Keeping track of passwords and frequently having to change them is a part time job. But passwords may soon be a thing of the past. Now the industry believes they’ve come up with a more secure answer. Also, the auto insurance industry is all in to telematics tracking. For those with privacy concerns and lower than average miles driven, there’s a growing startup offering a viable alternative. Beyond Passwords: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Per Mile Auto Insurance: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 M...
Nov 14, 2022•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, over the past couple of years, population shifts have led some cities to offer pay incentives for people to move there. Clark has an update on these locales, incentives, and how these programs are working out. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Getting Paid To Move: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: FSA and HSA: Can You Have Both at the Same Time? Why I Think ...
Nov 11, 2022•32 min
Clark shares poll results on the question, “What would you tell your younger self if you could?” We received some great and very wise responses. And later - how people are handling this inflationary holiday includes cutting back & keeping it simple, and/or taking advantage of how the overhang of excessive inventory has created deals in many categories. Gift to Self: NOT overspending. Audience Poll Results Yield Money Wisdom: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A Very Inflationary Christmas: Segme...
Nov 10, 2022•29 min
Clark shares a wild story about a hotel booking gone terribly wrong , and how to protect yourself when booking with third party sites. Plus, Clark’s longtime creed: Save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off. Today - spotlight on a myriad of ripoffs proliferating right now and how to avoid them. Hotel Booking Wisdom: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Scam Alerts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® ...
Nov 09, 2022•31 min
It’s that time of year - charity solicitations. But there are fake charities vying for our hard earned dollars and targeting our senior loved ones. Clark has some important guidelines for legitimate charitable giving. Also. we live in an era of surveillance. Our life online can be tracked and sold for profit, but WE don’t get paid. Yet, that option isn’t new and has resurfaced. Worth it? Clark explores privacy and consumer choice. Legit Charitable Giving: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Online Tr...
Nov 08, 2022•28 min
A new home buying trend is emerging that allows more people to become homeowners - BUT there are major considerations before entering into something very difficult to exit. Also, air travel patterns have changed, one of several factors driving up fares. Clark has 2 booking tips that can help you save in this current travel environment. Home Buying Housemates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Airfare Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The new American dream is buying a ...
Nov 07, 2022•27 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also - Return policies are different this holiday season. Rapid changes are underway and vary from retailer to retailer, online vs in-store. What to know before any purchase. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Beware New Return Policies: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? 8 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in 2022...
Nov 04, 2022•29 min
I Bonds aka Inflation Bonds have reset. Recently there was a land rush on I Bonds, offering a rate over 9%. The interest earnings rate is reset every 6 months based on an inflation measurement index. Clark explains the new structure and rate, and why I Bonds remain the best place to park savings. Also - In the pandemic wake, discretionary revenge spending has resulted in shocking numbers for both how much saving is down and credit card debt is up. Clark has an at home test that acts as a truth s...
Nov 03, 2022•30 min
Due to inflation, there are big changes in the tax brackets . Clark discusses how this affects investing and buying some types of life insurance. Also, add new seasonal job openings to the ongoing labor shortages and know there’s great side gig opportunity out there to close any gaps in your monthly budget. But, beware the “freeway ramp scam” and its online permutations offering big money for hourly work. Make sure your side hustle is real. New Tax Rates & Brackets: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segm...
Nov 02, 2022•31 min
The 401(k) contribution limit has been increased for 2023, but this headline buries the lead: New rules for Roth IRA income and contribution limits. And - Clark-onomics: The U.S. deficit . Clark explains how we got here since the budget surpluses of the 90’s and what we can learn from recent events in the UK . New Roth IRA & 401(k) Limits: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clarkonomics: The Deficit: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: IRS Announces Record 401(k) Contribution L...
Nov 01, 2022•29 min
Clark discusses changes from Netflix , the overall morphing of streaming services across providers and how to protect your wallet with the changes underway . Also, time for year end tax considerations . Those with non-retirement investment accounts should know about tax loss harvesting to save on taxes. When you sell a winner, you pay capital gains tax. You can also harvest losses. Clark explains. Netflix & Streaming Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Tax Loss Harvesting: Segment 3 Ask C...
