The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, one of Clark’s long recommended vendors for prescription eyeglasses has dropped in Consumer Reports ratings. Clark discusses the ongoing eyeglasses market cartel and where to get the best value.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Where To Buy Eyeglasses: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show AAA Membership: Is It Worth It? Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places I Lost $400K of My Retirement Savings in a Roth 401(k) — If You’re Not Careful, You Could, Too Consumer Reports’ best sunscreen of 2023 is only $5 from Walmart Costco Tire Center Appointments Eyeglass Store Ratings - Consumer Reports® Zenni Optical Review: 6 Things To Know Before Your First Order How To Open a Roth IRA Clark Howard and the Prostate Cancer Foundation - 3T MRI of the prostate with & without contrast with 3d post processing Be Your Own Health Advocate Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Generally, close to half of Americans can’t cover the inevitable $400 or more unexpected expense. The mentality of tapping a 401(k) has taken hold. Running up credit card debt - not great either. Clark has a prevention suggestion to get you started on being prepared. Also, big grocery inflation has led to big changes in buying behavior. Clark talks about where people are getting the most for their grocery money.  1% Saving Habit: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Save More On Groceries: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show NYTimes: It’s ‘More Expensive to Live,’ and Workers Are Cracking 401(k)s for Help Most Americans lack the cash to cover a surprise $400 expense Emergency Fund: Everything You Need to Know Can You Use a Credit Card on Venmo? Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review: What You Should Know About the Travel Card 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad Wise: the international account | Money without borders International Money Transfer from the United States - Revolut We Had a Recent Hail Storm. Should I Use My Insurance To Fix My Roof or Pay Out of Pocket? Report: Club stores absorbing grocery market share from supermarkets 22 Ways To Save Money on Groceries Fidelity Investments Review 2023: Pros & Cons Costco vs. Sam's Club Credit Cards Comparison: Which Is Better? Best Credit Cards for Gas Rewards: Top Picks for 2023 Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investment pools that don’t offer normal disclosures are blowing up on people. Dark money funds,  SPACs, real estate crowdfunding groups, private placements on “the ground floor of opportunity”  -  they may sound wonderful. But they’re a costly lesson in high risk vs traditional investing. Clark spells out the difference to protect your investments. Also, It appears the streaming party is over. All at once, Netflix and other services are changing the rules & raising prices. Clark has a money saving assignment for you.  High Risk Investments: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 SAVE on Streaming: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Company Insiders Made Billions Before SPAC Bust - The Wall Street Journal. A Housing Bust Comes for Thousands of Small-Time Investors Get-rich-quick schemes, pyramids and ponzis: five signs you're being scammed — The Conversation Synthetic Identity Theft Definition - Investopedia Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips How To Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Platinum Card® from American Express Review 2023: Is It Worth It? Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 6 Things To Know in 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): What It Is The cheapskate’s guide to digital entertainment Clark.com - Netflix Unveils Plans To Charge U.S. Customers for Account Sharing Clark.com - Why T-Mobile Customers May Hit a Snag With New Netflix Policy Best Free Streaming Services in 2023: Movies and TV for Cord Cutters Clark.com - Live TV Streaming Channel Tool YouTube TV Releases NFL Sunday Ticket Pricing 7 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in May 2023 Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark spoke recently about the role of family and friends when it comes to fraud protection for our elders. Today he has a first hand account of why it's so vitally important we take this to heart. Also today, The Consumer Federation of America reports that home repairs and renovations are a top area of complaints. Avoiding these headaches starts with how you hire a contractor and Clark has some guidelines for getting it right from the get go.  Vigilance For Vulnerable Seniors: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Hiring A Contractor: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How To Spot Financial Abuse of an Elderly Relative or Friend EcoATM: 5 Things To Know Before You Sell Your Phone Is Booking a Cruise Last-Minute Still a Good Bargain Strategy? No surprises here: These are the top US consumer complaints, from cars to credit cards Clark.com- 6 Tips for Hiring a Contractor PSA Collectibles Authentication and Grading Service Beckett Authentication Services: Sports & Non-sports   Memorabilia Auctions - Heritage Auctions Sell Sports Memorabilia with Sotheby's Christie’s Sports Memorabilia A Quick Guide on How to Insure Jewelry Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the last 20 years, the tech industry freemium business model has worked to get people using a service. That was the land grab phase. Now investors want a return. Also - How effective is the personal finance education offered in schools? Is it enough? Clark discusses basic ways to greatly improve financial literacy for a lifetime. Free Tech Tiers Ending: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Financial Education: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Tech companies to free users: Time to pay up Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Review: Earn Wholesale Club and Gas Rewards Should I Buy Additional Insurance From a Rental Car Company? Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know The case for financial literacy education How to Teach Young Kids About Money 6 Tips to Teach Teenagers About Money 4 Ways To Raise Financially Independent Kids Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, recently exposed by industry whistler blowers, Clark discusses the cynical practice by some health insurers to deny claims without review. How to get clarity if denied a claim, and how to fight it, if need be.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Denied Health Insurance Claims: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How To Open a Roth IRA 3 Places You Should Never Invest Your Money Are You Following Clark's Maximum Auto Loan Length Rule? Health Insurance Claim Denied? See What Insurers Said Behind the Scenes How to Deal With Medical Debt Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are those among us who live to travel. Clark breaks down nomadic lifestyle scenarios from remote workers to retirees, like his brother & sister-in-law, who SAVE MORE being nomadic pros, unencumbered by house or automobile. It can be done! But it's not for everyone. Also, A free big screen TV is now available - not a scam but of course, like other free services past & present- there’s a catch. The Nomad Life: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Free Big Screen TV Offer: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show I work remotely from vacation rentals. It's cheaper than rent or a mortgage — here's how I find good deals and choose where to go next. Verizon Wireless Introduces New 'myPlan' Unlimited Plans T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: 5 Things To Know Before You Sign Up Discover it® Cash Back Review: Earn Rotating 5% in Top Categories Chase Freedom Flex℠ vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®: What’s the Difference? Policygenius Review: What To Know Before Getting Quotes Telly’s wild idea: Free TVs with inescapable ads Telly I The biggest thing to happen to TV since color. Pluto TV Review 2023: Get Live Streaming TV For Free How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money How To Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams 4 Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-On Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The job market dynamic continues to change and Clark points to where the market is strongest. Job seekers need to know the highest growth areas offering opportunities. Also discussed today -  Americans are defaulting on debt at a rapidly increasing rate right now, pushing the delinquency rate up 50% in a year!  BUCK that trend.  Surprise Job Growth Areas: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Dealing In Debt: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show [The Washington Post] The real reason America’s nonprofit sector is seeing massive growth, and more! What Does Clark Howard Think About Vanguard’s New Cash Deposit Feature? How and Why To Refinance Your Mortgage: A Step-By-Step Guide WSJ - Americans Are Falling Behind on Their Bills Consumer debt passes $17 trillion for the first time despite slide in mortgage demand   Are You Following Clark's Maximum Auto Loan Length Rule? Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Worries Clark Howard Warning: Here’s What Those Debt Settlement Companies Don’t Tell You 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling Ditch Your Debt - Clark Howard Community How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps Why You May Need More Than One Checking Account Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of life’s biggest purchases is a car. The industry has been on a rollercoaster but the ride is finally smoothing out for buyers. Clark provides a market update on how prices are moving for both new and used vehicles. Also today - a huge pharmacy hack has exposed the key personal information of 6 million patients to criminals. The number one thing you can do to protect your identity.  Vehicle Market Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Freeze Your Credit Stat: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show NYTimes: Why Is Inflation So Stubborn? Cars Are Part of the Answer. Why the car you want to buy might be impossible to find [The Washington Post] New cars, once part of the American dream, now out of reach for many US consumers keep vehicles for a record 12.5 years on average -S&P Insurance Archives - Clark Howard What Is an ABLE Account? TechCrunch: US pharmacy giant says hackers accessed personal data of almost 6 million patients PharMerica Data Breach: What To Know and How To Protect Yourself How To Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts BBB-File a Complaint Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards: 8 Options in 2023 Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - Approaching Memorial Day, Clark shares perspective on regaining a sense of national purpose in America with regard for the ongoing sacrifices made by our military, and wants to ensure veterans and active personnel know about all the benefits available to them.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Military Benefits: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Amtrak YNAB Review: 5 Things To Know About the Budgeting Tool Best Budgeting Apps in 2023: Our Top 6 Schwab Certificate of Deposit Apple News+ 1 Year Subscription Clark.com - Buying Tires How To Make Your Online Accounts Accessible When You Die Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard How To Find a Good Moving Company Military veterans can now receive free emergency mental health care Military and Veterans Guide: Free Resources for Your Finances The Best Veterans and Military Charities Army National Guard - Get Started Do Debit Cards Still Stink in 2023? The Safer Way To Use Your Debit Card 7 Places to Get the Best Deals on Lab-Created Diamonds Best Renters Insurance Companies and Ones To Avoid Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney: Frequently Asked Questions Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices