The Clark Howard Podcast

We’re in a unique travel season this year, so we asked for travel stories unique to you - good and bad - and you delivered! Clark shared a story about putting layers of clothing on in order to avoid baggage fees. Apparently, he’s not the only one: Hate Baggage Fees? Wear a Fishing Vest on the Plane - The Wall Street Journal.  Team Clark thanks our fellow Clarksters for sharing their misadventures and lessons learned navigating the wide world of Travel for this special episode. Happy 4th of July Week! Clark.com resources Top Travel Deals ClarkDeals- Travel 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, Clark explains the rise of the zombie mortgage, with origins dating back to the lending practices of 2001 - 2007 leading to the housing bust & great recession. Learn why years later, people are now getting foreclosure notices on old home equity loans & second mortgages, and the best course of action for those facing this.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Zombie Mortgages: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Warning: Never Get Roadside Assistance From Your Insurance Provider 401(k) Match: What Is It, How It Works Sam’s Club® Mastercard® Review 2022: Earn 5% Back on Gas Purchases Apple Trade In Zombie Mortgages Could Force Some Homeowners Into Foreclosure Southwest Airlines Wanna Get Away Plus UShip Review: 5 Things To Know Before You Use the Shipping Service 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

Good news if you’re interested in life on the road - specifically RV life. If you’re in the market, Clark explains why it’s a good time to buy, and offers direction on what type of RV to choose. Also  today, travel agents almost went extinct, but the industry is growing again. Get Clark’s advice on when you need a travel agent, and the best way to choose one.  The RV Market: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 When & How To Hire A Travel Agent: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show RV Market Slows as Inflation, Rising Rates Cool Demand - The Wall Street Journal. Clark Howard's 5 Money Tips for Couples 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling Amazon discontinues Amazon Halo effective July 31 (aboutamazon.com) 15 of the Best Free Workout And Fitness Apps Is Apple Card Worth It? 5 Things To Know in 2023 When Do You Need a Travel Agent? TripIt - Highest-rated trip planner and flight tracker Your Passport Could Be Useless -- Even if It's Not Expired Authorized User vs. Joint Account Holder: Understanding the Difference for Credit Cards How To Save Money With Google Flights 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

Summed up in a sentence - what’s your money strategy? Clark shares money philosophies courtesy of Humble Dollar. Also in this episode, Things are rapidly changing in the solar energy industry. Clark has an update on how to approach roof solar and the microgrid community solar advantage. Money Philosophies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Solar Power Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How would you summarize your financial philosophy in one sentence? Hiring a Contractor Checklist and Tips - 6 Tips for Hiring a Contractor Community Solar Saves Money With Solar Energy – Without Changing Your Roof Search projects by zip code: CommunitySolar-EnergySage The Solar Power Landscape Is Changing. Here's What That Means for You Should You Manage Your Own Investment Portfolio? What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? Comparing Hybrid Financial Advisors: Vanguard vs. Schwab vs. Fidelity How to Deal With Medical Debt 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

Hotels have gotten pricier while experiences have deteriorated. Looking for bargains, people are getting ripped off at UFO third party booking sites. Clark shares a new site he’s been testing that works differently than all the others, and promises to save you big bucks. Also - There’s a new twist in retail - part entertainment, part auction. Clark gives you the pros & cons of online  “live shopping”.  HotelSlash: A Different Way To Book: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Live Stream Shopping: Pros & Cons: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Looking for the Cheapest Room Rate? HotelSlash Wants to Help. AutoSlash Review: How To Save on a Rental Car 5 Things to Know About the Costco Car Rental Program 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2023 Wise Official Website - Wise.com   /   About Money Transfer GB | Revolut NYTimes: The Companies Trying to Make Live Shopping a Thing in the U.S. Stitch Fix: Clothing What's the Best Savings Account for a Teenager? Fidelity Youth Account - Any Good? - Clark Howard Community 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

For the last 3 generations the average size of the American home has gone up and up. Not so much anymore. Clark discusses why people are turning back the clock and downsizing their homes. Also today - do you ever try to haggle with merchants for a better price? It’s a worldwide practice Americans are generally uncomfortable with, but can actually be a very effective way to get a deal! Clark shares the right approach to the skilled art of bargaining. The Value of A Smaller Home: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Art Of Haggling: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show High Utility Bills Driving 1 in 5 Americans to Downsize Their Homes How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips Cancel for Any Reason Trip Insurance: Should You Buy It? How to Haggle for Almost Anything Credit Lock vs. Credit Freeze: What's the Difference? How To Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Studios | Norwegian Cruise Line 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, there’s much discussion about how AI is revolutionizing the nature of work and change is happening rapidly. Clark lends historical perspective and discusses what is key for your job prospects going forward.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 AI And Career Flexibility : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show 22 Ways To Save Money on Groceries A Quick Guide on How to Insure Jewelry How Often Should I Appraise a Wedding Ring for Insurance, and Who Should Appraise It? Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney: Frequently Asked Questions ChatGPT, AI jobs are soaring while companies use the same technology to cut costs How (and why) you should create a backup plan for your career Why Did My Credit Score Drop? 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

Clark shares findings from a new study about today’s working households and their outlook for retirement. Why are 28% of high income earners struggling in retirement? How you can resolve to build your reserve. Also today, Clark is all about FREE and doesn’t much mind the tradeoffs – and more people are receptive to saving money now. Enter TextNow.com - a FREE cell phone service that may work for you.  Retirement Outlook: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 FREE Cell Phone Service : Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Almost Half of Today’s Working Households Are at Risk of a Lower Standard of Living in Retirement National Retirement Risk Index - Center for Retirement Research at Boston College Bluebird - Loaded with Benefits. Light on Fees. Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips Credit Score Guide Target Date Funds: Clark's Favorite Retirement Investment Clark.com - TextNow: How To Get Free Texting and Calling 10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs Protect Your Identity Archives - 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

Now more than in the past 15 years, it pays to seek out the best interest rates on savings so you make the most on your money.  Announcing our new guide at Clark.com with a listing of best savings accounts updated weekly and a brand new savings calculator. Also in this episode, travel is up, so travel scams are back with a vengeance - all varieties. Clark tells you what to look out for. WHO you book with is key. GUIDE: Savings Accounts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Travel Scams: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Clark.com - Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts What Is a Thrift Savings Plan? 13 Steps To Keeping Your Email Safe and Secure Privacy Archives - Clark Howard Proton - Privacy by default  /  Brave Private Web Browser  /  DuckDuckGo -Privacy simplified. What Does A Travel Scam Look Like And How Can You Avoid It? Road Scholar: Educational Travel & Learning Adventures A Retired Travel Agent's Secrets for Getting the Best Travel Deals Clark.com - CELL PHONES 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

Clark fills you in on current direct student loan rates just announced. As the payment holiday comes to an end, know what is required to get and stay current on these loans. Also, recent developments in the electric car space will open up more EV choices.  Student Loan Updates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 EV Announcements: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Student loan payments will be due starting in October, Department of Education clarifies Here's how to prepare to start paying back your student loans when the pandemic payment freeze ends Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips 7 Places to Get the Best Deals on Lab-Created Diamonds  /  Rare Carat Ford strikes deal with Tesla to gain access to rival charging stations starting 2024 GM wants to adopt Tesla’s charging network as ‘the standard’ Wills & Funerals Archives - 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