The Clark Howard Podcast

Employers are reconsidering the need for college degrees, but the importance of education is still debated. Major retailers are slashing prices, impacting the market. Tools for non-degree holders and tips for saving on hotels and protecting cell phones are discussed.

Discussing the importance of saving money amidst rising expenses, the podcast also explores the correlation between physical activity and financial health. With only 25% of Americans meeting exercise guidelines, the show delves into the impact of minimal activity on sedentary individuals. Additionally, topics like bankruptcy filings, credit card coverage, and car rental insurance are highlighted, providing valuable insights for listeners.

The podcast discusses the impact of U.S. oil production on gas prices, the 4% retirement rule, and the innovation of vertical farming to feed the planet. Topics include early retirement strategies, vertical farming solutions, maximizing HSA benefits, and managing financial documents.

The podcast discusses the risks of security cameras in homes and the demand for financial planners. Topics include privacy concerns with popular cameras, strategies for homeowners insurance, career opportunities in financial planning, and handling old 401ks. It also covers optimizing internet for gaming and buffered ETFs for market gains.

Topics covered in the podcast include achieving financial independence, updating crucial information, the rise of 401(k) millionaires, tips for hiring a contractor, and the benefits of saving and investing in retirement accounts like Roth IRAs and 401ks. Additionally, discussions on drone pilot licenses, tipping etiquettes, homeowners insurance, business AI applications, and the impact of surplus car inventory on consumer bargaining power.

Exploring Wendy's pricing mishap and the implications of dynamic demand pricing. Discussing the limitations of AI in financial decisions. Providing tips on international payment, avoiding scams, and maximizing prescription savings. Highlighting the genuine money-saving offerings of ClarkDeals.com

Clark has news for parents and grandparents saving for a child’s college education. Also in this episode, reversals in the auto industry are landing many existing car loans underwater. What to do if you are upside down in a car loan. 529 Plan Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Upside Down Vehicle Loans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Use the 529 Grandparent Loophole to Maximize College Savings Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Rollovers From a 529 Plan to Roth IRA: What to Know Target Date Funds: Clark’s Favorite Retirement Investment How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor Car values plummet, putting car loans underwater More car owners are underwater on loans because of lower trade-in values What Is Gap Insurance? Definition, How It Works, When to Buy How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps 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

In medicine today, there’s ongoing conflict between insurers and providers and we’re caught in the middle. This necessitates a clear directive for you before you go to any doctor appointment. Also -  In free enterprise capitalism, what is core and key for enduring success?  Clark shares a case in point. Assignment: Reverify Medical Network: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A Requirement For Success: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: [The Washington Post] How your in-network health coverage can vanish before you know it  ‘They’re Freaking Out’: Letters Warn Patients They Risk Losing Their Doctor - The WSJ What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Ask Clark: What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA?   /   What Are Index Funds? NYPost: Dollar General store briefly shuts down after entire staff quits over 7-day work weeks, ‘lack of appreciation’ NYTimes.com: Walmart Wants to Teach Store Managers Compassion Warning: Read This Before You Sell I Bonds Vanguard - Bonds: Diversify Your Portfolio and Earn More Credit Score Guide What Type of Medical Alert Device Should I Buy for My Husband? 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

U.S. real estate commissions have been roughly triple those elsewhere in the developed world. Clark explains how recent settlements in the industry will actually play out over time in terms of commissions. Also in this episode, Clark shares new cruise booking insights based on a recent experience. Real Estate Commissions: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Summer Cruise Deals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Closing Costs for Buying a Home Have Risen Along With Rates The 6% commission on buying or selling a home is gone after Realtors association agrees to seismic settlement Realtors settlement expected to lower housing prices Five Ways Buying and Selling a House Could Change NYTimes: Powerful Realtor Group Agrees to Slash Commissions to Settle Lawsuits NAR agrees to settle commission lawsuits that rocked the real estate world 'Everything is rising at a scary rate': Why car and home insurance costs are surging Clark.com SAVINGS TABLE Clark.com - CRUISES Should You Ever Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room? Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels From Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly? TSA PreCheck® vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: Which Is Best for You? Will TSA's New Self-Screening Service Save You Time At The Airport? TSA unveils first self-screening security lane at Las Vegas airport TSA unveils a prototype self-service airport checkpoint security screening system 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 - The travel industry can be unstable. Another cruise line recently shut down. Know Clark’s number one rule for booking travel and protecting your money. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Travel Booking Rule: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Google Fi Wireless: My Experience as a Five-Year Customer (Pros and Cons) The Best International Phone Plans What Should You Do About Phone Data on an International Trip? American Queen Voyages Cancels All Cruises, Shuts Down Operations Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2024 The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money Should I Buy Additional Insurance From a Rental Car Company? Amex EveryDay® Credit Card Review: 15 Months of Intro 0% APR Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know 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