Americans are living longer. At the same time, we want to retire earlier . Clark wisdom for those ages 20 to 45 about what it takes to be FI (Financially Independent) in the back third of life. // An outrageous grocery charge you have to hear to believe - and how to protect your wallet from this kind of banking trainwreck. Ask Clark topics include: How Does Airbnb Work for Hosts? / How to Buy a Used Car / Clark.com - CELL PHONES / 31 Items To Pack in Your Financial Emergency Kit \\ Want more mon...
Nov 02, 2021•30 min
The work from home genie is out of the bottle. Employees have left the building. And yet, nearly half of execs want them back in the office 5 days a week. Check the quit rate , boss. People have the power now. Clark smart executive direction . / Housing : Our number 1 expense . Clark covers the latest developments and how they affect your wallet now and in the future. Ask Clark topics include: VENMO Identity Verification / Is It Better To Buy a New or Used Car in the Current Market? / New and Us...
Nov 01, 2021•30 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / The Holiday shopping season has morphed to spread out the sales calendar for greater efficiency. The pandemic has accelerated that process. Now pre-Halloween, sales are underway . Clark points to a few so you can SAVE MORE . The biggest deals will come before December. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Costco Auto Program: New & Used Car Buying Service / ALLIANT Your everyday cashback credit card...
Oct 22, 2021•33 min
There are 2 major factors that inform why people choose to move from one state to another. California and Texas are a case in point. // Clark shares an idea that may shift the way you think about retirement savings - at any age. Ask Clark topics include: What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? / How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps / Best and Worst Auto Insurance Companies / Best and Worst Home Insurance Companies / Ask Clark: What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA? / What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work...
Oct 21, 2021•28 min
The investing price wars continue, giving you more choice in the marketplace. You’ll end up with 50% more money for retirement being with a low cost provider. A full commission stock broker is pitching something that may sound like a good idea. Clark’s not buying it, and neither should you. // Disney uses dynamic demand pricing which can help regulate crowd size. Now they have a new planning app called Genie . What it does, and what it costs . Ask Clark topics include: Fiduciary Financial Adviso...
Oct 20, 2021•31 min
$40 vs $330 for the same Rx?! GREAT news on a couple of subscription programs that can save you big bucks . // Why Wall Street loves Best Buy’s new membership program for tech support and the value of membership. Ask Clark topics include: 10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs / Canadian International Pharmacy Association / How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps / Cell Phones & Smartphones for sale | eBay / OnePlus Nord - OnePlus (United States) - OnePlus Nord Series / Tempted by timeshares? Heed C...
Oct 19, 2021•26 min
Restaurants and the service industries overall are enduring severe labor shortages for all to see. This is creating high anxiety. Patience is a virtue. / 16 years into telematics, only 2% of drivers allow themselves to be tracked. Do you want your every move tracked while driving? How one major insurer is pushing for it , plus, a tale of Tesla’s driver-assist testing . Ask Clark topics include: Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything - Clark / Submit a complaint | Consumer Fina...
Oct 18, 2021•27 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / Why Clark loves our largest domestic airline - Southwest, what’s going on with the recent meltdowns , and Clark smart advice for travelers. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Social Security / CREDIT CARDS - Clark.com / 5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room / Wawa Launches “Tap, Pay & Save 15 Cents Per Gallon” with the Wawa App through Oct. 31 \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’...
Oct 15, 2021•36 min
The disappearance of cash brings new ways to tip - and challenges teaching kids about money. // The average bottled water drinker spends $1400 a year on bottled water - which may not be as safe as tap water! And bottled water IS overwhelmingly tap water ! Clark explains - and suggests a WAY cheaper middle ground solution. Ask Clark topics include: What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA? / MTurk Review: How to Make Money Online With Amazon Mechanical Turk - Survey Junkie Review: 3 Things to Know Before You ...
Oct 14, 2021•29 min
How many times do you pick up your smartphone each day? Surprising statistics about how much we’re engrossed in these devices, and something else to think about. // Both Androids & iPhones are being invaded by various types of malicious apps . 10 million got hit with fake charges on their cell phone bills. Learn the number 1 way to know a rogue app is lurking & how to protect yourself from this growing type of spyware. Ask Clark topics include: What Is a 403(b) / Umbrella Insurance / 401...
