The Clark Howard Podcast 12.05.25 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Recommended: Digital IDs
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Dec 5, 2025 Critics weigh in as Clark faces listener feedback on his advice, sparking lively discussion. Dive into the benefits of digital identification, with Clark urging everyone to store their IDs electronically. He shares insights on vehicle costs, including the financial implications of electric versus gas cars. Plus, learn about maximizing savings with CDs, the importance of Medicare enrollment for expats, and must-know rental car insurance tips. All of this, wrapped in Clark's signature style of money-saving guidance!
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Use Treasury Or Municipal Money Markets For Taxes
- If you have a brokerage at Schwab, Fidelity, or Vanguard, consider placing cash in a U.S. Treasury money market there to avoid state income tax on interest.
- Also evaluate state-specific municipal money market funds for potential federal and state tax advantages, weighing credit risk.
Per-Mile Math Misses Upfront Price Gaps
- Comparing per-mile costs of EVs, hybrids, and gas cars misses large upfront price differences that change payback timelines.
- Toyota has narrowed the price gap for hybrids, often shortening payback to around five years.
Plug-In Hybrid Purchase Regret
- A listener bought a plug-in hybrid SUV costing $7,000 more and found electricity cost per mile matched gas because of low EV efficiency and high electricity rates.
- Clark noted many plug-in owners don't plug in and warned that plugging matters for realizing savings.