The Clark Howard Podcast

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / You may be tempted to accept an exclusive invitation to a financial seminar that includes something fancy like a free steak dinner. Clark tells you why you need to cook at home that night instead. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: What Is Your Flood Risk on a Scale of 1–10? / Clark’s App Warning for iPh...

Good news for small business owners about the SBA loan program, including applying for PPP loan forgiveness. // 401(k)s have 2 different kinds of fees, one of which most participants are unaware of - the cost for the investments plus administration fees, which can be high. Who pays? Ask Clark topics include: Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2021 / Why Vacation Clubs are worse than timesh...

We know cars are overpriced and hard to get right now - allowing time to research your next buy for when the market improves. Clark looks into the initial quality of new cars - and the types of both cars and appliances that are generally most reliable. // The yen to invest is taking hold with advice coming from everywhere. Why this is both great and terrible. Many are basing investment decisions o...

Health trackers are approaching the mainstream for general health monitoring. Clark talks about his devices and what’s on the horizon. // Almost half of Americans have used buy now, pay later services. What could possibly go wrong? Ask Clark topics include: The #1 thing you need to do if you use PayPal, Venmo or Zelle for payments / Loyalty fraud is on the rise — here’s what happens when your poin...

Crypto is taking all shapes and forms now, including being used for risky borrowing and lending. This is in the pioneering phase. // The cell phone is potentially replacing the wallet. Pros & cons. Ask Clark topics include: What you can’t pay for with a 529 plan / How and Why to Refinance Your Mortgage / The 403(b) / Fidelity Investments Review 2021 / Life Insurance / Sam’s Club Mastercard Review:...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / For those who’ve worked various jobs over decades, there may be lost retirement accounts or a small pension you’ve lost track of. There are 25 million unclaimed 401(k)s out there containing $1.35 Trillion. Also - what to do when you change jobs. Clark.com - How To Find Missing or Lost Retirement Accounts Clark S...

Should you stock up on essential supplies? Clark has a different angle on deciding what to buy. // Were you expecting a refund on your auto insurance during the pandemic that never came or was less than expected? If you’re the 1 in 3 people driving less, you’re subsidizing other drivers. Clark has a suggestion to help you save on auto insurance.  Ask Clark topics include: Consumer Reports Generato...

TVs have gone up in price, as much as double since last November. The market effect of Amazon’s entry and Clark’s best advice for TV buyers. // SpaceX’s Starlink internet service is on hold. Clark’s excitement over the supposed imminent availability of high speed rural internet was well-placed, but premature. What we have here is a failure to serve customers. Ask Clark topics include: Rules for Us...

When looking at job opportunities, there are many considerations beyond pay alone. // Do you know if your company or boss is using spyware to monitor you? Be aware of new ways your company may be tracking you as you work from home. Ask Clark topics include: 9 Ways To Pay for College Without Student Loans - The Top 5 Benefits of Community College / Is Investing in Dividend Stocks a Good Strategy? /...

Clark discusses the Apple & Google “toll gates” and the potential advantage of signing up for subscriptions from service websites vs from in-phone apps. Also, expect heavy subsidies on the new Apple iPhones depending on your carrier. // A rethink of college relevance and new information and insights around college & skills training decision making. Also, employer subsidized education opportunities...

Clark's 9/11 Remembrance / Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Clark explains why Locast is no more, and alternative ideas for watching local channels, whether you were a Locast customer or not. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: 6 Steps to Eliminate Credit Card Debt in 3 Years or Less / Ford Will Build Your Next Car to Your Custom Order /...

New privacy ideas based on burner tech may lessen your privacy concerns. Clark offers several ways to do business via email and phone, without them getting into your business. // Shopping online used to be a great way to save money. Supply shortages have led to a reverse movement among retailers. Seeing is believing when it comes to deals now. Clark explains the trend to help you spend - less! Ask...

