The No Surprises Act became law last year to eliminate surprise medical billing, but most people don’t know what it is and what their rights are under it. Clark lays it out so you know your new rights when it comes to medical bills. Also - how much if anything, do you have in your emergency fund ? Clark has a way for you to be better prepared for the inevitable rainy day. The No Surprises Act & Your Rights: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Your Rainy Day Fund: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Me...
Feb 21, 2023•28 min
One major key to financial freedom is avoiding ruinous fraud. Recent reporting shows ponzi schemes up 70% over the year, so it’s vital to be aware of what’s coming at you through various channels. Clark’s primer on what to look out for includes incoming alerts and what NEVER to click on. Also, hotel brand consistency has given way to sales considerations in the industry overall, devaluing brands. Know what this means for you when booking a hotel. Fraud Prevention: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 ...
Feb 20, 2023•27 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, Clark explains the difference between hard inquiries and soft hits to your credit report, and other factors that affect your credit report and score. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Credit Report Inquiries: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Follow Clark Howard's #1 Rule To Travel Cheap Southwest Offers Companion Pass through Credit Card for Limited Time VEN...
Feb 17, 2023•32 min
Many took the wrong lesson from the speculative fever of 2020-21. As meme stock & crypto frenzy stoked message boards, people drove values up, and many ended up with heavy losses. Gambling & speculation should never be confused with investing. Understand the power of DULL and other lessons from a tortoise investor. Also, a booming scam area - FAKE search results and FAKE ads on social media with links to FAKE shopping sites . A few easy steps will help keep you safe from online scams. Cl...
Feb 16, 2023•30 min
Addressing the severe lack of affordable housing requires creativity and change around zoning , construction and serving seniors . Clark reports on some emerging options that can help ease housing cost pressures. Also, learn why current moves by manufacturers and retailers mean there’s added value to comparison shopping right now. Clark shares shopper savvy tips that can save you money. Housing Rethink: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Shopping Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on...
Feb 15, 2023•30 min
Got gift cards ? Whether from individuals or employers, they’re a real target for fraudsters. If you received some over the holidays you still have - what you need to know now. Also, thinking of going on a cruise ? Clark smart tricks of the trade include how and when to find a deal and what to watch out for. Gift Card Fraud: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Save On Cruises: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show WCVB Boston: Receive a gift card over the holidays? Check the balance Cl...
Feb 14, 2023•30 min
Clark recently talked about getting the best rate on your savings through online banks and credit unions. Today, he follows up with what brokerage houses are offering, and how you may be missing out on big yields by being with the wrong one. Clark’s call to action: Put your money to work for you. Meanwhile, healthcare is hitting Americans hard in the wallet. An overview of the industry underscores the shortage of primary care physicians and the cost shifting hitting patients . Despite such marke...
Feb 13, 2023•25 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, the latest jobs report has even the experts confused . Clark discusses the ongoing forces shaping our economy moving forward to foster informed decisions in your life. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Clarkonomics & You: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show SIM Card Swapping: The Dangerous Cell Phone Scam Everyone Needs To Know 5 Steps To Getting a Good Dea...
Feb 10, 2023•30 min
Clark warns about an old scam now active again - fake parking tickets ! Learn who is targeted, how the scam works, and how to verify a parking ticket. Also, If you need a new mattress , what to know about the industry and why now is the time to buy. Scam Alert: Fake Parking Tickets: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Primo Time To Buy A Mattress: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show BBB Scam Alert: How to spot a parking ticket scam Shopping around for MRIs, CT scans, mammograms and b...
Feb 09, 2023•28 min
Clark waxes poetic on the topic of neighbors. What’s this got to do with money? Plenty . Also in this episode, consumers are borrowing more and credit card debt is up along with interest rates on that debt. Clark reviews the unprecedented difficulties that got us here , and offers strategies for cutting expenses and getting credit card debt under control. Know Thy Neighbor: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Debt Control: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Sue Thy Neigh...
