U.S. consumers pay more for prescription drugs than anywhere else on the planet, especially for vital brand medications that are not yet sold as generics. Clark explains this price disparity, reports on Florida’s move to import from Canada , and shares how you can save on meds today. Also - How Walmart is giving its workers a stake in the game and why that is good for business. Save More On Meds: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Employee Ownership: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the s...
Feb 08, 2024•31 min
Because of the pandemic, many employees are entering a corporate office environment for the first time, and companies are having to do special training to help them adjust. Clark has some advice for these new workers. Also today - After a period of punishing inflation, consumers are finally in the driver’s seat on prices. How? Clark explains our collective power in the marketplace. Workplace Etiquette: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Consumers Rule: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the...
Feb 07, 2024•30 min
Some reports estimate overall food waste at near 40%! That’s MONEY tossed away! There’s a simple way to help you SAVE MORE food & thus - stretch your grocery dollars. Also, Clark discusses options for those with I Bonds purchased at inflation’s peak, now with diminishing returns, and why I Bonds are still a good deal now. Reduce Food Waste: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 I Bond Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: [The Washington Post] This fridge hack can slash yo...
Feb 06, 2024•27 min
Bad news makes news, creating general pessimism and a negative outlook on the world at large. But there’s so much good in the world that goes unheralded. Clark shares some reasons to be optimistic. Also today, colleges are competing to fill enrollments . Clark shares strategies to help you stretch every college dollar, including asking for a 4 year incentive package. Dare To Be Optimistic: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 College Cost Strategies: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the sho...
Feb 05, 2024•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - Staying fit doesn’t have to involve costly memberships. Clark shares his affinity for fitness trackers , and how inexpensive they can be. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Fitness Trackers : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Costco vs. Sam's Club: What Is the Difference? How Donor-Advised Funds Are Changing Philanthropy WSJ - Your Smartphone Can Have ...
Feb 02, 2024•37 min
The stock market has hit record highs lately, which means investors can become misdirected by “recency bias”. What could go wrong? Clark explains some market realities to keep in mind and the value of diversification . Also today, with tax season upon us make sure you know about tax filing options that are free. Investment Strategy: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Free Tax Filing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Save and Invest the Clark Howard Way Wall Street hits re...
Feb 01, 2024•37 min
Credit card debt is up 50% in the last 3 years with default rates on the rise, as higher interest rates exacerbate the problem. What would Clark do? Also today, many people have been waiting for the market to normalize before buying a vehicle. Clark shares good news and smart approaches to the purchase of both new and used cars. Credit Card Debt Strategy: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Car Buying Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes.com: Lugging Credit Card Debt ...
Jan 31, 2024•34 min
Clark offers a primer on the 3 basic types of funds - Mutual, Index, and the fastest growing area of investing: ETFs . Also, there is a new rule for health insurers when you need medical preauthorization approval for treatment or a procedure. And it’s about time. Back To Basics: ETFs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Rules On Medical Preauthorization: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Invest in ETFs for Beginners What Is an ETF? Clark.com INVESTOPEDIA - Mutual Funds ...
Jan 30, 2024•33 min
If you’re doing the work of saving, how much interest are you earning? Some banks pay next to zero. Clark has an assignment for you. Also, Clark celebrates a “trendlet” he hopes will become a full fledged trend - actual customer service. Max Return On Savings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Customer Service Lives: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: WSJ.com: They Thought Their Money Was in High-Interest Accounts—They Got Paid Peanuts 16 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Acc...
Jan 29, 2024•33 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - Costco vs Sam’s and how Sam’s Club is using tech to make the customer experience easier. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Sam’s Club Scan & Go: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 401(k) Match: What Is It, How It Works Here’s why electric cars don’t go as far in the cold EVs work fine in the cold in Norway. Here’s how they do it The housing solution...
