The Clark Howard Podcast

We’re one week out from Thanksgiving, and holiday shopping is in full swing. One thing to consider - return policies. Clark has a personal story to share that saved him big money. Also, this season of giving arrives with credit card debt at an all-time high. A Clark smart assignment for you.  Return Policies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Debt: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Phone Plan Finder – Find and Compare Phone Plans - Clark.com Budgeting Basics: What You Need To Know To Get Started Best Budgeting Apps in 2024: Our Top 5 Budgeting & Saving Archives - Clark Howard The Best Place To Buy a Mattress How Can I Get Rid of My Old Mattress Cheaply? Should I Freeze My Credit With the Other Credit Bureaus? How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Should I Contribute to a 529 Plan Only To Roll It Into a Roth IRA Later? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoicesDisclosure in Podcast Description: A Bond Account is a self-directed brokerage account with Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Deposits into this account are used to purchase 10 investment-grade and high-yield bonds. As of 9/26/24, the average, annualized yield to worst (YTW) across the Bond Account is greater than 6%. A bond’s yield is a function of its market price, which can fluctuate; therefore, a bond’s YTW is not “locked in” until the bond is purchased, and your yield at time of purchase may be different from the yield shown here. The “locked in” YTW is not guaranteed; you may receive less than the YTW of the bonds in the Bond Account if you sell any of the bonds before maturity or if the issuer defaults on the bond. Public Investing charges a markup on each bond trade. See our Fee Schedule. Bond Accounts are not recommendations of individual bonds or default allocations. The bonds in the Bond Account have not been selected based on your needs or risk profile. See https://public.com/disclosures/bond-account to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for the ultimate holiday shopping guide! A special guest spills the beans on the hottest deals this season, including Black Friday strategies from retail giants. Learn how to book the best travel deals and navigate airline pricing like a pro. Clark gives insight into market volatility post-election, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment strategies. Plus, discover the pitfalls of renting from lesser-known car brands and the benefits of HELOCs for retirement planning.

The debate between renting and buying a home is more intricate than ever, factoring in finances and community ties. The discussion also highlights the difficulties of navigating long-term care insurance, revealing how costly and broken the system is. Listeners get practical tips for maximizing credit card rewards while managing expenses. Plus, there's valuable advice on planning for future care and critical legal considerations like power of attorney. And don't miss insightful tips for hassle-free vehicle transactions!

Retirement saving strategies need an overhaul as traditional pensions fade and 401(k)s pose challenges. With many living paycheck to paycheck, financial security is harder to achieve than ever. Practical solutions and smart financial decisions can help break the cycle of financial strain. Tips for managing debt and saving for a child's future through 529 accounts also provide valuable insights. Discover effective ways to secure your financial foundation and learn how to navigate the complexities of modern saving.

Clark tackles listener feedback head-on, clarifying misconceptions about automotive reliability and highlighting issues with Tesla and Stellantis brands. As scams rise, he warns of common fraud tactics like fake jury duty notices and donation scams. Personal experiences reveal the dangers of using unofficial passport renewal sites. The podcast also delves into the hidden costs of downsizing a home and addresses listener frustrations with bank practices in loan management. Get empowered with knowledge to safeguard your finances!

Discover simple strategies to protect your online privacy, including using safer browsers and understanding payment app risks, particularly with Zelle. Gain valuable insights into the automotive market, where fluctuating prices due to supply chain issues influence both new and used car sales. Clark shares tips on navigating insurance claims and weighing the benefits of converting traditional retirement accounts to Roth accounts. This discussion is packed with practical advice for consumers looking to stay informed and make better financial decisions.

Amazon and Walmart are retail behemoths in a market share fight, and Clark shares 2 new ways you can benefit, including a discount deal on gas. Also today, how much does mindset play into your success at work? More than you think! Amazon & Walmart+: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Positivity - It Really Works: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Amazon Prime introduces a new benefit to save on gas USA TODAY: Walmart unveils Black Friday plans: When customers can expect deals Amazon targets Aldi and Target with a new lineup of ‘no-frills’ groceries How To Set Up Your Own Biweekly Mortgage Plan Without Paying Any Fees Streaming TV Tool: Find Cheapest Way to Stream Your Favorite TV Channels Phone Plan Finder – Find the Best Plan For You - Clark.com Cash Back Credit Card Calculator Tool / Clark - CALCULATORS Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com 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

Discover the struggles of the sandwich generation, balancing child care and elderly support with expert insights on effective planning. Gain tips on navigating holiday travel, from managing flight delays to selecting the right travel insurance. Dive into smart investment strategies and the best ways to save on car rentals. Learn how to pack efficiently for your trips and the importance of credit management when traveling. This is a treasure trove of advice for anyone juggling family responsibilities during the busy holiday season!

The discussion begins with a comparison of robo-advisors and traditional financial planners, emphasizing their respective benefits. Skepticism about Bitcoin emerges, highlighting risks and potential scams. Rent control takes center stage, with arguments against its market-distorting effects and examples illustrating its failure to help renters. The conversation wraps up by analyzing the unintended consequences of rent control, showcasing how its removal can lead to a healthier housing market.

Listener feedback takes center stage as Clark answers criticisms in a lighthearted segment. A street survey reveals surprising trends in retirement savings among young adults, showcasing their growing financial savvy. The discussion also delves into the complexities of 401(k) plans, shedding light on common misconceptions. Clark highlights the importance of understanding flexible spending accounts, especially for military personnel. The episode wraps up with essential insights on credit card strategies and savings tips for the upcoming holiday season.