Hear Clark’s 30 year standard method for dealing with lifestyle debt, and how using plastic triggers a kind of euphoria while keeping you from ‘feeling the spend’. / Better Banking - Chime has eliminated the junk fees and pain points of traditional banks. Low credit score? The Chime Credit Builder secured Visa card gives you control in a unique way. Also consider the Petal card for this purpose, or a credit union fresh start card. Ask Clark topics include: American Kennel Club / Blue Cross Blue ...
May 06, 2021•28 min
MVNO Mint Mobile has a plan for individual high data users for $30 a month. Clark offers details on this deal and others. / We’re living longer and may need to rethink our retirement age. Clark describes a phase in strategy that can really change the economics of your retirement years. Ask Clark topics include: The Best Place to Order Checks Online / 15-year mortgage / These Chromebooks less than $200 / laptop deals / Hybrid Financial Advisors / Full-Service Financial Advisor vs. Hybrid Robo-Adv...
May 05, 2021•25 min
Want to sell your timeshare? An former inside scammer reveals how they find you and get inside your wallet - No sale. / Survey says : Most Americans want government-backed job training over handouts. Lifelong training is essential to a dynamic economy wrought by ever changing technology. Ask Clark topics include: Home | Costco Travel / Digital Receipts | Paperless Receipts | CVS / Debit vs. credit | Pros, cons and $ protections / What Is a Flexible Spending Account? / 529 Plans: The Best Places ...
May 04, 2021•24 min
PROMISES BROKEN: One privilege of military service is student loan forgiveness. But the U.S. Dept of Education rejected 94%, just like public service loan forgiveness was largely rejected. This must be fixed. Congress talks a good game about valuing the military. The country must fulfill its promises to those who serve. / CRACKING THE CASE: How pandemic unemployment compensation has been looted, even from people who had their credit frozen, costing taxpayers $billions. Ask Clark topics include: ...
May 03, 2021•26 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / Labor shortages and last minute code changes are forcing manual processing of 2020 taxes. Refunds are delayed. Clark’s got a suggestion for those who routinely get refunds. Clark Stinks & Ask Clark topics include: Best Laser Printers for Your Home Office - Consumer Reports / How to Get a Mortgage in 8 Steps / 6 Things to Know About Refinancing Your Mortgage / Which Documents Should You Keep and for How Lo...
Apr 30, 2021•27 min
The housing shortage has pushed home prices to an all time peak. Clark speaks to fears of a real estate market crash and explains how the market is likely to play out. PLUS, a key rule for home buyers today. / Uber and Lyft are good economic indicators of the employment market and there’s a labor shortage in many different categories to explore. Some employers are desperate to hire. This will be a great summer for teen employment. Ask Clark topics include: How to Find a Good Moving Company / uSh...
Apr 29, 2021•27 min
There’s a streaming standoff between Roku and YouTube. What was once a cable issue is now spilling over into the streaming world. Streaming TV Archives - Clark Howard / Auto industry game changer is set to ground 'the grind'. HUGE news in the new car buying industry is not being widely reported - something Clark believes will absolutely change the way you buy a new car in the future. Ask Clark topics include: How to Find the Best Deal on Cheap Internet Service / Google Fi Review / T-Mobile Expan...
Apr 28, 2021•27 min
Clark clarifies the zone between full service and self service investing and describes the 3 hybrid discounters to help you choose what’s best for YOU! And - the KEY to buying financial advice. / Why now the labor shortage in restaurant industry and how tech will fill the gap. Be prepared to be greeted by a robot. New technologies being rolled out mean less interaction with servers. Ask Clark topics include: Life Insurance - Clark.com / 529 Plans / How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Thef...
Apr 27, 2021•27 min
Word to high frequency traders - Clark’s journey with Robinhood and its imitators has been arduous of late. The timeline and tax takeaway is news for investors… How to avoid the tax backlash. / Cable companies, previously one of your wallet’s arch enemies, are now becoming heroes in the cell phone industry. How cable companies can save you money on your cell phone bill. Ask Clark topics include: Comparing Hybrid Financial Advisors: Vanguard vs. Schwab vs. Fidelity / How to Stop Robocalls for Goo...
