The Clark Howard Podcast

The beauty of automatic enrollment into retirement plans for employees, and why Clark loves target retirement funds. /  How Clark got scammed! - Almost. Yet another reason to check your statements. Ask Clark topics include: 529 Plans / Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau / Toddler Saved By Anti-Choking Device / Home insurance unjust denial - File complaint with your state ins...

Hospital systems have conspired to prevent prodcedure & surgery price comparison. Clark explains how they skirt the law, and why hospitals remain the biggest problem with the cost of healthcare. / Fraud hacks into Venmo, CashApp and Zelle have become a massive problem, with no customer service. Clark explains a way to keep your primary account from being drained by crooks. Ask Clark topics include...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts and Clark responds. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks / It would be pennywise to retire the penny. Clark counts the ways. Clark Stinks & Ask Clark Topics include: T-Mobile needs a reset / Tire Rack / Your Guide to DIY Home Security Systems / National Guard and Reserve Benefits / How to Find a Good Moving Company / Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s fr...

JOBS: Microsoft Survey Says - Over 40% of workers want to quit their jobs. This creates job rotation moving forward, and new opportunity. Also, the pros & cons of remote working as the hybrid return to work evolves. / Student loan mills feeding for-profit schools left a trail of disaster for borrowers cheated out of an education. Now these borrowers can reapply for student loan forgiveness. Check...

Clark discusses proceeding with caution after vaccination, herd immunity and economic recovery. Step by step the economy will gain strength as people get out and about more. Expect stronger economic activity as we move through 21. / Today, Royal Caribbean is taking reservations for a June cruise out of the Bahamas with no U.S. stops. It's a start for cruise travelers. But beware "phantom booking"...

With the rise of hybrids and electric vehicles, the gas tax for road maintenance has got to change. Some states are already going about mileage taxation. Clark explains what's around the bend. / An industry disrupted brings sticker shock to new furniture showrooms. Clark has a better way to feather your nest... Ask Clark topics include: Save on car insurance / Pay per mile car insurance rates / DO...

Clark discusses the supply & demand factors affecting the price of gas and what to expect at the pump. / A purchase and donation warning from the head of Team Clark’s Consumer Action Center - Another good reason to check your bank & credit card statements monthly. / The banking sector seems culturally incapable of becoming a customer focused industry. Meet the outsiders making a difference. Ask Cl...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts and Clark responds. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks / Deadline Extended: Check Your Credit Report Every Week for Free - Clark Howard Clark Stinks & Ask Clark topics include: Cell phone insurance, Airbnb Superhost, Kids & Money -Clark's daddy match, Taxes on individual stocks. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about...

Clark explains who qualifies for the new 6 month COBRA healthcare subsidy and how it works. Also, with so much focus on privacy violations, how Google has become proactive when it comes to tracking you for targeted ads. And you may want to shut down permissions for cell phone carriers engaging in extreme spying. Clark argues for opting in, versus having to opt out. How To Opt Out of T-Mobile’s New...

The pandemic 1 year in - Clark discusses the impact of vaccines on recovery and the emerging Covid passport. / Buying vehicles is in transition as electric vehicles gain range and become more affordable. Direct online versus dealer purchases are in play. Why it's riskly buying a new gas engine vehicle now. Ask clark questions include: Vaccination and Covid test form privacy concerns - Credit Freez...

Clark reveals what's led to bulk purchase of fake reviews on Amazon & how to read between the star ratings. / Almost 30% of new vehicles for sale now cost over $50K! That’s why most people buy used. 2 areas of the used sector have your best bet on price. Ask Clark topics include:  Target Date Funds,  Peacock Streaming Service Review,  Robinhood-SEC Investor Complaint Form,  Clark Howard's Special...

More than half of all consumer complaints filed with the CFPB concern credit report errors, likely related to the bureaus' waiver from CARES Act compliance. Don't wait until this affects your financial life - A Clark smart vigilance assignment - and it's easy. / Pretext phone calls, emails & texts keep coming, ever more sophisticated. Clark's strategy helps keep you 1 step ahead of criminals. Ask...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts and Clark responds. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks / 2021 policy renewals are using 2019 mileage to set premiums. Clark explains how to handle this and how to save on car insurance overall. Clark Stinks topics include: Long Term Care Insurance, 6 Things To Know Before You Sign Up for Visible, If you use multiple pharmacies, make sure they each have a list o...

