03.02.24 SPECIAL SATURDAY EDITION: Empowerment 101

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of  the Clark Howard Show, where our mission is to serve and empower you to make better financial decisions in your life. Today, Clark hits on a few key basic strategies to have more money in your life: They are:

- SPEND LESS: Need vs. Wants and how to tell the difference

- Clark’s strategy to start saving TODAY for retirement - regardless of your age

- SAVE MORE on transportation

- AVOID GETTING RIPPED OFF by protecting your identity and credit

Segment 1: Behavioral - Back to basics on needs vs. wants

Segment 2; Start saving today for retirement

• Begin with 1%, or up to an employer match if possible and available 
• When you get a raise, pretend you didn’t and increase your contribution

Segment 3: Only buy a car you can afford

• If you have to take a loan, 42 months maximum
• Compare loans
• Consider buying used 

Segment 4: Protect your identity

• Don’t ever carry checks or your Social Security card
• Your credit is the key to your identity -Freeze your credit! 
• Don’t use a debit card
• Use virtual card numbers online

Mentioned on the show:

• Six Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Major Purchase
• Advice | Fear of missing out can keep you broke. Fight the spending temptation.
• Why are sales so hard to resist? It's your brain, on discounts
• How To Save Money: Spend Less & Build Your Savings  /  Save Money Archives
• How To Save and Invest the Clark Howard Way
• Avoid the #1 Mistake That Car Buyers Make
• Clark.com - Buying A Used Car /  How To Buy A Vehicle
• Should I Ever Buy Extras Car Dealerships Sell in Their F&I Departments?
• How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft
• Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places
• 7 Items You Should Never Carry in Your Wallet
• Why You Should Never Mail a Check
• How to Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion
• Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything
• The Safer Way To Use Your Debit Card
• Virtual Credit Cards: An Online Security Measure Worth Taking?

Clark.com resources

• Episode transcripts
• Community.Clark.com
• Clark.com daily money newsletter
• Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

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