Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, are you paying too much for your summer soundtrack? With online music services raising prices, find out how to legally stream music for free. Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 Free Music Online: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why I Think Medicare Advantage Plans Stink - Clark Howard Will Social Security Run Out? When Is the Best Time To Collect Socia...
Jul 26, 2024•30 min
Be aware, falling for this hotly touted investment pitch can burn your wallet - What to know about Private Placements . Also, when is a bank not a bank? Hundreds of millions of dollars have vanished from multiple fintechs, money that was deposited via the fintech apps. Clark did some digging and lets you know what he’s found out. Beware Of Private Placements: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fintech Missing Money: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: A Real-Estate Fund Industry Is...
Jul 25, 2024•29 min
Semper Paratus! Clark discusses the CrowdStrike outage and what you can do to prepare for any future tech outages. Also - Even as the economy strengthens, financial struggles are real and persistent for many, made worse by today’s high interest rates. Use Clark smart strategies for handling credit card debt . Crowdstrike Lesson: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Debt: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Global Microsoft CrowdStrike outage creates issues from Starbucks ...
Jul 24, 2024•33 min
Some home buyers are using mortgage products to make houses more affordable, but these types of mortgages can be very dangerous to your wallet. Also, it’s time to do back to school shopping for many parents. Clark shares tips for saving money on everything from supplies to clothes to computers. Dangerous Mortgages: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Back To School Shopping: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: More people are taking a mortgage over 40 years – what this means for you...
Jul 23, 2024•32 min
Changes are happening at 2 of Clark’s favorites retailers, Costco & Sam’s Club , that members need to know about. Also, Clark talks about why there are an increasing number of brownouts and blackouts across the country and how to be prepared without spending a fortune. Clark Deals - Generators Changes At Costco & Sam’s Club: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Be Prepared For Power Blackouts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: New York Post: Sam’s Club members threaten to j...
Jul 22, 2024•35 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today - Seniors are getting scammed more and more. But there are ways to help protect loved ones. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Senior Scam Alert: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard's Simple Steps To Get Better Customer Service Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places 403b Wise / What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? Should You...
Jul 19, 2024•34 min
In today’s show - this is an election year, and we don’t do politics here. But we’re hearing all sorts of perspectives from across the political spectrum about whether Americans are doing better or worse than they were years ago. Clark cuts through the clutter to get at what’s really going on in a segment called Clarkonomics. Also, what’s more American than good old USA legal tender? So what do you do when many places no longer accept cash? Clarkonomics : Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 No Cash Z...
Jul 18, 2024•33 min
Today Clark talks about our two biggest cost areas - transportation and housing. There’s good news - and bad, depending on whether you’re looking to buy or sell a used car. Plus, the outlook for new car buyers. And, the American Dream has long included a vision of homeownership. But is it possible to build wealth while renting? Car Prices : Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Wealth Building Rewrite: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: CarMax Stock Rises After Earnings Dip. There’s ...
Jul 17, 2024•34 min
Today - Clark discusses what’s behind the collapse in customer service over the past 2 years and how savvy companies can distinguish themselves. Also, Tax ID theft remains a growing problem that can impact people for years. Know the two important steps tax filers can take now to protect their identity. Customer No-Service : Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Tax ID Theft: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Customer Experience Gets Worse. Again. Complaints are different when custom...
Jul 16, 2024•30 min
In this episode - A new stat reveals what percentage of parents go into debt taking their children to Disney . You won’t believe it. Plus Clark has good news & booking tips for fall travelers. Also, AI is certainly shifting the landscape of many industries. So how can workers prepare for the changes it will bring? Disney Debt & Fall Travel : Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 AI & The Job Market: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What's the Best Way To Get a Deal on D...
Jul 15, 2024•35 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also, Clark discusses how he handles prescriptions in order to save money, and announces our new cash back credit card tool at Clark.com Clark Stinks : Segments 1 & 2 PBMs and Your Rx Costs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: CREDIT CARDS - Clark.com Why Our Travel Expert Thinks This New Tool Is a “Game Changer” 7 Ways To Maximize Credit Card Rewards in 2024 ICS...
Jul 12, 2024•32 min
Americans are learning to save more on groceries - Clark tells you how. Also, Clark discusses the REAL problem with the housing market in America and solutions that exist - mostly elsewhere. We need to get on this now. Save More On Groceries: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Innovate Home Building: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: US shoppers tighten their belts in a most unlikely place: the grocery store Axios: What's behind the summer of discounts Axios: The case for grocery...
Jul 11, 2024•34 min
Now we’re learning that some apps are spying on drivers for the insurance industry - apps that could be on your phone right now. Also, when’s the last time you checked your credit report ? Clark explains why you should check routinely, and how to fix errors, which - unfortunately, are very common. Know the 3 things you can do right now to protect your credit. Apps That Spy On How You Drive: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Report Errors: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:...
Jul 10, 2024•29 min
In today’s episode, Clark shares why he recently switched cell phone carriers , what the process was like, and which company he’s with now. There are so many opportunities to save on your monthly bill! Speaking of saving - is it really saving when you spend more to get a bigger discount? Clark talks about “spaving” . Clark’s Cell Carrier Switch: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The “Spaving” Trap: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon get beaten by s...
