It’s a frustrating game - appealing a denied medical claim . They’re counting on you to give up. Don’t. Clark shares the best approach and strategies. Also, housing market conditions remain hostile for first time home buyers. Some sources say now is the time to buy. Clark offers a different opinion, and direction moving forward. Health Insurance Claim Appeal: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 First Time Home Buyers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show I Set Out to Create a Simple M...
Oct 04, 2023•27 min
Out of the massive and ongoing losses of the pandemic, many people reassessed their lives and livelihoods. This reset has led to a wave of new businesses. Clark discusses how this is outstanding for the American economy , the hope and hazard of entrepreneurship - and the upstart scammers that startups must look out for. Also today, are you obsessed with your fitness devices? This can become a problem for some… including Clark. Small Business: Pride & Peril: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fit...
Oct 03, 2023•27 min
October holiday shopping is Clark Smart this year. Clark surveys the retail landscape with money saving strategies involving bargain product categories. Early birds SAVE MORE! Also today - how we pay for things continues to change. As the use of cash & checks fades into history, modern forms of payment are evolving into biometrics. Electronic methods often mean we lose track of our spending. Not cool. Holiday Shopping: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 E-Spend Control: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segm...
Oct 02, 2023•35 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Something else stinks - Medicare advantage plans! Clark explains the Medicare advantage plan trap in existence in most states. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Medicare Dis-Advantage Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Google Fi Wireless Review: Things To Know Before You Sign Up Longevity Insurance: What Is It and Do You Need It? 2 Ways To Guarantee Yourself ...
Sep 29, 2023•36 min
Clark explains how the credit card reward game goes through cycles, and where we are now in terms of you applying for credit. And with interest rates high, if you do carry debt, know the best kind of card to use. Also today - fees are creeping into everything! Get Clark’s warning about new online shopping fees you could easily miss. Credit Card Offers & Interest: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Junk Fees Are Morphing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show 5 Ways Credit Union Cr...
Sep 28, 2023•27 min
One of the best decisions you can make is to start saving for retirement early. Clark discusses the psychology behind saving. Also, pharmacy errors have become all too common and can cause great harm. Clark has an important tip to help make sure you’re getting the correct medication. Get Psyched For Saving: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Pharmacy Errors: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show WSJ.com: The Secret to Saving for Retirement: Start Before You’re 20 How Our Brains Affect...
Sep 27, 2023•32 min
September 26 Professor Clark: Credit Scores 101 / Smart Borrowing For Small Business Clark provides a 101 refresher on credit scores . Even if you don’t need to borrow, there are valid reasons to pay attention to your score. Hear about the variety of score models and how to keep your overall score healthy. Also, changes in the banking sector have made it hard for small businesses & entrepreneurs to obtain working capital. Clark shares the best approaches, from local banks and credit unions, ...
Sep 26, 2023•29 min
The vehicle market is going through a slow, steady healing process. Inventory is up. In light of the UAW strike , Clark discusses pricing for both new & used automobiles. Also today, Clark explains how Delta , United and American airlines actively devaluing their frequent flyer programs - is actually good for travel consumers. Vehicle Market Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Devalued Miles: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Buying a car? What the UAW strike means – an...
Sep 25, 2023•32 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - your privacy online. Europe's Digital Service Act is changing the online experience. Many of us are ignoring new privacy reminders. Clark explains why we’re seeing these, and why you should respond. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Enhanced Online Privacy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show 8 Tips for Staying Cool Without Heating Up Your Energy Bill Tr...
Sep 22, 2023•32 min
Clark.com provides in-depth coverage of cell phone plans, including pre-paid options. While the big 3 push higher bills at a time of marginal growth, 1 in 4 customers have gone to discounters. There are so many new cell phone plans out there - consider switching to save big bucks. Something else that can save big money is to travel to a foreign country for dental care. This potential alternative is an important, individual, research based choice. Prepaid Phone Plans: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment...
Sep 21, 2023•34 min
There’s a brewing war between food delivery services and restaurants and it’s costing customers. Clark discusses the big price difference between food delivery vs pickup or dining in, and the embedded cost of using food apps. Also, due to the unreliability of flight schedules, more people are driving to destinations they can reach in 8 hours or less. As an alternative, there are more discounted bus service options today to consider. A look at regional bus radial routes may save you money on trav...
Sep 20, 2023•33 min
Thanks to the sheer magnitude of retail theft , until solutions are found, we’ll continue to see more items under lock & key in many retail stores. Mentioned on the show Dollar Tree said theft is such a problem it will start locking up items or stop selling them altogether The Best International Phone Plans Google Fi Wireless Review: Things To Know Before You Sign Up Google Fi Wireless: Free Trial and New Plan Perks How To Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion How Do You D...
Sep 19, 2023•23 min
The auto insurance industry is in a world of hurt and aggressively raising rates. Clark explains the factors involved and what you can do to help keep your costs down. Also today, life expectancy is a roll of the dice but generally, people are living longer. There’s a little known and very smart way to avoid outliving your money - longevity insurance . Auto Insurance Bill Shock: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Longevity Insurance: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Clark Howard:...
Sep 18, 2023•38 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, the U.S. has the highest credit card processing merchant fees in the world - the system that feeds credit card rewards . Clark explains the industry battle surrounding the proposed Credit Card Competition act of 2023, which would allow free market competition for merchant processing. Learn what’s at stake and where Clark stands on getting U.S. fees aligned with the world s...
Sep 15, 2023•30 min
Clark shares new information about the job market including what workers want most, and opportunity for over 50 workers. Also today, an uncertain economy has bred many finance stories about the cheapest places to live. But moving for financial reasons is a big decision with multiple factors to consider. How to figure out if you should move for money. Employment Trends: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Financial Relocation: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Over 50? You’re a Hot ...
Sep 14, 2023•30 min
Clark has an important warning about what to look out for when doing travel research online. Also in this episode, Clark discusses why this is the sweetest era to be an entrepreneur and how gig, contract & freelance work is reshaping the economy FAKE Travel Guides: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Gig Work Effect: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show SOUTHWEST - Fall sale to high-tail it outta town. NYTimes.com: A New Frontier for Travel Scammers: A.I.-Generated Guidebooks ...
Sep 13, 2023•35 min
As the enrollment period for health insurance approaches, an underused option offers new opportunity involving the best savings plan offered in America. Clark explains. Also, another entity promising big returns in real estate made off with investor money. Clark amplifies his warning against private placement investing - which comes in many forms, including this crowd funding real estate company gone bust. Is An HSA Right For You? Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Beware Private Placement Investing...
Sep 12, 2023•29 min
Clark explains the forces behind a reversal in home building trends , bringing more affordable homes to the housing market. Also today: New data shows the net cost of attending college is moderating. Clark discusses cost factors to consider when choosing a college and most importantly - a course of study and skill set. Is prestige worth the price, or is it better to hold the cost and borrowing down? Plus, a NEVER NEVER rule on student loans. Back To Smaller Homes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 ...
Sep 11, 2023•36 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, Clark explains the Pharmacy Benefit Manger (PBM) trade off on prices for generics vs brand names & how you can save more. Plus great news for consumers on the prescription cost front, thanks to a recent move by a major insurer. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Rx Progress: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Why You Should Never Prepay for a Rental Ca...
Sep 08, 2023•31 min
It’s time to think about holiday travel plans and Clark has some guidance on the best time and way to book flights . Also today, surprise medical bills persist and massive, inaccurate hospital bills remain the main culprit. Clark offers strategies for both the insured and uninsured facing hospital costs. Holiday Air Travel: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Hospital Bills: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Google Says This Is the Best Time to Book Cheap Holiday Flights The Best T...
