The Clark Howard Podcast

Flowers, chocolates, dinner - Clark smart ways to save on Valentine gifts. Plus, our Clark.com audience poll answers the question - How much should you spend on a first date? Also, Clark weighed in on buying an EV just 2 months ago. But prices have dropped recently. Has this changed his recommendation? Save on Valentine Gifts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 EV Price Cuts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: No More Dinner and a Movie. Cheapskate Daters Want Less. - The Wall Street Journal. How much money should someone spend on a first date in 2023? WSJ.com: Tesla Cuts Prices Across Models Sold in U.S. Ford cuts price of Mustang Mach-E to compete with Tesla, offers deal to recent buyers too   Ford drops the price of its Tesla competitor BlackRock, World's Largest Asset Manager, Buys Stake in Small-Business 401(k) Startup - WSJ. The 401(k) for small and medium-sized businesses | Human Interest | How to Start Investing and Saving for Retirement Fidelity Investments Review 2022: Pros & Cons Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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 clears confusion over settlements being paid by T-mobile and AT&T - and has a necessary fraud protection step for T-Mobile customers.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 AT&T and T-Mobile Settlements: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Robinhood Introduces IRA With A 1% Contribution Match Should I Buy Additional Insurance From a Rental Car Company? Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know Use Guided Access with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Are you a former AT&T unlimited data plan customer? Read on  How to Claim Your Part of AT&T's $60 Million Settlement - CNET AT&T Data Throttling Claim Form T-Mobile Says Hackers Stole Data on About 37 Million Customers - The Wall Street Journal. SIM Card Swapping: The Dangerous Cell Phone Scam Everyone Needs To Know Account Takeover Protection by T-Mobile Clark Howard's Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding Clark.com - 5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room Clark.com - What Credit Cards Does Costco Accept? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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

Tax season time and documents are rolling in. Hiring a CPA, using Free File, TurboTax… you have filing options. Clark helps you choose the right one for your circumstances. And what is Return Free Filing and why don’t we have it in the U.S.?! Also, Americans in just 90 days lost a collective $42B in interest they would have earned taking their money out of Gang of 5 big bank savings accounts and placing it in higher yield accounts. Want to earn 20 times more interest?   Tax Filing Options: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Max Your Savings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Barrons.com: Return-Free Filing Would Revolutionize Americans’ Taxes IRS Free File: Free State and Federal Tax Filing Options for 2023 When to hire a tax professional - Clark Howard Community When Should You Get an Accountant To Do Your Taxes? Enrolled Agents | Internal Revenue Service What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor Americans Missing Out on Billions in Interest - The Wall Street Journal. 2023's Best Savings Accounts - 5 Best Savings Accounts 2023 How To Switch Banks in 4 Simple Steps Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2023 Fidelity Roth IRA for Kids Clark.com resources Episode transcrips 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

Today Clark covers fakes and thefts. You may be thinking about Valentine gifts now and jewelry is a favorite choice. But before you buy, Clark has a warning about the prevalence of counterfeits, and how to protect your wallet. Also, theft rings and smash & grabs have been hitting retailers hard throughout the country. Hear what retailers are doing to fight rampant internal and external theft, and how it affects consumers  Counterfeit Warning: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Retail Theft Impact: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: NYTimes.com: Jewelry Counterfeits: The Age-Old Problem Just Keeps Growing Should I Buy Insurance for Nice Sunglasses? When Do You Need a Travel Agent? Certified Travel Counselor - CTC - The Travel Institute Travel Archives - Clark Howard Should my son get non owners car insurance? NYPost - What Walmart, Target and other retailers are doing to deter crime Rising thefts at Walmart could lead to price jumps, store closures, CEO says The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Home Water Softening Clark.com - How To Sell A Car These 2 Things Can Maximize Your Chances of Selling Your House Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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

Hardship withdrawals from 401(k)s have doubled over the past year. Clark discusses the tax ramifications and offers alternatives. Also, Clark champions entrepreneurs creating startups or joining franchises in tough times. But this comes with a very important warning vital to success: Vetting an opportunity and avoiding the job & training scamsters infesting the market. Know the signs. 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A Warning For Entrepreneurs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: NYTimes.com: Hardship 401(k) Withdrawals, Explained 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling Should You Pay for Credit Monitoring? How To Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Why You Should Never Invest With a Bank Business opportunities and trainings that claim you’ll make big money are often scams Real Estate Investing: What To Know BEFORE You Start Will Mark Cuban's Prescription Company Really Save You Money? 10 Ways To Save on Prescription Drugs Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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

