The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode: Reading is fundamental and a bit of a lost art due to technology. Yet, it’s technology that can make the enriching and relaxing endeavor of long-form reading all the more convenient - and sometimes FREE. Clark helps you discover your e-book options. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Free E-Books: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard's Important Advice on Funeral Planning CNET-Costco Shoppers: Here's How Much You Actually Save Compared to a Grocery Store How to spot and avoid fake product reviews on Amazon The #1 Bill You Should Make Sure You Get by Mail NYTimes.com: How to Make the Most of E-Books, and Find Free Ones 15 of the Best Places To Find Free E-Books  11 of the Best Places To Find Free Audiobooks Should I Get an Umbrella Insurance Policy? Welcome to Clark’s Christmas Kids 2022  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 news just gets worse for travelers dealing with airline customer no service. Clark cites heavy fines against airlines for non refund of tickets on canceled flights, and discusses how you can avoid high baggage fees. Also in this episode: Grocery inflation is beginning to ease, item by item and Clark shares a money saving example in the meat department, and why using a “reverse shopping list” is key to spending less.  Airline Fees: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Supermarket Savings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: WSJ-These Travelers Would Rather Eat Glass Than Pay an Airline Fee Frontier Airlines Drops Its Customer Service Phone Line New Tool Shows Southwest Prices From Google Flights Search Look out! Airlines are setting a carry-on luggage trap Frontier, 5 other airlines to refund more than $600 million Safely Short-Term Vacation Rental Insurance & Guest Screening BBB-File a Complaint Experian Boost Review: How 3 Bills Helped Raise My Credit Score 14 Points Check Overpayment Scams | Consumer Protection Bureau How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams Straight Talk Wireless Introduces Prepaid Home Internet Live TV Streaming Channel Tool 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 price of cars still up there, your money should buy reliability. Clark runs down highlights from new Consumer Reports rankings. Also in this episode: Like a game of Twister, corporate pandemic pivots left some in better stead than others. Many tech companies over expanded and it’s coming back to haunt those companies, their employees and customers.  Reliable Car Brands: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Corporate Pandemic Fallout: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Consumer Reports ranking for the most reliable cars of 2023 are in. Here are the winners. USA TODAY When Will Car Prices Drop? How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2022 Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2022 WoofTrax – Dog Walking App  Charity Miles App | Walk, Run, Bike for a Causes Silicon Valley’s greatest minds misread pandemic demand. Now their employees are paying for it. Fired by Musk or Zuckerberg? The Old Economy Welcomes You - Bloomberg WP-It’s not your imagination: Shopping on Amazon has gotten worse Is Now a Good Time To Put Money in a CD? Warning: Watch Out for This Retailer Pricing Trick 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

This December the shelves are stocked and there are still deals to be had. Clark talks friendly prices in toyland and for clothing, laptops and appliances. Also this episode: Medical providers of all types are promoting instant credit. Clark explains why these credit plans are bad medicine - financially. Holiday Deals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Medical Credit Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Axios: The end of the end of HELOC Home - Elliott Report How To Reach a Human at Experian, TransUnion or Equifax The Best Way To Reach Customer Service at the Major Airlines How to Reach a Real Person at AT&T, Xfinity, Cox and More CNBC: Frontier Airlines gets rid of telephone customer service. How banks and hospitals are cashing in when patients can't pay for health care First, see if you can get your medical bill forgiven What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Fidelity Investments Review 2022: Pros & Cons What Is Disability Insurance and How Does It Work? How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps Introducing Vanguard Cash Deposit 10 Year-End Strategies To Cut Your Tax Bill 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