Oct 13, 2021•29 min
If you’re willing to pivot for credit card perks in the marketplace, it’s a win. Learn about new Amex and Navy Federal offerings. / $500 a year for a credit score subscription!? No. DO NOT allow anyone to rip you off for credit monitoring, reports or scores . Clark reveals secrets about the business, including how you can get all that info for FREE . Ask Clark topics include: 6 Tips for Hiring a Contractor - Cnet - Working with contractors: How to hire a qualified pro / MDsave.com Shopping onlin...
Oct 12, 2021•27 min
Learn how insurers are using AI , drones and robots to assess auto and property claims. This brings up concerns you need to know about. // Uber & Lyft costs are up by 1/3rd on average. Surge pricing makes these rideshare costs unpredictable. You’re not a sitting duck. Clark mentions several alternatives. Ask Clark topics include: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Road Test - Consumer Reports / The 3 Truths of Wealth Creation - It's OK to splurge on things important to you, even when saving for retireme...
Oct 11, 2021•27 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / Holiday shopping - in October? Several factors make that a good idea this year, including current deals . Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: The Free Account Everyone Needs To Set Up Before Retirement / Read This Before You Sign Up for Health Insurance at Work / How to decide if medical tourism is a viable option for you / The 14 Cheapest and Best Grocery Stores / Report: The #1 Supermarket for Custom...
Oct 08, 2021•30 min
The promise of public service student loan forgiveness made 14 years ago has been grossly mismanaged, cheating compliant service workers. That injustice is being overturned with new federal regulations going into effect. Stand By! Clark’s guide is forthcoming involving an October deadline. // More Americans are living at or near a coast. Learn how the Federal Flood Insurance Program has worked, and how it will change moving forward. New rates are being implemented and you should know how they wi...
Oct 07, 2021•29 min
Elder fraud comes in many forms. The numbers are astounding. AARP reports 5 million elderly Americans have money stolen each year. Average amount: $120,000. They can’t recover from that kind of loss. How we all can do a better job of communicating with and protecting aging family & friends. // Flying electric taxis for regional transportation are being adopted in São Paulo, Brazil. These helio-plane hybrids are an affordable, quiet, efficient solution. Air taxis! How soon will we see such pr...
Oct 06, 2021•29 min
Both oil and natural gas are in short supply, with prices going up. How to save on gasoline and home energy . // Social Security has an embedded base of support, so it will continue in some form, based on your highest 35 year earnings. Clark shares why and how you should monitor this future source of income starting at age 30 - a simple but very important task. Ask Clark topics include: Energy Sage: SRECs: understanding solar renewable energy credits / Best Generator Buying Guide - Consumer Repo...
Oct 05, 2021•32 min
We’re used to everything always being available. Clark explains we’re back to historical patterns, supply chain disruption and distribution tendencies for the duration. No need to panic buy, just flex. // It’s open enrollment time for many company health insurance plans. What you should know about HSA high-deductible health plans, how to decide which plan is best for you AND - disability insurance . Ask Clark topics include: Diamonds - buy used - 7 Places to Get the Best Deals on Lab-Created Dia...
Oct 04, 2021•30 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / Pandemic burnout has prompted many to re-evaluate their life and careers. Close to half of new business owners now are women . The economics of this development and the opportunities it presents. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Hearing Aids / What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? / File complaints with your State Consumer Affairs Department (if your state has an active one) / How to Spot and Avoid...
Oct 01, 2021•31 min
1 in 4 houses are being bought cash only. Sellers want certainty. Clark shares a new way some companies are helping home buyers win the bidding wars. // Microsoft is eliminating passwords . Amazon is experimenting with biometrics for concert entry . Biometrics are here to stay and passwords will be a thing of the past. Ask Clark topics include: These Airlines Are Extending Credits Into 2022 / Cemetery Plot Buying and Selling / Charles Schwab Bank Debit Card \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for...
Sep 30, 2021•26 min
529 Plans are getting better overall. But there are 2 types: direct sold, and rip offs.. Due to massive fees , you can end up with less than you put in. Know the only kind to buy : Best 529 College Savings Plans By State // 70% of the jobs of 20 years from now do not exist today. The market never stops transforming. Clark shares which careers make sense for the future . If you’re in an industry in decline , consider how to use your skills another way. Ask Clark topics include: Apple Pay / Zelle ...