Last year was ugly in the stock & bond market - Clark lends perspective on investing cycles and your best approach to investing moving forward. Also in this episode - another down cycle. In the midst of massive tech layoffs, there is a silver lining. Historically, tech industry down cycles create the next great wave of innovation. Clark speaks directly to all laid off workers. Is it time for you to start your own business? The Stock Market Down Cycle: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Tech Down Cycle: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Your Investing Strategy Just Failed. It’s Time to Double Down. U.S.-Stock Funds Fell 18.4% for 2022  The Best Place To Order Checks Online Trustpilot Review: Is Trustpilot Legit? InsureMyTrip Review: Why We Like It and How to Use It Travel Insurance? What You Need To Know Before You Buy Startups spring from ashes of Big Tech purge HSA Beneficiary Rules - SmartAsset.com IRA Inheritance: Non-Spouse IRA Beneficiary - Fidelity Equifax data breach: What we know and how to protect yourself from what’s coming next Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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, there’s some important stats and steps to know when financing a vehicle. Clark tells you how to short circuit getting ripped off on a car purchase.   Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Vehicle Financing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Howard's 4 Travel Rules You Should Follow Right Now How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way 6 Best Background Check Services How To Get a Gym Membership for Practically Free YMCA of the USA - A Leading Nonprofit Organization Shipt Review: 5 Things To Know Before Your First Order Target RedCard Credit Card Review: Earn 5% Back on Purchases Report: The Average Price of a New Vehicle Credit Unions Gain Top Share Of Auto Lending In U.S. For First Time Ever Car & Driver - How to Get the Best Car Loan Clark Howard's Simple Rule for Refinancing an Auto Loan How To Refinance a Car Loan: A Step-by-Step Guide How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps / How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps Are You Following Clark's Maximum Auto Loan Length Rule? Pirate Ship Review: Pros & Cons of This Cheap Shipping Service Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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

Your dining out experience may be getting better as labor shortages ease in some areas, and tech provides new efficiencies in the restaurant business. Plus, hear how drone delivery is expanding. Also in this episode, Clark weighs in on the enlightened self-interest of employers allowing 4 day work weeks and flex scheduling - Win Win.  Tech Efficiencies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Flexible Work Schedules: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: WSJ: Restaurant Staffers Are Returning to Work After Covid Flight Barrons.com: Robots Are Replacing Workers Lost in the Pandemic. They’re Here to Stay. Walmart Delivery Drones Now Operate in 7 States How and Why To Refinance Your Mortgage: A Step-By-Step Guide Mortgage Refinance Calculator - Clark Howard When to consider a Coverdell ESA to 529 plan rollover 40 HOURS OR 32? 4 DAYS OR 5? Clark.com - CREDIT CARDS 6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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 has long despised noncompete clauses for workers. There’s finally a new proposal to do away with them from the FTC. Clark is on board and has some advice for job seekers. Also, there are new rules for IRAs and 401(k)s. Clark clarifies new & forthcoming options.  Covenants Not To Compete: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 New Retirement Account Rules: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: FTC says proposed ban of noncompete clauses would strengthen workers' hand Home equity loans & lines of credit: 7 common questions answered What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work? CNET: Your IRA and 401(k) Are Changing in 2023: New Rules for Retirement Accounts Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules Tesla deliveries miss estimates due to logistical issues, slowing demand How to Make a Disposable Razor Last 12 Months Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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

While recent changes to medical debt credit reporting will help, medical debt accounts for half the negative marks on credit reports, due in part to the medical industry’s resistance to lawful price disclosure under the No Surprises Act - which unfortunately excludes ambulance service. Clark discusses this glaring omission and the role of non-profits in tackling medical debt for consumers. Also, to solve traffic congestion we’re in a never ending quest to widen roads. But in this case, increased supply creates new demand. Clark offers a free market solution.  Medical Debt: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark’s Traffic Solution: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Half of ambulance rides yield surprise medical bills. What's being done to protect people? How nonprofits help millions tackle their medical debt How Much Does an MRI Cost (With/Without Health Insurance)? Follow Clark Howard's #1 Rule To Travel Cheap How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money Turo: 5 Things To Know About the Cheap Car Rental Service Widening Highways Doesn’t Fix Traffic. So Why Do We Keep Doing It? How To Find a Good Moving Company Clark.com - Streaming TV Clark.com resources Episode transcripts 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