Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also - Many are choosing artificial turf for their lawns. The practice is booming worldwide due in part to extreme drought conditions. Clark gives you the pros & cons. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Artificial Lawns: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark.com - Invest & Retire Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything How to handle money...
Aug 19, 2022•29 min
Inflation has made us smarter about shopping . People are changing their buying habits . Learn how much you can save buying store brands . Also, find out the average retirement age for the typical American worker - and why this terrifies Clark. Inflation Defense: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Your Retirement Age: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Fidelity Youth Account How To Open a Roth IRA The #1 Bill You Should Make Sure You Get by Mail The Average Retirement Age in Ameri...
Aug 18, 2022•33 min
As claims become more expensive, home and auto insurance premiums are rising . Learn how forward thinking insurers are looking to reduce the number of claims in partnership with consumers - an approach more common with business insurers . Clark shares steps you can take now to lower your costs. Also - For more than 2 generations the middle class in America has been evaporating. But there are signs of recovery . Clark describes various skilled trade categories offering great opportunity now, as l...
Aug 17, 2022•25 min
The formation of new businesses is way up. Clark is a lifelong entrepreneur. America has the resources and our greatest wealth is within us. There are actually many conditions now favorable to entrepreneurship. Learn the best & worst states in the U.S. to start a business. AND - Military personnel in a war zone face danger everywhere they turn. Outside their stateside posts, they face financial landmines from rip off lenders, crooked car dealers , investment groups, and merchants (furniture,...
Aug 16, 2022•27 min
Bloomberg reports women working as skilled freelancers / independent contractors make half as much as men doing the same job. “The meek do not inherit a larger paycheck.” How to self advocate for fair pay. Also - America on the move: We’ve become so much more transient since COVID. Ever dreamed of moving to another town, city, or country to save money? There are numerous communities offering financial incentives to move there. Beyond that, many are moving to Europe . Before you relocate, get Cla...
Aug 15, 2022•28 min
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also - An uptick in crime has more people thinking about home burglar alarms. Wireless home security has made DIY installation a viable option and Clark shares a new Consumer Reports briefing to help you make the right home security decision. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Home Security: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Official Tablo OTA DVR Site | Over The Air (OTA) DVR | Tablo Amazon ...
Aug 12, 2022•28 min
Clark discusses the rationale behind Amazon’s forays into healthcare , now culminating in the acquisition of One Medical , a big national chain of healthcare clinics. The idea is to bring a multi-platform approach to better care, better follow up. Also - Recall the Hertz false arrest nightmare suffered by hundreds now seeking compensation. Clark has a follow up. Amazon Healthcare: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Hertz Follow Up: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The #1 Thing Y...
Aug 11, 2022•25 min
The quality of the average vehicle sold in the U.S. in recent years is the lowest since 1986! Clark explains what has led to this problem and why therein lies opportunity. Also - ships coming in have created massive surpluses among retailers . The plus for you: deals of a lifetime. Learn which categories are steals right now and how long this could go on. Inflationary pressures in many sectors of the economy are starting to ease. WANTED: Mechanics: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Oversupply Barga...
Aug 10, 2022•27 min
Clark revisits retail website Wish to usher it into his “graveyard.” Prices are so cheap! What went wrong? Also, EV - electric vehicle adoption is set to climb over the next few years. But where to recharge is an obstacle for car buyers. Learn how forward-thinking gas station/convenience store operators are getting with the program to serve a growing EV market. Website WISH: Unfulfilled: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Progress - EV Charging Stations: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on t...
Aug 09, 2022•28 min
The hotel industry is suffering mightily from staff shortages, changing how they operate. You could get a discount forgoing housekeeping services , or be charged for it. Clark explains the owner / operator problem and what you should expect from brand name hotels moving forward. Also, the insidious cloak of mystery is about to be lifted from medical costs. 20% of our nation’s economy is eaten up by healthcare costs - by far the highest in the world. You’re on the hook for deductibles and copays....
Aug 08, 2022•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also - Word to savers - beware chasing that rate ! Trying to make more on savings is leading people to make dangerous choices from financial apps and pseudo banks making unfounded promises of no risk strategies for high returns & FDIC security. What you need to know to safely stash your cash . Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Stash Your Cash Wisely: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4...
Aug 05, 2022•29 min
Labor shortages in larger airports have rendered security lines so unpredictable that people are missing flights. Clark explains how TSA PreCheck, Global Entry & Clear work, and how to get these services for free or discounted. Also - Clark discusses fake positive reviews and the recent Amazon crackdown . A new twist: Negative reviews used to extort merchants . Understand how much the review system is gamed for retailers, restaurants & hotels, and how to best use reviews. TSA PreCheck, G...
Aug 04, 2022•30 min
Do you know when you’re being played by sneaky product placement ? Products are placed within the content of streamed TV shows and movies, and social media influencers are paid to recommend products. Know this is bought and paid for advertising - an indirect form of commercials. Also - A special warning about moving your retirement money when changing jobs. If you plan on rolling over a 401(k) into an IRA, knowing what Clark has to say about it can save you tens of thousands of dollars over time...
Aug 03, 2022•31 min
With so much economic uncertainty, should you ask for a raise to offset inflation? Dilemma: Employers are getting nervous about potential recession. So the decision to ask for a raise , to stay put or find a higher paying job is an individual assessment. Clark offers guidance to help you think this through. Also - As the Fed raises interest rates, there’s a direct effect 1 billing cycle later on your credit card rates. People have been charging more, leading to balances they can’t pay . A Clark ...
Aug 02, 2022•28 min
As the housing market cools , price cuts are happening around the country . A widespread buyers strike has set in. Many fear a housing market collapse as experienced 15 years ago. Clark explains why that won’t happen , and has recommendations for potential home buyers and renters. Also, a special warning about using self-checkout lanes . HOUSING Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Special Warning: Self Check-out: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Mortgage Recast Definition...
Aug 01, 2022•30 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also - The average vehicle loan now is over $700 a month . 1 in 8 loans exceed $1K ! Meanwhile the repo rate is rising. Why lenders are more aggressive with repossessions now and the negative domino effect. Clark’s recommendation for avoiding financial car loan disaster. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Of Car Loans & Repos: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: W...
Jul 29, 2022•29 min
It’s unclear what will happen with gas prices moving forward , but prices have eased and the U.S. is leading the world in the production of energy . Clark explains the current energy market, why we see big price differences at the pumps, and saving strategies. Also - The odds are at least 50/50 we’ll have some degree of recession, as central banks worldwide work to slow economies to ease global inflation. Because capitalists hate uncertainty , some large companies have announced reduced hiring -...
Jul 28, 2022•32 min
Clark explains how Vanguard small investors got clobbered by big tax bills during a target retirement fund conversion, without even withdrawing money. Learn where to put your investments to avoid such tax hits. Also - Air travel is a flat out mess right now. Infrequent travelers are especially rattled. International travel is especially challenging. It’s taking extra days to reach destinations. As a constant traveler, Clark has several strategies to help protect your sanity during domestic &...
Jul 27, 2022•36 min
It’s back to the gym for many after a long absence, but home fitness equipment is a super deal right now. Clark points to the savings. Also - There’s a 1 in 10 chance there’s unclaimed money out there with your name on it. Clark explains how this happens, the third party pitfalls, and how to find it yourself for free . Home Fitness Equipment: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Missing Money: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Deals - Gym Equipment Get Great Deals on Concerts...
Jul 26, 2022•28 min
The economy has upended the best laid retirement plans of many Americans. So what do you do right now if you are in this situation? Clark discusses a reasonable compromise to help maintain financial security. Also - Every grocery dollar is basically buying 10% less these days - UNLESS you shop differently. Clark shares his base strategies, plus - looks at a cash back app that can help you save. Delaying Retirement: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 SAVE on Groceries: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 ...
