The Clark Howard Podcast

Clark describes retiree regret when resettling in vacation spots. How to avoid costly moves using Clark’s “training wheels” strategy. Plus, a look at rent or buy decision factors in today’s market. And - Many retailers & restaurants have shorter store hours & empty shelves - Clark relates what’s happening now and what’s to come. In addition, hear how corporate public relations can further botch serious corporate mistakes - case in point: Hertz. Home Ownership vs. Renting: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Restaurants & Retail: Limited Hours & Merchandise: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Non-Owner Car Insurance: A Complete Guide - NerdWallet Truebill Review: 4 Things to Know Before Signing Up Clark's Graveyard - SunRocket Internet Phone Service – Died July 2007 IRS using identity verification: ID.ME State unemployment claim problems: Seek help from state representative.  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

Right now opportunities & incentives are plentiful in many sectors because of worker shortages. The military is employing retention incentives, and new recruit bonuses topping out at $50K, which may be a worthy path for some. Also, Clark reviews the pandemic effect on energy, where we are now with home energy and gas prices - and where the U.S. is headed as an energy producer.  Military Bonuses: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Good News on the Energy Front: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Is a Costco Executive Membership Worth It? Costco vs. Sam’s Club vs. BJ’s Wholesale: Which Is Best? Mortgage Refinance Calculator - Clark Howard Mortgage Points Calculator - Clark Howard Mortgages Archives - Clark Howard Homeowners Insurance 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

It’s Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, Clark shares news about a huge shift happening in the way cars are sold. Carmax, Carvana & Vroom have changed the game in favor of consumers, and manufacturers are duking it out with anti-competitive dealerships. A new program from GM tells the tale. Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks Dealerships Vs. the Free Market Sale of Vehicles Ask Clark Mentioned on the show: What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work? Alliant Visa Signature Card: 2.5% Cash Back - ALLIANT Clark Howard and the Prostate Cancer Foundation How to Save Money on Car Insurance 9 Easy Ways To Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums 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 outlines several factors that lead to one conclusion: Women need to save more of their paycheck for retirement than men. Also, the banks are desperately handing out credit cards like candy now. Clark relates different scenarios based on your credit, and conveys what is core & key to keeping your credit healthy with credit card use. Special Retirement Advice For Women: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2  Warning: Banks Pushing Credit Card Offers: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Social Security: Ex-Spouse Benefits And How They Affect You New and Used Car Reviews and Ratings - Consumer Reports How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps 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

Inaccuracy of credit reports is a longstanding problem. More than half of all complaints to the CFPB were about the credit bureaus, who see us as mere data points, not customers. Clark on how the system functions and how to protect your credit. Clark also describes Walmart’s new “InHome” delivery service compared to the Walmart+ option, vs Amazon initiatives. Generally Walmart is 20% cheaper on groceries so this may be viable for some consumers.    Credit Report Errors: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Walmart Vs. Amazon - Grocery Delivery: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:  How To Monitor Your Credit Virtual Credit Cards: An Online Security Measure Worth Taking? Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car? uShip Buying a diamond online: Have an unconditional right to return 7 Places to Get the Best Deals on Lab-Created Diamonds Hampton woman loses $200 after buying already-activated gift card Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 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

Pandemic cruise scenarios call for a backup plan. Clark explains what can happen with cruises and with lodging cancellation policies. In this era of travel uncertainty, learn the KEY to travel planning. Also, as shipping delays persist, many customers are out their deposit money indefinitely for no show furniture & appliances. Retailer bankruptcy adds more difficulty. Clark suggests an alternative.  Travel Warnings: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Furniture orders & deposits in limbo: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:  How To Use InsureMyTrip To Buy Travel Insurance The #1 Type of Travel Insurance You Probably Need Right Now There’s a new tax rule for US small business owners. What to make of it? What Is a Credit Union? How To Find a Good Moving Company 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

It’s Friday! Clark Stinks day -Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, this tax year will be a bit different for 2021 filings, with a special warning from the IRS. Clark shares a smart tax refund strategy, plus the outlook on inflation.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Tax Season Strategy & Inflation: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:  Barrons.com: IRS Warns Backlogs Could Cause Delayed Tax Refunds Treasury warns of ‘enormous challenges’ this tax filing season that could delay refunds U.S. natgas output to rise, demand to ease in 2022 -EIA When Are Taxes Due? Important Tax Dates in 2022  7 Free Federal and State Tax Filing Services for 2022  When Should You Get an Accountant To Do Your Taxes?  Money Challenge: How To Save $2,022 in 2022  Hearing Aids  A closer look at why heat pumps are dominating EV HVAC systems These Credit Cards Offer Car Rental Insurance Benefits 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

Verizon trades in customer data - apps, browsing etc. to sell for profit. Clark breaks down the opt-out, and suggests a cheaper way to be on Verizon’s network. // Now is the worst time to buy a car since 1946. Clark shares his best advice and the vehicle market outlook.  Ask Clark topics include: How to avoid becoming the victim of credit card fraud / Why Some Stores Don’t Take Credit Cards / Ask Clark: Should I get a prepaid maintenance plan on a new car? \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More companies are offering the Roth 401(k). What you need to know about this retirement savings option. // Crooks are using Apple AirTags to track people and cars. There IS a solid way to protect yourself…Ask Clark topics include: Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules / How To Open a Roth IRA / AAA Membership: Is It Worth It? \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We remain in short supply of housing units, both apartments and single family homes, while housing costs continue to rise. Clark discusses how we got here and the affordable solutions out there, in need of wider adoption. // Clark explains having life insurance from work vs buying your own policy, plus direction on shopping and purchasing life insurance to protect your family.Ask Clark topics include: Is your institution 529 eligible? / What Is a Good Credit Score? / Travel Archives - Clark Howard \\Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter!Free Advice: Clark's Consumer Action Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices