The Clark Howard Podcast

Bigger retailers like Amazon and Walmart are letting customers keep less expensive items they are returning a whole lot more these days. That's because the cost of shipping has become prohibitive. The Australian trend of buying something and paying for it in installments is now happening regularly on US websites. Most of these companies don't even charge you interest. Clark says that these install...

Clark discusses how most people can file their taxes without paying a dime. He also talks about how eligible Americans can get the earned income tax credit. Simple bank was an excellent online bank. But it's going away. So Clark talks about which online banks are worth considering if you're looking to move your money. Ask Clark topics include issues with a home solar system, which rewards credit c...

Some borrowers aren't getting their student loans forgiven by the federal government because of confusing requirements. That is not ok. Clark talks about what the government should do to improve the process for borrowers and help them get their loans forgiven in a straightforward way. Christa and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkSti...

The newest jobs report was not looking very good as unemployment levels rose in December. Clark talks about how to navigate employment in the current economy. Also, the folks at Clark.com have updated the work from home guide which can help you find solid employers offering remote employment. Clark is not a fan of Bitcoin. And the recent volatility in the cryptocurrency arena hasn't changed his mi...

Robocalls are the worst! And it feels like we're getting bombarded with them more frequently now. Clark talks about how to curb those annoying calls to bring more zen back into your day. Many appliances still remain in short supply because of factory shutdowns due to Covid. That means that if you are in search of an appliance it'll be harder to find a deal on the one you want. But Clark has some t...

There will be some major changes to the FAFSA for the upcoming school year and parents are going to be thankful for them. Clark talks about the elimination of the expected family contribution and what that means when you are applying for financial aid for your child. Parents are taking on way too much debt for their kid's higher education! PLUS loans are sabotaging their retirement. Clark discusse...

Clark believes that if you take some important steps to cut subscriptions & shop around for cheaper alternatives that you can save at least $1,000 this year. For more info on which bills you need to look into and how to save the big bucks, be sure to check out this episode. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...

New minimum wage laws are going into effect across the country. Clark talks about where the increases are happening and what affect they will have in addition to how his views have changed on the topic over the years. Christa and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newslett...

New car prices have shot through the roof in recent years! Clark talks about how to trim your transportation budget so that you can find more financial margin in your life. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a new spot on the IRS website where you can check the status of your stimulus payment if you haven't received it yet. Clark also talks about how the $300 federal supplement for unemployment insurance will work and how long you'll be receiving it. Also, car theft is on the rise! Clark tells you how to protect yourself and your vehicle. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily...

Housing is typically the biggest line item in a person's budget. Finding ways to cut costs there will have an enormous impact! Clark gives you his best ideas. Clark also takes your questions about housing on this episode. You can submit a question for the show at Clark.com/ask. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...

A lot of people are setting New Year's resolutions for themselves. And many of you want to handle your money better in 2021. But that's only possible if you tackle those goals the right way. Clark talks about how to actually get better with your money this year instead of just hoping that you will. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices....

Haven't spent all your FSA dollars? Clark talks about what over the counter items you can purchase in order to use that money up. The purpose of saving for your future is to give you more control and freedom over your future. Research suggests that people who prepare and have a plan are the ones that end up in the best position in retirement. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily...

Consumer Reports has just released its list of the best used cars under $5k. Clark talks about which cars you should be leaning towards when looking for an inexpensive use vehicle. There should be a great availability of over the counter hearing aids. But sadly, options are currently limited. Clark talks about how to get the most bang for your buck when purchasing hearing aids in the future. Want...

There are some newer and fancier dollar stores that Clark wants to make sure you know about. Exercise doesn't have to take an hour or longer every day. A new study finds that just 11 minutes of exercise daily can have a huge impact in your life! Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recycling isn't working out very well right now. There have been some proposals floated that could make recycling more viable though. HP will no longer honor its "free ink for life" plan. Subscribers are already being vocal with their criticism. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a new list of the most reliable used cars. Clark talks about which makes and models make the most sense for your wallet. Gift cards are often a bad purchase. Just give cash instead! But gift cards are even worse buy right now and Clark tells you why. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parents tend to not know when their kids are using tobacco and e-cigarettes. That's not good! Is the government tracking your location? There's evidence that they may be and that is understandably worrisome to many Americans. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark discusses the benefits of each. Curbside pickup is actually the perfect in-between! Many companies are slashing salaries if you move opt to move elsewhere. Clark tells you what to watch out for. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark is not a fan of the new Comcast data caps. He discusses the price you might find yourself paying to the internet giant if you use too much data in your home. Many automakers now offer built-in technology to monitor how your child is driving. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some items are made specifically for factory outlet stores. And often those items are of inferior quality. Clark gives you the scoop on how to tell whether the item was made specifically for the factory outlet store or not. Tough times impact us in massive ways. And we've seen a generation of savers formed because of the difficulties that Covid has caused. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark...

Renting an apartment has changed because of Covid. Clark talks about how to rent an apartment - and score a good deal - in the world of virtual visiting a future place to live. The newest ACSI reveals which banks are doing a great job meeting customer needs and which ones aren't. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

Clark talks about the transition to clean energy in the United States. It's been difficult on the oil industry and likely will become even more difficult in the coming years as sustainable energy like wind and solar are getting cheaper and cheaper. Christa and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Want more money advice? Sign up...

Clark talks about which delivery services pay gig workers the best and how gig workers can maximize their income by downloading the Gridwise app. Consumers are leaving high-cost mutual funds in favor of funds with lower fees. If you haven't checked to see what the fee structure is like in your investment portfolio, now is the time to check! Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily ne...

Disney+ is looking to add more content while simultaneously raising prices. If you're a Disney+ subscriber you'll be paying $1 more every month starting in March 2021. Don't ever buy a timeshare. Rent one instead! Koala is a website where you can rent someone else's timeshare. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...