In the battle of the investing behemoths - Clark’s “favorite children” Vanguard, Fidelity and Schwab, Clark has some pressing advice for Vanguard ( who we still love! ) / Many companies have used the pandemic to take away consumer rights. Corporate America has disconnected most employees and consumers from the court system. 60 million workers are now under “kangaroo court” arbitration , rigged in favor of the companies. The system is broken. Voluntary neutral arbitration is another matter. Ask C...
Dec 21, 2021•34 min
If your New Year’s Resolution is to cut spending, be aware Buy Nothing Groups have been proliferating, a platform for goods people are giving away. Also there’s FreeCycle . For non-consumables, avoid paying full retail. // Do your loved ones know where your assets, accounts, and important documents are? Resolve to make sure all vital records and information is accessible to trusted loved ones just in case. Clark gets you started... Ask Clark topics include: How to avoid the Google Voice verifica...
Dec 20, 2021•31 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / Special Guest, Lori, Director of the Consumer Action Center , joins Clark to discuss listeners’ top concerns. Clark Stinks and Consumer Action Center topics include: Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA / How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your Timeshare / How to Buy a Used Car / How To Find a Trustworthy Mechanic / Customer Service Advocacy: Elliott.org / How To Open a Roth IRA / Best Target Date Funds: 3 Top Picks /...
Dec 17, 2021•32 min
Canal St. NYC is one thing. But be aware fake designer merchandise is being sold online - found on eBay, Amazon and vetted resale sites. // Big price hikes in homeowners insurance are happening around the country. How loyalty is penalized, and 3 guidelines for shopping insurance . Ask Clark topics include: How To Use InsureMyTrip To Buy Travel Insurance-Clark.com - Costco Travel Insurance / Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car? / How To Dispute an Error on Your Credit Report and Win /...
Dec 16, 2021•33 min
Pretexting gift card scams are rampant and wildly successful for criminals. Clark describes how these scams work, and what to know to avoid getting ripped off! // Popular now, flaunting quitting a job and trashing an ex-employer. Be aware there are likely consequences down the line. You build a reputation and relationships over time. Also not classy: ghosting a job interview. Ask Clark topics include: Mortgages Archives - Clark Howard / Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau /...
Dec 15, 2021•33 min
The work-from-home boss / employee gap continues to widen. If you’ve got a work issue phone or laptop - odds are your employer is spying on you. Learn Clark smart recommendations for workers. // Traditional banking is invested in mistreating customers . The fintechs are changing that . We may be seeing the end of overdraft fees - a con which elicits your permission to rip you off. Capital One recently announced they’re eliminating this fee. New Report: Best Banks for Customer Satisfaction - Clar...
Dec 14, 2021•27 min
Clark gives an overview of inflation including energy, food & housing, the role of the Federal Reserve and where we’re headed. // T-Mobile, once known as the uncarrier, is under new management, now lapsing into un-service . Clark discusses the cell phone industry and your best options . CELL PHONES - Clark.com - Boost Mobile: Get 12 Months of Service for $100 Ask Clark topics include: Why Did My Car Insurance Go Up? / Non-Owner Car Insurance: Who Needs It? - Investopedia / Does It Make Sense...
Dec 13, 2021•33 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / Debt collectors now have the right to contact you on social media . Sometimes it’s a ‘phantom debt’ meaning NOT YOURS. What about YOUR rights ? Clark explains how to properly shut down harassment and pay a debt to collections. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Credit Unions / Clark Deals - Laundry Detergent / Welcome to Clark’s Christmas Kids 2021 / Fidelity Personalized Planning & Advice Review ...
Dec 10, 2021•33 min
Clark’s obsessed with fitness, and explains how the Oura Ring differs from other trackers, and the difference it’s made for him. // Used vehicle values are still inflated now. A vehicle coming up on the end of its lease will be worth substantially more than the residual value you have to pay. 2 ways to take advantage of this unique opportunity in the marketplace. Ask Clark topics include: Vacatia.com - Scam alert: Stay away from timeshare exit companies - How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your T...
Dec 09, 2021•29 min
Federal student loan payments are about to resume. It’s KEY to keep current. Hardship options are available. // Influencer advertorials have created a clear opening for scams targeting those under 30 . What these schemes look like and how to protect yourself. Ask Clark topics include: How Do Student Loans Work? 7 Things to Know / How to Refinance Your Student Loans / What Is a Reverse Mortgage and Is It Right for Me? / 5 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds / What Is a Spousal Roth IRA? \...
