Episodes

  • Clark discusses “nonprofit” hospitals and two crucial steps to take if you get a large hospital bill. Also today, there are multitudes of properties bought for the sole purpose of renting them out, but the rules of the game keep changing. To protect your finances, follow Clark’s rule for buying investment properties.

    Negotiate Hospital Bills: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Short Term Rental Property: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    Nonprofit hospitals have an obligation to help their communities, but the people who live nearby may see little benefit — The Conversation

    Have medical debt? Anything already paid or under $500 should no longer be on your credit report

    When Do You Tell a Car Dealership You're Paying Cash?

    Palm Springs capped Airbnb rentals. Now some home prices are in free-fall

    Use of cameras and recording devices - Airbnb Help Center

    How To Open a Roth IRA

    How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?


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  • A common text scam just attempted to infiltrate Clark’s own company. Hear how that turned out! Also today,  a warning if you receive packages from online retailers, and the one thing you need to do immediately when you do receive an item. 

    Text Scam Targets Companies: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Retail Return Fraud: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    Do Your Boss a Favor and Don't Fall for a Gift Card Scam - ITRC

    Think you know what the top scam of 2023 was? Take a guess

    What Brokerage Do You Recommend for First-Time Investors or Kids?

    What's the Best Savings Account for a Teenager?

    Hot Water Recirculation Systems

    Streaming TV - Clark.com

    NYTimes: She Ordered an Ashtray and Got a Can of Tuna

    Types of Health Insurance Plans

    Should You Ever Decline a Credit Limit Increase?

    How To Increase the Credit Limit on Your Credit Card


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  • Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today,  do you or someone you know have a safety deposit box? Clark has a very important warning if the answer is yes. 


    Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

    Unsafe Deposit Boxes: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    6 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds

    Should You Sell Your I Bonds Right Now?

    When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security?

    Which Home Security Systems Rank Better Than Ring?

    Clark Howard's Simple Steps To Get Better Customer Service

    The US Sun: A judge dismissed my lawsuit against Chase when $100,000 & a $10k necklace vanished – years later I saw it on TV

    Is a Safe Deposit Box Really Safe?

    How Should I Handle Car Insurance for My Teenage Driver?

    5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room


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  • CDs - Are they still a good deal? Given where inflation and interest rates are heading, Clark explains that we’ve arrived at a tipping point for savers, and how to best put your money to work. Also, a report has come out about the best supermarkets in the country. What makes them great? It’s a factor you may not think about. 

    The SAVE MORE CD Strategy: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Best Supermarkets: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    The Best CD Rates for February 2024

    Why you should open a CD this February - CBS News

    What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea?

    16 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in February 2024

    Municipal Bond: Definition, Types, Risks, and Tax Benefits

    How Many Bank Accounts Should You Have? - Clark Howard

    Credit Cards Could Swipe Department Stores’ Profits - The WSJ.

    Should You Get a Store Credit Card?

    Supermarkets - The American Customer Satisfaction Index

    CNBC - Costco has replaced Trader Joe’s as America’s favorite supermarket


    American Customer Satisfaction Index

    6 Best Apps To Save Money on Groceries

    22 Ways To Save Money on Groceries

    10 Ways You're Wasting Money on Groceries

    How To Use Camelcamelcamel

    Google Fi Wireless: My Experience as a Five-Year Customer (Pros and Cons)

