You have the power to lower your power bills this summer. Clark offers several ways to reduce summer cooling costs. Also, get notable savings with Visible’s new annual plans , plus new disclosures through broadband ‘nutrition’ labels . Save On AC This Summer: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Visible Deals & New Broadband Labeling: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Save Money on Utilities- clark.com 6 Smart Ways to Cut Your Utility Bills Federal Tax Credits for Energy...
May 01, 2024•30 min
As promised, today Clark shares his crazy (like a fox!) idea on how to fix the housing crisis. Also - a warning about buying a code-share airline ticket. Know how code-share tickets work, and often, don’t work. Clark’s Housing Market Fix: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Code-Share Airline Tickets: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why many homeowners feel trapped by low-rate mortgages [The Washington Post] Inflation keeps coming in hot, likely delaying interest rate cuts Biden...
Apr 30, 2024•31 min
The job market has been a crazy ride over the past several years, and job hopping has become commonplace. But is it still a good idea to chase higher pay? How important is stability and loyalty now? Also today - An old idea by legacy retailer Sears, which sold over 70,000 mail-order homes between 1908 and 1942, has resurfaced. Hear how Home Depot is getting in on the affordable housing market. Job Stability: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 House Building Kits: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Menti...
Apr 29, 2024•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, If you love cruising, good news. An old way to get really cheap cruise prices at the last minute is making a comeback. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Cruise Deals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Best Place To Buy a Mattress The Platinum Card® from American Express Review: Is It Worth It? Target Is Rebranding Its Credit Card Program: What You ...
Apr 26, 2024•30 min
Right now in the U.S. we have record credit card debt , a huge stressor on so many. To add insult to injury, supposed credit repair companies make things worse for those struggling to get back on their feet. What you need to know. Also, Clark translates the scare stories out now about the stock market and offers direction for investors. Debt Relief Scams: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Investing & Dollar-Cost Averaging: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Americans’ credit ...
Apr 25, 2024•32 min
Today - How the recent credit-card settlement affects merchants and your future transactions. Also, do you need the latest greatest television? Clark explains why buying the latest TV technology is a waste of money. New Credit Card Rules: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cheap TVs Are Clark Smart: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Warns Major Changes To Credit Card Rewards Are Coming Soon NYTimes: Credit Card Swipe Fees Are Going Down. Are Points Going With Them? Visa, Ma...
Apr 24, 2024•29 min
Clark recommends renting in a new city or state before you buy there, and has a great example of why to share with you. Also, Clark is very happy to report that the used clothing market is growing 7 times faster in the U.S. than the new market. Buying used is a great way to Spend Less! Rent Before Buying In New Locale: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Secondhand Clothing A WIN: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: New York Post: Florida transplants fleeing in droves over relentles...
Apr 23, 2024•28 min
Clark recently talked about GM selling off driving data to auto insurers, and 2 of his predictions about this have now come true. That update plus - another invasion of privacy by the insurance industry has come to light, this time impacting homeowners. Also today, college costs continue to skyrocket. Clark explains how this has come about, and what today’s students can do about it. Insurance Spies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 College Costs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the sho...
Apr 22, 2024•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Speaking of Fridays - working hard or hardly working? There’s a trend of workers cutting out early on Fridays , and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Flexible Fridays!: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark.com - TIRES The Basics of Municipal Bonds Travel Archives - Clark Howard / Travel Archives - Clark Deals We’re Working Less ...
Apr 19, 2024•29 min
Dollar stores and other discounters are reconfiguring. Clark clears media confusion surrounding closures and discusses what makes some discount retail operations more successful than others. Also - If you want job stability with a pension, this job sector wants you! Dollar Store Closures: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Who Offers A Pension?: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Dollar stores are shutting down across America. They did this to themselves 99 Cents Only Stores to cl...
Apr 18, 2024•32 min
Clark updates EV deals with Tesla now in the mix. Also, what to know about digital wallet options including Paze , a new entry from the big banks. Tesla Deals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Digital Wallets: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What’s wrong with Tesla? [The Washington Post] Ready or not, self-driving semi-trucks are coming to America’s highways Should You Take Your Pension in a Lump Sum or Monthly Payments? Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation: Home Page Best Se...
Apr 17, 2024•31 min
Often at checkouts, we’re asked to donate to a cause by rounding up our payment or contributing one dollar. How do you decide when to give? Also, as a result of giant hospital systems buying up practices, you may be charged a significant “ facility fee ” at doctors appointments. Be ready by asking the right question in advance. Plus, out-of-network charges are being manipulated by private equity , costing patients more. Checkout Charity: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Medical Facility Fees: Segm...
Apr 16, 2024•33 min
Clark discusses filing an extension and what to do if you don’t have the money to pay income taxes. Also, many of us are dealing with sky-high valuations of our property, and Clark has a personal story to tell. Filing A Tax Extension: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Property Tax Appeals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Tax return extensions: Why you should (or shouldn't) do it and how to request one When Are Taxes Due? Important Tax Dates in 2024 The IRS has 940,000 unclaime...
Apr 15, 2024•36 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . And today Clark revels in listener reprobation for his rank, malodorous missteps on a slew of topics - for the entire podcast. Ah the smell of it! Mentioned on the show: Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2024 Reps demand answers to U.S. Postal Service delays across state, country Want To Guard Your Privacy Online? Search the Web With DuckDuckGo Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rew...
Apr 12, 2024•35 min
Today Clark shares an important warning for anyone who has a relative or friend in a nursing home, assisted living, hospital or any other medical facility. Also - Self-checkout seemed like a great idea, until stores realized how much theft was occurring. Expect to see some changes in this area. Medical Facilities Payment Scheme: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Retail Self-Checkout: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why a financial regulator is going after health care debt 3 Th...
