The Clark Howard Podcast

Last year was ugly in the stock & bond market - Clark lends perspective on investing cycles and your best approach to investing moving forward. Also in this episode - another down cycle. In the midst of massive tech layoffs, there is a silver lining. Historically, tech industry down cycles create the next great wave of innovation. Clark speaks directly to all laid off workers. Is it time for you to start your own business? The Stock Market Down Cycle: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Tech Down Cycle: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Your Investing Strategy Just Failed. It’s Time to Double Down. U.S.-Stock Funds Fell 18.4% for 2022  The Best Place To Order Checks Online Trustpilot Review: Is Trustpilot Legit? InsureMyTrip Review: Why We Like It and How to Use It Travel Insurance? What You Need To Know Before You Buy Startups spring from ashes of Big Tech purge HSA Beneficiary Rules - SmartAsset.com IRA Inheritance: Non-Spouse IRA Beneficiary - Fidelity Equifax data breach: What we know and how to protect yourself from what’s coming next 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, there’s some important stats and steps to know when financing a vehicle. Clark tells you how to short circuit getting ripped off on a car purchase.   Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Vehicle Financing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard's 4 Travel Rules You Should Follow Right Now How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way 6 Best Background Check Services How To Get a Gym Membership for Practically Free YMCA of the USA - A Leading Nonprofit Organization Shipt Review: 5 Things To Know Before Your First Order Target RedCard Credit Card Review: Earn 5% Back on Purchases Report: The Average Price of a New Vehicle Credit Unions Gain Top Share Of Auto Lending In U.S. For First Time Ever Car & Driver - How to Get the Best Car Loan Clark Howard's Simple Rule for Refinancing an Auto Loan How To Refinance a Car Loan: A Step-by-Step Guide How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps / How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps Are You Following Clark's Maximum Auto Loan Length Rule? Pirate Ship Review: Pros & Cons of This Cheap Shipping 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

Your dining out experience may be getting better as labor shortages ease in some areas, and tech provides new efficiencies in the restaurant business. Plus, hear how drone delivery is expanding. Also in this episode, Clark weighs in on the enlightened self-interest of employers allowing 4 day work weeks and flex scheduling - Win Win.  Tech Efficiencies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Flexible Work Schedules: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: WSJ: Restaurant Staffers Are Returning to Work After Covid Flight Barrons.com: Robots Are Replacing Workers Lost in the Pandemic. They’re Here to Stay. Walmart Delivery Drones Now Operate in 7 States How and Why To Refinance Your Mortgage: A Step-By-Step Guide Mortgage Refinance Calculator - Clark Howard When to consider a Coverdell ESA to 529 plan rollover 40 HOURS OR 32? 4 DAYS OR 5? Clark.com - CREDIT CARDS 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling 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 has long despised noncompete clauses for workers. There’s finally a new proposal to do away with them from the FTC. Clark is on board and has some advice for job seekers. Also, there are new rules for IRAs and 401(k)s. Clark clarifies new & forthcoming options.  Covenants Not To Compete: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Retirement Account Rules: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: FTC says proposed ban of noncompete clauses would strengthen workers' hand Home equity loans & lines of credit: 7 common questions answered What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work? CNET: Your IRA and 401(k) Are Changing in 2023: New Rules for Retirement Accounts Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules Tesla deliveries miss estimates due to logistical issues, slowing demand How to Make a Disposable Razor Last 12 Months 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

While recent changes to medical debt credit reporting will help, medical debt accounts for half the negative marks on credit reports, due in part to the medical industry’s resistance to lawful price disclosure under the No Surprises Act - which unfortunately excludes ambulance service. Clark discusses this glaring omission and the role of non-profits in tackling medical debt for consumers. Also, to solve traffic congestion we’re in a never ending quest to widen roads. But in this case, increased supply creates new demand. Clark offers a free market solution.  Medical Debt: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark’s Traffic Solution: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Half of ambulance rides yield surprise medical bills. What's being done to protect people? How nonprofits help millions tackle their medical debt How Much Does an MRI Cost (With/Without Health Insurance)? Follow Clark Howard's #1 Rule To Travel Cheap How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money Turo: 5 Things To Know About the Cheap Car Rental Service Widening Highways Doesn’t Fix Traffic. So Why Do We Keep Doing It? How To Find a Good Moving Company Clark.com - Streaming TV 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

