The Clark Howard Podcast 02.09.26 Gift Cards: Use Or Lose Them / Big Changes For Home Backup Power
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Feb 9, 2026 A warning to spend restaurant gift cards now before closures make them worthless. A look at why so many restaurants are shutting due to rising costs. Practical tips for tracking receipts and safer peer-to-peer payment habits. A guide to affordable home battery backup options and how EV battery advances are driving prices down.
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Why Restaurants Are Suddenly Closing
- Restaurant operators face accumulated cost pressures from labor, rent, and loans that can suddenly push them to close.
- Clark Howard explains many closures are delayed effects from financial strain since COVID.
Use Restaurant Gift Cards Now
- Use restaurant gift cards promptly because they can become worthless if the restaurant closes.
- Clark Howard warns gift cards don't get better with time and recommends spending them now.
Scan Receipts With Your Phone
- Scan and store receipts with a mobile receipt app so you can toss paper but still match charges.
- Clark Howard recommends using phone apps to keep records and simplify monthly reconciliation.