Clark has a personal health update and some solid advice for others, specifically men , about how to advocate for and guard your most valuable asset: your health. Also, the unofficial start of summer is upon us, and buried under negative headlines is great news about gas prices and energy costs in the coming months. Protecting Men’s Health: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Summer Energy Costs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Clark Howard and the Prostate Cancer Foundation NYTi...
May 22, 2023•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode, recall Clark’s enthusiasm for his portable carbon monoxide detector, great for travel. New data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows carbon monoxide deaths are rising in residential settings. Find out why this is happening and your quick fix against this silent killer. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Essential Safety: CO Detectors: Segment 3 Ask Cl...
May 19, 2023•30 min
Entrepreneurs make the world go round and as the job market transforms, many decide to start their own business, which may include holding a franchise . Clark has specific, must-do, key rules for those considering becoming a franchisee. Another big life decision - getting engaged. Turns out after the post pandemic wedding surge, engagements rates are down . This presents a marketplace opportunity for future newlyweds. Key Rules For Aspiring Franchisees: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Otherwise E...
May 18, 2023•31 min
With the controversial advent of generative AI so heavily reported, Clark shares good news about AI automation being used to improve food services . Also today, TV and general repair shops vanished long ago, and thus began a slow building, global movement to fix broken items . If you need help beyond YouTube videos to fix electronics and other items, be aware of Repair Cafés. Automated Food Service: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Repair Cafes Promote Sustainability: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment ...
May 17, 2023•31 min
Clark shares good news on the summer travel front including more fee disclosure from hotels, and big improvements from Airbnb . Also today - a special warning about a medical payment method to be avoided. Hotel & Airbnb News: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Paying For Medical Services: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How to book travel on Priceline Find Out What Priceline or Hotwire Hotel You’re Getting Before You Book Marriott just blinked on those nasty resort fees / Re...
May 16, 2023•31 min
With bank failures eroding public confidence , Clark has an update on how to protect money beyond the FDIC insurance limit. Also today, inflation’s effect on proms and weddings, and ways to stretch your dollars for special events. FDIC Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Special Event Costs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Nearly half of Americans are nervous about their money in the bank, Gallup survey finds Get Peace of Mind for Large Cash Balances with ICS & CDA...
May 15, 2023•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, lost luggage is always a problem, and a growing one in the cruise industry. If you insist on checking luggage, Clark has advice for packing your carry on bag including a NEVER EVER rule, so things go easier if your luggage goes MIA. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Carry On Rules If Checking Luggage: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show 5 Reasons Why Clark...
May 12, 2023•35 min
Rising interest rates - raise interest in how to optimize savings yields. Clark explains your best moves with Series I Savings Bonds and CDs in the current context of cooling inflation and where rates stand today. If you’ve got cash to stash, you’ll better understand the savings moves to make right away to make the most of your money in time. Also, many Americans are neglecting an important part of protecting their families - life insurance. Clark helps you understand and get beyond the industry...
May 11, 2023•32 min
In a slowing economy, be a skeptic, especially when it comes to finding employment. The way we find jobs today is very different, but some elements of landing a job remain the same. Clark shares the importance of networking, along with warnings about “ghost jobs” and job scams. Also today, Clark presents a new take on the age old question: Can money buy happiness? Thoughts on the nature of happiness, retirement and the money quotient. Beware Job Scams: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Happiness Is...
May 10, 2023•34 min
It’s complicated when kids leave the nest these days. How long should young adults receive support from their parents? Almost half of parents are supporting at least 1 adult child and the average amount given monthly is surprisingly high. Follow Clark’s plan to help kids launch into independence as adults. Also today - International travelers! There’s a global gotcha when paying for anything overseas. Know this important rule about how you pay when you are abroad Parents Funding Adult Kids: Segm...
