The Clark Howard Podcast

The debate between real estate and stocks takes center stage, with insights into the advantages and downsides of each investment. The conversation then shifts to work-from-home dynamics, pondering whether employers should cover related expenses. Listeners also get updates on supply shortages affecting pet food and baby formula, highlighting broader implications in the market. Tips on securing online accounts and essential home office considerations round out the discussion.

An upside to the labor shortage: taking your pay rate higher. Walmart’s truck driving program is just one example. But there’s something you should know about company training programs touted as “free” in various industries. Also, the CashApp data breach is huge. What information the criminals have is disturbing but there’s a Clark smart way to protect yourself. Company Training Programs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Cash App Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Costco vs. Sam's Club vs. BJ's Wholesale: Which Is Best? Fraud Is Flourishing on Zelle. The Banks Say It’s Not Their Problem. Alaska Airlines - Flight Pass  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

We tend to cycle through electronic devices too fast. Do you have old phones & other devices sitting in a drawer? Clark has advice for selling them, a subscription warning - and a general rule on how long to keep electronics. Also - High inflation doesn’t necessarily make you a sitting duck. We’re getting squeezed from all sides. Clark offers 5 steps to better budgeting & this rule to live by: It’s what you DON’T spend that counts over time.  Gadget Management: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Your Inflation Budget: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Clark.com The Best Places To Sell Your Cell Phone When Will Gas Prices Go Down? BBB-File a Complaint 3 Free or Cheap Medical Alert Systems for Seniors Latest Investing & Retirement Free Budget Worksheet: The CLARK Method to Create a Monthly Budget How to Budget With a Cash Envelope System Google Sheets: The Free Budgeting Tool You Probably Haven't Tried 6 of the Best Budgeting Apps in 2022 Budgeting Basics: What You Need to Know to Get Started 5 Ways To Start Living Below Your Means Ask Clark: What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA? How to Set Up a Backdoor Roth IRA - Investopedia When Will Car Prices Go Down? 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, debt collectors may soon be sliding into your texts, emails & direct messages on social media. Clark lets you know what your rights are. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Debt Collection & Your Rights: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: FIDELITY Security Overview Use these security keys to lock down your computer and protect your personal info SIM Card Swapping: The Dangerous Cell Phone Scam Everyone Needs To Know The Points Guy - Maximize your travel. Your rights when dealing with debt collectors The Statutes of Limitations on Debt Collection by State What to Do When You're Being Harassed About an Old "Zombie Debt" How To Send a 'Drop Dead' Letter to a Collection Agency Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance: Understanding the Difference Fidelity Investments Review 2021: Pros & Cons 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 lends perspective on today’s surging housing prices and mortgage rates and offers clear guidelines for making a homebuying decision in this difficult market. And for home buyers considering an ARM - a Clark warning. Also, as war in Ukraine affects the global energy market, the U.S remains the world’s largest energy producer. The expected economic impact at home, our energy future, and what we can control right now to save more.  Housing Decisions: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Energy Outlook & Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should I Buy a House in This Crazy Real Estate Market? How To Save for a House The #1 thing you can do right now to save on energy bills How To Save Money on Utilities Clark Howard's 5-Step Guide To Lowering Your Monthly Bills How To Save Money: 35 Ways To Reduce Expenses How to Book the Best and Safest Airbnb  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

RoboBurger is here! The restaurant industry must adapt to labor shortage conditions. Clark discusses how part of the solution is robotics offering machine made food and convenience. Also, props to Walmart on developing scam busting software, ultimately recovering $4 million in gift card fraud targeting the elderly. That’s a fraction of the losses caused by this long running scam and its mutations. Heed Clark’s special warning for you and your loved ones.  Order Up: The RoboBurger: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Elder Fraud: Gift Card Scams: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2022 Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2022 Clark.com - CREDIT CARDS The Difference Between a Hard Inquiry and a Soft Inquiry on Your Credit Report 5 Sneaky Ways To Improve Your Credit Score Business & Entrepreneurs Archives - Clark Howard - SCORE: Homepage 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

Mark Cuban has taken on the pharmaceutical industry. Clark discusses what he hopes to accomplish with the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company and how it can help consumers save more. Will Mark Cuban’s New Prescription Company Really Save You Money?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

As people return to travel, the airlines are caught with staff shortages in all positions, canceling thousands of flights in the past few weeks. Clark has several strategies to help get you where you’re going. Plus - got coins laying around? You can help yourself and businesses at the same time. Coin Shortage: What To Do With Your Old Coins Flight Plan Strategies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Wanted: Your Spare Change: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Follow These Tips if an Airline Reschedules Your Flight 5 Things To Do if You Need To Book a Trip This Summer Auto Europe: Europe Car Rentals $6/day! Best Rate Guarantee Looking for Coinstar Alternatives? Check Your Local Credit Union How Much Should You Have Saved for Retirement by 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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, 20% of Americans now live in multi-generational households. A real opportunity that deals with the extreme housing shortage: Accessory dwellings or ADUs. Clark explains the multiple benefits this kind of dwelling can provide.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Housing: ADUs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Accessory dwellings get another look in tight housing market 5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room International Travel Tips: 26 Things to Know Before Going Overseas Is an extended warranty ever worth it? 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

Financial advisors - even if you think you have a good one, you may be spending way more money than you need to. Clark makes it clear how the industry plays the game and how to protect yourself when you put your money to work. Also, we throw away a staggering 40% of the food we buy in the U.S. With grocery prices high - understanding product dates and what you should & should not pay attention to can = $avings.  Fee Only Fiduciaries: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Food Exp. Dates: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2022 Fidelity Personalized Planning & Advice Review Vanguard Personal Advisor Services Review Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium Review Comparing Hybrid Financial Advisors: Vanguard vs. Schwab vs. Fidelity What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? 403bwise :: The K-12 403(b) is broken. Together we can fix it. Food Expiration Guide - Clark Howard 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