Jul 25, 2022•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . AND - For those seeking hedge alternatives to the standard investment portfolio, Clark discusses REITs , Crypto , and specifically GOLD as a safe zone. Learn Clark’s recommendations for owning gold - how much - and if gold is even a real investment. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Owning Gold: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Cre...
Jul 22, 2022•31 min
Clark discusses the impact of vehicle shortages & elevated costs including illegal repossessions & how to protect yourself from this, plus new ride sharing offerings. Also - Good Intentions don’t lead to results. Autopilot does. Clark makes the case for automatic saving & investing, especially for those without a 401(k) . Vehicle Cost Pressures - Market Effects: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Automatic For The SAVINGS: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: CarMax Revi...
Jul 21, 2022•32 min
New data illustrates how people are now stretched financially, trading down retail purchases while overall, credit card debt is up. Clark shares some back to basics measures for more mindful spending. Also, current dislocations have opened up a fast growing area of abuse in the trade and technical school funding arena. What to look for - and look out for - when considering training alternatives to college. Inflation Shoppers: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Training Contract Warning: Segment 3 As...
Jul 20, 2022•33 min
With Buy Now Pay Later, aka Pay in 4, refunds are a problem , and now Apple Pay offers it. Clark’s warning about this payment method and how to protect yourself. Also - Over 100 million Americans are burdened with medical debt . Learn how this happened, how the hospital monopoly game is played - and what your options are to avoid being crushed by medical debt . Pay In 4 - New Warnings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Avoid Medical Debt: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Can Yo...
Jul 19, 2022•29 min
Labor shortages. reliability problems and high costs are plaguing travel this summer. But the cruise industry is seeing lower demand. Clark explains how you can get screaming deals on cruises and on certain air travel destinations. Also, over 20 million tax returns remain unprocessed. A beleaguered IRS and frustrated taxpayers - Clark recounts how we got in this awful mess and makes the case for a simplified tax code. Travel Deals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 IRS Delays: Segment 3 Ask Clark: ...
Jul 18, 2022•28 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . And - Many are trying to decide between renting or buying a home . It’s a true squeezeplay right now but new data sheds light on what might be the best decision. Plus, Clark provides the housing market outlook. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 HOUSING Outlook: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark.com CELL PHONES SoFi Credit Card Review: Earn 2% Cash Back Plati...
Jul 15, 2022•26 min
Add auto insurance increases to higher vehicle & gas prices. Collision rates and the cost of repairs are up too, factors creating a perfect storm of costs for auto insurers, in turn passed along to drivers. Hear 2 ways to lower your auto insurance premiums. Also this episode: Employers thought they’d order everyone back to office work last September. That flew out on the Delta variant. There are pros & cons to Work From Home but for most remote workers , the advantages win out. Managemen...
Jul 14, 2022•30 min
Clark shares how he got started and the life lessons that motivated and inspired him to do what he loves doing today - empowering others to live their best lives. Also - you may be throwing money away with your current cell phone provider. Verizon & AT&T have been raising rates while the cost of providing service is going down. Clark gives you the lay of the land, pointing to MINT Mobile & other affordable options , and new offerings ahead. Assignment: Check your plan and choose to S...
Jul 13, 2022•33 min
There are ethical debt collectors, but also dirty players in the industry. Clark explains the crooked practice of refreshing the debt , and what your rights and responsibilities are. Also, no utility bills sound good? ‘Passive’ homes are ultra energy efficient, and there are initiatives that go a step beyond. People are building passive, self-powered homes with solar & batteries off the grid . We have options today, including home power from EVs . Decentralizing how we get power is great for...
Jul 12, 2022•25 min
The US construction industry has held on to archaic ways of building, failing to adapt better technology routinely used elsewhere in the world - until now. Clark discusses how prefabrication component building is better, faster & cheaper . Now is the time to reimagine how we build to improve durability and price points. Also, for the past decade, traditional life & annuity insurers have been selling off their policies to Wall St. The risk profiles are then held by private-equity . This c...
Jul 11, 2022•27 min
