The Clark Howard Podcast

We've all been victims of customer-no-service. So how do you effectively complain and resolve an issue? Persistent patience and various resources including a new service. Also, do you have things gathering dust you now regret buying? Take the “closet test” and learn to defeat the tactics behind impulse buying. Customer No-Service Resources: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Prevent Buyer’s Remorse: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Liz Weston: How to complain and get results Cutting through customer service doom-loops by calling in a ‘Karen’ Elliott Advocacy - karens for hire Clark’s Consumer Action Center Moving.org General Complaint Form Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration BBB-File a Complaint Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor Garrett Planning Network: Home 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, with the new EV tax credits, is this the year to buy an electric vehicle? Clark goes over the important considerations around this major decision. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 EV Tax Credits & Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: 5 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds Inflation for goods fell while inflation for services increased 7 Items You Should Never Carry in Your Wallet Report: Top Vehicles Most Likely To Last 200,000 Miles Uni - One Toll Pass. 19 States. These Big Banks Are Finally Doing Something About Zelle KENTUCKYBoard of Pharmacy KASPER Questions Here’s what you need to know about the new EV tax credit for 2023 Tesla deliveries miss estimates due to logistical issues, slowing demand What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? The worst insurance in the world How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps  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

Freelancing and side gigs are becoming the norm for many Americans between jobs or looking to make more money. Get Clark’s tips on how to find legit jobs and set up your side business. Later, how would you like a bank loan at 200%? Predatory lending is happening on a national scale, hurting lots of people - and it’s legal. Clark explains how this came about and what you should know to avoid this trap.  Freelancing & Side Gigs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Predatory Loan Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: IRS says it will delay requirement to report $600 in gig work on taxes There are more than 70 million freelancers in the U.S.—here’s how they can raise their rates LA Times - If you’re looking for a side hustle, avoid these job sites January is often a big month for layoffs. Here's what to do in a worst case scenario As tech layoffs surge, nonprofits are calling SideHusl - Find the Best Money Making Option for You T-Mobile Introduces New SIM Protection Feature How To Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft How 4 small Utah banks have taken their 'predatory lending' national. It's all thanks to state law, critics say The Cheapest Places To Buy Contact Lenses SIPC - Securities Investor Protection Corporation 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 gets back to basics today to help you determine if you need a budgeting app and which one may work best for you. Also in this episode, the streaming giants are losing subscribers and money so changes are on the way. Get Clark’s take on what to look out for to protect your wallet, and what to know about free TV.  Budgeting Apps: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Streaming Changes & Free TV: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: How Safe Are Budget Tracking Apps and Software? Clark.com Best Budeting Apps Clark.com Mint Review; Clark.com PocketGuard Review; Clark.com YNAB Review; Clark.com Honeydue Review; Clark.com Mvelopes Review Saver's Credit: How To Get Free Money To Save for Retirement 2023 and Beyond: Clark Howard Predicts the Future of Streaming TV Streaming TV's Party Is Over. Now Comes the Hangover Upgrades in Free Over-the-Air TV Are Making It Better Live TV Streaming Channel Tool Freevee Review: What You Should Know About Amazon’s Free Streaming Service 4 Things To Know Before You Buy a Digital TV Antenna How To Watch Local Channels Without Cable How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps No Surprises Act - CMS 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 price war going on in the cell phone industry and consumers can win savings! Clark points the way. Also, the South experienced record cold over the holidays causing pipes to burst and costing millions in water damage. No matter where you live, know how to prevent this and what steps to take if you have suffered damage to your dwelling. Cell Plan Deals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Prevent Busted Water Pipes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Verizon: Start the Year with more savings. Switch to Verizon for just $25 per line. Guaranteed for 3 years. Boost Infinite Early Access: New $25 Monthly Unlimited Postpaid Phone Plan Boost $25 per month and includes intl calling from US Best Cell Phone Plans in 2023: The Cheapest Plan for Every Need 7 New Cell Phone Deals in January NYTimes.com: In Much of the South, Subfreezing Weather Crippled Water Systems Popmoney Pros and Cons What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea?  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’s first in a series about new tax rules in effect: A GREAT development with 529 plans may change your decisions on how to save for college. Also, Clark covers energy credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn what you may be eligible for, covering heat pumps, solar and more, and why you should take your time!  New 529 Plan Rules: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Energy Credits: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: NYTimes.com: A Sign That Tuition Is Too High: Some Colleges Are Slashing It in Half Families can make a tax-free rollover from 529 plans to Roth individual retirement accounts starting in 2024 SavingForCollege:Section 126: Rolling Over 529 Plan Funds Into a Roth IRA BBB-File a Complaint Why This Is the Best Time To Buy Series I Savings Bonds Rewiring America - How much money will you get with the Inflation Reduction Act? [The Washington Post] 3 ways to tap billions in new money to go green - starting this month How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way Shipt vs. Instacart: Which Grocery Delivery Service Is Better? 6 Best Grocery Delivery Services 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 goes back to basics on credit card debt.  If you're committed to paying off debt, Clark smart strategies can help get you to debt free.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Credit Card Debt: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Poll: Almost half of Americans are holding on to unused gift cards How To Sell Gift Cards Online for Cash-Clark.com Should I Tip on a Cruise? What Clark Howard Thinks of 'Crypto Winter' After Big Crash Best Free Password Managers: 7 Top Picks How To Create a Safe Password Clark.com How To Get Out of Debt in 7 Steps Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2023 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling Have you joined Clark's 'Ditch Your Debt' Facebook group yet? Ditch Your Debt - Clark Howard Community How To Improve Your Credit Score by 100 Points in 30 Days 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

