The Clark Howard Podcast

Inaccuracy of credit reports is a longstanding problem. More than half of all complaints to the CFPB were about the credit bureaus, who see us as mere data points, not customers. Clark on how the system functions and how to protect your credit. Clark also describes Walmart’s new “InHome” delivery service compared to the Walmart+ option, vs Amazon initiatives. Generally Walmart is 20% cheaper on groceries so this may be viable for some consumers.    Credit Report Errors: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Walmart Vs. Amazon - Grocery Delivery: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:  How To Monitor Your Credit Virtual Credit Cards: An Online Security Measure Worth Taking? Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car? uShip Buying a diamond online: Have an unconditional right to return 7 Places to Get the Best Deals on Lab-Created Diamonds Hampton woman loses $200 after buying already-activated gift card Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 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

Pandemic cruise scenarios call for a backup plan. Clark explains what can happen with cruises and with lodging cancellation policies. In this era of travel uncertainty, learn the KEY to travel planning. Also, as shipping delays persist, many customers are out their deposit money indefinitely for no show furniture & appliances. Retailer bankruptcy adds more difficulty. Clark suggests an alternative.  Travel Warnings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Furniture orders & deposits in limbo: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:  How To Use InsureMyTrip To Buy Travel Insurance The #1 Type of Travel Insurance You Probably Need Right Now There’s a new tax rule for US small business owners. What to make of it? What Is a Credit Union? How To Find a Good Moving Company 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, this tax year will be a bit different for 2021 filings, with a special warning from the IRS. Clark shares a smart tax refund strategy, plus the outlook on inflation.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Tax Season Strategy & Inflation: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:  Barrons.com: IRS Warns Backlogs Could Cause Delayed Tax Refunds Treasury warns of ‘enormous challenges’ this tax filing season that could delay refunds U.S. natgas output to rise, demand to ease in 2022 -EIA When Are Taxes Due? Important Tax Dates in 2022  7 Free Federal and State Tax Filing Services for 2022  When Should You Get an Accountant To Do Your Taxes?  Money Challenge: How To Save $2,022 in 2022  Hearing Aids  A closer look at why heat pumps are dominating EV HVAC systems These Credit Cards Offer Car Rental Insurance Benefits 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

Verizon trades in customer data - apps, browsing etc. to sell for profit. Clark breaks down the opt-out, and suggests a cheaper way to be on Verizon’s network. // Now is the worst time to buy a car since 1946. Clark shares his best advice and the vehicle market outlook.  Ask Clark topics include: How to avoid becoming the victim of credit card fraud / Why Some Stores Don’t Take Credit Cards / Ask Clark: Should I get a prepaid maintenance plan on a new car? \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More companies are offering the Roth 401(k). What you need to know about this retirement savings option. // Crooks are using Apple AirTags to track people and cars. There IS a solid way to protect yourself…Ask Clark topics include: Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules / How To Open a Roth IRA / AAA Membership: Is It Worth It? \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We remain in short supply of housing units, both apartments and single family homes, while housing costs continue to rise. Clark discusses how we got here and the affordable solutions out there, in need of wider adoption. // Clark explains having life insurance from work vs buying your own policy, plus direction on shopping and purchasing life insurance to protect your family.Ask Clark topics include: Is your institution 529 eligible? / What Is a Good Credit Score? / Travel Archives - Clark Howard \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The “No Surprises Act” consumer protection law is now in effect. Clark explains new consumer rights surrounding out of network medical charges, with guidance for the insured and uninsured. // The U.S. labor shortage: Clark has new stats that shed light on what’s really going on with the American workforce.Ask Clark topics include: Free File: Do your Federal Taxes for Free / Why You Should Never Go to Your Bank for Investment Advice / Best Investment Companies \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Nearly half of us have no money for an unexpected emergency. Clark presents a road map for setting a new path for saving money, including variable weekly saving goals. Clark’s money saving challenge to you, should you choose to accept it! Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Best 529 College Savings Plans / What Is an Annuity? / Should You Buy Out Your Leased Car? / Estate and Gift Tax | IRS / How To Open a Roth IRA / Fidelity Investments Review \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How crypto savings accounts work and why they’re risky business. Learn the Clark smart perspective on the current crypto environment. // Clark updates long-standing advice on how to avoid getting ripped off on cremation and burials. In the funeral industry, national chains have absorbed the independents, challenging prior memorial society group negotiating power.  But new tools allow you to shop the marketplace for end of life services at the time of need. Ask Clark topics include: As Used-Car Prices Surge, Consider Fixing the Car You Already Own / How To Open a Roth IRA / The Best Time and Place to Buy a Mattress / 8 Things to Know About Walmart Care Clinic and Walmart Health \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark describes what Long-Term Care policies cover, how they work, when and what to buy and the hybrid policy difference. // As a Prostate Cancer Foundation board member, Clark shares insights into cancer research in general and the upcoming era of “precision medicine” - plus advocacy and research guidance for those with terminal loved ones.Ask Clark topics include: Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2021 / Best Cash Back Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2021 / Inside the Timeshare Sales Pitch \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices