The Clark Howard Podcast

Hiring a contractor is a big challenge. Angie's List - now Angi - is undertaking a new business model seeking to be a trusted resource. Clark takes a first look and discusses vetting services. Also, Clark examines the current problem of organized theft rings throughout the country, how they affect consumers, and how retailers are reorienting stores and security. The New Angie’s List: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Retail & the Organized Theft Problem: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Do Not Want To Get a Big Tax Refund Check What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor Chime Review: Pros & Cons of the Bank Challenger Best 529 College Savings Plans By State 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 future is almost here. Today, big players are perfecting electric flying taxis. Clark discusses the market adoption and possible uses of electronic aircraft. Also, at a time of rising prices, store brands - aka private labels - have new strength in the marketplace, key for your wallet. Clark conveys the quality of various house brands and how much you can save. Electronic Aircraft an Imminent Game Changer: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Beating Inflation in the Supermarket: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Here's How Easy DIY Pest Control Can Be Autotrader: Used and New Car Sales, Review Oura Ring - Buy used as a test drive - Clark Howard’s Oura Wedding Band The Best Time and Place To Buy a 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

Americans are spending more than ever on eyeglasses. Clark discusses the industry cartel at work & multiple ways you can save, and has a warning about employee vision coverage. Also, promising news about how our food is grown in the U.S. The concept of growing produce in a factory goes back a generation. But indoor vertical farming is starting to boom and the benefits are many. Don’t Get Taken on Eyeglasses: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Here’s to Vertical Farming: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What’s the Difference? MaxMyInterest vs. CDARS 7 Free Federal and State Tax Filing Services for 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

It’s Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - Airport self-screening is becoming a reality. TSA screening is a tough job - crying out for modern AI tech as long employed overseas. The Dept. of Homeland Security has initiated the development of TSA PreCheck self-screening. Clark describes the benefits this will bring, and shares a Global Entry expiration warning. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Airport Self-Screening: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Global Entry Travelers Now Have a 24-Month Renewal Grace Period Why You Should Be Careful About Lending Money to Family and Friends What Is a Mutual Fund? 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 explains how virtual credit card numbers work to protect you while shopping online. Check to see if any of your cards offer the virtual number service, and make it your online card. Also, solar roof tech has progressed, offering greater efficiency and lower cost. A new development from GAF Energy brings self-powering our homes closer within reach. Virtual Credit Card Protection: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Solar Shingle Innovation: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Navy Federal Ups the Rewards on Its Popular Cash Back Credit Card Authorized User vs. Joint Account Holder: Understanding the Difference for Credit Cards Why Clark Howard Is So Excited About His Wedding Band Solar | Department of Energy -  State Renewable Energy Resources | US EPA The #1 Thing Clark Howard Hates About Solar Panels Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car? 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

Netflix just went up and price increases overall for streaming services continue due to original programming production costs. Clark has a few ways to help you streamline your streaming. Also, vehicle news including the $20K Ford Maverick, help for the blinding headlights problem, and Toyota’s refurbishing program - brilliant! Streaming Services Price Creep: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Vehicles: 3 Great Developments: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Ford Shuts Off Orders for New $20,000 Maverick Pickup - The Wall Street Journal. Live TV Streaming Channel Tool Netflix Announces Price Hike for 2022 Subscriptions 19 Ways To Save at Walmart The Best Ways To Protect Yourself Against Airline Cancellations 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 describes retiree regret when resettling in vacation spots. How to avoid costly moves using Clark’s “training wheels” strategy. Plus, a look at rent or buy decision factors in today’s market. And - Many retailers & restaurants have shorter store hours & empty shelves - Clark relates what’s happening now and what’s to come. In addition, hear how corporate public relations can further botch serious corporate mistakes - case in point: Hertz. Home Ownership vs. Renting: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Restaurants & Retail: Limited Hours & Merchandise: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Non-Owner Car Insurance: A Complete Guide - NerdWallet Truebill Review: 4 Things to Know Before Signing Up Clark's Graveyard - SunRocket Internet Phone Service – Died July 2007 IRS using identity verification: ID.ME State unemployment claim problems: Seek help from state representative.  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

Right now opportunities & incentives are plentiful in many sectors because of worker shortages. The military is employing retention incentives, and new recruit bonuses topping out at $50K, which may be a worthy path for some. Also, Clark reviews the pandemic effect on energy, where we are now with home energy and gas prices - and where the U.S. is headed as an energy producer.  Military Bonuses: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Good News on the Energy Front: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Is a Costco Executive Membership Worth It? Costco vs. Sam’s Club vs. BJ’s Wholesale: Which Is Best? Mortgage Refinance Calculator - Clark Howard Mortgage Points Calculator - Clark Howard Mortgages Archives - Clark Howard Homeowners 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

It’s Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark shares news about a huge shift happening in the way cars are sold. Carmax, Carvana & Vroom have changed the game in favor of consumers, and manufacturers are duking it out with anti-competitive dealerships. A new program from GM tells the tale. Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks Dealerships Vs. the Free Market Sale of Vehicles Ask Clark Mentioned on the show: What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work? Alliant Visa Signature Card: 2.5% Cash Back - ALLIANT Clark Howard and the Prostate Cancer Foundation How to Save Money on Car Insurance 9 Easy Ways To Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums 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 outlines several factors that lead to one conclusion: Women need to save more of their paycheck for retirement than men. Also, the banks are desperately handing out credit cards like candy now. Clark relates different scenarios based on your credit, and conveys what is core & key to keeping your credit healthy with credit card use. Special Retirement Advice For Women: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2  Warning: Banks Pushing Credit Card Offers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Social Security: Ex-Spouse Benefits And How They Affect You New and Used Car Reviews and Ratings - Consumer Reports How to Buy a Used Car in 7 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