Jan 26, 2024•37 min
While other crime is down post-pandemic, vehicle vandalism & theft rises. Clark discusses the great value of vehicle sentry cameras for prevention and recording of vehicle accidents and crimes. Also today - Alarmist headlines of layoffs and AI killing jobs don’t give you the full picture. Clark lends perspective on the nature of employment historically involving change, and the job growth happening now. Vehicle Sentry Devices: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Where The Jobs Are: Segment 3 Ask ...
Jan 25, 2024•33 min
Today, a Red Alert if you have a checkbook in your possession. Check theft is soaring at a time when people are writing fewer checks. Clark explains the weak links in the system, and the safest way to pay your bills. Also, the rising costs of homeowners insurance hits especially hard in areas prone to flooding, fires, and other environmental concerns. Know the additional steps to take concerning insurance BEFORE you buy a home. Check Fraud Prevention: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Homeowners In...
Jan 24, 2024•28 min
QR Codes have become fertile ground for criminals to load viruses and steal from you. Know how to avoid this now prevalent hazard. Also today, the big cell phone companies have made it incredibly expensive to use your phone when traveling outside the U.S. Hear Clark’s latest advice on how to handle this. QR Code Warning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 International Calling: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes.com: That QR Code You’re About to Scan Could Be Risky, F.T.C....
Jan 23, 2024•29 min
Clark shares insights on how to Spend Less from a recent price study comparing behemoth retailers. Later - home and auto insurance is becoming more expensive and increasingly hard to purchase . How to be proactive vs reactive. Retail Giant Price Comparison: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home & Auto Insurance Increases: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Amazon vs Walmart: Who Has the Cheapest Grocery Prices? The One and Only Exception to Clark Howard's 'No Gift Card' Rule...
Jan 22, 2024•31 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - do you use apps to get points & free items at restaurants? Are there app tricks going on to get us to spend more money? A current lawsuit calls this into question - but the real issue is larger. What to know about app stored payment systems. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Restaurant & Retail In-App Payments: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:...
Jan 19, 2024•33 min
Generation X in particular has faced unique challenges preparing for retirement. Clark talks about the factors involved and what this age group can do as they near their 60’s and beyond. Also today, in some states, housing prices have gone up 50% in the last 5 years. One solution Clark loves - composite, factory-built manufactured home building, is gaining traction in some places, but uptake will require cultural shifts. Gen X Retirement: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Manufactured Homes: Segmen...
Jan 18, 2024•30 min
Clark discusses his recent heart procedure, shares the good news of his progress and thanks all for the heartfelt well wishes he received. Also in this episode, if you’re looking to upgrade the size of your TV, there are some incredible deals out there right now. Clark points the way. Health Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Big TV Deals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark.com - STREAMING TV Live TV Streaming Channel Tool Everything seems more expensive, so why is a...
Jan 17, 2024•31 min
Today, a dose of Clarkonomics. Clark shares his views on the state of the economy, including energy production and the stock market looking ahead. Also, you may have noticed fewer options when it comes to goods you buy, like toilet paper and paper towels. Clark explains how the pandemic forced new adaptive efficiencies in manufacturing, and why this is good for consumers Clarkonomics: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Retail: Less Choice - Lower Prices: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on t...
Jan 16, 2024•28 min
Wishing you a peaceful and uplifting MLK Day. Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns tomorrow with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! The auto insurance industry is in a world of hurt and aggressively raising rates. Clark explains the factors involved and what you can do to help keep your costs down. Also today, life expectancy is a roll of the dice but generally, people are living longer. There’s a little known and very smart way to avoid outliving your mo...
Jan 15, 2024•38 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - Abandoned Places should NOT include your old 401(k) . And big employers don’t want them. So new rules place this money at risk. Clark explains what’s happening now, and how to safely move your money. Don’t let it slip away! Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Forgotten 401(k)s At Risk: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is an ABLE Account? Why Did M...