Oct 31, 2022•25 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! For the first time ever - for the entire podcast - Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Clark Stink s : Segments 1 - 4 Mentioned on the show: Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Review: Earn Up to 2% Cash Back on All Purchases Consider US Treasury Bills, Notes and Bonds Study: Walk 3,800 to 9,800 steps daily to reduce dementia risk Zelle fraud is rising. And banks aren't coming to the rescue xeriscaping | National...
Oct 28, 2022•30 min
The car market is gradually healing but we’re not there yet . Clark gives a timeline on availability, affordability, and a potential alternative to buying now if you need wheels right away. And - Back To Basics - Open Enrollment decisions are upon us. Clark clears confusion surrounding Health Savings Accounts or HSAs which can offer long term financial security - and the difference between an HSA and an FSA . Vehicle Purchase Alternative: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 HSA vs. FSA: Segment 3 Ask...
Oct 27, 2022•34 min
Current customer outrage at Dunkin’ for devaluing rewards offers a lesson about these programs in general, including travel points from hotels and airlines . Clark discusses how this game is played and what participating consumers should understand about so called loyalty programs. Also, Clark has been talking about affordable hearing aids being just around the corner for 5 years. FINALLY they’re here - hearing aids at world prices vs cartel prices! Learn how the market now works and what’s avai...
Oct 26, 2022•27 min
Hear Clark’s unique perspective on the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger , as he takes a wider view of the marketplace and your money saving strategies and options. Also, because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the cost of heating will go up about 25% this winter depending on temperature severity. Clark offers specific advice, particularly if you live in the Mid-Atlantic or New England. Supermarket Strategy: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Winter Heating: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned...
Oct 25, 2022•30 min
First an update on the recommendation to buy short term treasuries, including an easy button idea for doing so. And, Clark welcomes special guest, Professor James Choi from Yale University - the behavioral economist behind some striking research around when you should start saving money. He and Clark share ideas on conventional financial advice vs what people actually do - and the gray areas in between. U.S. Treasuries- Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Professor Choi- Behavioral Economist:...
Oct 24, 2022•36 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also - CLARKONOMICS: The 60/40 Rule. The general rule of having 60% of an investment portfolio in stocks and 40% in bonds has proven ineffective twice in history - during the 1920’s - and 100 years later - now. Clark explains why and offers best practices for investors. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 CLARKONOMICS: The 60/40 Rule: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show...
Oct 21, 2022•33 min
Open enrollment for health insurance is upon us. Clark clarifies options available, including Health Savings Accounts - to help you make important health coverage decisions. Also, battered by disruption, the car market continues to struggle . Clark discusses where the industry is right now and moving forward, including when you should buy (not now) and what to do if you MUST buy now. Open Enrollment: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vehicle Market Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned o...
Oct 20, 2022•33 min
Job scams work both ways. The pandemic move to online recruitment has led to some pitfalls for both job seekers and employers . What to know about fake jobs and fake applicants - and a Clark smart key rule for landing a real job. Also, do you know what your colleagues earn doing the same work as you? The movement toward pay transparency has begun. Fake Jobs - Fake Applicants!: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Pay Transparency: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The rise of 'bait...
Oct 19, 2022•31 min
Credit reports are used by creditors, employers, insurance companies, and more - and many are inaccurate . Learn how this can hurt you and what you can do about it! Also, buy now pay later aka pay in 4 - has infested the U.S. economy on all fronts and delinquencies are on the rise. Clark explains how this works and the hazard for your wallet. Vigilance: Your Credit Report: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Buy Now, Pay & Pay & Pay Later: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:...