Dec 08, 2021•31 min
Credit card offers abound right now, going after 3 target markets. Learn if you’re in their sights and how the game is played, to better protect your finances. / Do you wait until after you’ve left a restaurant, hotel or resort to leave a review - or post while there? What happened to one hapless reviewer provides a cautionary tale for all… Ask Clark topics include: CREDIT CARDS - Clark.com / BBB-File a Complaint \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter ! Free Advice:...
Dec 07, 2021•30 min
How margin investing is actually gambling - borrowing against stocks in order to buy more stocks - a huge profit center for brokerages. Clark explains how this plays, and where the danger lies. // Clark Howard - Deal Hunter, has click & collect and delivery experiences that speak to big retail competition with Amazon - and wins for consumers. Ask Clark topics include: Target Date Funds: Clark’s Favorite Retirement Investment / CELL PHONES - Clark.com / Red Pocket Deal: Get a Year of Unlimite...
Dec 06, 2021•32 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / Clark’s thoughts on the new COVID variant, the economy and travel. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: 7 Things to Know Before You Buy Travel Insurance / Storage Unit Insurance: What Is It and What Does It Cover? \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter ! Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Dec 03, 2021•34 min
The typical electric bill will be 5% higher this winter. For those using natural gas, bills are expected to be up 25 - 35% depending on location - propane even more. Clark has several suggestions to help you save. / Every time there’s a runup in home prices, people tend to take out equity. That practice is up 33% over last year . Why Clark believes this is a bad idea, and when cashing out equity is appropriate . Ask Clark topics include: How to Sell Your Car in 5 Steps / Homeowners Insurance / 9...
Dec 02, 2021•27 min
Survey Says: The number 1 type identity theft is credit card fraud. Clark smart strategies to protect your wallet when holiday shopping online. // The concert business has been in turmoil since the pandemic began. Events were postponed overwhelmingly to avoid the paying of refunds. Meet a ticket seller with better options. \\ Ask Clark topics include: How to sell your house by owner - Clark Howard / The power of compound interest: Earlier you save the better / Wills & Funerals \\ Want more m...
Dec 01, 2021•28 min
Clark gets into the nitty gritty of doing laundry & the best detergent buys. Consumer Reports ratings are in - how to get more for less. // We pay more for medical care in the U.S. than the rest of the world with less to show for it. Hospital systems buy up competitors and practices to reduce competition. There’s a counter move going on. How CVS , Walmart and others are making a difference in the delivery of healthcare in ways that can save you money. Ask Clark topics include: 7 Best Free Cl...
Nov 30, 2021•28 min
Clark discusses NFTs with Team Clark’s Christopher Smith who has done really well with them. Can you get rich quick? // Tax rates on regular savings interest and on investment earnings have been adjusted for next year. Clark explains how it pays to know the difference and save accordingly. Ask Clark topics include: 3 Rules for Buying Gold - Clark’s #1 Rule on Investing in Things Like Gold, Marijuana and Bitcoin / Investing in real estate can be a lot simpler than you think / How To Prevent, Repo...
Nov 29, 2021•33 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / The big box retailers are better stocked for Christmas than anticipated. Inventory and sales are up. Clark lets you know what’s a deal and what’s not right now. The market never stops changing - how to be flexible in a time of rising prices . Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Costco membership deal: Save up to $30 with a new Costco membership / Best Cell Phone Plans and Deals in 2021 / Mean Reversion...
Nov 19, 2021•33 min
A USA Today investigation found 121 recalled or banned toy products, some of which have had fatal consequences, sold on Facebook Marketplace with no oversight. This is not unique to Facebook. The U.S. gov is suing Amazon for selling dangerous products. What to know and look out for from these and other marketplace sellers. // Americans are a generous people, and the season of giving brings out the scammers to exploit this virtue. The many ways they rope you in and what to know before you give. A...
Nov 18, 2021•32 min
Holiday package thieves are a real problem and delivered goods will be priced higher than picked up merchandise. Clark discusses the advantages of “click & collect” and Amazon lockers / In modern media, the traditional wall that separates advertising from content has broken down in every format & platform. A con artist posing as a Texas financial radio host stole millions from listeners. It’s vital to know what’s going on behind the curtain. Paid media is everywhere. Clark discusses what...
Nov 17, 2021•31 min
“ Skimpflation ” is a form of hidden tax via customer no-service, with companies cutting corners in almost all sectors. Surviving businesses are dealing with increased demand and labor shortages - another dislocation to work through in the economy. // While spending billions on non-stop ads, the traditional market-driven insurance industry is being turned on its head. New companies like Lemonade and Root begin with trust and simplicity. It’s working. Ask Clark topics include: GetUpside Review: 6...
Nov 16, 2021•29 min
It’s the time of year to make elections for your retirement accounts. News on next year’s new income and contribution limits for retirement accounts and tax implications moving forward. / Zillow is out of the home buying business, but other iBuyer companies are still thriving. Industry update and when & where using an iBuyer makes sense for home sellers. Ask Clark topics include: Amount of Roth IRA Contributions That You Can Make For 2021 / Ask Clark: What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA? / SIPC - Se...
Nov 15, 2021•31 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / The final phase of pandemic relief allows for lower premiums, more subsidies and smaller deductibles on health insurance for qualifying individuals and families for 2022. Revisit Healthcare.gov to enroll by Dec. 15. Clark explains Medicare Advantage plans & the upcoming surprise medical billing law. We’ll need to know our rights and how to use them. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Apple Pay and...
Nov 12, 2021•32 min
Supply chain issues, shipping delays , and higher prices - NOT a few of Clark’s favorite things. Sale cycles are underway already and December will be expensive. Clark Smart holiday shopping guidance. Clark Deals Black Friday / A Fidelity study shows women investors on average earn superior returns to men. Why the difference? Ask Clark topics include: How to Buy a House in 9 Steps / Mortgages Archives - Clark Howard / 31 Items To Pack in Your Financial Emergency Kit \\ Want more money advice? Si...
Nov 11, 2021•31 min
Car repair rip offs are a long term, terrible problem, increasing during today’s car shortages. How to prevent car repair nightmares and what to do if you are stuck in one. / The nation’s banks have not been kind to small business, and now this market is going through the early stages of disruption. Better options for business banking from fintechs. Ask Clark topics include: 5 Things To Do Before You Sign Up for a Free Trial / Here Are the Insurance Policies Homeowners Need To Get and the Ones T...
Nov 10, 2021•32 min
Series I Savings Bonds are paying 7.12% interest for the next 6 months. Clark explains how long these bonds must be held and how they work. Recommended . / Are those “free” phone offers really worth it? Clark explains what it’s really costing you. Best Cell Phone Plans and Deals in 2021 Ask Clark topics include: Wills & Funerals Archives / How To Open a Roth IRA / File a Complaint | Better Business Bureau / 6 Things To Know Before You Sign Up for Visible / iPhone 13 Deal: Get $200 + HomePod ...
Nov 09, 2021•35 min
Would you like some crypto with that Whopper? Crypto mania has reached an all time high. Clark on the Burger King - Robinhood crypto tie-in . Electronic currency is a valid concept for moving money more efficiently around the world. So what’s the problem? You deserve a Clarksplanation. / Carvana’s under review in several states over title & registration paperwork issues - what car buyers need to know. Also - the 10 cars most likely to get speeding tickets have one common thread…. Ask Clark t...
Nov 08, 2021•30 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . / Some airlines have had periods of complete chaos of late. What’s behind the meltdowns, a notable exception, and a warning about online travel reviews . We’re entering a very popular travel season- Clark smart booking advice. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2021 / These Credit Cards Offer Car Rental Insurance Benefits / Follow Clark Howard's #1 Rule to Travel...
Nov 05, 2021•36 min
The K Economy: A significant portion of the population thrives, while many others struggle mightily . Meanwhile nearly 70% worry about their kids falling behind as education has also suffered during the pandemic. So what’s the good news? Clark points to opportunity. // A LendingTree study of debt collection complaints reveals that most involve fraudulent or mistaken debt. There’s also nonexistent or fake credit card debt. It’s crucial to know and exercise your rights with debt collectors. Ask Cl...
Nov 04, 2021•27 min
Robocalls may have started declining due to number verification to thwart spoofing. So crooks are moving on to text scams . These are coming at you fast and furious. What to look for so you don’t download a virus. // Are you feeling burned out at your job? More than half of workers don’t take all their PTO. What!? Clark’s annual plea for your good health, happiness AND better productivity at work. Ask Clark topics include: What Is an HSA Account / Index Funds / Is Apple Pay a Safe Alternative to...
Nov 03, 2021•30 min
