The Clark Howard Podcast

Happy 4th of July Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns July 8th with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off!Clark offers a primer on the 3 basic types of funds - Mutual, Index, and the fastest growing area of investing: ETFs. Also, there is a new rule for health insurers when you need medical preauthorization approval for treatment or a procedure. And it’s about time.  Back To Basics: ETFs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Rules On Medical Preauthorization: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Invest in ETFs for Beginners  What Is an ETF? Clark.com INVESTOPEDIA - Mutual Funds /  Index Funds /  ETFs Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans Health Insurers Must Streamline Prior Authorization Decisions, New Rule Says - The WSJ Businesses Are Making Me Pay the Credit Card Processing Fee. Should I Pay Another Way? 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/adchoicesPublic.com+Public Investing Disclosure: All investing involves risk. Brokerage services for US listed securities, options and bonds in a self-directed brokerage account are offered by Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Not investment advice. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank.Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1828849), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. . See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy 4th of July Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns July 8th with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off!Today, a Red Alert if you have a checkbook in your possession. Check theft is soaring at a time when people are writing fewer checks. Clark explains the weak links in the system, and the safest way to pay your bills. Also, the rising costs of homeowners insurance hits especially hard in areas prone to flooding, fires, and other environmental concerns. Know the additional steps to take concerning insurance BEFORE you buy a home.  Check Fraud Prevention: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Homeowners Insurance - Assessing Risk: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: NYTimes: We Can’t Stop Writing Paper Checks. Thieves Love That. NYTimes: Stolen Checks Are for Sale Online. We Called Some of the Victims. The New York Times: What to Know About Writing Checks While Preventing Fraud How To Roll Over a 529 Plan to a Roth IRA The Artist's Way Where to Buy a Vacation Home Safe From Climate Risks Want to know if your future home might flood? These states are requiring disclosure. Climate Check - How Will Climate Change Affect Your Property? Donor-Advised Fund Definition, Sponsors, Pros & Cons, Example Why Big Banks Are a Bad Place for Your Cash How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your Timeshare Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Worries Clark Howard 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

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Clark talks about the changing nature of dining out, including shortened restaurant hours and the use of robots - trends that show how businesses adapt to labor shortages and other challenges. And Clark and producer Grace reflect on the personal and national significance of the 4th of July. Clark returns after next week. Have a wonderful 4th of July Holiday!  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Dining Out Is Changing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion NYTimes: Feeling Consumers’ Pain, Retailers Bring Back Discounts When Should You File a Claim on Your Homeowners Insurance? SmartPlug Instant Hot Water Control The robots preparing to get their hands on your lunch [The Washington Post] The new dining reality: Smaller groups and shorter weeks Axios: Restaurants are having their biggest year ever Clark Warns Major Changes To Credit Card Rewards Are Coming Soon In California, Hotels and Rentals Must Reveal Fees Upfront. What Does That Mean for You? Fourth of July - Origins, Early Celebrations & Traditions A message from Clark about the 4th of July Thank you for listening today, Clarkies! If you want to be part of our “Clarkie” segment, call 404-981-2071 to leave a comment or story. We may play it during a future episode!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 basics of 403(b) and 401(k) plans for optimal savings. Dive into the intriguing world of the 'No Buy Challenge' where individuals limit non-essential purchases. Explore tips on maximizing retirement savings, controlling spending habits, and investing wisely with Stash app.

Learn how Ace Hardware thrives against big chains with personalized service. Save money on Amazon gadgets. Explore small business success, dealing with medical debt, lab-created diamonds, insurance riders, and airline miles evolution.

Learn how to save big by shopping mortgage lenders. Discover the secrets behind Shein and Temu's low prices. Get advice on finding a financial advisor and understanding umbrella insurance. Find out about the challenges of no-tariff shipments and the benefits of buying used items. Also, get tips on saving money on clothes and buying new or used cars.

Social Security funding issues and solutions, rising student loan interest rates, alternative college funding ideas, benefits of dash cams, affordable dentistry abroad, strategies to reduce property sale taxes, navigating high student loan interest rates, challenges of financing college education, concerns about rental insurance, credit card benefits, managing hospital bills

Topics include Clark Stinks feedback, slow home renovations, importance of hiring contractors, maximizing travel rewards with credit cards, and tips on home improvement projects.

Financial expert Clark Howard celebrates his birthday with a health update and discusses safe cars for teen drivers, highlighting affordable used options. Topics include men's health awareness, USPS costs, resolving disputes with Verizon, and the importance of choosing a safe vehicle for teenage drivers.

Topics include longevity science and financial security, potential power grid blackouts, Blue Zones lifestyle habits, Vanguard customer service issues, rewards for disloyalty, challenges in the power grid, Frontier airline's Go Wild Pass, stacking insurance policies for increased coverage, Starbucks rewards dissatisfaction, and home espresso makers.