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
Sep 21, 2021 • 24min
09.21.21 Wearable health trackers / The Buy Now, Pay Later Effect - Not Good.
Health trackers are approaching the mainstream for general health monitoring. Clark talks about his devices and what’s on the horizon. // Almost half of Americans have used buy now, pay later services. What could possibly go wrong?Ask Clark topics include: The #1 thing you need to do if you use PayPal, Venmo or Zelle for payments / Loyalty fraud is on the rise — here’s what happens when your points are stolen / Is a Cash-Out Refinance Right for You? / Home equity loans & lines of credit / A factory-built home as a means to affordable housing / The 4 Insurance Policies You Actually Need / Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance - EvaluateLifeInsurance.org \\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 20, 2021 • 28min
09.20.21 Why Crypto Isn’t Ready For Prime Time / Are wallets becoming obsolete?
Crypto is taking all shapes and forms now, including being used for risky borrowing and lending. This is in the pioneering phase. // The cell phone is potentially replacing the wallet. Pros & cons.Ask Clark topics include: What you can’t pay for with a 529 plan / How and Why to Refinance Your Mortgage / The 403(b) / Fidelity Investments Review 2021 / Life Insurance / Sam’s Club Mastercard Review: Earn 5% Back on Gas Purchases - Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2021 / Authorized User vs. Joint Account Holder \\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 17, 2021 • 30min
09.17.21 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Find Lost or Missing Retirement Accounts.
Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / For those who’ve worked various jobs over decades, there may be lost retirement accounts or a small pension you’ve lost track of. There are 25 million unclaimed 401(k)s out there containing $1.35 Trillion. Also - what to do when you change jobs. Clark.com - How To Find Missing or Lost Retirement AccountsClark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How to Do It Safely / Wait times at Disneyland and Universal Studios are way down. Here’s why / Best 529 College Savings Plans By State / 5 Things to Know Before You Use Zelle / Suing in Small Claims Court \\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 16, 2021 • 29min
09.16.21 Stocking Up For Emergencies / COVID Rebates & Saving On Auto Insurance
Should you stock up on essential supplies? Clark has a different angle on deciding what to buy. // Were you expecting a refund on your auto insurance during the pandemic that never came or was less than expected? If you’re the 1 in 3 people driving less, you’re subsidizing other drivers. Clark has a suggestion to help you save on auto insurance. Ask Clark topics include: Consumer Reports Generator Ratings / Should We Buy a Truck With eBay Gift Cards? Or Is This a Scam? / CarRentals.com / Mint Mobile Review - Visible / Equitable Distribution Definition - Investopedia / Long-Term Care Insurance / What can I do if I believe my credit file has been mixed with someone else's? \\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 15, 2021 • 24min
09.15.21 Amazon’s New TVs / SpaceX Starlink Satellite Internet Delay.
TVs have gone up in price, as much as double since last November. The market effect of Amazon’s entry and Clark’s best advice for TV buyers. // SpaceX’s Starlink internet service is on hold. Clark’s excitement over the supposed imminent availability of high speed rural internet was well-placed, but premature. What we have here is a failure to serve customers.Ask Clark topics include: Rules for Using Credit Cards / 6 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in 2021 / How to Keep Student Loan Forbearance From Hurting Your Credit / Fidelity vs. Vanguard vs. Schwab: Which Brokerage Is Best? / Dollar Cost Averaging Makes You a Fortune Over Time / How To Open a Roth IRA / Warning: 3 Big Problems With Visa Gift Cards / File a Complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau \\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 14, 2021 • 24min
09.14.21 JOBS: Understanding Total Compensation / Heads Up: Employers Spying on At-Home Workers.
When looking at job opportunities, there are many considerations beyond pay alone. // Do you know if your company or boss is using spyware to monitor you? Be aware of new ways your company may be tracking you as you work from home.Ask Clark topics include: 9 Ways To Pay for College Without Student Loans - The Top 5 Benefits of Community College / Is Investing in Dividend Stocks a Good Strategy? / File a Complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau / Carvana Vehicle Value - Also get vehicle value from dealer / How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps \\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 13, 2021 • 31min
09.13.21 The Apple Antitrust Case and Your Money / College Decisions & New Ways to Avoid College Debt.
Clark discusses the Apple & Google “toll gates” and the potential advantage of signing up for subscriptions from service websites vs from in-phone apps. Also, expect heavy subsidies on the new Apple iPhones depending on your carrier. // A rethink of college relevance and new information and insights around college & skills training decision making. Also, employer subsidized education opportunities, income share agreements, and working while in school.Ask Clark topics include: Experian New Debt Collection Rule Allows Contact on Social Media / Roth IRA / Best Online Banks - Bankrate: The best online banks of 2021 / Debt Collectors May Soon Contact You By Text and Social Media. Here’s What You Should Know - Your rights when dealing with debt collectors / Deadline Extended: Check Your Credit Report Every Week for Free / Could-Based Phone Systems \\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 10, 2021 • 35min
09.10.21 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Farewell Locast: Local Channel Alternatives.
Clark's 9/11 Remembrance / Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Clark explains why Locast is no more, and alternative ideas for watching local channels, whether you were a Locast customer or not.Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: 6 Steps to Eliminate Credit Card Debt in 3 Years or Less / Ford Will Build Your Next Car to Your Custom Order / 4 Things To Know Before You Buy a Digital TV Antenna / 4 Things To Know Before You Sign Up for Sling TV / Amazon agrees to pay shoppers up to $1,000 for defective goods after facing high-profile liability cases \\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 9, 2021 • 29min
09.09.21 Protecting Privacy With Simple Burner Tech / Supply Shortages Have Changed the Nature of DEALS
New privacy ideas based on burner tech may lessen your privacy concerns. Clark offers several ways to do business via email and phone, without them getting into your business. // Shopping online used to be a great way to save money. Supply shortages have led to a reverse movement among retailers. Seeing is believing when it comes to deals now. Clark explains the trend to help you spend - less!Ask Clark topics include: Where to Buy the Best Cheap Printer / Umbrella Insurance / How to Freeze Your Credit / Credit Karma Review / Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance / Index Funds / 7 Best Ways to Save for Retirement in Your 50s \\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 8, 2021 • 28min
09.08.21 Education: Is College Worth It? / The Worker Shortage & A Partial Solution
Clark talks about decision making around education and skilled-trade training, costs, and the debate over the value of college. // Many industries are experiencing worker shortages and we’re feeling the effects. We’re millions of workers short in the U.S. with an aging population. Clark’s controversial solution.Ask Clark topics include: Easy Disney World Planning / The current state of state-sponsored retirement programs / Health Insurance / Tracfone Wireless / How and When to Cancel a Credit Card / 5 Things to Know Before You Use Zelle / 5 Ways To Improve Your Credit Score //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