    The Best International Phone Plans


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  • As the big phone companies plan big price increases, smaller competitors are taking a bigger share of the marketplace. Clark shares easy ways to keep costs down. Also, you’ve heard of getting a second opinion when it comes to medical procedures, but did you know that getting a second opinion in all sorts of consumer areas can save you big bucks?SAVE on Cell Phone Service: Segment 1Ask Clark: Segment 2Get A Second Opinion: Segment 3Ask Clark: Segment 4Mentioned on the show:Comcast, Charter add subs; survey finds consumers very open to MVNOsT-Mobile Eyes Price Hikes As AT&T, Verizon Set to Raise Rates in MarchBest Cell Phone Plans in 2024: The Cheapest Plan for Every NeedWhat Is Owner's Title Insurance and Do You Need It?Home Title Lock: Is It the Same As Home Title Insurance?Counterfeit StampsHow getting a second opinion can stop you being ripped off — The ConversationBrushing Scam – United States Postal Inspection Service“Brushing” Scam Indicates a Serious Problem for VictimsHow Can I Make Freezing a Young Person's Credit Less Risky?Should You Make Your Child an Authorized User on Your Credit Card?Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your FingertipsClark.com resourcesEpisode transcriptsCommunity.Clark.comClark.com daily money newsletterConsumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoicesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Venmo is publicly sharing your info. Clark has a special privacy check up for Venmo users. Later - collectively entrepreneurs set a new record last year. Get Clark’s take on entrepreneurship and its value for the economy. 

    Venmo Privacy Check: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    On Entrepreneurship: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    Venmo privacy settings to change now

    How To Make Your Venmo Transactions Private

    4 Common Scams on Cash App, Venmo and Zelle (and How To Avoid Them!)

    Want To Guard Your Privacy Online? Search the Web With DuckDuckGo

    5 Tips To Protect Your Digital Privacy

    Protect Your Identity Archives - Clark Howard

    Should You Allow Your Auto Insurance To Monitor Your Driving?

    Mile Auto | Pay-Per-Mile Car Insurance

    Entrepreneurs Opened More Businesses in 2023, Setting a New All-Time High on Yelp

    Sell My Car – Autotrader


    What Is an ETF?  -  What Are Index Funds?



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  • A new hotel fee is showing up for something a lot of people aren’t even using. How to book a room without getting ripped off. Also, knowledge is power when it comes to navigating funeral costs. The FTC has a new warning out about shady practices in the funeral industry that take advantage of grieving families. 

    Hotel Rates + Junk Fees: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Funeral Home Rip-offs: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    Hotel parking fees take a turn for the worse

    How to spot hidden resort fees when you're booking travel

    Why Structured Notes Might Not Be Right for You

    What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance?

    NYTimes: F.T.C. Warns Dozens of Funeral Homes to Provide Accurate Costs to Callers

    How the Funeral Industry Got the FTC to Hide Bad Actors

    Alert: Funeral Home Scam Targets Grieving Families


    Funeral Consumers Alliance: Home - Clark.com - Funeral Planning


    How to have that end-of-life financial discussion with your elderly loved ones


    Funeral Consumers Alliance - Wills & Funerals Archives - Clark Howard


    You Can Save Big Money on Caskets at Costco, Walmart and Amazon


    Low-Cost Cremation Services: 5 Things to Know 


    Funeralocity - Lantern - Cake - Parting - Empathy


    4 Things To Consider Before You Buy a New Cell Phone

    Buying a Cell Phone at Costco Wholesale: 4 Things To Know

    Should You Buy Cell Phone Insurance?

    Cell Phones & Smartphones Archives - Clark Deals


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  • Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today - many employers are offering a new benefit which may eliminate the need to choose between paying down student loans and saving for retirement. 


    Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

    The New Student Loan/401(k) Benefit: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps

    Going™ | Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights

    Airfarewatchdog: Cheap Flights & Airline Tickets

    Estate and Gift Tax FAQs | Internal Revenue Service

    15 of the Best Free Workout And Fitness Apps

    What Is an ETF?

    A Simple Trick To Paying Off Your Credit Card Faster

    NYTimes: A New Perk for Some Student Loan Borrowers: A 401(k) Match

    More companies embracing benefits aimed at student loan debt

    SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Lower Monthly Loan Payments

    Best Budgeting Apps in 2024: Our Top 5

    What Is a Flexible Spending Account?

    How to Teach Young Kids About Money

    Fidelity Investments Review 2023: Pros & Cons


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  • Cruise travel is way up and with it, problems with associated trip insurance. Learn what could go wrong, and Clark smart rules for cruise travel. Also today, a follow up on Visa Vanilla gift cards and the “draining” scam that left so many people with useless plastic.

    Cruise Trip Coverage Warning: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Vanilla Gift Card Scam: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    NYTimes: Help! I Missed a Cruise and the Cruise Line’s Own Travel Insurance Won’t Pay.

    Where You Should Never Buy Travel Insurance for a Cruise


    Clark.com - CRUISES / Clark.com - TRIP INSURANCE


    How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money

    401(k) Match: What Is It, How It Works

    401k Calculator With Match - Clark Howard

    New York Post: Visa is sued over ‘Vanilla’ gift card scam known as ‘draining’

    What Is an ETF?

    Should We Worry About the National Debt and Budget Deficits?

     
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  • Happy Valentine’s Day! Where did we traditionally receive Valentine’s Day cards? The mail! There’s a big problem with our mail delivery service, and something is going to have to give. Also today, Amazon is in a fight for its life with competitors and the resultant clothing price war presents opportunity for you.  

    USPS Mail Delays: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Clothing Price War: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:


    Mail freeze: Latest frigid weather is adding to the postal service's delivery woes - USA TODAY  

    NYTimes.com: Mail 3 Days a Week? Idea Meets Resistance in Britain.

    How to sell your house by owner

    What you should know before selling your home without an agent

    Selling your home yourself? Here’s how an ‘Agents Protected’ sign can help you

    Heard on the Street: Amazon Can’t Afford a Race to the Bottom - The Wall Street Journal.

    Clark Deals - Clothing

    Why You Need To Check Your PayPal Account for Automatic Payments

    5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room

    PlugShare - EV Charging Station Map - Find a place to charge

     
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  • With Valentine’s Day coming up tomorrow, it’s a good opportunity to give couples advice on how to avoid one of the most common things we fight over - money differences. Also today - Assumable mortgages allow qualifiers to potentially buy a house with one of the great rates that existed over the past few years. There’s a new site to help you find those homes for sale. 

    Couples & Money: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Assumable Mortgage Resource: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    NYTimes.com: Financial Questions to Discuss Before Moving In With Your Partner

    New Love for Older Adults: Don’t Make the Same Financial Mistakes

    42% of Adults Have Committed Financial Infidelity. Have You?

    10 Steps for Having Better Money Conversations With Your Spouse

    What is an LLC? Limited Liability Company Structure and Benefits Defined

    What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It?

    Best 529 College Savings Plans By State

    Rollovers From a 529 Plan to Roth IRA: What to Know

    Assumable Mortgage: What It Is, How It Works, Types, Pros and Cons


    A back door to a 3% mortgage rate? This startup has a plan to unlock housing market affordability 

    What's Clark's Opinion on the Greenlight Prepaid Debit Card for Kids?


    Cruises - Clark.com / Costco Travel: 5 Things To Know Before You Book



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  • Communities are popping up around the country that make it feel like you are living at the beach, without the high cost of insurance and upkeep. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Also, excellent news to share concerning teens and finance. 

    Lagoon Communities: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Teen Work Ethic: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    Their Home Has Water Views and a Sandy Beach—and It’s Nowhere Near the Ocean

    401(k) Rollover: What You Need To Know & Options

    Target Date Funds: Clark's Favorite Retirement Investment

    Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy

    Clark Calls Out Favorite Credit Card for 'Classless' New Policy

    [The Washington Post] Gen Z is bringing back the part-time job

    More States Now Require Financial Literacy Classes in High Schools

    Best Investment Companies for Investors

    Can a Patient Advocate Help With Your Medical Bills?


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  • Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today - So many of us are addicted to our smartphones and there are new devices and methods to help us break the habit and be more present. The discipline to ditch your phone for periods of time may improve your quality of life.


    Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

    Phone-free Quality Time: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    12 Things You Never Knew You Could Get From Your Local Library

    Streaming TV - Clark.com


    Best Free Password Managers: 7 Top Picks / 5 Tips To Protect Your Digital Privacy


    3 Big Retirement Account Changes You Haven't Heard About

    Financial Independence, Retire Early: What You Need To Know About the ‘FIRE’ Movement

    Is Temu Legit? 4 Things To Know

    My Cable Company Is Raising Prices Unless I Enroll in Auto-Pay. Is It Safe?

    How to Get Free Virus, Spyware and Malware Protection

    Phone-free and loving it: Why Yondr usage is spiking at schools, concerts, and soon, maybe, your living room

    Why Toilet Paper Has Gotten So Expensive

    529 rollover to Roth IRA: A guide to conversion - CNN

    Free (or Cheap) College for Retirees in All 50 States

    How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps


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  • U.S. consumers pay more for prescription drugs than anywhere else on the planet, especially for vital brand medications that are not yet sold as generics. Clark explains this price disparity, reports on Florida’s move to import from Canada, and shares how you can save on meds today. Also - How Walmart is giving its workers a stake in the game and why that is good for business. 

    Save More On Meds: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Employee Ownership: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    Florida Is First State Allowed to Import Drugs From Canada in Bid to Reduce Costs

    10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs - Clark.com

    Exchanging Dollars for Foreign Currency

    Home Equity Loans & Lines of Credit: 7 Common Questions Answered

    Simple Interest Loans: Do They Exist?

    Rule of 78: Definition, How Lenders Use It, and Calculation

    NYTimes: Walmart Offers Store Managers Company Stock to Make Them Feel Like ‘Owners’

    The #1 Difference Between 'Super Savers' and Average Savers

    6 Steps To Eliminate Credit Card Debt in 3 Years or Less


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  • Because of the pandemic, many employees are entering a corporate office environment for the first time, and companies are having to do special training to help them adjust. Clark has some advice for these new workers. Also today - After a period of punishing inflation, consumers are finally in the driver’s seat on prices. How? Clark explains our collective power in the marketplace. 

    Workplace Etiquette: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Consumers Rule: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:


    We don't know how to behave in the office anymore, bosses say. The solution? Charm school 

    Why Sharing Your Layoff Publicly Feels So Good - The Wall Street Journal.

    Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know

    Hertz is selling 20,000 electric vehicles to buy gasoline cars instead

    A Different Kind of Price War: Grocers vs. Big Food Makers

    Mortgage Recasting: What It Is And How It Works

    Accessible Travel Website Launches Major Expansion

    The future of U.S. train travel is here—and it’s not on Amtrak

    Where You Should (and Should Not) Book Your Next Vacation


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  • Some reports estimate overall food waste at near 40%! That’s MONEY tossed away! There’s a simple way to help you SAVE MORE food & thus - stretch your grocery dollars. Also, Clark discusses options for those with I Bonds purchased at inflation’s peak, now with diminishing returns, and why I Bonds are still a good deal now.  

    Reduce Food Waste: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    I Bond Strategy: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    [The Washington Post] This fridge hack can slash your food waste

    Is a Costco Membership Worth It? (Pros and Cons From 10 Readers)

    Your Guide to DIY Home Security Systems

    T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: 5 Things To Know Before You Sign Up

    How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps

    Should You Sell Your I Bonds Right Now?

    6 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds

    Vehicle History Report Scam: If You're Selling, Listen Up

    7 Things To Know Before You Use Zelle

    4 Common Scams on Cash App, Venmo and Zelle (and How To Avoid Them!)


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  • Bad news makes news, creating general pessimism and a negative outlook on the world at large. But there’s so much good in the world that goes unheralded. Clark shares some reasons to be optimistic. Also today, colleges are competing to fill enrollments. Clark shares strategies to help you stretch every college dollar, including asking for a 4 year incentive package. 

