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
Jan 21, 2021 • 27min
1.21.21 Free tax filing is open on the IRS website now; Getting paid to get vaccinated
IRS free file is the place to go for most people who have an AGI of less than $72k. And you can file your 2020 tax return today if you want - although the IRS won't start processing returns until mid-February.Clark just got his first round of vaccine. Some employers are paying employees to get vaccinated. What started with Dollar General has now expanded to other employers who are offering different amounts of money if their employees will get in line to get theirs.Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 20, 2021 • 24min
1.20.21 Annuity options will soon be available in your 401k; As streaming prices rise, how you can pay less
Clark is not a fan of annuities. But they are going to be available in many 401k's this year. Clark tells you what you should do when you see them as an option in your workplace retirement account.Streaming prices have skyrocketed in recent years! Clark talks about recent changes in the streaming space and how you can find stuff to watch without breaking the bank.Ask Clark topics include budgeting advice for a college sophomore, are the payment apps like Cash App secure, work from home tax breaks, and amending a tax return.Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 19, 2021 • 28min
1.19.21 High shipping costs lead to generous return policies; Buy now & pay later grows in popularity
Bigger retailers like Amazon and Walmart are letting customers keep less expensive items they are returning a whole lot more these days. That's because the cost of shipping has become prohibitive. The Australian trend of buying something and paying for it in installments is now happening regularly on US websites. Most of these companies don't even charge you interest. Clark says that these installment loans are a reasonable option if it doesn't cause you to buy more than you should. Ask Clark topics include alternatives to overdraft protection, home title lock, renting a home out on Airbnb, and moving into a camper to pay off debt!Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 18, 2021 • 25min
1.18.21 How to file your taxes for FREE; The best online banks you should consider having an account with
Clark discusses how most people can file their taxes without paying a dime. He also talks about how eligible Americans can get the earned income tax credit. Simple bank was an excellent online bank. But it's going away. So Clark talks about which online banks are worth considering if you're looking to move your money.Ask Clark topics include issues with a home solar system, which rewards credit card is best, how to cut down on your home energy use, and whether it makes sense to add your child to your credit card as an authorized user or not.Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 15, 2021 • 29min
1.15.21 Why some borrowers are missing out on student loan forgiveness; Clark Stinks
Some borrowers aren't getting their student loans forgiven by the federal government because of confusing requirements. That is not ok. Clark talks about what the government should do to improve the process for borrowers and help them get their loans forgiven in a straightforward way. Christa and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.Ask Clark topics include will all student loans be forgiven, why Clark recommends waiting to tap 529 plans until later in your college career and is it wise to invest money that you are saving to purchase a home. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 14, 2021 • 25min
1.14.21 The jobs recovery has stalled out; Clark's take on Bitcoin's volatile ride
The newest jobs report was not looking very good as unemployment levels rose in December. Clark talks about how to navigate employment in the current economy. Also, the folks at Clark.com have updated the work from home guide which can help you find solid employers offering remote employment.Clark is not a fan of Bitcoin. And the recent volatility in the cryptocurrency arena hasn't changed his mind. Listen to this before you put any of your money into cryptocurrencies.Ask Clark topics include getting life insurance as a single parent, companies forcing you to choose auto bill pay, saving up for a new car, and what to consider when building a new home.Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 13, 2021 • 23min
1.13.21 How to get fewer annoying robocalls + The appliance shortage is still raging
Robocalls are the worst! And it feels like we're getting bombarded with them more frequently now. Clark talks about how to curb those annoying calls to bring more zen back into your day.Many appliances still remain in short supply because of factory shutdowns due to Covid. That means that if you are in search of an appliance it'll be harder to find a deal on the one you want. But Clark has some tips to help you out!Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 12, 2021 • 24min
1.12.21 The FAFSA gets simplified + Parental guilt causes financial insecurity by taking out PLUS loans
There will be some major changes to the FAFSA for the upcoming school year and parents are going to be thankful for them. Clark talks about the elimination of the expected family contribution and what that means when you are applying for financial aid for your child.Parents are taking on way too much debt for their kid's higher education! PLUS loans are sabotaging their retirement. Clark discusses what you should do instead of taking out those toxic loans.Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 11, 2021 • 24min
1.11.21 Saving big on monthly expenses in 2021 + The high cost of food delivery
Clark believes that if you take some important steps to cut subscriptions & shop around for cheaper alternatives that you can save at least $1,000 this year. For more info on which bills you need to look into and how to save the big bucks, be sure to check out this episode.Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 8, 2021 • 24min
1.8.21 What's happening with minimum wage increases + Clark Stinks
New minimum wage laws are going into effect across the country. Clark talks about where the increases are happening and what affect they will have in addition to how his views have changed on the topic over the years.Christa and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
