The Clark Howard Podcast 03.20.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Airfare Booking Strategy
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Mar 20, 2026 A lively batch of listener-submitted “Clark Stinks” stories sparks funny takes and practical consumer tips. The conversation shifts to travel: why airfares are rising, when to use points, and tactics to search multiple airlines and avoid basic fares. Also covered: cheaper travel days, hidden regional airports, travel insurance limits, and troubleshooting hotel or Airbnb complaints.
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Consider Fixed Wireless Home Internet To Cut Costs
- Do explore fixed wireless home internet options like T-Mobile Home Internet or Mint Mobile to lower monthly bills to $35–$50.
- Clark notes these wireless plans trade top speeds for much lower cost compared with AT&T or Xfinity.
Keep Backup Cards In Your Phone Wallet
- Do keep some cards in your phone wallet that you don't carry physically as an emergency backup if your physical wallet is stolen.
- Clark says he keeps cards in Google Wallet he doesn't physically carry so he still has payment options if wallet or phone is stolen.
Jet Fuel Spike Is Driving A 16% Airfare Jump
- Airfares rose because airlines passed steep jet fuel cost increases to consumers as fuel is ~25% of airline costs.
- Clark notes jet fuel spiked after Middle East hostilities, driving a ~16% airfare rise since the conflict began.