Clark talks about decision making around education and skilled-trade training, costs, and the debate over the value of college.  // Many industries are experiencing worker shortages and we’re feeling the effects. We’re millions of workers short in the U.S. with an aging population. Clark’s controversial solution. Ask Clark topics include: Easy Disney World Planning / The current state of state-spo...

What you need to know about new savings incentives you may see within your employee benefits during open enrollment.  // Clark smart steps to keep your loved ones safe and to protect you in case of an emergency. Ask Clark topics include: Rent is about to go up again—here’s why / 6 Best Ways To Send Money Online / Topic No. 607 Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance / 6 of the Best High-Yield Onli...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Around 1 in 5 U.S. workers are in covenants not to compete, outlawed in California. A Clark warning for job hunters. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Deep discounters like Dollar Tree get hit, as they juggle supply chain costs and price-sensitive customers / What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? / Ret...

Wells Fargo has engaged in fraud against customers. Now new sanctions are coming because they have not complied with settlements. Why you should ditch your big bank. // Looking to earn more on savings, people are susceptible to con artists pitching “safe investments”. A Clark warning about promises of higher interest rates. How to spot a Ponzi scheme. Ask Clark topics include: Should I Be Concerne...

There’s great support on price transparency on hospital charges on all fronts EXCEPT from hospitals and insurance companies. The reason is Clarkrageous. And Clark’s got the punishment to make them comply. // It’s crazy we don’t have a nationwide toll system. But there’s some progress there. Ask Clark topics include:  14+ Senior Discounts People Age 50 and Older Should Know About! / Best 529 Colleg...

The nursing shortage is severe and demand is pushing up pay rates. If you have a love of science and medicine, there’s opportunity to make a difference. // While some areas see dollar store proliferation as a problem, these retailers are currently booming with a diverse customer base (including Clark)  trying to offset inflation and stretch every dollar. Ask Clark topics include: Can a Patient Adv...

There are private services that allow your rent payments to be tracked for credit, and now Fannie Mae has a new lending guideline that allows renters to qualify for a mortgage based on their rent payment history. Clark explains how this will work to assist in achieving home ownership, in keeping with how credit scoring is changing overall. / Worried about having enough to retire one day? Over time...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Once again, the pandemic has thrown travel plans into the unknown. But there’s good news if you feel comfortable taking off this year. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: 6 Things To Know Before You Sign Up for Visible / File Complaint with BBB / Is LifeLock Worth the Cost? / Here Are the Insurance Polici...

Hackers have successfully invaded T-Mobile's data base and have info on 40 million users. 3 quick measures T-Mobile customers can take - and 1 task for AT&T and Verizon customers - to help prevent SIM hijacking and the subsequent looting of your accounts. // 1 in 3 U.S. investors admits they have traded while under the influence - dangerous for your wallet. Don’t drink & trade. For Clark, investin...

The way we get goods and what’s available, has come full circle. We’ve become conditioned to the wide availability of goods. Yeah we’re going to have to get over that. One result is a win win if it catches on: Ford is trying to change how we buy new vehicles in the U.S. Clark explains. . // Do you have proper coverage? If you’ve got assets, don’t ignore what Clark calls the “success tax” - one of...

A simple tip from the NSA can help keep fraudsters out of your cell phone. // Unfortunately, many don’t leave important financial information when they pass away. How to find out if a loved one had life insurance you didn't know about.  Ask Clark topics include: Credit Lock vs. Credit Freeze: What’s the Difference? / What Is a SEP IRA and Who Is Eligible? / AUTO Insurance \\ Want more money advice...

Employers are offering more to get and retain workers. Shop your skills for better pay and benefits. The labor shortage is actually an advantage to the overall economy. Clark describes how business innovation increases efficiency, productivity & profitability which in turn, creates more wealth for citizens. // Clark gets questions all the time from people changing employers and moving their 401(k)...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Clark has a new teen driver, and there are some important things to know that will keep us all safer. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: How to spot and avoid fake product reviews on Amazon / Debit Cards / Rebtel.com: Cheap International Calls and Unlimited Calling / ABLE accounts: A tax-free way for par...