The Clark Howard Podcast

If you’re an entrepreneur or have a side gig, what you need to know to save for your future. // College students are headed back to campus. A special warning about campus health insurance, and what your options are. Ask Clark topics include: eBay Motors - Car and Truck Inspections / File Complaint with the Better Business Bureau / Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) / Petal Card Review - What Is a Credit Union? / The Best Places to Sell Your Cell Phone \\ 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

The package delivery industry is beset with problems that affect small business the worst. Who is filling the niche? // Word is out about some scams that are dominant now. Warnings for individual car sellers & sellers of anything, and what can happen if you lend out your phone. Ask Clark topics include: Is a Cash-Out Refinance Right for You? / Virtual Credit Cards: An Online Security Measure Worth Taking? / What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? / The #1 Way To Protect Yourself From Skimmers if You Use a Debit Card at the Gas Station \\ 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

Different lenders assess you differently. Larger lenders use their own proprietary evaluations - and evaluate your patterns & their risk levels to make decisions about your credit. 80% of car buyers obtain a loan the wrong way. How to obtain the best credit terms. // QR codes have proliferated during the pandemic and are here to stay, but there are some privacy red flags going up around them. Plus, Apple privacy & Amazon privacy invasion. Ask Clark topics include: Where Do We Get a Homeowners Warranty on Appliances? / The #1 thing you need to do if you use PayPal, Venmo or Zelle for payments / How to Save Money on Utilities \\ 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

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Tips for saving money when doing laundry. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Locast / 80+ great deals and discounts for military members and veterans - Military and Veterans Guide / 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Fly Southwest Airlines / Long-Term Care Insurance / Costco Travel / 401(k) Guide / Fidelity Investments Review 2021 \\ 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

Clark preps you for the current state of travel, including passport delays, how to book to protect your wallet, hotel cleaning policies and rental cars. / Clark is alarmed by a new statistic about people borrowing money to play the stock market on what is called “Margin”. How this practice works and the risk involved. Ask Clark topics include: What Is a Credit Union? / How and Why to Refinance Your Mortgage: A Step-By-Step Guide / 5 Things To Know Before You Sign Up for Verizon Prepaid / What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? \\ 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

Clark explains how 529 plans work to help families save for college, how to set one up, and which ones make Clark’s Dean’s List of most cost-efficient plans in his newly updated 529 Guide. But - Quiz: what comes in your financial life BEFORE you set up a 529 plan? / Employers are starting to offer incredible incentives and benefits to employees, and Walmart just announced a big one. Employer subsidized college isn’t new - let’s hope it’s returning broadly. Ask Clark topics include: Gift Tax Definition - Investopedia / Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance: Understanding the Difference / What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? \\ 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

Due to the ongoing pandemic, interest rates have fallen back down and with them, mortgage refinance rates. How refinances and mortgages differ, and how to go about taking advantage of these historic low rates. / The number of thefts of catalytic converters has risen 10 fold in the past year. It’ll cost ya big. How you can help prevent this theft problem. Ask Clark topics include: Turo: 5 Things To Know About the Cheap Car Rental Service / How to Find the Best Deal on Cheap Internet Service / Streaming TV / How to develop an independent value for your vehicle after an accident / Clark Deals - Cell Phones & Smartphones - Get a FREE iPhone 12 mini with trade-in when you switch to Metro by T-Mobile \\ 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

Clark explains the ongoing “right to repair” debate and what’s hopefully changing to your advantage. / 403(beware): Clark Rage Alert! Clark lets loose on how he REALLY feels about TIAA’s abuses and lame response. Ask Clark topics include: CO-OP Financial Services SHARED BRANCH / Turo: 5 Things To Know About the Cheap Car Rental Service / Best Online Will Maker: 5 Free or Cheap Options - Wills & Funerals / Experian Boost Review: How 3 Bills Helped Raise My Credit Score 14 Points / Are You Following Clark’s Maximum Auto Loan Length Rule? / How Retirees Can Combat Inflation \\ 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

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / The era of $6K hearing aids is coming to a close. Clark describes ongoing industry cartel price-fixing, and why a WIN for consumers is sounding. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Best 529 College Savings Plans By State / Fidelity Rewards Credit Card Review: Invest with 2% Cash Back / Liquid Biopsy: Using DNA in Blood to Detect, Track, and Treat Cancer / How to Find a Free ATM Near You / Term Life Insurance / Your C.L.U.E. Report / Lease buyout: 5 tips on buying your leased car / ABLE accounts: A tax-free way for parents of disabled kids to save for the future - 529 ABLE Accounts - IRC Section 529A - Saving for College \\ 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

Great internet access has become essential, and there are so many Americans without it. Clark talks about satellite-based internet service and when and where it will be available. / Often those who work for small companies don’t have access to retirement plans. Many states have an offering that can turn the intention to save, into action. Ask Clark topics include: How to File a Complaint with the Dept. of Labor / Gas & water line insurance - Maintenance fund generally recommended instead / How to Build Credit / How to Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate / Car rental company membership programs may offer perks and discounts / File a Complaint with the Better Business Bureau \\ 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

Could we be witnessing the end of email? America’s youth prefer other platforms for communication. Is email becoming irrelevant? / One thing parents are often trying to balance is how much to give their children and how much kids should cover on their own. Clark discusses what a new study on parental giving to adult children reveals. Hint: Train Wreck City. Hear the findings. Ask Clark topics include: 7 Things to Know Before You Buy Travel Insurance / Shared Appreciation Mortgage (SAM) - Investopedia / Clark Howard’s Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding / Credit Karma Review: Free Credit Score and More at Your Fingertips / Dollar Cost Averaging Makes You a Fortune Over Time / How To Find a Good Moving Company \\ 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

