The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  And today, that goes double. It’s an all Clark Stinks Friday. Mask up for the Reekoning!  Mentioned on the show 5 Reasons Why Clark Howard Hates Big Banks How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps   /   Matrix Airfare Search Avelo Airlines | Official Site | Book Now and Save  /  Breeze Airways The Best Time and Place To Buy a Mattress What Is Long-Term Care Insurance Cost & Coverage No more paper statements only electronic - Clark Howard Community What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2023 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

Retailers are using more and more psychological tactics to get you to buy. Know the tricks of the trade to not get played - and avoid impulsive spending.  Also, why Clark considers “annuity” profanity, but he’d rather have to say it, than to see you pay it. They’re being sold like crazy, disguised by fancy names. Know them when you see them  - and the 2 annuity type exceptions. Retail Mind Tricks: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Annuity Warning!: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How shopping sites are using psychology to trick you into spending more — and 3 ways to avoid them How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money Clark.com: How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps Inside Wall Street's gloom-and-doom racket What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink? Immediate Payout Annuity: What Is It and Do You Need It? Longevity Insurance: What Is It and Do You Need It? Why You Need To Know Your Company 401(k) Fees How Much Should Your 401(k) Account Cost You All-In? 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

Auto insurance has increased significantly in the past 3 years. Clark covers the cost pressures - that vary per insurer - affecting your rates. This is why comparison shopping is more important than ever. Clark helps you get started. Also, it’s troubling that overwhelmingly, teens don’t have jobs any more, missing out on early work experience so beneficial to their life education. On the other hand, there’s an opposite trend that’s also troubling. Clark discusses family work culture decisions.  Shopping Auto Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Teens And Jobs : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Why You Need To Re-Shop Your Car Insurance Right Now Auto insurance is up by more than 15% this year in some states. Here's how to keep your premium down How to Shop for Car Insurance Car Insurance Archives - Clark Howard What Is Owner's Title Insurance? 3 Things To Know Should I Pay a Company To Lock Down My House Title or Is It a Scam? Delta Community Credit Union Car Loan Rates Navy Federal Credit Union Auto Loan Refinancing [The Washington Post] In a tight labor market, some states look to another type of worker: Children My Printer Is Extorting Me Where To Buy the Best Cheap Printer 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 No Surprises Act became law last year to eliminate surprise medical billing, but most people don’t know what it is and what their rights are under it. Clark lays it out so you know your new rights when it comes to medical bills. Also - how much if anything, do you have in your emergency fund? Clark has a way for you to be better prepared for the inevitable rainy day.  The No Surprises Act & Your Rights: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Your Rainy Day Fund: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Patients Still Receive Surprise Medical Bills, Including for Medical Laboratory Testing, Despite Enactment of Federal No Surprises Act That Became Law on Jan. 1, 2022 Understand your rights against surprise medical bills - CMS Rocket Mortgage - Physician Loans: Are They A Good Mortgage Option For Doctors? Bankrate's Annual Emergency Fund Report | Bankrate Emergency Fund: Everything You Need to Know Fidelity Investments Review 2022: Pros & Cons Money market funds - Fidelity Investments The Monte Carlo Simulation: Understanding the Basics 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

One major key to financial freedom is avoiding ruinous fraud. Recent reporting shows ponzi schemes up 70% over the year, so it’s vital to be aware of what’s coming at you through various channels. Clark’s primer on what to look out for includes incoming alerts and what NEVER to click on. Also, hotel brand consistency has given way to sales considerations in the industry overall, devaluing brands. Know what this means for you when booking a hotel.  Fraud Prevention: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 What’s In A Hotel Name? Nothing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Barrons.com: Ponzi Schemes Surged in 2022. Many Involved Crypto. WPO - Friend or fraud: Seven ways to spot a Ponzi scheme, and other scams NYTimes: Retirees Are Losing Their Life Savings to Romance Scams. Here’s What to Know. ArsTechnica-Mysterious leak of Booking.com reservation data is being used to scam customers Worried about crypto exchange losses? Don’t pay money for “help” recovering money 5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room Scott's Cheap Flights | Save Up to 90% on Flights [The Washington Post] Expensive flights are here to stay, but there’s good news Top Travel Deals - Clark Howard 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, Clark explains the difference between hard inquiries and soft hits to your credit report, and other factors that affect your credit report and score.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Credit Report Inquiries: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Follow Clark Howard's #1 Rule To Travel Cheap Southwest Offers Companion Pass through Credit Card for Limited Time VENMO - Fees CBS-CreditKarma tricked customers into thinking they were pre-approved for credit cards-FTC Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips Credit Karma vs. Credit Sesame: Is One Better Than the Other? The Difference Between a Hard Inquiry and a Soft Inquiry on Your Credit Report How To Get a Free Credit Report Best Investment Companies What the Great Netflix Password Crackdown Means for You Netflix Password Sharing Crackdown Will Affect 100 Million Users. Here’s What You Should Know Clark.com: Is Netflix Ending Password Sharing in the United States? What We Know So Far Clark.com - Streaming TV       /      Clark.com: Sling Freestream 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

Many took the wrong lesson from the speculative fever of 2020-21. As meme stock & crypto frenzy stoked message boards, people drove values up, and many ended up with heavy losses. Gambling & speculation should never be confused with investing. Understand the power of DULL and other lessons from a tortoise investor. Also, a booming scam area - FAKE search results and FAKE ads on social media with links to FAKE shopping sites. A few easy steps will help keep you safe from online scams. Clark gives you the rules of the road for shopping online.  Gambling Vs Investing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fake Shopping Sites: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show WSJ - The Retreat of the Amateur Investors 5 Sneaky Ways To Improve Your Credit Score NYTimes.com: With Many Retailers Offering Online Sales, Phony Sites Blend In Clark.com- How To Spot a Fake Online Store in 6 Easy Steps Virtual Credit Cards: An Online Security Measure Worth Taking? Fidelity Investments Review 2022: Pros & Cons Metro by T-Mobile: 6 Things To Know Before You Sign Up T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: 5 Things To Know Before You Sign Up Verizon Home Internet: Things To Know Before You Sign Up Clark Howard's 4 Travel Rules You Should Follow Right Now 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

Addressing the severe lack of affordable housing requires creativity and change around zoning, construction and serving seniors. Clark reports on some emerging options that can help ease housing cost pressures. Also, learn why current moves by manufacturers and retailers mean there’s added value to comparison shopping right now. Clark shares shopper savvy tips that can save you money.  Housing Rethink: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Shopping Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show NYTimes.com: The Next Retirement Communities Won’t Be Just for Seniors NYTimes.com: Senior Housing That Seniors Actually Like 3D-printed homes level up with a 2-story house in Houston What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? BBB - TicketSales.com When Is Grinding Out Savings Through Comparison Shopping Not Worth It? How You Can Use Unit Price To Save Money When Shopping 22 Ways To Save Money on Groceries ChexSystems.com Home Page How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft 5 Things You Should Repair Instead of Replace 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

Got gift cards? Whether from individuals or employers, they’re a real target for fraudsters. If you received some over the holidays you still have - what you need to know now. Also, thinking of going on a cruise? Clark smart tricks of the trade include how and when to find a deal and what to watch out for.  Gift Card Fraud: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Save On Cruises: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show WCVB Boston: Receive a gift card over the holidays? Check the balance Clark.com - How Do I Use All the Funds on My Virtual Gift Card? What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor 3 Places You Should Never Invest Your Money IRS delays implementation of $600 reporting threshold for third-party payment platforms’ Forms 1099-K [The Washington Post] Love that cheap cruise price? Don’t forget the boatload of fees. Clark.com - Where Should I Look for a Great Deal on a Cruise in 2023? Clark.com - Cruise Information As new owner picks up pieces of custom-furniture e-tailer Interior Define, thousands of customers remain in limbo (msn.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

Clark recently talked about getting the best rate on your savings through online banks and credit unions. Today, he follows up with what brokerage houses are offering, and how you may be missing out on big yields by being with the wrong one. Clark’s call to action: Put your money to work for you. Meanwhile, healthcare is hitting Americans hard in the wallet. An overview of the industry underscores the shortage of primary care physicians and the cost shifting hitting patients. Despite such marketplace obstacles, there is something Clark strongly urges you to do.   Higher Savings Yields: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Healthcare Direction: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show WSJ.com: Some Investors Are Missing Out on Higher Yields—and Don’t Know It 6 Best Grocery Pickup Services  /  18 Ways To Save at Walmart Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Why urgent care centers are popping up everywhere NYTimes: Emailing Your Doctor May Carry a Fee Should I Invest Instead of Paying Extra on My Low-Interest Mortgage? SideHusl - Find the Best Money Making Option for You Clark.com How to Make Extra Money: 23 Easy Ways 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