If you work remotely, you may be part of something that is going to make housing cheaper for all. Clark explains how Covid migration drove housing prices up, but longer term, is having the opposite effect. Also, something new - again - CD ladders. Clark explains how this saving technique can work for you in the current and foreseeable rate environment.  Remote Work & Housing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 CD Laddering: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The rise of 'Zoomtowns' is going to make home prices and rents cheaper for everyone What Is a Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA)? - SmartAsset.com Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips Auto Europe® Car Rentals - Official Site SavingForCollege:Section 126: Rolling Over 529 Plan Funds Into a Roth IRA What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea? Best CD Rates for January 2023 - Bankrate.com Clark.com - Vehicle Purchase Should I Get Pet Insurance? Clark.com Community 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 - DEALS. Clark shares why January 20th is a key date for deep discounts, what’s on sale and where to find the bargains - including TRAVEL. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Deep Discounts & Deals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: New Tool Shows Southwest Prices From Google Flights Search Walmart+ Membership Program: 4 Things To Know Google Voice How To Refuse an Inherited Timeshare 10 Things on Deep Discount in January Clark Deals - Today's Best Deals of the Day Why This Is the Best Time To Buy Series I Savings Bonds 5 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds Car Insurance Archives - 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

Tax season is upon us with a better staffed IRS expected this year. Clark has a few reminders before you file. Also in today’s show - Clark has always advocated paying off debt. Does that include paying down your mortgage faster? Clark has a formula for determining that, and advice for prioritizing where to put any extra funds you may have.    Tax Reminders: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Funding Priorities: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Should Start Preparing for Tax Season Now What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink? What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? What Is a SEP IRA and Who Is Eligible? Self employed 401K vs SEP - Investing - Clark Howard Community Mortgages Archives - Clark Howard BBB-File a Complaint 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

With the new year comes new health insurance deductibles, and many are feeling it when filling prescriptions. Learn why employer prescription plans are your frenemy - and what Mark Cuban is doing in the world of prescription medications. Also in this episode, what constitutes being wealthy? Clark discusses how people perceive and self-assess wealth in the U.S., knowing the difference between reality & headlines, and the role of lifestyle in determining wealth.  Rx Costs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Defining Wealth: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Expands To Employers In Quest To Disrupt Big Pharma Will Mark Cuban's Prescription Company Really Save You Money? Clark.com Prescription Drugs How Investors Define 'Wealthy' Might Surprise You - Barron's Are You Rich? The Answer May Surprise You Fidelity Youth Account - Any Good? - Clark Howard Community Fidelity Youth Account Fidelity Investments Review 2022: Pros & Cons Best Homeowners Insurance Companies and Ones To Avoid  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

Various factors are contributing to a shortage of college students, forcing many schools to cut tuitions and reevaluate their relevance. This as state supported trade, technical and community colleges are challenged to better align curriculum to the needs of the workplace. Clark discusses the transformation in higher education, its value, and your new negotiating power. Also, Clark has the latest installment of the crimes and fines of Wells Fargo - a “bank” you’d do well to forego. Transformation in Education: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Again With Wells Fargo: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best 529 College Savings Plans By State What Is a Roth 401(k) and How Does It Work? How To Get the Best Price Possible Shopping Online NYTimes: Wells Fargo to Pay $3.7 Billion Over Consumer Banking Violations WSJ-Wells Fargo Reaches $3.7 Billion Deal With Regulators Over Consumer Banking CFPB Orders Wells Fargo to Pay $3.7 Billion for Widespread Mismanagement of Auto Loans, Mortgages, and Deposit Accounts | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips Clark.com Community 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