Sep 29, 2021•27 min
Due to extreme weather patterns, homeowners insurance is becoming a more difficult purchase. Underwriting can vary greatly from one insurer to another. New considerations for home buyers & why shopping home insurance is more important now than ever. Plus, 3D printed homes are weatherproof, cheaper & quicker to build. // Sick of getting junk robocalls about your extended warranty expiring? You are not alone! What you need to know about this ongoing, widespread scheme. Ask Clark topics inc...
Sep 28, 2021•29 min
An important warning for those in the market for a used vehicle , and how buyers must protect themselves . Also, there will be new e-vehicles in the marketplace, sold direct . What that means for buyers. // Recent wide swings in the stock market have sparked fears among investors. Various factors have created a “ wall of worry ”. The problem with getting out of the market, and the right questions to ask yourself to be in the game - prepared. Ask Clark topics include: How does HomeAdvisor work fo...
Sep 27, 2021•36 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / You may be tempted to accept an exclusive invitation to a financial seminar that includes something fancy like a free steak dinner. Clark tells you why you need to cook at home that night instead. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: What Is Your Flood Risk on a Scale of 1–10? / Clark’s App Warning for iPhone and Android Users / Should I Convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? / 7 Things to Know Before...
Sep 24, 2021•32 min
Good news for small business owners about the SBA loan program , including applying for PPP loan forgiveness. // 401(k)s have 2 different kinds of fees, one of which most participants are unaware of - the cost for the investments plus administration fees , which can be high. Who pays? Ask Clark topics include: Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2021 / Why Vacation Clubs are worse than timeshares / Should You Manage Your Own Investment Portfolio? - The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing / The...
Sep 23, 2021•28 min
We know cars are overpriced and hard to get right now - allowing time to research your next buy for when the market improves. Clark looks into the initial quality of new cars - and the types of both cars and appliances that are generally most reliable. // The yen to invest is taking hold with advice coming from everywhere. Why this is both great and terrible. Many are basing investment decisions on social media influencers’ advice . Pause with Clark to reflect on this…. Ask Clark topics include:...
Sep 22, 2021•27 min
Health trackers are approaching the mainstream for general health monitoring . Clark talks about his devices and what’s on the horizon . // Almost half of Americans have used buy now, pay later services . What could possibly go wrong ? Ask Clark topics include: The #1 thing you need to do if you use PayPal, Venmo or Zelle for payments / Loyalty fraud is on the rise — here’s what happens when your points are stolen / Is a Cash-Out Refinance Right for You? / Home equity loans & lines of credit...
Sep 21, 2021•24 min
Crypto is taking all shapes and forms now, including being used for risky borrowing and lending. This is in the pioneering phase . // The cell phone is potentially replacing the wallet . Pros & cons. Ask Clark topics include: What you can’t pay for with a 529 plan / How and Why to Refinance Your Mortgage / The 403(b) / Fidelity Investments Review 2021 / Life Insurance / Sam’s Club Mastercard Review: Earn 5% Back on Gas Purchases - Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2021 / Authorized Us...
Sep 20, 2021•28 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / For those who’ve worked various jobs over decades, there may be lost retirement accounts or a small pension you’ve lost track of. There are 25 million unclaimed 401(k)s out there containing $1.35 Trillion. Also - what to do when you change jobs. Clark.com - How To Find Missing or Lost Retirement Accounts Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How to Do It Safely / Wait...
Sep 17, 2021•30 min
Should you stock up on essential supplies ? Clark has a different angle on deciding what to buy. // Were you expecting a refund on your auto insurance during the pandemic that never came or was less than expected? If you’re the 1 in 3 people driving less, you’re subsidizing other drivers. Clark has a suggestion to help you save on auto insurance . Ask Clark topics include: Consumer Reports Generator Ratings / Should We Buy a Truck With eBay Gift Cards? Or Is This a Scam? / CarRentals.com / Mint ...
Sep 16, 2021•29 min
TVs have gone up in price, as much as double since last November. The market effect of Amazon’s entry and Clark’s best advice for TV buyers. // SpaceX’s Starlink internet service is on hold . Clark’s excitement over the supposed imminent availability of high speed rural internet was well-placed, but premature. What we have here is a failure to serve customers. Ask Clark topics include: Rules for Using Credit Cards / 6 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in 2021 / How to Keep Student L...
Sep 15, 2021•24 min