63% of 2020 homebuyers made an offer on a house - sight unseen. Why a virtual tour is not enough. Half of all cell phone users have never lost or broken a phone, so do you need a service plan? 3 Clark smart ways to protect your phone Question topics include: Additional fees on a used vehicle purchase / Beginner investing / Home refi decision making Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free...

Innovative building methods, including 3D printing, are more efficient, cut construction costs and produce highly energy efficient housing. / Sick of spam calls? Clark has some strategies to help eliminate them. Ask Clark topics include: Life Insurance and How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps - Clark Howard. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad ch...

Debt looms over intact or improved finances during recovery. Hold any gains and beware the buy now, pay later option on small purchases. 3/4 of users dropped their credit scores. / Picking up the Pieces: Rare opportunity exists to open businesses with less cost and less risk, especially in the restaurant industry. Ask Clark topics include: Car rental insurance, Internet based business phone system...

If you're convenience and price oriented, Walmart+ shines and is worth checking out. / iBuyers have brought convenience to home selling. Now Zillow brings more certainty to the process. Clark offers a smart approach to selling your home today. Ask Clark topics include: How and Why to Refinance Your Mortgage: A Step-By-Step Guide, How to Get a Mortgage in 8 Steps, Hiring a Fee-Only Financial Planne...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts and Clark responds. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / There are major disruptions in the housing and rental markets now. Several factors figure into the current housing crunch. Clark explains what to consider when making the decision to rent or to buy this and next year. Ask Clark topics include: Borrowing from your 401k, Marijuana stocks, Pet Insurance. Wa...

Just under half of people surveyed believe it's best to leave a balance on a credit card - and other money myths that don't serve you well. / Extended warranties on vehicles - when, where and IF you should ever buy one. Ask Clark topics include: What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One?, 529 Plans. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about y...

Urbanization and climate changes are increasing flood risks. Premium adjustments are coming from the National Flood Insurance Program as the Feds realign risk levels. It's vital for homeowners and potential buyers to know the risk level of any property. FloodFactor.com - FloodSmart.gov. // Mobile young adults are renting furniture these days - convenient but is this cost effective? Clark tells you...

Paramount+ launches this week. Check out the lineup and see if the promotion for early subscribers is right for you. Also, why you may see DirecTV prices go higher. / Unemployment Insurance has expanded eligibility by executive order. Depending on state, delays continue. Clark has application advice to facilitate the process. Ask Clark topics include: Home Internet, Best Online Banks, How much cas...

PPP - This time is different. For the next 9 days, businesses with less than 20 employees can apply exclusively. Non-banks, meaning credit unions and fintechs, play fair. This money IS available with loan forgiveness if eligible. / Clark advises on when & how to book air travel for later this year into early 22 - before prices go "sky high" with increased demand. And, should you should consider cr...

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts on the site with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Transformation in the supermarket industry is creating major savings opportunity for you. Clark points to your lower cost options. Ask Clark topics include: Should I Stop Paying My Student Loans Right Now? - Clark Howard / ABLE accounts: A tax-free way for parents of disabled kids to save for the fut...

Facebook owned WhatsApp is changing terms of service allowing them to invade privacy. Clark's warning and alternatives. Also, the Kroger data breach is part of an overall massive breach affecting many companies. Resist breach fatigue and freeze your credit if you haven't yet. Ask Clark topics include: Bill reduction services, Robocalls, Credit cards ditching car rental coverage. Want more money ad...

The Power of the Pivot: Job demand is up in some areas. Clark offers guidance on finding active job categories and transferring your skill set outside the box. Some who have pivoted have increased their incomes. Also, when your employer offers no retirement plan or match, Clark gets you started on handling your own future financial security. -How to Open a Roth IRA - Clark Howard. / Ask Clark topi...