Apr 26, 2021•24 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts from the site with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / What happens if you lose your Covid vaccination card? It happened to Clark! Ideas to protect your card. Clark Stinks & Ask Clark topics include: Paying Contractors: Don’t pay big cash up front, make a progress payment agreement / Lazer printers can be a smart choice / The Best Places To Buy Eyeglasses / E-ZPass Group / Vanguard Mutual Fund Profile / How To Open a Roth IRA - Clark Howard \\ W...
Apr 23, 2021•29 min
The full fare airlines have pivoted to leisure routes and Southwest has launched a fare sale cycle. Clark travel advice includes flight cancellation, the rental car problem and hotel prices. / The same blood test cost one cancer patient 800% more at a hospital than it did at a doctor’s office. Large hospital systems are hostile to price competition. Clark updates the battle for price transparency & explains how to handle a medical test or procedure referral. Ask Clark topics include : Using ...
Apr 22, 2021•26 min
Clark talks gas prices and other increases he didn’t see coming. What’s happening and what you can do about it to protect your wallet. / Peloton has seen huge growth during the pandemic. Now they're refusing to recall their treadmills despite a call from the CPSC to do so. Clark discusses corporate behavior and treadmill safety. Ask Clark topics include: Get started with Medicare / Umbrella Insurance Policy / Ibotta Review / Costco extended warranty / Series I Savings Bonds - TreasuryDirect - In...
Apr 21, 2021•27 min
Dwellings are the largest expense we have and a key determinant of financial health. Clark describes obstacles to and different types of ADU s - accessory dwelling units - a win-win for landlords and renters. / The trucking industry is short of drivers and pay is going up. Many companies provide training. Also, the Federal Reserve reports small businesses have been far more resilient than anticipated and there is less dislocation than feared. Learn how the table is set for a really strong small ...
Apr 20, 2021•28 min
3 class action lawsuits found game developers and content providers violating the law, tracking and building profiles on children. We need punitive legislation and parental oversight. There are programs to help parents monitor and limit their children online. / Two years ago, as a board member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Clark first heard of liquid biopsies, blood tests with DNA screening for cancers and potentially the Holy Grail of diagnostics. Clark updates the progress of this testing...
Apr 19, 2021•28 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts from the site with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . There are significant changes for individuals and families that buy their own compliant health insurance policies. A special enrollment period extends through August on Healthcare.gov. If you have a tight income and don’t have health insurance, Clark explains why you should apply now and double check for subsidies. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter ! Learn more abou...
Apr 16, 2021•28 min
Home buyers are squeezed right now, having to pay more. Clark discusses the supply problem and the logic behind his new rule on your ownership cycle. / Extended service contracts, insurance coverage and warranties on electronics & appliances is a key profit push for retailers. Clark explains what type of insurance you actually should have. Plus, why Clark is neutral on vehicle warranties and what he recommends. Ask Clark topics include: Going solar / Home remodeling / Replace a lost Social S...
Apr 15, 2021•28 min
Clark reviews the new Best Buy membership program as they compete with the bigs - Amazon Prime, Walmart+ & Costco. Retailers are challenged to connect in new ways. CVS and Walgreens are also offering memberships. / Clark & Christa are testing out T-Mobile’s home internet . Hear their verdict on this flat rate alternative to traditional home internet. Simultaneously, more zip codes in the U.S. are able to get Starlink internet from SpaceX, offering high speed unlimited data, soon to blank...
Apr 14, 2021•26 min
We’re always being tracked online but there are browsers and extensions to help protect privacy. Clark has tested a couple and reports on ease of use. / How most of us buy a car is a giant rip off. Clark explains how the game is played and how to obtain - or refi your loan the right way . Ask Clark topics include: Deferred Compensation Definition / How to Open a Roth IRA / Investing Guide / FDIC: Deposit Insurance FAQs / Best Online Banks / Travel Insurance / Should You Buy Out Your Leased Car? ...
Apr 13, 2021•26 min
We’re seeing more focus on how to reach and teach young people about money . There’s collateral damage due to lack of financial education . Some high school programs exist. TikTok is now offering financial teachings of the basics of personal finance. Starting at age 6, the more parents can talk to kids and teach by example about saving and making money decisions, the better. // Tax policy in the U.S. is a ridiculous mess, and changing all the time. How we do taxes should be non-partisan. But tax...
Apr 12, 2021•26 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts from the site with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . A new federal law allows employers to pay toward employee student loan debt or for a portion their education, through 2025 - tax free for the recipient, deductible for the employer. Clark explains this voluntary benefit - a win-win. Clark Stinks & Ask Clark topics include: Consumer Reports- printers / Two-factor authentication with Cash App / Insurance subrogation / Want more money advice? Sig...
Apr 09, 2021•27 min
Historically, 529 plans owned by grandparents negatively impacted the student’s financial aid profile. That changes this fall. Clark explains the new FAFSA rule, and the WRONG way to set up a 529 account . / The Facebook data breach involves more than half a billion people around the world. What info criminals have and what you need to do to protect your identity and your wallet. Freeze Your Credit . Security is not part of the principle architecture of how the internet works, leaving each websi...
Apr 08, 2021•26 min
Economic fallout from Coronavirus: Clark explains why, as we enter economic recovery, a homeless problem appears. Also, auto loan delinquencies are up. Clark's NEVER rule for car buying. / Jobs are roaring back in the U.S. - Why this decade could be a golden age for workers. Ask Clark topics include: Clark's Maximum Auto Loan Length Rule / How To Spot Financial Abuse of an Elderly Relative or Friend - Clark Howard / How to Buy a New Car / How to Buy a Used Car / How to Open a Roth IRA / Credit F...
Apr 07, 2021•26 min
New reviews of affordable printers indicate great improvement. The HP business model means high prices for ink. Epson and Brother have that option, plus, more costly printers requiring very low cost ink which saves big$ over time. / Car rental prices have spiked in many areas. Clark has some workaround strategies to use until costs normalize. Ask Clark topics include: Charitable Gift Annuity / 7 Things To Know Before You Buy Gas at Costco Wholesale / How to Stop Robocalls for Good - Combating Sp...
Apr 06, 2021•24 min
A new debt collection rule may kick in this November allowing collectors to contact consumers via email, text and direct messages on social media, with no frequency limits. Regardless, it’s essential to know your rights with debt collectors . Clark offers some key rules to help protect your credit. / As we transition from traditional pay TV to streaming, we can end up paying more if we’re not careful. Are you topping $100 a month? Do you watch every service you’re signed up for? A Clark assignme...
Apr 05, 2021•23 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts and Clark responds. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks / Glorified Vending Machines: Unstaffed robotic cooking centers, sometimes seen in airports, are coming to neighborhoods - open 24/7 with reduced labor costs. Meanwhile, convenience store operators realize they can’t live by gasoline sales anymore, with gas sales declining as people migrate to electric vehicles. Chains are experimenting with affordable fresh food offerings. Clark Stinks & Ask Clark to...
Apr 02, 2021•27 min
Clark attempts to explain NFTs (with an assist from SNL) & blockchain and gives his take on this novel craze. Also, fully vaccinated, Clark’s back in stores and finds himself spending ...more OR less? Ask Clark topics include: ETF Guide / HSA - Health Savings Account / Amazon MTurk Review / Save on dental care / Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Apr 01, 2021•26 min
One effect of the pandemic has been forced early retirement for many. Only 38% of the workforce is 55 and older. Why employers are working against their own self interest and that of the U.S. economy when they discriminate against older workers. Short term thinking makes for short lived companies. Companies that stand the test of time treat workers well. / A first for Clark - renting storage. What you can learn from his process. Ask Clark topics include : Refinancing a car loan / Appliance purch...
Mar 31, 2021•23 min
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 insurance department. / Car rental prices escalate - Turo - Getaround . / Want more money advice? Sign ...
Mar 30, 2021•26 min
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: Custodial Roth IRA / Authorized credit card user - Petal Card / Best and Worst Home Insurance ...
Mar 29, 2021•27 min
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 free daily newsletter ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Mar 26, 2021•28 min