May 09, 2023•34 min
Scammers have learned how to manipulate search results , laying the groundwork for rip offs and identity fraud. Today, learn what to avoid and how to correctly obtain your credit report & score. Also, a new study exposes mislabeling of a very popular supplement - which speaks to an ongoing problem in the dietary supplement - herbal remedy market. Buying unverified products can have serious health consequences. Clark helps you choose wisely by knowing what certifications to look for. Sourcing...
May 08, 2023•28 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode - Warning: There is no viable secondary market for timeshares- but there ARE con job “timeshare resale services” and now criminal rings are into timeshare resale scams. Clark’s best advice for unloading a timeshare . Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Timeshare Fraud Ring: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Mortgages Archives - Clark Howard What ...
May 05, 2023•29 min
We all want to improve our credit. Learn Clark smart ways to build or rebuild your credit including the best secured credit cards . Also, Clark recently talked about the end of free shipping. Well its partner, free returns , is now on life support. Free returns have gone through the roof and online sellers are cracking down. What to know before you buy. Establish/Repair Your Credit: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The End Of Free Returns: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Best ...
May 04, 2023•24 min
Yet more statistics confirm how little American couples and families talk about money. This reluctance is actually harmful to your financial security and independence. It’s vital to know how to start the conversation - and keep it ongoing. Also, Influencers are so powerful in the marketplace today, and are now taking the moving industry by storm. When it comes to moving and the risks involved, don’t follow influencers. Don’t follow ads. Follow Clark’s moving rules. MONEY Conversations: Segment 1...
May 03, 2023•33 min
There’s a new twist on grocery vs restaurant inflation. Clark helps you stretch your food dollars given what’s happening now. Also today, Clark offers a savings strategy free of bank worries, that is both secure and can yield more interest on your parked cash. Plus a NEVER EVER Rule on buying CDs. Supermarket vs Restaurant Inflation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A SAVINGS Twofer: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Restaurant prices are rising faster than grocery prices for th...
May 02, 2023•34 min
Many remain unsettled about the stock market rollercoaster we’ve been on lately. Clark illustrates basic investment principles with a simple calculation that should calm your fears and enhance your understanding of WHY you ride it out long term. And - where to NEVER EVER place your Roth IRA . Also today - you likely have many digital accounts. Know how to ensure your loved ones have access when the need arises. Investing For The Long Term Win: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Digital Account Acces...
May 01, 2023•34 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, most Americans think their children are going to be worse off than they are. Clark discusses what’s behind this “recency bias” and gives a counterpoint to the pervading sense that our best days are behind us. Why is Clark optimistic? Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Reason For Optimism: America’s Future: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show 25+ Places Tha...
Apr 28, 2023•33 min
New federal rules on mortgage fees - known as loan level price adjustments - have a lot of people hot under the collar. This affects people in different ways depending on credit score and down payment. Clark explains what’s going on and those most affected. Also - Summer approaches, and skin cancer rates dictate protecting your skin. You can also protect your wallet because the best sunscreens are not necessarily the most expensive. And then there’s the chemical vs mineral block sunscreen debate...
Apr 27, 2023•33 min
Clark shares new travel info including Spirit’s StatusMatch promotion and news on last minute fares . Also in this episode, the plague of customer NO service has only gotten worse. Clark offers strategies, including a NEVER NEVER rule about what NOT to say. Air Travel Info: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Customer No Service: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Spirit Airlines will now match loyalty status on other airlines New Report: Top 5 Cheapest Airlines for Last-Minute Dome...
Apr 26, 2023•31 min
What to know about Apple’s new savings account offer. Plus, a cautionary note about companies promoting high savings rates that only amount to promissory notes because they’re NOT insured. Learn what to look out for to protect your hard earned savings. Also today, the wait is over. Finally a new rule on medical debt kicks in that could kick up your credit score. Apple Savings Offer: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Medical Debt Law Now In Effect: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the sho...