Oct 18, 2022•26 min
Storms, fire, flood or other sudden misfortune could separate you from access to vital accounts and documents. Get Clark smart guidelines to help keep you and loved ones operational - just in case. Also, we’ve had several questions and comments from parents trying to teach their children about money . Clark shares just how important that is - and how to approach the subject effectively for kids and teens. Preparing for the What-Ifs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Financial Education: Segment 3 A...
Oct 17, 2022•23 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, holiday travel season approaches and if you haven’t flown in a while, Clark has some news you could use. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Holiday Air Travel: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 15 of the Best Free Workout Apps Medicaid and Nursing Homes: A Quick Guide to the Rules Want to block third-party trackers on your Android device? Try DuckDuckGo's new ...
Oct 14, 2022•29 min
We’re seeing the horrific devastation of recent hurricanes, knowing they won’t be the last. But there are new ways of building that can help keep power on when catastrophic weather hits. Where this is being done, and what’s needed for the future. Also, Americans are going for the real thing, as artificial meat sales go down. Why the novelty of meat substitutes has worn off. A Rethink On Rebuilding: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Beyond Meat Substitutes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned o...
Oct 13, 2022•29 min
While holiday sales abound, including from online retailers, shipping is getting more expensive . Fedex is having serious issues that may affect holiday deliveries - and all carriers are dealing with disruptions. Get Clark’s best advice for holiday shipping. Also, Clark explains the “ pig butchering” scam technique via messaging apps. When you respond, you open the door to a slow con. This is happening to people from all walks of life. Learn how it plays. Holiday Shipping Advice: Segment 1 Ask C...
Oct 12, 2022•30 min
A special session of Clarkonomics on home buying. The home market has been through periods of distortion this entire century. Clark gives historical perspective explaining how we got here, the current climate for home buyers and sellers, and where the housing market is headed. Also, there are some new ways to save on grocery delivery without breaking the bank. As the pandemic subsides, retailers continue to adapt. Clark conveys some innovative new delivery offerings from Kroger and Sams Club . C...
Oct 11, 2022•33 min
EV’s are in great demand right now, but today buying an electric vehicle doesn’t make financial sense. Clark discusses the industry outlook and your alternatives , until the time is right to buy an EV. Also, DEBT - the price you pay is more than financial. The stress of debt takes a toll on health. Clark talks about the different types of debt and approaches to getting it under control. Electric Vehicle Outlook: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Debt and Mental Health: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment ...
Oct 10, 2022•30 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, Clark discusses several factors behind rapidly rising auto insurance premiums and how you can make a difference in what you pay. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Rising Auto Insurance Rates: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Best Places To Buy Eyeglasses How To Improve Your Credit Score by 100 Points in 30 Days How To Get a Free Credit Report Top Dental...
Oct 07, 2022•28 min
Once upon a time, people were considered adults and on their own by age 18. Today, that’s not the norm. Parents often keep “ emerging adults ” on their cell phone & streaming plans, health & auto insurance and subscriptions - due in part to family plan tie-ins. Thoughts on when and how to cut the cord. Also, what you should know about health apps and medical searches, and your most personal privacy . The Parental Dole: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Health Apps & Sites And Your Priva...
Oct 06, 2022•32 min
Fidelity has refined their Robo-Adviso r service. The new Fidelity-GO is really different. Clark explains the offerings, fees and your opportunity here. Also, Frontier Airlines recently had a zero dollar sale - but there’s a reason you didn’t see it on Clark Deals . This is a problem the Federal government is addressing with a new proposal to require full price disclosure. The game today involves bait & switch. Consumers deserve better - and there may be a comment period…. The New Fidelity G...
Oct 05, 2022•33 min
The ships have come in and retailers have too much merchandise - over supply . Meanwhile due to inflation, demand has lessened = SALES . Clark points to holiday shopping deals , as this year, October is the new November. Bonus - Walmart’s new return policy . Also - Clarkonomics returns. Clark sets the table on how The U.S. and world economies got to where we are now and explains the moves that are coming to get inflation under control. October Holiday Sales: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clarko...
Oct 04, 2022•32 min
