The Clark Howard Podcast

Clark, a financial expert, tackles the critics in the 'Clark Stinks' segment and shares insightful tips on avoiding pitfalls with personal checks, stressing their declining use. He highlights Target's decision to stop accepting a certain form of payment, explaining why it's a smart move for consumers. The discussion also covers the importance of having secure payment options when booking rentals, and addresses insurance options that genuinely matter. Tune in for Clark’s savvy advice and solutions on navigating modern financial landscapes.

Consumers are pushing back against rising auto insurance rates, seeking lower premiums and exploring options. A tragic lottery win leads to cautionary tales about managing unexpected wealth and the pitfalls of choosing the wrong financial advisors. The discussion also touches on effectively freezing credit to guard against identity theft and smart strategies for currency exchange. Packed with practical advice, this episode combines personal finance insights with poignant stories of financial hardships.

The discussion kicks off with schools banning cell phones to boost student focus and engagement, revealing surprising outcomes. It dives into how these bans can enhance social skills and academic performance. Next, the conversation shifts to restaurants trying to attract diners with promotions, emphasizing the psychology behind 'bottomless' offers and the hidden costs. Finally, practical financial advice on identity theft protection and understanding 529 college savings plans offers listeners valuable insights for their financial journey.

Discover the troubling retirement savings gap facing Generation X and the importance of early financial planning. Learn about essential tax strategies for contract workers, from handling 1099 income to minimizing tax traps. Dive into the challenges of managing side hustles while preparing for retirement. Gain insights into real estate investments and automotive financing, providing valuable advice for navigating financial hurdles. Plus, explore tips on managing credit and avoiding financial guilt!

Explore the evolving job market with insights on rising layoffs and the importance of upskilling. Discover how federal policies influence employment as startups flourish. Learn valuable tips for transitioning careers and the significance of life insurance. The discussion also highlights innovative pricing strategies in retail and the need for vigilant price-checking. Finally, navigate travel booking complexities while gaining wisdom on personal finance and resilience.

Unsolicited offers to buy your home are on the rise, and homeowners need to be cautious and informed. In the Clark Stinks segment, listener feedback is addressed, highlighting the intricacies of financial decision-making. Personal anecdotes reveal the pros and cons of home haircuts with the Flowbee versus traditional barbers. Plus, discover tips for snagging the best back-to-school laptop deals and insights on the critical aspects of umbrella insurance and mortgage refinancing strategies.

Discover how practicing gratitude not only boosts happiness but might also help you live longer. Learn about the alarming home improvement scams targeting the elderly, with a shocking tale of a $14,000 gutter rip-off. Get tips on navigating the digital financial landscape and find the best deals on internet services. Additionally, explore essential advice for hiring trustworthy contractors and insights on life insurance strategies to support your family's future.

Explore the rise of alarm systems, revealing how to avoid high costs and long contracts for your home safety. Dive into the eyeglass industry with insights about a new rule that unlocks deep discounts on prescriptions. Learn essential tips to navigate scams in both markets while protecting your rights. Additionally, the podcast touches on updating legal documents post-marriage and managing credit freezes, making it a treasure trove of consumer wisdom.

Interest rates are shifting, leaving savers to navigate a competitive landscape for the best savings options. Don’t let your CD auto-renew—find out why! Meanwhile, Amazon is launching a new discount initiative to compete with budget-friendly rivals like Temu and Shein. Plus, the podcast dives into retirement planning, discussing the benefits of 403(b) versus 457 plans and the role of longevity annuities in securing financial futures. It's all about staying smart with your money!

Today, Clark explains how, with the economy in slower gear, it is more important than ever to re-shop travel. The savings can be significant. Also- a warning about a common and potentially devastating scam wherein a criminal posing as a fraud specialist, is actually a specialist at committing fraud targeting bank & retirement accounts. Know what this scam looks & sounds like, and what to do when you recognize it.  Save More: Re-shop Travel: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Financial Impersonation Scams: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Holiday Travel Is Booming. Why Are Airlines Doing So Badly? 5 Things You Should Re-Shop To Save Money Should You Ever Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room? Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips Why You Should Never Prepay for a Rental Car Why You Should Re-Shop Your Cruise 8 Things to Know Before You Fly Spirit Airlines Elliott Report: Home Should I Tip on a Cruise? Warning: Be Suspicious of Fraud Alerts on Your Financial Accounts Got a call about fraud activity on your bank account? It could be a scammer Google Voice Verification Code Scam The Google Voice scam: How this verification code scam works and how to avoid it 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