Airbnb hired a background check company to vet owners and renters, fueling complaints of unjustified bans, mistaken identity, and no real appeal process. Clark weighs in. Also - planes, trains and automobiles - Clark got caught in the Southwest meltdown, and recounts his 3 day journey to make it home by Christmas. Airbnb Background Checks: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark’s Holiday Travel Misadventures: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: USA TODAY: Does Airbnb do criminal background checks? Yes. Policy sparks backlash among consumers [The Washington Post] Long a fan favorite, Southwest’s model now faces questions NYTimes.com: The Shameful Open Secret Behind Southwest’s Failure Costco Travel: 5 Things To Know Before You Book The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise How To Use 'Vacations To Go' To Find Bargain Cruises Should I Tip on a Cruise? Taxes - Clark Howard Community How To Open a Roth IRA U.S. Bank Savings Account Rates - Bankrate 8 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in 2022-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

A new year, and many have resolved to work out more. Clark answers the burning question: When do you sign a contract with a gym that obligates you for 1, 2 or 3 years? Get the lowdown on gym membership and the commitment to fitness. Also, hear why younger generations are now more likely to suffer fraud than seniors. Clark counts the ways, and shares how to protect yourself.  Commit To Be Fit: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fraud For All: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Why Planet Fitness hasn’t raised its $10 monthly gym price in 30 years WSJ: How Old Do You Feel? The Answer Can Reveal a Lot About Your Health, Scientists Say WP - To live longer, pick up the pace just three minutes a day, study shows Follow the 'Minute Rule' to make exercise a daily habit How To Talk to Your Partner About Money Before Marriage Clark Howard's 5 Money Tips for Couples Fraud reports and losses: Not just a grandparent's story What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? NFCC - National Foundation for Credit Counseling - Home Should I Get an Umbrella Insurance Policy? 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

Gift cards are universal but there’s a mistake about half us make with them. Major retailers make hundreds of millions of dollars on gift cards never redeemed. Clark has an assignment for you, including when best to start. Also - “cash stuffing” - a new term for a classic idea Clark has long recommended, can teach the real value of real money.  Gift Cards: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cash Stuffing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Poll: Almost half of Americans are holding on to unused gift cards How To Sell Gift Cards Online for Cash-Clark.com 5 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds How to Budget With a Cash Envelope System Axios: Cash stuffing is back How to Save Money on Car Insurance Money Challenge: How To Save $2,023 in 2023 - 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