Clark shares recent research on the benefits of top tier gasoline. Also in this episode, do you get an annual raise? Some companies are going to forego those next year for some employees. What to do if you are affected. Top Tier Gas: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Wage Increase Outlook: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Yahoo News: Who has better gas between Costco and Sam’s Club? Buying Gas From a Station on This List Is Better for Your Car 6 Things To Know Before You Buy Ga...
Nov 15, 2023•30 min
It’s getting cold out in many parts of the country. Clark has some good news on the home heating front. Also today - many insurance companies are purposely giving lowball offers for collision repairs. Clark has his own experience with this kind of dirty dealing. Know how to protect your wallet in the aftermath of an accident. Winter Heating Costs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Auto Insurance Claim Rip-Offs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Here’s a Bill That Might Be Lower ...
Nov 14, 2023•32 min
The last three years have been the worst for doing traditional portfolio mixes of stocks & bonds. This brings forth “recency bias”. Clark discusses the state of the economy and how bonds fit into your portfolio. Also, self-driving cars have sparked a lot of debate. Are they ready for prime time? Bonds Are A Deal: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Self-Driving Cars: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 5 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds It’s Time to Stop Crying About ...
Nov 13, 2023•30 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, Clark talks about some of the perils of self-checkout and the new fully automated stores. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Fully Automated Markets: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps 10 Ways To Save Money on Car Insurance 401(k) Match: What Is It, How It Works Axios: Chamblee market says no checkout, no cashier, no probl...
Nov 10, 2023•33 min
Phone scams are proliferating, especially those using AI technology. Some current text scams are exploiting increased deliveries around the holidays. Clark explains what to look out for, and how to avoid getting taken. Also, the big pharmacy chains are closing locations all over the place right now. Get Clark’s perspective, plus a review of how to save more on prescription drugs. New Phone Scam Alerts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Pharmacy Closings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on ...
Nov 09, 2023•33 min
Clark tells you how Airbnb‘s legal battles and new restrictions affect both customers and landlords. Also in this episode, there are extreme changes going on in the jewelry business that can save you a fortune! Short-term Rental Restrictions: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Lab Created Diamonds: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: TN Supreme Court delivers partial win for Airbnb in legal disputes with HOAs - USA TODAY 4 Ways To Stop Junk Mail [The Washington Post] Will you take ...
Nov 08, 2023•30 min
Are you unintentionally giving yourself a pay cut ? 25% of American couples are. How couples can make sure they are balancing retirement savings. Also, good news around teen driving safety , and good advice for adult drivers. Retirement Savings For Couples: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Teen Driver Safety: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Are you leaving money on the table: How 1 in 4 couples is missing out on 401 (k) savings -USA TODAY What Is a Spousal IRA and What Are th...
Nov 07, 2023•31 min
Feasting season is upon us. New data on food prices brings good news for smart shoppers. Clark has some great advice on saving more at the grocery store. Also - restaurant food can be more expensive when ordering on apps or with food delivery. How to get more for your restaurant dollars. Grocery Savings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Food Delivery Upcharges: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Food Is on Sale Again. You Might Still Have Sticker Shock. - The Wall Street Journal...
Nov 06, 2023•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, approaching Veteran’s Day, Clark has valuable info for those who serve or have served in our military about scams aimed at veterans , and deals available to veterans. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Deals For Veterans + Scam Alerts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Clark Howard Thinks of 'Crypto Winter' After Big Crash 10 Ways To Save Money on Car Ins...
Nov 03, 2023•32 min
Clark tells you why it may save you money to rethink how you use your dishwasher and washing machine. Also in this episode, we’re getting hit with tip requests from all new places. What are the rules now? Clark shares his ideas about this and some general guidelines. Saving Water & Energy: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Tipping: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: [The Washington Post] Experts say don’t pre-rinse your dishes. We put that advice to the test. Best Cash Back C...
Nov 02, 2023•29 min
The Season of Giving means donation requests coming from all sides. Clark helps you tell the legit charities from the crooks. Also, you may have noticed that affordable furniture often is not made to last these days. Some items are basically disposable. Get Clark’s take on how to find quality furniture for low prices. Wise Charitable Giving: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 On Furniture: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to make sure your donations count when weather disast...
Nov 01, 2023•29 min
There’s an industry wide problem in the travel industry. Clark explains the danger you face when searching for travel deals online. Also today, Clark discusses how hospital systems drive up costs and how to save money on medical procedures. Bogus Travel Sites: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Save On Medical Procedures: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Hotel deals harder to find as third-party travel sites mirror each others' rates Is Amazon Prime Worth It? 12 Common Amazon Sc...
Oct 31, 2023•32 min
Clark explains what can happen when you use the same password on multiple websites. Also today - Reportedly timeshares are making a comeback among younger travelers. Clark drivers the truth about timeshares Password Safety: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Timeshares: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: [The Washington Post] Worried about the 23andMe hack? Here’s what you can do. Car Insurance Archives - Clark Howard Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard Target Date Funds:...
Oct 30, 2023•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode - New reporting indicates that some credit unions are not behaving in the way that represents their members. Clark explains what you need to know about the superior choice for banking: credit unions. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Credit Unions: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Should Never Mail a Check Top Travel Deals - Clark Howa...
Oct 27, 2023•29 min
Fake sales are standard practice but especially abundant during the holiday season. Learn how promotional merchandise works to trick consumers into thinking they’re getting deals & how to tell a real bargain from a fake one . Also today - It’s a brutal housing market for would-be first time buyers. Renting & waiting is a viable alternative. Those needing to go ahead and buy now have more choice from new construction, and several avenues to explore to make a home purchase more affordable,...