Apr 11, 2024•29 min
The membership business model has overtaken retailers large and small. Clark compares offerings from Target, Walmart, Amazon and 2 warehouse clubs, with a directive for consumers. Also, as if timeshares aren’t bad enough, organized crime is now getting into the resale scam game. Retail Memberships: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cartels Target Timeshares: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Barrons: Delivery Is Retail’s New Game. How the Players Stack Up. Target Is Rebranding I...
Apr 10, 2024•27 min
During the pandemic, many people decided to buy or adopt a dog. Due to changing circumstances, many former “pandemic puppies” are now in need of homes, presenting an opportunity for would-be pet owners. Also today, scams have morphed over the decades and exploded with technology. It pays to be savvy to the latest permutations of tech imposter scams. Pandemic Puppies Fill Shelters: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Tech Scams: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Survey: 91% of dog ...
Apr 09, 2024•29 min
Much in the news lately - houses overtaken by squatters , or stolen through title theft. Clark discusses which homes are most vulnerable and what to be aware of as a homeowner. Also today, why credit card rewards are not always worth it. Clark discusses how reward cards work, and what it takes to reap the benefits. Anti-Squatter Statutes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Rewards: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Protect Your Home From Deed Theft New York Pos...
Apr 08, 2024•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode, a handful of automakers are selling their customers down the river and it’s an inexcusable invasion of privacy that impacts insurance premiums. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Automakers Selling Driving Data: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card Review: Up to 2% Unlimited Cash Back When Should You ...
Apr 05, 2024•34 min
With more employers saying they no longer require a college degree for employment, Clark discusses the importance of a college education for your career long-term. And for the 2/3rds of adults without a degree, Clark shares valuable occupational tools . Also, relief is in sight, as price cutting from 2 major retailers may influence the market overall. College Degrees And Employment: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Retailers Announce Price Cuts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show...
Apr 04, 2024•25 min
The percent of income we save, our savings rate - is the key indicator of financial health. So how are we doing right now? Also - How much exercise do you really need to make a difference in your health, and ultimately your wallet? Only 25% of Americans get the recommended amount of exercise. New data reveals what a big difference the minimum requirement can make for those who are mostly sedentary. American Savings Rates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Arise From The Couch: Segment 3 Ask Clark: ...
Apr 03, 2024•32 min
The U.S. has become the world’s premier oil producer . As we plan our summer road trips, Clark explains how this status along with global factors affect gas prices. Also, how developing technology in vertical farming can cleanly help feed the planet. Summer Gas Prices: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vertical Farming Solutions: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: U.S. government tells Americans: ‘We’re producing more crude oil than any country, ever’ America's Oil Boom / AAA Gas...
Apr 02, 2024•30 min
Clark discusses the risks you face with security cameras in your home. Also in this episode, Clark has talked about how to hire a financial planner, but what about becoming one yourself? There’s now a greater demand for financial planning services with jobs in this field expected to grow in the next decade. Security Cameras & Your Privacy: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Financial Planning Careers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: That security camera & smart doorbell...
Apr 01, 2024•27 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, Recent data proves the point: You CAN achieve financial independence, habitually building reserves by living on less than what you make and investing wisely. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Financial Independence: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Your money could fall into the wrong hands if you don’t update this crucial information Wills & Funer...
Mar 29, 2024•36 min
You may have heard about Wendy’s experimenting with “surge” pricing. This was a miscommunication about dynamic demand pricing. Clark explains. Also today, Clark discusses when you should NOT trust AI and what to know about Google search results. Dynamic Demand Pricing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 AI’s Troubled Infancy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Surge Pricing Is Coming to More Menus Near You - The Wall Street Journal. Wendy's 'dynamic pricing' drew backlash, but exp...
Mar 28, 2024•31 min
Clark has news for parents and grandparents saving for a child’s college education. Also in this episode, reversals in the auto industry are landing many existing car loans underwater. What to do if you are upside down in a car loan. 529 Plan Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Upside Down Vehicle Loans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Use the 529 Grandparent Loophole to Maximize College Savings Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Rollovers From a 529 Plan to Roth IR...
Mar 27, 2024•28 min
In medicine today, there’s ongoing conflict between insurers and providers and we’re caught in the middle. This necessitates a clear directive for you before you go to any doctor appointment. Also - In free enterprise capitalism, what is core and key for enduring success? Clark shares a case in point . Assignment: Reverify Medical Network: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A Requirement For Success: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: [The Washington Post] How your in-network heal...
Mar 26, 2024•30 min
U.S. real estate commissions have been roughly triple those elsewhere in the developed world. Clark explains how recent settlements in the industry will actually play out over time in terms of commissions. Also in this episode, Clark shares new cruise booking insights based on a recent experience. Real Estate Commissions: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Summer Cruise Deals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Closing Costs for Buying a Home Have Risen Along With Rates The 6% com...
Mar 25, 2024•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - The travel industry can be unstable. Another cruise line recently shut down. Know Clark’s number one rule for booking travel and protecting your money. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Travel Booking Rule: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Google Fi Wireless: My Experience as a Five-Year Customer (Pros and Cons) The Best International Phone Plans What...
Mar 22, 2024•33 min
This Special Edition features Wes Moss, host of the Retire Sooner Podcast. Wes is a fiduciary fee only planner, who shares his investing expertise on a range of topics, including listener questions submitted at Clark.com . Warren Buffet & An Overvalued Market: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Stocks & Funds: Decisions: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Wes Moss - Retire Sooner Read Warren Buffett's 2024 annual letter to shareholders Warren Buffett's annual investor lett...
Mar 21, 2024•34 min
