The Clark Howard Podcast

New federal rules on mortgage fees - known as  loan level price adjustments - have a lot of people hot under the collar. This affects people in different ways depending on credit score and down payment. Clark explains what’s going on and those most affected. Also - Summer approaches, and skin cancer rates dictate protecting your skin. You can also protect your wallet because the best sunscreens are not necessarily the most expensive. And then there’s the chemical vs mineral block sunscreen debate…. New Mortgage Lending Fees: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Best Sunscreens: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Mortgage fees are changing for homebuyers next month. Here's what you should know. NYPost - How the US is subsidizing high-risk homebuyers — at the cost of those with good credit Is There Really a New, Unfair Mortgage Tax on Those With High Credit? Mortgages Archives - Clark Howard What Are the Benefits of an Assumable Mortgage? Should You Buy Out Your Leased Car? Consumer Reports’ best sunscreen of 2023 is only $5 from Walmart (Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.) Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles: What You Need to Know Before You Buy 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 shares new travel info including Spirit’s StatusMatch promotion and news on last minute fares. Also in this episode, the plague of customer NO service has only gotten worse. Clark offers strategies, including a NEVER NEVER rule about what NOT to say. Air Travel Info: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Customer No Service: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Spirit Airlines will now match loyalty status on other airlines New Report: Top 5 Cheapest Airlines for Last-Minute Domestic Flights Should You Use Credit Card Portals to Book Travel? Upgraded Points Data Study Reveals Most Affordable Airlines for Last-Minute Ticket Purchases on Most Popular Domestic Flights Dollar Flight Club | Cheap Flights - International & Domestic Where Should I Look for a Great Deal on a Cruise in 2023? Is Booking a Cruise Last-Minute Still a Good Bargain Strategy? The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise As Customer Problems Hit a Record High, More People Seek ‘Revenge’ [The Washington Post] Vanishing phone customer support is driving us all insane Customer No Service - Clark Howard Community BBB-File a Complaint Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 7 Things To Know About Costco Pharmacy 10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs New to volunteering? A How-To-Guide to find the right fit 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

What to know about Apple’s new savings account offer. Plus, a cautionary note about companies promoting high savings rates that only amount to promissory notes because they’re NOT insured. Learn what to look out for to protect your hard earned savings. Also today, the wait is over. Finally a new rule on medical debt kicks in that could kick up your credit score.  Apple Savings Offer: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Medical Debt Law Now In Effect: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show WSJ: Apple Makes the iPhone a Home for Savings Accounts Clark.com: Apple Is Now Offering 4.15% APR Savings Accounts: Is There a Catch? This Start-Up Promises Rates 13 Times Higher Than a Typical Savings Account. One Problem: It Isn’t a Bank Deposit Insurance - FDIC / Are Credit Union Deposits Insured Up To $250,000? Fidelity Youth Account frequently asked questions (FAQs) CarMax Review: 5 Things To Know Before You Buy or Sell [The Washington Post] Finally, medical debt under $500 has been removed from credit reports What is a “surprise medical bill” and what should I know about the No Surprises Act? 3 Ways To Get a Free VIN Check Before Buying a Used Car How To Spot a Puppy Scam Online 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 the biggest financial decisions in life is the purchase of a home. Clark has warnings about 2 trends that can be perilous in the long run for home buyers. Also on today’s episode, the recent shuttering of David’s Bridal stores points to a bigger concern: How to handle making an advance deposit on a future purchase. Clark has an important “NEVER NEVER NEVER NOT EVER” rule, to protect your money.  2 Mortgage Warnings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Advance Deposit Rule: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Feds expand 40-year mortgage eligibility. Experts say it could lead to more. NYT - Retired and Buying a Starter Home. It’s Forever. Banks Are Closing Customer Accounts, With Little Explanation How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? Capital One now rejecting transactions from Affirm, Afterpay and more WSJ: David’s Bridal Will Close All Stores in Chapter 11 Unless Buyer Emerges Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places NYT - Shifting Norms on Tattoos in Japan Clark.com - Streaming TV  -  Live TV Streaming Channel Tool 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, throughout history, older generations have maligned youth, and Gen Z - ages 11 to 26 - has received their share of criticism. So why are they the best at saving for retirement in human history? There’s a behavioral finance reason at work here….  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Gen Z Acing Saving: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Scams & Rip-Offs Archives - Clark Howard What Is a Flexible Spending Account? CR RECOMMENDED Clark Deals - Today's Best Deals of the Day Is Apple Pay a Safe Alternative to Zelle? The Safer Way To Use Your Debit Card Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places Barrons.com: Gen Z Is Saving More for Retirement Than Previous Generations. Here’s Why Auto Enrollment Plan Definition How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps Car Insurance Archives - Clark Howard Becoming a Landlord: How To Find a Good Tenant 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