Oct 26, 2023•31 min
Finding a financial advisor who won’t rip you off is tricky business. Clark shares some new ways to find your true fiduciary . Also, get the update on Walmart’s innovative in-store healthcare facilities. Financial Advisors: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Walmart Health Centers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is a Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? Advice-Only Network / Flat Fee Advisors Should I Purchase Mortgage Life Insurance? What Is Mortgage Protection Insurance...
Oct 25, 2023•35 min
Are you a Super Saver ? Clark discusses the key choices you can make in your life that will truly empower you to have control over your financial future. There are 2 big decisions that most enable super savers to live on less than what they make. Also today - by design, many websites employ tricks to manipulate your buying, subscription and privacy choices. Recognizing these “ dark patterns ” can keep you above the fray of getting played. What Super Savers Know: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Se...
Oct 24, 2023•30 min
Great news on junk fees, especially when buying concert tickets and booking travel online. New rules will simplify comparison shopping online. Also, AI has shown its potential to be very helpful in many ways. Unfortunately, it’s being used for more sinister purposes that you need to know about. Junk Fee Transparency: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Beware AI Fakes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show What you see is what you’ll pay: New law bans ‘junk’ fees on hotel bills, concer...
Oct 23, 2023•32 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, Clark talks about why Buy Now Pay Later , aka Pay in 4 services, have become a disaster for so many, especially Gen Zers. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Pay In 4 Is A Trap: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Best Airline Credit Cards for 2023: Are They Right For You? Select Delta Customers Will Receive a Valuable New Credit Card Perk Cruises for Single...
Oct 20, 2023•30 min
Today Clark goes Back To Basic on auto insurance . Due to gigantic premium increases, more people are going without or buying minimums, which can be risky. Learn what coverage you’ve GOT to have, and how to make decisions regarding collision, comprehensive, and deductibles. Once you figure your coverage, you’re ready to shop insurers. Also, end of life discussions are not easy to initiate, but talks about your own or an aging loved one’s end-of-life care and burial arrangements - making wishes k...
Oct 19, 2023•38 min
Do you use autopay for credit card bills? If so, Clark has a warning for you. Also, life is about change and that’s surely evident with jobs & career opportunity. Clark looks at the fastest growing jobs today, including college requirements and average pay. Credit Card Autopay Warning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Job Growth Fields: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Autopay Is Making Us Worse at Managing Credit-Card Bills - The Wall Street Journal. Automatic Bill Pay: Ho...
Oct 18, 2023•33 min
Have you given up on guarding your data & privacy online? Help has arrived. Clark reviews a new app from Consumer Reports that works to delete or minimize your digital footprint, managing online privacy for you. Also in this episode, first hand observations on Uber vs. Lyft. Privacy App- Permission Slip: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Uber Vs. Lyft: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show [The Washington Post] Overwhelmed trying to protect your privacy? A new app does it for you...
Oct 17, 2023•28 min
It’s become easy for burglary rings to break into hotel rooms, but there’s also an easy way to protect yourself. Also today, updates on Amazon regarding federal allegations, the Amazon internet service launch, and what consumers need to know about both. Hotel Room Break-Ins: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Amazon Updates: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Caution: Criminals in California Use Insider Device to Break Into Hotel Rooms - Here's How to Protect Yourself Vacatia - Ren...
Oct 16, 2023•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, many a tale of woe proves the point: It’s important to have beneficiaries up to date and to understand which takes precedence - a beneficiary designation or a will and trust. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Update Your Beneficiaries: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show AutoSlash Review: How To Save on a Rental Car How To Make Your Online Accounts Accessi...
Oct 13, 2023•36 min
Scams persist, ubiquitous & unabated. So must our warnings! Be hip to the latest ways crooks are trying to separate you from your money. Also in this episode - prenuptial agreements are more common these days. Why Clark has a hard time talking about them, and some of the circumstances that warrant this legal arrangement. Be SCAM Aware: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Prenups: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show NYT - You’ve Got (Scam) Mail Actors Impersonating Federal Agents ...
Oct 12, 2023•31 min
Clark shares new work-from-home statistics and how that is shifting businesses. Also in this episode: When it comes to your investments, knowing what the fees are in the funds you choose is crucial. The fee difference can translate into huge money you could miss out on in retirement. So investors, Clark has an assignment for you! Working From Home: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Index Fund Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Axios Chart: Who works from home Even a Booming ...
Oct 11, 2023•29 min
When buying or selling a home, your choice of a real estate agent is much more important than you may think. Also today, Clark has good news on the new car purchase front - but it’s a double message. Get the lay of the land on current cost considerations if you’re in the market for a new vehicle. Choosing A Real Estate Agent: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Buying A New Car: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How much does real estate agent experience matter? Here's what the dat...
Oct 10, 2023•29 min
Today Clark puts interest rates in perspective, discussing where they’re headed and the impact of the national debt on rates. Also today: The home reliability market for power. Utility scale batteries are providing more reliable, lower cost backup power. And batteries are paying a role for home interruptions as well. What to know about battery alternatives to diesel & whole house generators Interest Rate Assessment: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Battery Generators: Segment 3 Ask Clark:...
Oct 09, 2023•35 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode, as a prolific energy producer, US prices tend to be lower than elsewhere in the world. Yet, here comes that high power bill. The good news is, there are several improvements you can make to reduce the amount of energy needed for heating & cooling. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Lower Heating Bills: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Shou...
Oct 06, 2023•34 min
It’s now easier than ever to monitor your credit reports for free, but there are a few pitfalls to be aware of. Also in this episode - Living in an HOA community is a choice about 1/4th of homeowners have made. Homeowners associations can be great, but can also pose problems. Believe it or not, you can lose your home to one if you’re not careful. Free Credit Reports: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Homeowners Associations: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Credit Bureaus Announ...
Oct 05, 2023•28 min