    Dare To Be Optimistic: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    College Cost Strategies: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    Reasons to be optimistic in 2024 — despite everything

    SmileDirectClub is shutting down. Where does that leave its customers?

    [The Washington Post] Colleges are finally turning the corner on enrollment

    Education Archives - Clark Howard

    How To Sell A Car - Clark Howard


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  • Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today  - Staying fit doesn’t have to involve costly memberships. Clark shares his affinity for fitness trackers, and how inexpensive they can be. 


    Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

    Fitness Trackers : Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    Costco vs. Sam's Club: What Is the Difference?

    How Donor-Advised Funds Are Changing Philanthropy

    WSJ - Your Smartphone Can Have Two Lines. Here’s Why You’d Want That.

    The Best International Phone Plans

    CR - Best Fitness Trackers of 2024

    4 Truly Free Fitness Apps To Keep You In Shape All Winter

    15 of the Best Free Workout And Fitness Apps (clark.com)

    At 93, he’s as fit as a 40-year-old. His body offers lessons on aging.


    ‘How is this even legal?’ Planet Fitness user asks after being forced to go in person simply to shut down account 

    How To Increase the Credit Limit on Your Credit Card

    Delta Update: Airline Announces Key Changes to SkyMiles Overhaul

    Going Just Announced a Big Change to Its Free Membership


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  • The stock market has hit record highs lately, which means investors can become misdirected by  “recency bias”.  What could go wrong?  Clark explains some market realities to keep in mind and the value of diversification. Also today, with tax season upon us make sure you know about tax filing options that are free.

    Investment Strategy: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Free Tax Filing: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    How To Save and Invest the Clark Howard Way

    Wall Street hits record high following a 2-year round trip scarred by inflation - from USA TODAY

    NYTimes: After a Rip-Roaring 2023, the Markets Are Taking a Breather

    10 Things You Must Know About Bull Markets

    Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2024

    What Brokerage Do You Recommend for First-Time Investors or Kids?

    Amazon - uni-ball 61255 Signo Gel 207  Black Ink Micro Fine Dozen

    Why You Should Never Mail a Check

    8 Free Federal and State Tax Filing Services for 2024

    IRS Free File: Free State and Federal Tax Filing Options for 2024

    IRS set to launch its free tax filing pilot program. Here’s how it will work

    The Washington Post: How to file your taxes free, no matter your income or age

    The IRS doesn't send tax refunds by email or text

    TurboTax Can No Longer Advertise Products as Free, F.T.C. Says

    FTC finds TurboTax “free” is not free for most

    How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor


    Advice-Only Network   /   Flat Fee Advisors


    How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money

    National Unclaimed Property Day

    How To Find and Claim Missing Money in Your Name


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  • Credit card debt is up 50% in the last 3 years with default rates on the rise, as higher interest rates exacerbate the problem. What would Clark do? Also today, many people have been waiting for the market to normalize before buying a vehicle. Clark shares good news and smart approaches to the purchase of both new and used cars. 

    Credit Card Debt Strategy: Segment 1

    Ask Clark: Segment 2

    Car Buying Update: Segment 3

    Ask Clark: Segment 4


    Mentioned on the show:

    NYTimes.com: Lugging Credit Card Debt Into 2024? Now’s the Time to Make a Plan.

    Credit card delinquencies surpass pre-pandemic levels

    Why debt settlement companies are the wrong way to deal with high credit card debt

    6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling

    CREDIT CARD DEBT - Clark.com

    What Fee Level Does Clark Consider Acceptable For a Company 401(k)?

    How To Open a Roth IRA

    What Is a Thrift Savings Plan?

    2024 will be the best year to buy a new car since 2019, economist says

    USA TODAY: Buying a car? FTC reveals crackdown on illegal scams to save you money

    The new CARS Rule: What you need to know

    The Best Car-Buying Services in 2024


    How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps / How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps


    What Are the Pros and Cons of the Costco Car Buying Program?

    Avoid the #1 Mistake That Car Buyers Make

    Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know


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