Apr 25, 2023•27 min
One of the biggest financial decisions in life is the purchase of a home . Clark has warnings about 2 trends that can be perilous in the long run for home buyers. Also on today’s episode, the recent shuttering of David’s Bridal stores points to a bigger concern: How to handle making an advance deposit on a future purchase. Clark has an important “NEVER NEVER NEVER NOT EVER” rule, to protect your money. 2 Mortgage Warnings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Advance Deposit Rule: Segment 3 Ask Clark:...
Apr 24, 2023•32 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode, throughout history, older generations have maligned youth, and Gen Z - ages 11 to 26 - has received their share of criticism. So why are they the best at saving for retirement in human history? There’s a behavioral finance reason at work here…. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Gen Z Acing Saving: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Scams & R...
Apr 21, 2023•32 min
Consumer goods manufacturers are using a targeted strategy to rip off consumers with vaunted versions of self-care and home products, boasting massive profit margins on their so-called premium lines. Don’t fall for this marketing scheme. Also, after shameless industry cartel gouging forever, OTC FDA approved free market hearing aids are finally available at significantly lower prices - and some are getting great reviews. Manufacturer Mind Games: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Hearing Aid Prices:...
Apr 20, 2023•29 min
There’s a strange way people are violating others’ privacy on payment apps. Clark tells you the vulnerability, and what you can do about it, depending on the app. Also, the housing market remains in a kind of freeze. But new national data reveals a general trend potential home buyers can take advantage of. Payment App Violation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Seasonal Home Buying: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show WSJ - Don’t Forget to Block Your Ex on Your Payment Apps Mobile...
Apr 19, 2023•29 min
The US spends 20% of our national income on healthcare vs. 8% in other countries.. Our system is rife with inefficiencies. Clark touches on 3 areas: Amazon One Medical , the primary care physician shortage and insurance issues you should be aware of. Also, the FBI has issued an alert about charging devices in public spaces. Know the risk and how to avoid it. Healthcare Updates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 FBI Alert: Public Charging Stations: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the sho...
Apr 18, 2023•30 min
Tomorrow is tax day. What if you can't pay what you owe right now? Understand the penalties: Failure to pay vs failure to file. AND - be aware of tax scams. Also in this episode, the banking industry is going through a troubled phase, making it a difficult time for customers. Banks are closing accounts with no warning, making Clark’s “Noah’s Ark Rule” more important than ever. Tax Day-Failure To File: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Banks Shutting Down Accounts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Men...
Apr 17, 2023•27 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode - A shortage of planes, a shortage of pilots, supply and demand - airfares are up around 20%. But there are ways to save including how far out from travel you book, and which days are cheaper to fly. Learn new ways to save money on flights. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Air Travel Saving Strategies: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show What Is ...
Apr 14, 2023•38 min
Clark has warned against commissioned insurance products including fixed, variable and/or universal life; annuities, and annuities disguised under different names. Someone selling on commission is NOT a fiduciary , but some self-described fiduciaries are using a loophole to do just that. Clark explains what to look out for when choosing a financial planner. Also, we’re going through a clear job rotation in the U.S. New data reveals distinct geographical indicators of the top job growth metros in...
Apr 13, 2023•31 min
Something new & customer friendly from Amazon is a win win. On the other hand, with online retail, know there’s really no such thing as free shipping . Also in this episode, new reporting states that without a fix from Congress, Social Security will be running short in a decade. Has this altered Clark’s advice on what age it’s best to start taking the benefit? Amazon Return Prevention: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Social Security Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the sh...
Apr 12, 2023•34 min
One of the main ways you empower yourself with money is to owe less. Americans are taking on more and more credit card debt now for lifestyle, and over 40% of card holders are just servicing the debt. Learn Clark smart ways to start digging out . Also, AI is in the news constantly. Artificial Intelligence will open up so many new ways of doing things, but there are major concerns and dire predictions. Clark lends historical perspective on how tech changes the nature of work. Reducing Debt: Segme...
Apr 11, 2023•35 min
