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? / File a Complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau / Carvana Vehicle Value - Also get v...
Sep 14, 2021•24 min
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, income share agreements , and working while in school. Ask Clark topics include: Experian...
Sep 13, 2021•31 min
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 / 4 Things To Know Before You Buy a Digital TV Antenna / 4 Things To Know Before You Sign Up for S...
Sep 10, 2021•35 min
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 topics include: Where to Buy the Best Cheap Printer / Umbrella Insurance / How to Freeze Your...
Sep 09, 2021•29 min
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-sponsored retirement programs / Health Insurance / Tracfone Wireless / How and When to Cancel a Credi...
Sep 08, 2021•28 min
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 Online Savings Accounts in 2021 - Yotta - Start Saving. Start Winning / Should You Buy an Extended Warra...
Sep 07, 2021•30 min
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? / Retirees fearing financial disaster wait for pension rescue - Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation / ...
Sep 03, 2021•30 min
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 Concerned About T-Mobile’s Data Breach? / If you have traditional health insurance, avoid student health ...
Sep 02, 2021•26 min
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 College Savings Plans By State / How To Open a Roth IRA / Clark Howard: Here’s My Experience Selling a Home...
Sep 01, 2021•25 min
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 Advocate Help With Your Medical Bills? / WSJ - Paying With a Credit Card? That’s Going to Cost You. / Ho...
Aug 31, 2021•25 min
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 if you regularly contribute to a good retirement plan , well, watch what happens! Why money you’re ...
Aug 30, 2021•28 min
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 Policies Homeowners Need To Get and the Ones To Skip / Keep solid proof forever when you’ve paid off stu...
Aug 27, 2021•32 min
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, investing is not a sport. He explains his philosophy. Ask Clark topics include: How To Prevent, Repo...
Aug 26, 2021•30 min
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 the most overlooked forms of insurance . Ask Clark topics include: How To Improve Your Credit Sco...
Aug 25, 2021•31 min
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? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter ! Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more ...
Aug 24, 2021•23 min
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) accounts . Rip Off Alert and a Clark Smart NEVER NEVER Rule. Ask Clark topics include: Save on ...
Aug 23, 2021•25 min
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 parents of disabled kids to save for the future - Special Needs Trust / Why co-signing a loan can be b...
Aug 20, 2021•31 min
Clark addresses the investigation into the Tesla autopilot system and his experiences with autonomous driving. // Clark shares his favorite places to save money on prescription eyeglasses & contacts. 3 discount sellers get the highest satisfaction ratings. Ask Clark topics include: Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car? / Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review / How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor / How to Freeze Your Credit / Best 529 College Savings Plans By State \\ Want mor...
Aug 19, 2021•31 min
Based on your particular needs for calling, network & data, choose the best cell plan & provider using Clark’s new cell phone guide , which makes it clear to see the best plan for you, at the best price. // New competition is changing the banking industry, which at its core, is about extracting fees from you. Now you have choice : Credit Unions, online banks & fintechs do things differently. Ask Clark topics include: 5 Things to Know Before You Use Zelle / The #1 thing you need to do...
Aug 18, 2021•33 min
Organized crime has had a hand in moving scams for decades and now it’s gotten more severe . Clark describes how the scam happens, so you can steer clear . // The pandemic has upended the office imperative, allowing more people to live and work anywhere in the country or abroad. But working remotely is not without downsides . Some Clark smart employment direction. Ask Clark topics include: How Do Student Loans Work? 7 Things to Know / Biden Administration Extends Student Loan Pause Until January...
Aug 17, 2021•26 min
In stores and online, the ‘ Buy Now, Pay Late r’ option is proliferating. What’s the catch? / If you are an Amazon user, there are disturbing things going on with certain sellers you need to know about involving negative review backlash and dangerous merchandise . Ask Clark topics include: Rules and Qualifications for Claiming a Tax Dependent / Donor-Advised Funds: The Benefits and Drawbacks / Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything / Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Travel Car...
