The Clark Howard Podcast

Junk fees are being imposed all over the place in all manner of ways these days. A new California law is going to end that practice in the state, with nationwide implications. Meantime, your Clark smart approach to purchases can help protect your wallet. Also - First TurboTax, now H&R Block is in trouble for pressuring customers to overpay. There’s a better way! Anti Junk Fee Law: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Tax Filing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What does a service fee ban mean for diners? Expect higher menu prices — a lot higher Inflation is cooling, but small businesses are still suffering NYTimes: It’s a Great Deal, Before the ‘Drip Pricing’ ENERGY STAR® | Department of Energy FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep New York Post: H&R Block used deceptive ads, pressured users into overpaying, deleted tax data: FTC FTC finds TurboTax “free” is not free for most 8 Free Federal and State Tax Filing Services for 2024 Free File: Do your taxes for free | Internal Revenue Service Direct File | Internal Revenue Service When Should You Get an Accountant To Do Your Taxes? Why co-signing a loan can be bad on almost every financial level New York launches probe into nationwide AT&T network outage 16 Items To Pack in Your Financial Emergency Kit Amateur Radio Service / Amateur radio National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) 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 in this episode: New data on US worker productivity and why this is good news for our economic growth and well-being.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 American Productivity: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center - Clark Howard Fidelity - Automated investing: How to save and invest more Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips How To Monitor Your Credit How is the U.S. Postal Service governed and funded? How to sell your house by owner Google Fit NYTimes.com: Can America Turn a Productivity Boomlet Into a Boom? What Is Term Life Insurance? The Power of Compound Interest: Calculations and Examples Always Ask Your Pharmacist the Price of Your Prescription Without Insurance 7 Things To Know About Costco Pharmacy Save On Prescription Drugs - Clark.com 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

Banks are heavily exposed to the troubled commercial property market. Clark discusses what this means for small businesses and individuals.  Also, facial recognition and biometric digital ID is becoming more prevalent, transforming your airport experiences. This brings both convenience and privacy concerns.  Clarkonomics: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Travel Biometrics: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Bad property debt exceeds reserves at largest US banks IntraFi - CEDARS Why Big Banks Are a Bad Place for Your Cash Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2023 How To Open a Roth IRA When Do You Need a Travel Agent? Booking a Cruise? Here Are 5 Ways To Do It for Less Facial Recognition: Coming Soon to an Airport Near You TSA PreCheck® vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: Which Is Best for You? 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad What’s the Best Way To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency? MouseSavers.com: Disney discounts, deals & coupons guide 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

A wonderful culture shift has taken place. Younger generations are becoming rich, and not through hitting the lottery or buying hot stocks. There are simple ways to make this happen, and we have a new tool at Clark.com to help you see how much you can save over time. Also today, bargains keep getting better! Target is getting more competitive with a storewide discount brand. Youth Saving & Investing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Target’s New Discount Brand: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark.com SAVINGS TABLE Want to retire with a million bucks in the bank? Here's one tip on how to do it. - USA TODAY WSJ.com: These Teenagers Know More About Investing Than You Do Wealth Inequality by Age in the Post-Pandemic Era How Much Should You Have Saved for Retirement by Now? How a summer job could turn you into a millionaire Investing & Retirement Archives - Clark Howard Understanding Velocity Banking, and How It Helps You Rapidly Pay Down Debt What Is Homeowners Insurance? Target creates its cheapest in-store brand as consumers are squeezed Target's new low-cost brand dealworthy gives bargain hunters a new department to shop at with prices lower than $1. The Best Car-Buying Services in 2024 / How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps 5 Reasons Sam’s Club Is Better Than Costco 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

Topics discussed include the implications of carrying a mortgage over age 65, the trustworthiness of website chatbots, and the pitfalls of AI in the information space. Clark also touches on cell phone plans, life insurance, investment companies, and the importance of re-shopping car insurance. Be cautious when exchanging foreign currency and be aware of the benefits of electric vehicles during travel.

In this podcast, they discuss important tax tips for selling I Bonds and receiving 1099s. They also talk about evolving worker salary expectations and the desire for more control over work schedules. Tips on finding a job you'll like and cheap flight booking are also shared.

In this podcast, learn key financial strategies like distinguishing needs from wants, starting retirement savings early, saving on transportation, and protecting your identity. Tips include setting aside 1% for retirement, buying affordable cars, and freezing your credit to prevent fraud.

Clark discusses hotel industry standards, booking warnings, and financial priorities. Topics include Costco shopping tips, pronunciation challenges, and retirement class concerns. Also covered are strategies for negotiating ambulance bills and community involvement in Habitat for Humanity projects.

Topics discussed include car theft prevention strategies, challenges in the gym membership industry, tips on saving money on car insurance, opening a Roth IRA, and obtaining non-owner car insurance. The podcast also covers the benefits of umbrella insurance, getting a gym membership for free, and whether to buy out a leased car.

Scammers are now showing up in person to scam people out of money. Clark also talks about the changing job market and how to achieve financial stability. Other topics include reliable cars, reducing food waste, finding cheap flights, and saving money on mattresses and food.