The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, recall Clark’s enthusiasm for his portable carbon monoxide detector, great for travel. New data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows carbon monoxide deaths are rising in residential settings. Find out why this is happening and your quick fix against this silent killer.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Essential Safety: CO Detectors: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How To Open a Roth IRA The $10 Travel Essential Clark Howard Always Packs Consumer Product Safety Commission report shows upward trend in carbon monoxide fatalities Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and save lives 6 Steps To Eliminate Credit Card Debt in 3 Years or Less Clark.com - Credit Card Debt Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2023 How To Do a Balance Transfer the Right Way Is a robot lawn mower worth it in 2023? 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

Entrepreneurs make the world go round and as the job market transforms, many decide to start their own business, which may include holding a franchise. Clark has specific, must-do, key rules for those considering becoming a franchisee. Another big life decision - getting engaged. Turns out after the post pandemic wedding surge, engagements rates are down. This presents a marketplace opportunity for future newlyweds.  Key Rules For Aspiring Franchisees: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Otherwise Engaged - Diamond Deals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Franchise ownership: Is it right for you? Franchise Fundamentals: Debunking five myths about buying a franchise The Only Reason You Should Make an Improvement to Your Home Should I Turn To Costco for a Home Renovation Project? Best Online Will Maker: 5 Free or Cheap Options Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney: Frequently Asked Questions Curb | Low-Cost, On-Demand Rides - GoCurb.com Engagement ring sales are down sharply, according to America’s biggest jeweler 7 Places to Get the Best Deals on Lab-Created Diamonds Is there a limit on how much my mortgage lender can make me pay into an escrow account for interest and taxes? About ASE - Automotive Service Excellence Retailers return fees — and how you can avoid them. 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

With the controversial advent of generative AI so heavily reported, Clark shares good news about AI automation being used to improve food services. Also today, TV and general repair shops vanished long ago, and thus began a slow building, global movement to fix broken items. If you need help beyond YouTube videos to fix electronics and other items, be aware of Repair Cafés. Automated Food Service: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Repair Cafes Promote Sustainability: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Carl's Jr. and Hardee's to roll out A.I. drive-thru ordering nationwide This company adopted AI. Here's what happened to its human workers Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Future Scholar: South Carolina’s 529 Savings Plan Best Credit Cards for Students: Top Picks for 2023 Wirecutter: How to Get Your Broken Stuff Fixed for Free Repair Café International Foundation’s map What Is a Credit Union?   Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts Fidelity vs. Vanguard vs. Schwab: Which Brokerage Is Best? Target Date Funds: Clark's Favorite Retirement Investment 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 good news on the summer travel front including more fee disclosure from hotels, and big improvements from Airbnb. Also today - a special warning about a medical payment method to be avoided.  Hotel & Airbnb News: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Paying For Medical Services: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How to book travel on Priceline Find Out What Priceline or Hotwire Hotel You’re Getting Before You Book Marriott just blinked on those nasty resort fees / ResortFeeChecker. Airbnb Revamps Site to Ease Tensions Between Guests, Hosts At. Freaking. Last. Airbnb is fixing its core design problems, says CEO Brian Chesky Airbnb is going back to its apartment-sharing roots with Rooms amid tighter regulation Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels From Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly? Where You Should (and Should Not) Book Your Next Vacation Beware of twist on third party airline ticket booking scam Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places Wise Official Website - Wise.com / About Money Transfer GB | Revolut Biden administration warns consumers to avoid medical credit cards Should You Pay for Credit Monitoring? How to Freeze Your Child's Credit As Used-Car Prices Surge, Consider Fixing the Car You Already Own 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

With bank failures eroding public confidence, Clark has an update on how to protect money beyond the FDIC insurance limit. Also today, inflation’s effect on proms and weddings, and ways to stretch your dollars for special events.  FDIC Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Special Event Costs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Nearly half of Americans are nervous about their money in the bank, Gallup survey finds Get Peace of Mind for Large Cash Balances with ICS & CDARS Are Money Market Funds a Safe Place To Stash My Savings? Donor-Advised Funds: The Benefits and Drawbacks How to Set up a Backdoor Roth IRA Clark.com - How To Sell A Car Prom price index shows cost of celebration is getting relatively cheaper – even at a time of high inflation Clark Howard's Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding The Long Demise of the Stretch Limousine Turning 26: Health Insurance Guide for Those Aging Off Their Parents’ Plan How To Store Your Important Financial Documents Online How to Make a Disposable Razor Last 12 Months 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, lost luggage is always a problem, and a growing one in the cruise industry. If you insist on checking luggage, Clark has advice for packing your carry on bag including a NEVER EVER rule, so things go easier if your luggage goes MIA.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Carry On Rules If Checking Luggage: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show 5 Reasons Why Clark Howard Hates Big Banks Where Should I Look for a Great Deal on a Cruise in 2023? Best Credit Cards for Students: Top Picks for 2023 Consumer Reports’ best sunscreen of 2023 is only $5 from Walmart Welcome to the FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE) Should Uninsured Deposits Get a Warning Label? The era of free returns may be coming to an end. Why retailers are charging return fees — and how to avoid them. Lost Luggage a Growing Problem for Cruise Ship Passengers Pirate Ship Review: Pros & Cons of This Cheap Shipping Service Clark.com - Weddings 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