Jul 09, 2024•35 min
Today, Clark discusses USAA concerning the terrible customer-no-service we are hearing about in every area of their business - and the fraud going on from bank hackers in general. There are steps you can take to better secure your financial accounts. Also, doing business with a big broker does not mean you are going to have big cash returns. Clark explains full commission vs discount brokers. USAA & Bank Hacking: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Brokerage Choice & Fiduciaries: Segment 3 As...
Jul 08, 2024•30 min
Happy 4th of July Weekend! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns July 8th with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! 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 aw...
Jul 05, 2024•33 min
Happy 4th of July Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns July 8th with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! Because of the pandemic, many employees are entering an office environment for the first time, and companies are having to conduct special training to help them adjust. Clark has sage advice for remote workers making the transition into corporate culture. Also today - After a period of punishing inflation, consumers are finally in the driver’s sea...
Jul 03, 2024•30 min
Happy 4th of July Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns July 8th with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! 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 Preauthoriz...
Jul 02, 2024•34 min
Happy 4th of July Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns July 8th with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! 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 conce...
Jul 01, 2024•29 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also today, Clark talks about the changing nature of dining out , including shortened restaurant hours and the use of robots - trends that show how businesses adapt to labor shortages and other challenges. And Clark and producer Grace reflect on the personal and national significance of the 4th of July . Clark returns after next week. Have a wonderful 4th of July Holiday! Clark Stinks...
Jun 28, 2024•32 min
Today Clark goes back to basics on 403(b) plans and 401(k)s . And Speaking of saving, how about saving way more by doing a no-buy (except for necessities) month? Some people are managing to do just that! 403(b) & 401(k) Plans: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The No-Buy Challenge: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? (Clark.com) Pros and Cons of 403(b) Plans What Is a 401(k) Plan and How Does It Work? Pump Up Your 401(k). New Roth Rules M...
Jun 27, 2024•29 min
Smaller retailers being beaten by Goliath big box stores is an ongoing concern. Clark discusses a notable exception and their secret to success. Also, if you’ve purchased Amazon’s electronics brands over the years, Clark has a money saving tip to keep in mind. Small Business Success: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Save On Amazon Electronics: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How Ace Hardware, America’s neighborhood hardware store for 100 years, is beating its big-box rivals H...
Jun 26, 2024•33 min
Today, Clark talks about how much you can save by shopping mortgage rates. The difference can mean a savings of 6 figures over the life of a loan. Later - how do Shein and Temu keep their items so cheap? Comparison Shop Mortgages: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Shein & Temu: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: New York Post: 5 states where homebuyers could save more than $100K by comparison shopping for a mortgage How to Get a Mortgage in 8 Steps [How To Find and Choose a F...
Jun 25, 2024•34 min
Clark explains the problems with Social Security funding, and how he would fix them. Another heated topic today - student loans . As interest rates on loans rise, Clark shares alternative ideas for funding college. Social Security: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Student Loan Rates: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Social Security’s Funding Crunch Worsens as the Top 6% Get Richer Will Social Security Run Out? / When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? Why Clark Says ...
Jun 24, 2024•31 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Later - home renovations have slowed way down, and suddenly it isn’t taking as long to hire a contractor. So when does it make sense to renovate? Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 Home Renovations: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Do I Really Need To Put Premium Gasoline in My Vehicle? Where Should I Set Up My Health Savings Account (HSA)? Best Travel Credit Card...
Jun 21, 2024•32 min
Today - Clark’s Birthday, presents an opportunity to update his health journey and share recommendations from the Prostate Cancer Foundation during Men’s Health Month . Also, a top concern is the safety of our teen drivers. There’s a great new collaborative list of the most reliable used cars under $10,000 for teens to drive. Clark’s Birthday & Cancer Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Safest Cars For Teens: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard and the Prost...
Jun 20, 2024•33 min
There’s a lot of talk about living to 100 and beyond these days. Longevity science is a big business, but along with living longer, we need to ensure our financial security. Also, get Clark’s take on recent reports concerning potential lengthy power blackouts. Health & Financial Longevity: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Power Grid Blackouts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Blue Zones: A Blueprint for Adapting Health and Financial Security into Longevity The booming busi...
Jun 19, 2024•30 min
Today - auto theft is a huge problem around the country, and thieves have figured out a way to duplicate your car keys by intercepting the signal, often from outside your home. Clark shares a cheap easy way to help prevent this. Also, key warnings if you’re looking for a remote job, as unfortunately we’re hearing from a lot of job seekers who’ve been ripped off by employment-related scams. Prevent Car Theft: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Remote Job Scams: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentione...
Jun 18, 2024•31 min
The recent fraud attempt against Graceland has reignited concerns about title fraud. Clark shares 3 ways to protect against the rare but heinous crime of property theft. Also, we’ve talked a lot about the rising cost of homeowner’s insurance, but the biggest problem many of us face is being underinsured. Guard Against Title Fraud: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Adequate Home Insurance: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Scammers Tried to Sell Graceland. How to Prevent Your Hom...
Jun 17, 2024•31 min
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks . Also in this episode, only around 52% of employees with retirement plans offered through their employer are contributing . Clark shares statistics that will encourage workers to start saving asap for retirement. Clark Stink s : Segments 1 & 2 SAVING - The Sooner The Better: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Save Money on Utilities 8 Tips for Staying Cool...
Jun 14, 2024•30 min