Consumer goods manufacturers are using a targeted strategy to rip off consumers with vaunted versions of self-care and home products, boasting massive profit margins on their so-called premium lines. Don’t fall for this marketing scheme. Also, after shameless industry cartel gouging forever, OTC FDA approved free market hearing aids are finally available at significantly lower prices - and some are getting great reviews. Manufacturer Mind Games: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Hearing Aid Prices: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show $90 cream and $10 toothpaste: Companies target big spenders HumbleDollar: Home / Investopedia Academy Schwab - Your U.S. Investing Education Center Vanguard - Education / Fidelity Learning Center Clark.com Investing & Retirement Target Date Funds: Clark's Favorite Retirement Investment Cell Phone Protection: These Credit Cards Will Replace Your Stolen or Damaged Phone Should You Buy Cell Phone Insurance? The Best Places To Buy Hearing Aids  7 Best Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids of 2023 Use these security keys to lock down your computer and protect your personal info The Strongest Protection for Your Online Accounts? This Little Key Community.Clark.com Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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’s a strange way people are violating others’ privacy on payment apps. Clark tells you the vulnerability, and what you can do about it, depending on the app. Also, the housing market remains in a kind of freeze. But new national data reveals a general trend potential home buyers can take advantage of. Payment App Violation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Seasonal Home Buying: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show WSJ - Don’t Forget to Block Your Ex on Your Payment Apps Mobile Passport Control TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: Which Is Best for You? Emergency Fund: Everything You Need to Know When Is The Best Time to Buy a House? NYTimes.com: Buying or Selling a Home? Welcome to the Year of Disappointment USDA Eligibility / Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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 US spends 20% of our national income on healthcare vs. 8% in other countries.. Our system is rife with inefficiencies. Clark touches on 3 areas: Amazon One Medical, the primary care physician shortage and insurance issues you should be aware of. Also, the FBI has issued an alert about charging devices in public spaces. Know the risk and how to avoid it. Healthcare Updates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 FBI Alert: Public Charging Stations: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show 5 Things to Know about Amazon’s Recent One Medical Acquisition The big squeeze: ACA health insurance has lots of customers, small networks [The Washington Post] Making a telehealth appointment? You might still pay a facility fee. First Aid Kit Consider paying cash (at least sometimes) How Cigna Saves Millions by Having Its Doctors Reject Claims Without Reading Them Are Swimming Pools Becoming Affordable Again? FBI warns consumers not to use public phone charging stations 5 Sneaky Ways To Improve Your Credit Score When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? Maximize My Social Security: Calculate Your Highest Benefits The Best Places To Buy Tires Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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

Tomorrow is tax day. What if you can't pay what you owe right now? Understand the penalties: Failure to pay vs failure to file. AND - be aware of tax scams. Also in this episode, the banking industry is going through a troubled phase, making it a difficult time for customers. Banks are closing accounts with no warning, making Clark’s “Noah’s Ark Rule” more important than ever.  Tax Day-Failure To File: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Banks Shutting Down Accounts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show [The Washington Post] If you owe the IRS and can’t pay, this is what you should and shouldn’t do No, the IRS isn't calling you. It isn't texting or emailing you, either [The Washington Post] Don’t get tricked by these ‘Dirty Dozen’ tax scams 5 Tax Scams You Need To Watch Out for in 2023 Why You Do Not Want To Get a Big Tax Refund Check Automatic Bill Pay: How It Works and How To Do It Safely What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? NYTimes: Banks Are Closing Customer Accounts, With Little Explanation Credit Union Small-Dollar Loan Volume Hit New High in 2022 Credit Union vs. Bank: What's the Difference? How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? MyMoneyBlog About the FedNow Service Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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 - A shortage of planes, a shortage of pilots, supply and demand - airfares are up around 20%. But there are ways to save including how far out from travel you book, and which days are cheaper to fly. Learn new ways to save money on flights.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Air Travel Saving Strategies: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show What Is a Thrift Savings Plan? What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Where To Buy the Best Cheap Printer New Feature From Google Flights Will Help Ensure That You Don’t Overpay Google Wants You to Never Overpay for a Flight Again CNET - The Best Time to Buy Plane Tickets for the Cheapest Flights [The Washington Post] This cheap flights expert thinks you should be booking trips earlier   Going™ | Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights Travel Archives - Clark Howard Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2023 Airline admits staff gets bonus when they charge for oversized luggage Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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