Rising interest rates - raise interest in how to optimize savings yields. Clark explains your best moves with Series I Savings Bonds and CDs in the current context of cooling inflation and where rates stand today. If you’ve got cash to stash, you’ll better understand the savings moves to make right away to make the most of your money in time. Also, many Americans are neglecting an important part of protecting their families - life insurance. Clark helps you understand and get beyond the industry’s current dysfunction - to get this vital task taken care of the right way, once and for all. Best Saving Strategies Now: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Get It Done-Life Insurance: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show 3 Things Clark Says You Should Do With CDs in 2023 CNET - The Clock Is Ticking to Lock In a Long-Term CD: Why Experts Say You Shouldn't Wait Morningstar: I Bonds Are Down, But Not Out The Wall Street Journal: Return on I Bonds Drops to 4.3%, but They May Now Be a Better Long-Term Investment What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea? Are Money Market Funds a Safe Place To Stash My Savings? Your Guide to DIY Home Security Systems Wyze Cam v3 Review: Still Easy to Recommend / Wyze Cam Clark Deals - Home Security / Amazon Best Sellers in Security Cameras Life Insurance Is Profitable Again, but Too Late for Many Insurers What Is Term Life Insurance? How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps Life Insurance Archives - Clark Howard 12 Things You Never Knew You Could Get From Your Local Library 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 a slowing economy, be a skeptic, especially when it comes to finding employment. The way we find jobs today is very different, but some elements of landing a job remain the same. Clark shares the importance of networking, along with warnings about “ghost jobs” and job scams. Also today, Clark presents a new take on the age old question: Can money buy happiness? Thoughts on the nature of happiness, retirement and the money quotient.  Beware Job Scams: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Happiness Is…: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Job Listings Abound, but Many Are Fake FTC Consumer Alert - You Got The Job! Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places Subrogation in Insurance: What it Is and Why It's Important GAF Energy Review: Your Best Solar Roof Option [The Washington Post] Can money buy happiness? Scientists say it can. Does more money correlate with greater happiness? The Humble Dollar - What really makes people Happy The Finnish Secret to Happiness? Knowing When You Have Enough. What Is Owner's Title Insurance and Do You Need It? How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2023 Are Money Market Funds a Safe Place To Stash My Savings? 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

It’s complicated when kids leave the nest these days. How long should young adults receive support from their parents? Almost half of parents are supporting at least 1 adult child and the average amount given monthly is surprisingly high. Follow Clark’s plan to help kids launch into independence as adults. Also today - International travelers! There’s a global gotcha when paying for anything overseas. Know this important rule about how you pay when you are abroad Parents Funding Adult Kids: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Purchases Abroad: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How long should you support your adult children? Parents — and their kids — weigh in When Different Generations Think Kids Should Start Paying Their Own Bills Mint Review: 5 Things To Know About the Free Budgeting Tool Best Budgeting Apps in 2023: Our Top 6 Is Apple Card Worth It? 5 Things To Know in 2023 How To Dispute a Charge on Your Credit Card Are You Following Clark's Maximum Auto Loan Length Rule? Travelling abroad? Don't be tempted to pay your way using your home currency — The Conversation Clark.com: Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2023 Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2023 Revolut - International money transfers Too Good To Go: Save Food - Help The Planet 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

Scammers have learned how to manipulate search results, laying the groundwork for rip offs and identity fraud. Today, learn what to avoid and how to correctly obtain your credit report & score. Also, a new study exposes mislabeling of a very popular supplement - which speaks to an ongoing problem in the dietary supplement - herbal remedy market. Buying unverified products can have serious health consequences. Clark helps you choose wisely by knowing what certifications to look for. Sourcing Credit Reports & Scores: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Supplement Safety: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show [The Washington Post] Never Google ‘free credit report.’ Do this instead. 4 Ways To Get Your Free Credit Score / How To Get a Free Credit Report Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips How To Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion What Is a Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS)? How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps AMA - Quantity of Melatonin and CBD in Melatonin Gummies Sold in the US NYTimes: 22 Out of 25 Melatonin Products Were Mislabeled, Study Finds How To Avoid Fraud With Herbal Supplements ConsumerLab.com / NSF International / U.S. Pharmacopeia 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