The Clark Howard Podcast

With the price of cars still up there, your money should buy reliability. Clark runs down highlights from new Consumer Reports rankings. Also in this episode: Like a game of Twister, corporate pandemic pivots left some in better stead than others. Many tech companies over expanded and it’s coming back to haunt those companies, their employees and customers.  Reliable Car Brands: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Corporate Pandemic Fallout: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Consumer Reports ranking for the most reliable cars of 2023 are in. Here are the winners. USA TODAY When Will Car Prices Drop? How to Buy a New Car in 5 Steps Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2022 Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2022 WoofTrax – Dog Walking App  Charity Miles App | Walk, Run, Bike for a Causes Silicon Valley’s greatest minds misread pandemic demand. Now their employees are paying for it. Fired by Musk or Zuckerberg? The Old Economy Welcomes You - Bloomberg WP-It’s not your imagination: Shopping on Amazon has gotten worse Is Now a Good Time To Put Money in a CD? Warning: Watch Out for This Retailer Pricing Trick 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

This December the shelves are stocked and there are still deals to be had. Clark talks friendly prices in toyland and for clothing, laptops and appliances. Also this episode: Medical providers of all types are promoting instant credit. Clark explains why these credit plans are bad medicine - financially. Holiday Deals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Medical Credit Plans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Axios: The end of the end of HELOC Home - Elliott Report How To Reach a Human at Experian, TransUnion or Equifax The Best Way To Reach Customer Service at the Major Airlines How to Reach a Real Person at AT&T, Xfinity, Cox and More CNBC: Frontier Airlines gets rid of telephone customer service. How banks and hospitals are cashing in when patients can't pay for health care First, see if you can get your medical bill forgiven What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Fidelity Investments Review 2022: Pros & Cons What Is Disability Insurance and How Does It Work? How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps Introducing Vanguard Cash Deposit 10 Year-End Strategies To Cut Your Tax Bill 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

Following a PR disaster and Senate hearings, the banks that created fraud-riddled Zelle are coming to the reform table. Clark describes testing going on now, soon coming to consumers. Also, the current state of holiday shipping is not what Clark predicted. Potential Zelle Reform: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Holiday Shipping: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: These Big Banks Are Finally Doing Something About Zelle Best Credit Cards for Students: Top Picks for 2022 My Social Security Number Is on the Dark Web. What Should I Do? How To Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion SIM Card Swapping: The Dangerous Cell Phone Scam Everyone Needs To Know SoFi Review: One-Stop Shop to Spend, Save, Borrow and Invest Pirate Ship Review: Pros & Cons of This Cheap Shipping Service Is Now a Good Time To Put Money in a CD? Clark.com Community Welcome to Clark’s Christmas Kids 2022 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, the short term rental market keeps going through changes channeled through Airbnb & VRBO themselves, and by local governments, directly affecting rental property decisions and renter experiences. Clark shares recent examples of both, including what Airbnb is doing to regain trust in the marketplace.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Airbnb Changes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Where To Buy the Best Cheap Printer WSJ-You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know About Your Financial Adviser Clark.com - Why you should never ‘top off’ your gas tank NYTimes.com: Airbnb Will Now Warn Travelers About Hidden Cleaning Fees  6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling The Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: Which Is Best for You? The Best Credit Cards That Pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry 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

The Costco Citi Visa card is eliminating one of its best benefits starting January 1st. Get Clark’s card benefit workaround. Also, if you’ve ever kicked yourself for not canceling a free trial subscription or an automatic renewal, you are not alone. Learn how to manage subscriptions and avoid the built-in hassles of free trials. Costco Citi Visa Benefit Cut: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark Savvy Subscription Management: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Citi Removes Important Benefit From Costco Credit Card Travel Insurance? What You Need To Know Before You Buy Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2022 Best Credit Cards for Extended Warranty: Top Picks for 2022 Economy Skycouch - Air New Zealand 5 Things To Do Before You Sign Up for a Free Trial 10 hidden fees that could be costing you thousands Clark.com - HOME INTERNET 4 Things To Know Before You Buy a Digital TV Antenna Live TV Streaming Channel Tool Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts 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

