The Clark Howard Podcast 01.16.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / An Entrepreneurial Moment
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Jan 16, 2026 Listener complaints take the spotlight as Clark answers feedback in a lively segment. Job layoffs are on the rise, but Clark sees a silver lining—entrepreneurial opportunities abound for those affected. He shares insights on navigating the job market and launching new ventures. Clark also discusses gas prices, hidden costs in homebuying, and why you might want to rethink free phone offers from carriers. Plus, tips on using virtual card numbers for safer online shopping and the benefits of planning trips with Costco Travel!
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Verify Octane Before Buying Cheaper Gas
- Check your vehicle manufacturer's recommended octane before buying cheaper 85–86 octane fuel to avoid damage or poor performance.
- Don't assume published cheap gas is safe for all cars; savings can be sizeable but risky.
Use Virtual Card Numbers To Protect Payments
- Use one-time virtual card numbers from your issuer when retailers force you to store payment info to prevent future misuse.
- Store the virtual number at Walmart or Sam's to meet their requirement without exposing your real card.
Caller Praises Costco Travel Agent Help
- A caller praised Costco Travel for phone agents who guided their family through booking a Disney cruise and sent follow-up emails.
- The caller contrasted this with a non-Disney cruise where the experience and communication were noticeably worse.