and cars. There IS a solid way to protect yourself… Ask Clark topics include: Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules / How To Open a Roth IRA / AAA Membership: Is It Worth It? \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free...

We remain in short supply of housing units, both apartments and single family homes, while housing costs continue to rise. Clark discusses how we got here and the affordable solutions out there, in need of wider adoption. // Clark explains having life insurance from work vs buying your own policy, plus direction on shopping and purchasing life insurance to protect your family. Ask Clark topics inc...

The “No Surprises Act” consumer protection law is now in effect. Clark explains new consumer rights surrounding out of network medical charges, with guidance for the insured and uninsured. // The U.S. labor shortage: Clark has new stats that shed light on what’s really going on with the American workforce. Ask Clark topics include: Free File: Do your Federal Taxes for Free / Why You Should Never G...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Nearly half of us have no money for an unexpected emergency. Clark presents a road map for setting a new path for saving money, including variable weekly saving goals. Clark’s money saving challenge to you, should you choose to accept it! Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Best 529 College Savings Plans...

How crypto savings accounts work and why they’re risky business. Learn the Clark smart perspective on the current crypto environment. // Clark updates long-standing advice on how to avoid getting ripped off on cremation and burials. In the funeral industry, national chains have absorbed the independents, challenging prior memorial society group negotiating power.  But new tools allow you to shop t...

Clark describes what Long-Term Care policies cover, how they work, when and what to buy and the hybrid policy difference. // As a Prostate Cancer Foundation board member, Clark shares insights into cancer research in general and the upcoming era of “precision medicine” - plus advocacy and research guidance for those with terminal loved ones. Ask Clark topics include: Best Travel Credit Cards: Top...

Mary Beth Franklin is a Certified Financial Planner, financial journalist, podcaster, and author of the book “Maximizing Social Security Retirement Benefits” - joining Clark to discuss when best to claim benefits, the solvency of the program and what younger workers can expect from Social Security in the future.  Investmentnews.com-MaryBethFranklin / Maximizing Social Security Retirement Benefits...

A third of road deaths are associated with drunk driving. There’s new technology that may stop drunk driving in its tracks. // Are you nervous to open your credit card statements this month? If so, you’re not alone. Clarks tells how the pandemic has reshaped saving and spending, and suggests a debt resolution for 2022. Ask Clark topics include: Gift Taxes / These Credit Cards Offer Car Rental Insu...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Clark gives the cell phone forecast AND a great deal from Boost Mobile. Also, what to know about January clearance sales.  Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: How To Choose the Best Charities for Your Donations - Clark Howard / Warning: Watch Out for This Retailer Pricing Trick - Clark Howard \\ Want more...

Teenagers are a hot market for fintechs like Square, now opening Cash App to teens. Clark shares ideas for teaching teens about money & payment apps. // Most of us aren’t great at advocating for ourselves and negotiating pay - a vital skill. It’s important to know what your job is worth and your power as an employee. Tips to help you master the art of negotiation. Ask Clark topics include: New FAF...

New research confirms debt is dangerous for your health. People of various income levels can end up overextended. Clark shares the areas of most difficulty & ways to reduce costs so your wallet and wellbeing can improve. // There are several things you can do to cut the cost of relocating. Get Clark smart tips on all aspects of moving - from packing to renting a truck - to help you save no matter...

In the battle of the investing behemoths - Clark’s “favorite children” Vanguard, Fidelity and Schwab, Clark has some pressing advice for Vanguard (who we still love!) / Many companies have used the pandemic to take away consumer rights. Corporate America has disconnected most employees and consumers from the court system. 60 million workers are now under “kangaroo court” arbitration, rigged in fav...

If your New Year’s Resolution is to cut spending, be aware Buy Nothing Groups have been proliferating, a platform for goods people are giving away. Also there’s FreeCycle. For non-consumables, avoid paying full retail. // Do your loved ones know where your assets, accounts, and important documents are? Resolve to make sure all vital records and information is accessible to trusted loved ones just...