Sep 07, 2023•31 min
Amount lost to only the scams reported last year: $9 Billion. Clark runs down an alarming list of current cons, and what they all have in common. Also today, Clark updates his journey renting storage , with new insights on what renters of storage units need to know. Scam-a-rama Line Up: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Renting Storage: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show People are losing more money to scammers than ever before. Here's how to keep yourself safe Blue-tick scammers ...
Sep 06, 2023•34 min
Car thieves are going high-tech to get around anti-theft technology. Clark explains 2 simple ways to protect your vehicle, including inexpensive, widely available car key RFID signal blockers. Also today, an important privacy warning for Venmo users and a key NEVER NEVER NOT EVER rule for using pay apps. Car Theft Protection: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Venmo Privacy Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show To steal today's computerized cars, thieves go high-tech — The Co...
Sep 05, 2023•30 min
Happy Labor Day Weekend! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns Tuesday September 5 The No Surprises Act became law last year to eliminate surprise medical billing, but most people don’t know what it is and what their rights are under it. Clark lays it out so you know your new rights when it comes to medical bills. Also - how much, if anything, do you have in your emergency fund ? Clark has a way for you to be better prepared for the inevitable rainy day. The No Surprises Act & You...
Sep 01, 2023•28 min
Reviews can help you make decisions on all kinds of purchases, from merchandise to services and travel. But how can you trust them? Clark offers some insights & guidance. Also today, unusual factors in the diamond market are affecting the price of traditional and lab diamonds. Insights On Reading Reviews: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Diamond Prices: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show WSJ: Customer Ratings Have Become Meaningless. ‘People Hand Out 5 Stars Like It’s Candy.’...
Aug 31, 2023•29 min
Even as summer winds down, people are still looking for great airfare deals. There’s a new resource from Going that may help. Plus, the story of one Mom’s mission to find her daughter’s lost luggage speaks to a travel NEVER NEVER rule Clark has long held. Also today - Auto insurance rates are going way up due to various market pressures. Clark discusses why dash cams are essential, and what you can expect to pay for one. Air Travel: Savings & Strategy: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Dash Cam...
Aug 30, 2023•30 min
Football season is upon us and sports betting is growing in popularity. Clark describes how the nature of sports gambling has changed and pitfalls to be aware of. Also in this episode, there’s currently a horrible scam that is exploiting grief to rip off those who have just lost a loved one. Clark describes how this works so you and your loved ones stay in the know. Sports Betting: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Funeral Home Scam: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show The Dark sid...
Aug 29, 2023•32 min
Rampant scams are now a global scourge, many now employing a tactic known as “ pig butchering ”. Clark shares a real life example and what you need to know. Also in this episode -Shocking new data reveals that most Americans are not on track for retirement . Our aspirations for early retirement don’t match up to how much is being saved for the future. Know how you can get on track for a more secure retirement. “Pig Butchering” Scams Increasing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Retirement Shortfall...
Aug 28, 2023•31 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, a back to basics primer on Clark’s favorite method of investing: dollar-cost averaging , the popular, yet controversial set-it-and-forget-it way to invest. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Dollar-Cost Averaging: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way LA Times - Most-downloaded app in App Store sells products linked to fo...
Aug 25, 2023•31 min
Word to seniors - A new trend is serving the lifelong learning ethos which may make sense for you and greatly enhance retirement. Also, the increased challenges of homebuying have led to the resurgence of renting to own a home. Clark discusses the opportunity and hazard of these contracts. Retirees Return To College: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Rent-To-Own Home Contracts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Why Retirees Are Going Back to College Flexcar: Your flexible alterna...
Aug 24, 2023•28 min
Have you experienced “the bum’s rush” feeling at a restaurant giving you a time limit on your table? This is a trend Clark has experienced and it seems to sacrifice hospitality for time management. Necessary? Also today - Amazon is trying to fix its problems with grocery sales, streamlining the process. Restaurant Time Limits: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Amazon’s Grocery Overhaul: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Are time limits at restaurants a reasonable new trend or inh...
Aug 23, 2023•30 min
