The Clark Howard Podcast
Clark Howard
Save more and spend less is more than just a motto for money expert Clark Howard; it’s a way of life. Clark and his crew — Team Clark — are on a mission to empower people to take control of their personal finances by providing money-saving tips, consumer advice, hot deals and economic news to help everyone achieve financial freedom. Clark is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host and a consumer reporter for television stations around the country. His podcast, The Clark Howard Show, receives more than one million downloads each month and is a hub for listeners to get valuable advice on-demand any time. Clark answers questions on the most popular business and consumer topics including; how to buy a cars, financing a home, retirement planning, shopping for insurance and getting the most out of your savings. Join the conversation and submit your question to www.clark.com/askclark . Clark spearheads two free resources — Clark.com and ClarkDeals.com — to encourage consumers to save more, spend less and avoid ripoffs.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 5, 2021 • 32min
10.05.21 Escalating Gas & Energy Prices - Your Defense / Protect Your Social Security Account at Age 30.
Both oil and natural gas are in short supply, with prices going up. How to save on gasoline and home energy. // Social Security has an embedded base of support, so it will continue in some form, based on your highest 35 year earnings. Clark shares why and how you should monitor this future source of income starting at age 30 - a simple but very important task.Ask Clark topics include: Energy Sage: SRECs: understanding solar renewable energy credits / Best Generator Buying Guide - Consumer Reports / Financial Advisors / When Is the Best Time to Take Social Security? - Maximize My Social Security \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 4, 2021 • 30min
10.04.21 Empty Shelves & Product Shortages - Flex / Open Enrollment Needs Your Attention This Year.
We’re used to everything always being available. Clark explains we’re back to historical patterns, supply chain disruption and distribution tendencies for the duration. No need to panic buy, just flex. // It’s open enrollment time for many company health insurance plans. What you should know about HSA high-deductible health plans, how to decide which plan is best for you AND - disability insurance.Ask Clark topics include: Diamonds - buy used - 7 Places to Get the Best Deals on Lab-Created Diamonds / Consumer Reports - Guide to Cars With Advanced Safety Systems / Password Protect Your Phone - How To Create a Safe Password / T-Mobile Home Internet Service - Verizon 5G Home Internet - Cheap Internet Service \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 1, 2021 • 31min
10.01.21 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Women Entrepreneurs Skyrocket.
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Pandemic burnout has prompted many to re-evaluate their life and careers. Close to half of new business owners now are women. The economics of this development and the opportunities it presents.Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Hearing Aids / What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? / File complaints with your State Consumer Affairs Department (if your state has an active one) / How to Spot and Avoid Scams on Facebook and Instagram / IRS - Coronavirus-related relief for retirement plans and IRAs questions and answers \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 30, 2021 • 26min
09.30.21 Help For Homebuyers in the Bidding Wars / Bye Passwords Hello Biometrics.
1 in 4 houses are being bought cash only. Sellers want certainty. Clark shares a new way some companies are helping home buyers win the bidding wars. // Microsoft is eliminating passwords. Amazon is experimenting with biometrics for concert entry. Biometrics are here to stay and passwords will be a thing of the past.Ask Clark topics include: These Airlines Are Extending Credits Into 2022 / Cemetery Plot Buying and Selling / Charles Schwab Bank Debit Card \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 29, 2021 • 27min
09.29.21 There are 2 Types of 529 Plans. One is a Ripoff / Jobs of the Future.
529 Plans are getting better overall. But there are 2 types: direct sold, and rip offs.. Due to massive fees, you can end up with less than you put in. Know the only kind to buy: Best 529 College Savings Plans By State // 70% of the jobs of 20 years from now do not exist today. The market never stops transforming. Clark shares which careers make sense for the future. If you’re in an industry in decline, consider how to use your skills another way.Ask Clark topics include: Apple Pay / Zelle fraud emergency kit and FAQ - BobSullivan.net / 5 Things To Know Before You Buy a Refurbished Phone / SIPC - Securities Investor Protection Corporation / IRS IRA Contribution Limits / Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 28, 2021 • 29min
09.28.21 Extreme Weather & Home Insurance / 13 Billion Robocalls for Car Warranties.
Due to extreme weather patterns, homeowners insurance is becoming a more difficult purchase. Underwriting can vary greatly from one insurer to another. New considerations for home buyers & why shopping home insurance is more important now than ever. Plus, 3D printed homes are weatherproof, cheaper & quicker to build. // Sick of getting junk robocalls about your extended warranty expiring? You are not alone! What you need to know about this ongoing, widespread scheme.Ask Clark topics include: When Should You File a Claim on Your Homeowners Insurance? / Federal Agencies Release Interim Final Rule to Implement the No Surprises Act / Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car? / 403(b)s / Google Flights - Hopper - Skyscanner \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 27, 2021 • 36min
09.27.21 A Used Car Market Warning / Market Swings & Investor Fears.
An important warning for those in the market for a used vehicle, and how buyers must protect themselves. Also, there will be new e-vehicles in the marketplace, sold direct. What that means for buyers. // Recent wide swings in the stock market have sparked fears among investors. Various factors have created a “wall of worry”. The problem with getting out of the market, and the right questions to ask yourself to be in the game - prepared.Ask Clark topics include: How does HomeAdvisor work for contractors? / What is an UGMA or UTMA account? - Best 529 College Savings Plans By State / Trust & Estate Planning / What Is a Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? - How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor / SPLITWISE: Less stress when sharing expenses / BBB-File a Complaint \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 24, 2021 • 32min
09.24.21 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / NEVER NEVER NEVER Accept the Expensive Free Dinner Invite.
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / You may be tempted to accept an exclusive invitation to a financial seminar that includes something fancy like a free steak dinner. Clark tells you why you need to cook at home that night instead.Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: What Is Your Flood Risk on a Scale of 1–10? / Clark’s App Warning for iPhone and Android Users / Should I Convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? / 7 Things to Know Before You Buy Travel Insurance / Elon Musk says Starlink internet will exit beta status next month / T-Mobile Expanding 5G Network To Offer New Home Internet Service \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 23, 2021 • 28min
09.23.21 UPDATE: SBA Loan Programs / Important Plan Documents: 401(k) Fees.
Good news for small business owners about the SBA loan program, including applying for PPP loan forgiveness. // 401(k)s have 2 different kinds of fees, one of which most participants are unaware of - the cost for the investments plus administration fees, which can be high. Who pays?Ask Clark topics include: Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2021 / Why Vacation Clubs are worse than timeshares / Should You Manage Your Own Investment Portfolio? - The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing / The #1 thing you need to do if you use PayPal, Venmo or Zelle for payments / Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips - How To Monitor Your Credit \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 22, 2021 • 27min
09.22.21 Quality of New Cars / CORE Investing: Clark’s Hot Tip Advice.
We know cars are overpriced and hard to get right now - allowing time to research your next buy for when the market improves. Clark looks into the initial quality of new cars - and the types of both cars and appliances that are generally most reliable. // The yen to invest is taking hold with advice coming from everywhere. Why this is both great and terrible. Many are basing investment decisions on social media influencers’ advice. Pause with Clark to reflect on this….Ask Clark topics include: How Much Is My Used Car Worth Right Now? / TRAVEL CLArchives / Best Buy Tech Support / Kids and Teen Savings Account | USAA \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