Feb 08, 2023•26 min
With some big pharmacies now cutting their hours due to labor shortages, Clark revisits your best options, covering employer Pharmacy Benefits Managers, and a new pharmacy option from Amazon. Also, Clark reacts to stories of corporate treatment of employees emerging from massive tech layoffs, and has key advice if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing your job. Rx Saving Strategy: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Layoffs: Conduct On Both Sides: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Men...
Feb 07, 2023•29 min
Flowers, chocolates, dinner - Clark smart ways to save on Valentine gifts. Plus, our Clark.com audience poll answers the question - How much should you spend on a first date? Also, Clark weighed in on buying an EV just 2 months ago. But prices have dropped recently. Has this changed his recommendation? Save on Valentine Gifts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 EV Price Cuts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: No More Dinner and a Movie. Cheapskate Daters Want Less. - The Wall Str...
Feb 06, 2023•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode, Clark clears confusion over settlements being paid by T-mobile and AT&T - and has a necessary fraud protection step for T-Mobile customers. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 AT&T and T-Mobile Settlements: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Robinhood Introduces IRA With A 1% Contribution Match Should I Buy Additional Insurance From a Ren...
Feb 03, 2023•34 min
Tax season time and documents are rolling in. Hiring a CPA, using Free File, TurboTax… you have filing options. Clark helps you choose the right one for your circumstances. And what is Return Free Filing and why don’t we have it in the U.S.?! Also, Americans in just 90 days lost a collective $42B in interest they would have earned taking their money out of Gang of 5 big bank savings accounts and placing it in higher yield accounts. Want to earn 20 times more interest? Tax Filing Options: Segment...
Feb 02, 2023•37 min
Today Clark covers fakes and thefts. You may be thinking about Valentine gifts now and jewelry is a favorite choice. But before you buy, Clark has a warning about the prevalence of counterfeits , and how to protect your wallet. Also, theft rings and smash & grabs have been hitting retailers hard throughout the country. Hear what retailers are doing to fight rampant internal and external theft, and how it affects consumers Counterfeit Warning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Retail Theft Impac...
Feb 01, 2023•30 min
Hardship withdrawals from 401(k)s have doubled over the past year. Clark discusses the tax ramifications and offers alternatives. Also, Clark champions entrepreneurs creating startups or joining franchises in tough times. But this comes with a very important warning vital to success: Vetting an opportunity and avoiding the job & training scamsters infesting the market. Know the signs. 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A Warning For Entrepreneurs: Segment 3 Ask Clark...
Jan 31, 2023•25 min
Last year was ugly in the stock & bond market - Clark lends perspective on investing cycles and your best approach to investing moving forward. Also in this episode - another down cycle. In the midst of massive tech layoffs, there is a silver lining. Historically, tech industry down cycles create the next great wave of innovation . Clark speaks directly to all laid off workers. Is it time for you to start your own business? The Stock Market Down Cycle: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Tech...
Jan 30, 2023•30 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, there’s some important stats and steps to know when financing a vehicle. Clark tells you how to short circuit getting ripped off on a car purchase. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Vehicle Financing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard's 4 Travel Rules You Should Follow Right Now How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way 6 Best Background Check Service...
Jan 27, 2023•31 min
Your dining out experience may be getting better as labor shortages ease in some areas, and tech provides new efficiencies in the restaurant business. Plus, hear how drone delivery is expanding. Also in this episode, Clark weighs in on the enlightened self-interest of employers allowing 4 day work weeks and flex scheduling - Win Win. Tech Efficiencies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Flexible Work Schedules: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: WSJ: Restaurant Staffers Are Return...
Jan 26, 2023•28 min
Clark has long despised noncompete clauses for workers. There’s finally a new proposal to do away with them from the FTC. Clark is on board and has some advice for job seekers. Also, there are new rules for IRAs and 401(k)s . Clark clarifies new & forthcoming options. Covenants Not To Compete: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Retirement Account Rules: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: FTC says proposed ban of noncompete clauses would strengthen workers' hand Home equity...