Aug 16, 2021•27 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / There’s evidence the frenzy in the home selling market is cooling off. Have we hit the point of price resistance? What home buyers and sellers should know. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: The #1 thing you need to do if you use PayPal, Venmo or Zelle / Is a Safe Deposit Box Really Safe? / Smartphone deals: The best bargains on unlocked smartphones under $200 / 9 Ways To Pay for College Without Stude...
Aug 13, 2021•32 min
Businesses have a lot to figure out right now -- vaccines, lack of workers, and wages . Employer vaccine mandates are expanding among medium to large companies. Clark explains the visceral fear of economic slowdown, in an environment of great job opportunity . // An inventive idea to solve housing shortages in cities. Ask Clark topics include: Amazon Scam Warning: Beware of Deliveries You Didn’t Order / How to spot and avoid fake product reviews on Amazon / The Best Time and Place to Buy a Mattr...
Aug 12, 2021•27 min
If you’re an entrepreneur or have a side gig, what you need to know to save for your future . // College students are headed back to campus. A special warning about campus health insurance , and what your options are. Ask Clark topics include: eBay Motors - Car and Truck Inspections / File Complaint with the Better Business Bureau / Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) / Petal Card Review - What Is a Credit Union? / The Best Places to Sell Your Cell Phone \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s fr...
Aug 11, 2021•25 min
The package delivery industry is beset with problems that affect small business the worst. Who is filling the niche ? // Word is out about some scams that are dominant now. Warnings for individual car sellers & sellers of anything, and what can happen if you lend out your phone. Ask Clark topics include: Is a Cash-Out Refinance Right for You? / Virtual Credit Cards: An Online Security Measure Worth Taking? / What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? / The #1 Way To Protect Yourself From S...
Aug 10, 2021•26 min
Different lenders assess you differently. Larger lenders use their own proprietary evaluations - and evaluate your patterns & their risk levels to make decisions about your credit . 80% of car buyers obtain a loan the wrong way. How to obtain the best credit terms. // QR codes have proliferated during the pandemic and are here to stay, but there are some privacy red flags going up around them. Plus, Apple privacy & Amazon privacy invasion . Ask Clark topics include: Where Do We Get a Hom...
Aug 09, 2021•28 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / Tips for saving money when doing laundry . Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Locast / 80+ great deals and discounts for military members and veterans - Military and Veterans Guide / 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Fly Southwest Airlines / Long-Term Care Insurance / Costco Travel / 401(k) Guide / Fidelity Investments Review 2021 \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter...
Aug 06, 2021•26 min
Clark preps you for the current state of travel, including passport delays, how to book to protect your wallet, hotel cleaning policies and rental cars. / Clark is alarmed by a new statistic about people borrowing money to play the stock market on what is called “ Margin ”. How this practice works and the risk involved. Ask Clark topics include: What Is a Credit Union? / How and Why to Refinance Your Mortgage: A Step-By-Step Guide / 5 Things To Know Before You Sign Up for Verizon Prepaid / What ...
Aug 05, 2021•29 min
Clark explains how 529 plans work to help families save for college, how to set one up, and which ones make Clark’s Dean’s List of most cost-efficient plans in his newly updated 529 Guide . But - Quiz: what comes in your financial life BEFORE you set up a 529 plan? / Employers are starting to offer incredible incentives and benefits to employees, and Walmart just announced a big one. Employer subsidized college isn’t new - let’s hope it’s returning broadly. Ask Clark topics include: Gift Tax Def...
Aug 04, 2021•29 min
Due to the ongoing pandemic, interest rates have fallen back down and with them, mortgage refinance rates . How refinances and mortgages differ, and how to go about taking advantage of these historic low rates. / The number of thefts of catalytic converters has risen 10 fold in the past year. It’ll cost ya big. How you can help prevent this theft problem. Ask Clark topics include: Turo: 5 Things To Know About the Cheap Car Rental Service / How to Find the Best Deal on Cheap Internet Service / St...
Aug 03, 2021•26 min