Jan 12, 2024•32 min
The IRS has been in the news for waiving penalties from prior tax years AND people are getting surprise tax bills . That has brought about a slew of companies advertising tax debt relief. Know what applies to you, and why you shouldn’t take the bait for “debt relief”. Also in the news, the lawsuit against Vanguard over its target date funds is moving through the courts. Know what role TDFs play in your portfolio and where they should NEVER be placed. Tax Penalty Changes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Seg...
Jan 11, 2024•33 min
Clark explains the real purpose of owning gold, and, should you decide to - the best way to include it as an asset. Also - One way to save money in the new year? Cancel subscriptions! Clark revisits subscription creep, and how streaming and other services can add up to big bucks. Many people forget to cancel free trials, and worse, many companies make it difficult to cancel . GOLD! Yes Or No: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Subscription Creep & Streaming Services: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment...
Jan 10, 2024•31 min
The big pharmacies are folding under the pressure of competitive pricing. How to insure you pay less for prescriptions. Also today, Clark updates the state of the economy and interest rates, with guidance on how savers can lock in higher rates for longer. He also has an important warning about how to spot fake CDs. Rx Pricing Changes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 CD Rates & Saving Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes - CVS Says It Will Change the Way Its ...
Jan 09, 2024•28 min
If you have holiday gifts you plan on taking or sending back, you need to know how return policies have changed, and act quickly. Clark explains. Also today, companies should emulate a recent move by a major airline to help employees with their finances. Restrictive Return Policies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Delta’s Emergency Savings Fund: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: WSJ.com: Retailers Enlist AI in Fight Against Returns Return Policies Have Gotten More Annoying Thi...
Jan 08, 2024•25 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode, there’s a real danger of scams when job searching online. Clark let’s job hunters know what to look out for and the rules of the road to employment. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Job Scams: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is the Highest Credit Score? What Is a Thrift Savings Plan? WSJ - Auto Dealers Find Savings by Buying Cars Off ...
Jan 05, 2024•33 min
The resolution to spend less can yield multiple benefits and there are various approaches. Clark explores a method called financial fasting . Also today, the U.S. is slowly adopting a method to simplify taxes, used by most other developed countries. See if this free online direct tax filing service called Direct File could work for you. Financial Fasting: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 IRS: Direct File: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Financial Fasting Can Trim the Fat From...
Jan 04, 2024•29 min
Clark shares good news about his favorite type of retirement account. Also in today’s show, advice for used car buyers includes new tax incentives that just went into effect. New Roth IRA Limits: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Used EV Tax Credit: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Looking to save in a Roth IRA next year? Here's what you need to know. - from USA TODAY How To Open a Roth IRA IRS provides tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2024 Best 529 College Savings Pl...
Jan 03, 2024•31 min
We’re back and ready to talk about how you can save more, spend less, and avoid rip-offs in 2024! Up first - your cell phone bill! Cell phone rates are going up at twice the rate of inflation because we’ve gone from 4 national providers to 3. Clark has ways to help you SAVE. Also, know what to expect this year if you’ve been worried about paying tax bills on money received through Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, or other payment services. Save On Cell Phone Service: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Payme...
Jan 02, 2024•30 min
Happy Holidays! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns January 2nd. Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Later, 20% of credit card users have heavy revolving debt, accounting for ¾ of the money banks make from cards. Few such users know their debt amount or interest rate, an oversight banks have exploited. If you’re carrying credit card debt, Clark has an assignment that could help you achieve being debt FREE. ...
Dec 29, 2023•28 min
Happy Holidays! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns January 2nd. Clark explains the forces behind a reversal in home building trends , bringing more affordable homes to the housing market. Also today: New data shows the net cost of attending college is moderating. Clark discusses cost factors to consider when choosing a college and most importantly - a course of study and skill set. Is prestige worth the price, or is it better to hold the cost and borrowing down? Plus, a NEVER NEVER...
Dec 28, 2023•36 min
