The Clark Howard Podcast

Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, you may be offered alternative investments from your brokerage house - private equity investments. They aren’t just for the ultra rich anymore. Why you should proceed with caution.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Alternative Investments: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? Sleep Like The Dead : Independent and Unbiased Sleep Advice Costco vs. Sam's Club vs. BJ's Wholesale: Which Is Best? Investor Tips: Promissory Note Fraud - SEC.gov Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Review: 5% Back for Prime Members Clark.com - Home Internet Starry Internet | The Internet Service Provider You'll Love 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

In addition to Series I Savings Bonds - Clark explains a Treasury Direct program as another risk free way to earn more on your idle cash. And - What every parent of young children should know: A new study out reveals the best baby formulas for both quality and price,  Better Savings Rates - Zero Risk: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 BEST Baby Formulas: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Buy U.S. Treasury Bonds: A Conservative Way To Beat Your Savings Account TreasuryDirect - Home / SavingsBonds.gov How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft How to Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Turo: 5 Things To Know About the Cheap Car Rental Service These Credit Cards Offer Car Rental Insurance Benefits Mortgages Archives - Clark Howard Fidelity Rewards Credit Card Review: Invest with 2% Cash Back Best Cash Back Credit Cards: Top Picks for 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

Fidelity. one of the largest and most innovative administrators of 401(k)s, is now offering Bitcoin in 401(k)s as an option for employers to add. Clark explains why this is risky, speculative and not ready for prime time. Also, tipping pressure in all new places has spread all over the country. Is this just maddening or are we finally giving employees their due?  Bitcoin in 401(k)s: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Tipping Point: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Should You Sell or Stay Put in the Stock Market? How to Switch Banks in 4 Simple Steps Investor Tips: Promissory Note Fraud - SEC.gov Account Takeover Protection by T-Mobile How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor  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 clears confusion surrounding new loan forgiveness, We’re approaching $2 trillion in outstanding student loan debt. Clark talks about how general policy should be surrounding student loans moving forward. Also, Zelle is a monster bank creation causing widespread financial hardship, getting the pushback it deserves. Clark describes how Zelle came about, the increasing problems now, and has a special directive for you no matter where you bank. Student Loan Forgiveness: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 A Zelle Assignment: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Target RedCard Credit Card Review: Earn 5% Back on Purchases The #1 thing you need to do if you use PayPal, Venmo or Zelle for payments 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

From hotels to Airbnb, the tactic of unbundling to hide junk fees has worked. People go for a low headline price, only to be charged more. Clark helps you navigate booking so you see the true price. Also, besides reducing costs for heating and cooling, there’s another area for energy savings. Free and easy ways to help cut your energy bill.   Vacation Rental Surprise Fees: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Extra Home Energy Savings: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: See the true cost of your stay with Marriott's 'all in' pricing button The Best Smart Plugs and Power Strips for 2022 | PCMag 5 Things To Do Before You Sign Up for a Free Trial 6 Things to Know About International Driver’s License (a.k.a. International Driving Permit) How To Save Money: 35 Ways To Reduce Expenses 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 Stinks day - Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Credit bureau dirty tricks of the trade include conning consumers into paying for unnecessary subscriptions or info required by law to be free. Learn how that game is played, and what to know about credit freeze and credit reports.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Credit Bureau Cons: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 2 ways to guarantee yourself a lifetime stream of income Longevity Insurance Is a Smart Buy at Retirement Should I Buy A Guaranteed Life Annuity With My 401(k) Money To Avoid Market Downturns? 7 Things To Know About Costco Pharmacy 4 Things To Know Before You Buy a Digital TV Antenna How To Watch Local Channels Without Cable Clark.com How To Get a Free Credit Report Clark.com How to Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft 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

A small company owned by an individual now sells 1 in 6 ready to drink ice teas in the U.S. This entrepreneur is bucking the system, maintaining a price point even as costs rise - holding to a business model that sets the brand apart. And - American charge volume on existing cards has gone up 25% over the last year, a reverse from pandemic pay offs - at a time of rising interest rates. Are you running balances you can’t pay off? Time to face the charges… Clark can help. Brand WIN-Charging Less: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Spend Spiral: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Dollar Tree Is Raising Some Prices Above $1 Battleface Travel Insurance Why you need to turn paper statements back on How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many? How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft T-Mobile Money: 5 Things To Know Wills & Funerals Archives - Clark Howard 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

Home prices remain inflated and mortgage rates are the highest in 11 years, making for an extremely difficult spring buying & selling season. Prices vary by metro area and there are places where - even today - it can make sense to buy. And from the labor force - This generation of workers speaks out and tone-deaf corporate bureaucracies would do well to listen. One of the fastest growing retailers in the US is getting hammered on social media for how they treat their workers - A warning for all business owners. Housing Dilemma: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Word to Business Owners: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show:  Does Making Your Mortgage Payments Early Have Any Benefit? Use These Tips To Pay Off Your Mortgage Early Homeowner Groups Seek to Stop Investors From Buying Houses to Rent Fidelity Rewards Credit Card Review: Invest with 2% Cash Back Your rights when dealing with debt collectors 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

People are buying homes sight-unseen. Clark conveys how this practice worked out 15 years ago, and now the stakes are much higher. Learn Clark’s new strategic advice on home buying in today’s hot housing market. Also, Costco Wholesale is a hit with the stock market, their employees and customers. What’s their secret? Hear why Wall St. used to hate their business model, but loves it now!   Buying A Home Sight Unseen: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Costco Success Story: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: Should I Buy a House in This Crazy Real Estate Market? The easy way to pay off your credit card debt in a quarter of the time The TSP Mutual Fund Window Will Be Expensive  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 average Baby Boomer faces retirement with no pension and inadequate savings. Plus many got pushed out of work during the pandemic. Clark has two recommendations. Also, roughly half the nation’s states now require personal finance classes, teaching kids the basics - and the dangers of student loan debt. But financial education can start any time and is ongoing as you build your future. Clark helps you get started.  Boomer Retirement: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Financial Education: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4  Mentioned on the show: When Is the Best Time To Collect Social Security? How to Start Investing and Saving for Retirement Ethanol Fuel Basics - Alternative Fuels Data Center Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2022 Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2022 Why You Should Never Invest With a Bank Best Cash Back Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2022 Select Sam’s Club Customers Can Save BIG on Gas Purchases in April Sam's Club Mastercard Review: Earn 5% Back on Gas Purchases What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? 403bwise :: The K-12 403(b) is broken. Together we can fix it. 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