Jan 25, 2023•26 min
While recent changes to medical debt credit reporting will help, medical debt accounts for half the negative marks on credit reports, due in part to the medical industry’s resistance to lawful price disclosure under the No Surprises Act - which unfortunately excludes ambulance service . Clark discusses this glaring omission and the role of non-profits in tackling medical debt for consumers. Also, to solve traffic congestion we’re in a never ending quest to widen roads . But in this case, increas...
Jan 24, 2023•32 min
If you work remotely, you may be part of something that is going to make housing cheaper for all. Clark explains how Covid migration drove housing prices up, but longer term, is having the opposite effect. Also, something new - again - CD ladders . Clark explains how this saving technique can work for you in the current and foreseeable rate environment. Remote Work & Housing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 CD Laddering: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The rise of 'Zoomt...
Jan 23, 2023•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode - DEALS . Clark shares why January 20th is a key date for deep discounts, what’s on sale and where to find the bargains - including TRAVEL . Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Deep Discounts & Deals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: New Tool Shows Southwest Prices From Google Flights Search Walmart+ Membership Program: 4 Things To Know Goog...
Jan 20, 2023•28 min
Tax season is upon us with a better staffed IRS expected this year. Clark has a few reminders before you file. Also in today’s show - Clark has always advocated paying off debt. Does that include paying down your mortgage faster? Clark has a formula for determining that, and advice for prioritizing where to put any extra funds you may have. Tax Reminders: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Funding Priorities: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Should Start Preparing for Ta...
Jan 19, 2023•29 min
With the new year comes new health insurance deductibles, and many are feeling it when filling prescriptions. Learn why employer prescription plans are your frenemy - and what Mark Cuban is doing in the world of prescription medications. Also in this episode, what constitutes being wealthy? Clark discusses how people perceive and self-assess wealth in the U.S. , knowing the difference between reality & headlines, and the role of lifestyle in determining wealth. Rx Costs: Segment 1 Ask Clark:...
Jan 18, 2023•28 min
Various factors are contributing to a shortage of college students, forcing many schools to cut tuitions and reevaluate their relevance. This as state supported trade, technical and community colleges are challenged to better align curriculum to the needs of the workplace. Clark discusses the transformation in higher education, its value, and your new negotiating power. Also, Clark has the latest installment of the crimes and fines of Wells Fargo - a “bank” you’d do well to forego. Transformatio...
Jan 17, 2023•26 min
We've all been victims of customer-no-service. So how do you effectively complain and resolve an issue? Persistent patience and various resources including a new service . Also, do you have things gathering dust you now regret buying ? Take the “closet test” and learn to defeat the tactics behind impulse buying. Customer No-Service Resources: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Prevent Buyer’s Remorse: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Liz Weston: How to complain and get results C...
Jan 16, 2023•30 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode, with the new EV tax credits, is this the year to buy an electric vehicle? Clark goes over the important considerations around this major decision. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 EV Tax Credits & Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 5 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds Inflation for goods fell while inflation for services i...
Jan 13, 2023•29 min
Freelancing and side gigs are becoming the norm for many Americans between jobs or looking to make more money. Get Clark’s tips on how to find legit jobs and set up your side business. Later, how would you like a bank loan at 200% ? Predatory lending is happening on a national scale, hurting lots of people - and it’s legal. Clark explains how this came about and what you should know to avoid this trap. Freelancing & Side Gigs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Predatory Loan Warning: Segment 3 ...
Jan 12, 2023•25 min
Clark gets back to basics today to help you determine if you need a budgeting app and which one may work best for you. Also in this episode, the streaming giants are losing subscribers and money so changes are on the way. Get Clark’s take on what to look out for to protect your wallet, and what to know about free TV. Budgeting Apps: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Streaming Changes & Free TV: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How Safe Are Budget Tracking Apps and Software?...
Jan 11, 2023•29 min