Following a PR disaster and Senate hearings, the banks that created fraud-riddled Zelle are coming to the reform table. Clark describes testing going on now, soon coming to consumers. Also, the current state of holiday shipping is not what Clark predicted. Potential Zelle Reform: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Holiday Shipping: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: These Big Banks Are Finally Doing Something About Zelle Best Credit Cards for Students: Top Picks for 2022 My Social Security Number Is on the Dark Web. What Should I Do? How To Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion SIM Card Swapping: The Dangerous Cell Phone Scam Everyone Needs To Know SoFi Review: One-Stop Shop to Spend, Save, Borrow and Invest Pirate Ship Review: Pros & Cons of This Cheap Shipping Service Is Now a Good Time To Put Money in a CD? Clark.com Community Welcome to Clark’s Christmas Kids 2022 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, the short term rental market keeps going through changes channeled through Airbnb & VRBO themselves, and by local governments, directly affecting rental property decisions and renter experiences. Clark shares recent examples of both, including what Airbnb is doing to regain trust in the marketplace.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Airbnb Changes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Where To Buy the Best Cheap Printer WSJ-You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know About Your Financial Adviser Clark.com - Why you should never ‘top off’ your gas tank NYTimes.com: Airbnb Will Now Warn Travelers About Hidden Cleaning Fees  6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling The Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: Which Is Best for You? The Best Credit Cards That Pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry 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 Costco Citi Visa card is eliminating one of its best benefits starting January 1st. Get Clark’s card benefit workaround. Also, if you’ve ever kicked yourself for not canceling a free trial subscription or an automatic renewal, you are not alone. Learn how to manage subscriptions and avoid the built-in hassles of free trials. Costco Citi Visa Benefit Cut: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark Savvy Subscription Management: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Citi Removes Important Benefit From Costco Credit Card Travel Insurance? What You Need To Know Before You Buy Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2022 Best Credit Cards for Extended Warranty: Top Picks for 2022 Economy Skycouch - Air New Zealand 5 Things To Do Before You Sign Up for a Free Trial 10 hidden fees that could be costing you thousands Clark.com - HOME INTERNET 4 Things To Know Before You Buy a Digital TV Antenna Live TV Streaming Channel Tool Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts 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

How much can you save at Costco vs traditional supermarkets? You may be surprised! Clark also has an important warning issued by the USPS concerning how you mail cards and packages. Clark shares tips for more secure mailing & bill pay - and tells you the one thing you should NEVER carry with you because if it’s stolen, YOU could end up in jail.  Clark’s TV Grocery Study: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Holiday Postal Alert: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: CNET-Costco Shoppers: Here's How Much You Actually Save Compared to a Grocery Store 4 Things To Know About the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Overhaul The Best International Phone Plans Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Value Coverage Lifehacker: Avoid Using Blue Mailboxes During the Holidays, USPS Warns Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places Welcome to Clark’s Christmas Kids 2022 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

Survey says: The slowest fast food lines belong to the most popular fast food place. And a serious innovation for workers at one of these restaurants is a big success. Also - Job mobility in the modern era has created the problem of stranded 401(k)s getting cashed out. If you’ve got one or more old 401(k) accounts, a new financial portability service can help consolidate your retirement funds.  Fast-Food Report: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 401(K) Transfers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How Much Should You Have Saved for Retirement by Now? 7 Best Ways to Save for Retirement in Your 50s 401(k) Companies Make It Easier for Retirement Savings to Follow You to Your Next Job What Is a SEP IRA and Who Is Eligible? Should I Get Pet Insurance? / Should You Buy Pet Insurance? - Consumer Reports 13 ways to save money on pet costs 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

New warnings if you have a leased car or are trying to buy a vehicle. Dealers are getting desperate, and some are using dirty tactics you need to know about. Also, it’s go time for holiday shopping and Clark has several excellent tips for how to save while shopping online this holiday season, plus shipping and store pick-up advice.  Vehicle Purchases & Lease Buyouts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark Smart Online Shopping: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Car dealers accused of price-gouging customers who exercise option to buy leased vehicles Tight car inventory can lead to phantom stock, ghost vehicles Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): What It Is, How It Works, Advantages How To Get the Best Price Possible Shopping Online Why Retailers Are Charging Return Fees and How to Avoid Them How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft Liability vs. Full Coverage: Which Auto Insurance Do You Need? Welcome to Clark’s Christmas Kids 2022 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