How much can you save at Costco vs traditional supermarkets? You may be surprised! Clark also has an important warning issued by the USPS concerning how you mail cards and packages. Clark shares tips for more secure mailing & bill pay - and tells you the one thing you should NEVER carry with you because if it’s stolen, YOU could end up in jail.  Clark’s TV Grocery Study: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Holiday Postal Alert: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: CNET-Costco Shoppers: Here's How Much You Actually Save Compared to a Grocery Store 4 Things To Know About the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Overhaul The Best International Phone Plans Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Value Coverage Lifehacker: Avoid Using Blue Mailboxes During the Holidays, USPS Warns Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places Welcome to Clark’s Christmas Kids 2022 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

Survey says: The slowest fast food lines belong to the most popular fast food place. And a serious innovation for workers at one of these restaurants is a big success. Also - Job mobility in the modern era has created the problem of stranded 401(k)s getting cashed out. If you’ve got one or more old 401(k) accounts, a new financial portability service can help consolidate your retirement funds.  Fast-Food Report: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 401(K) Transfers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How Much Should You Have Saved for Retirement by Now? 7 Best Ways to Save for Retirement in Your 50s 401(k) Companies Make It Easier for Retirement Savings to Follow You to Your Next Job What Is a SEP IRA and Who Is Eligible? Should I Get Pet Insurance? / Should You Buy Pet Insurance? - Consumer Reports 13 ways to save money on pet costs 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

New warnings if you have a leased car or are trying to buy a vehicle. Dealers are getting desperate, and some are using dirty tactics you need to know about. Also, it’s go time for holiday shopping and Clark has several excellent tips for how to save while shopping online this holiday season, plus shipping and store pick-up advice.  Vehicle Purchases & Lease Buyouts: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Clark Smart Online Shopping: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Car dealers accused of price-gouging customers who exercise option to buy leased vehicles Tight car inventory can lead to phantom stock, ghost vehicles Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): What It Is, How It Works, Advantages How To Get the Best Price Possible Shopping Online Why Retailers Are Charging Return Fees and How to Avoid Them How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft Liability vs. Full Coverage: Which Auto Insurance Do You Need? Welcome to Clark’s Christmas Kids 2022 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, Clark shares another reason to change your grocery shopping habits if you haven’t yet. Learn just how you’re being played if you are extremely brand name loyal. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Big Brand Price Hikes: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How to Save Money on Car Insurance Should I Buy an Extended Warranty on Tires? TireBuyer: 5 Things To Know Before Getting New Tires What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Vanguard Integrates Health and Wealth With HSA Offering HealthEquity - INDUSTRY'S #1 HSA ADMINISTRATOR Hyundais, Kias are easy targets amid boom in vehicle thefts Hearing Aids Will Soon Be Sold Over The Counter The best deals at Amazon right now - Clark Deals What Is a SIMPLE IRA and How Does It Work? What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? Self employed 401K vs SEP - Investing - Clark Howard Community How To Manage Your Monthly Subscriptions To Save Money SIM Card Swapping: The Dangerous Cell Phone Scam Everyone Needs To Know TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: Which Is Best for You? 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

FTX Crypto has gone bust, and there are lots of questions about where millions in client money has gone. Clark explains what has happened with FTX and other crypto exchanges and what’s next. Learn Clark’s NEVER NEVER rule for crypto. Another rip off - Scams against people age 60 and over are up 40% in the last 2 years. And that’s only what’s reported. The scams add up to $Billions stolen, and criminals work overtime during the holidays. What to look out for to protect yourself and loved ones.  The FTX Collapse: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Scam Warnings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: FTX Customers Wonder If They’ll Ever See Their Money Again - The Wall Street Journal. Tom Brady. Stephen Curry. Shaq. See the Celebrities With Ties to FTX. - The Wall Street Journal. The FTX collapse is a harsh lesson in hype advertising Binance pledges to create crypto industry recovery fund, calls for regulation Fidelity Investments Review 2022: Pros & Cons 401(k) Match: What Is It, How It Works Scam Report: FTC Says Older Adults Targeted How To Watch NFL RedZone Without Cable in 2022 Welcome to Clark’s Christmas Kids 2022 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