Clark explores the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement, now several years on, and the lifelong advantages of living on less than what you make. / With car prices skyrocketing, many are looking for alternative methods of transportation. Great news if you are one of them. Clark describes how new battery tech for golf carts, scooters and e-bikes is providing cheaper transportation for some metro dwellers. Ask Clark topics include: INSURANCE / Is a safe deposit box really safe? / How To Monitor Your Credit / Does Selecting ‘Credit’ When Using a Debit Card Increase Purchase Protection? \\ 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

Clark loves football! Get the latest on the NFL’s tough new Covid policy. Plus, the concert industry reopens with a fabulous concert ticket deal from Live Nation with an advantage for T-Mobile customers - starting tomorrow. / Cash App, Zelle and Venmo are free, convenient pay apps but come with risks. Venmo ends a bizarre practice and offers new security. Ask Clark topics include: How To Watch Football Without Cable: Stream NFL and College Football / The tricky timing of 529 savings account withdrawals / CFPB- File a Complaint / Use these security keys to lock down your computer and protect your personal info / What Are Index Funds? / Fidelity Investments Review 2021: Pros & Cons \\ 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

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Rising food costs, why grocery stores are actually happy about that, and how you can save at the supermarket. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Health care sharing ministries surge in popularity, Magnify Money analysis shows / Target Date Funds: Clark’s Favorite Retirement Investment / Lightbox Jewelry / Latest Scams and Rip-Offs \\ 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

Both Apple and Google are being sued over how they run their app stores. Clark explains the toll and the workaround. / Free college sounds great, especially with the outrageous price of higher education and the student loan burden so many carry. But is it a good idea? Clark points out where this has been successful, and why it can be good for citizen, state and country when it’s skills based, for the marketplace. Ask Clark topics include: How Much to Tip During the Coronavirus Pandemic / Can a Patient Advocate Help With Your Medical Bills? / How to Find and Claim Missing Money in Your Name / Authorized User vs. Joint Account Holder: Understanding the Difference for Credit Cards / 401(k) Guide: What Is a 401(k) Plan and How Does It Work? \\ 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

New reports indicate borrowing is roaring back after the pandemic slowdown. Lengthy car loans and credit card debt can be dangerous. Credit card offers are everywhere now. How to take advantage of that, without being taken advantage of by creating more debt. / If those CD rates you’re seeing advertised seem too good to be true… you are correct! Two current pitches, what’s the catch, and how to avoid game over for your wallet. Ask Clark topics include: What Is an Amortization Schedule? Use This Chart To Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster / How To Watch Football Without Cable: Stream NFL and College Football / Best and Worst Home Insurance Companies - Best and Worst Auto Insurance Companies / How To Save and Invest the Clark Howard Way \\ 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

If you’ve been given the choice, what are the pros & cons of working from home vs. returning to the office you should consider? Plus, what research reveals about the 4 day work week. / Would you buy a house you’ve never been to? Clark’s take on this practice and what home buyers should know about buying houses online. Ask Clark topics include: YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live: Which Streaming Service Is Better? - Live TV Streaming Channel Tool / 6 Steps to Eliminate Credit Card Debt in 3 Years or Less / Should You Buy Out Your Leased 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

Congress has never passed consumer protections against hacks of investment accounts. 3 Clark smart rules for protecting your retirement accounts. / TRAVEL NEWS: Passports, canceled flights, rental cars, high fees & more. Ask Clark topics include: 5 Sneaky Ways to Improve Your Credit Score / These Credit Cards Earn 2% Cash Back on Purchases / How To Sell, Cancel or Get Rid of Your Timeshare / How I Saved Nearly 50% on a Rental Car - Car Rental Shortage: Here’s What You Need To Know / 7 Things to Know Before You Buy Travel Insurance / Booking a Cruise? Here Are 3 Tips on How to Do It for Less / How to Plan a Trip: Clark’s Best Travel Tips to Save Money \\ 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

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Why are people opting out of the monthly child tax credit? Clark answers this and other questions about the now active Child Tax Credit. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: How to Teach Young Kids About Money / We Still Haven’t Received Our Federal Tax Refund. What Should We Do? / 4 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds / Wells Fargo Is Closing All Personal Lines of Credit / Biden Moves To Restrict Noncompete Agreements, Saying They're Bad For Workers \\ 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

There’s a new way renters can save for a down payment on a home. Clark shares the pros & cons, and how to make this method work best for you. / A law eliminating oversight of predatory lenders has been overturned. Clark explains the ruling, the state-level significance, and the danger of payday loans. Ask Clark topics include: What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? / What Is a Virtual Card Number and How Does It Work? - Sign up for a free trial offer with a stored-value card to avoid unwanted subscriptions. / Shrinkflation: Warning: Watch Out for This Retailer Pricing Trick / How to Choose the Best Charities for Your Donations - For small charities, search the name of the organization + “IRS filings” / How to Reach a Real Person at AT&T, Xfinity, Cox and More - How to Find the Best Deal on Cheap Internet Service - Cnet - Elon Musk says Starlink will be available worldwide in August / Should You Take Your Pension in a Lump Sum or Monthly Payments? / Gap insurance: What is it and do you need 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

Big banks are no longer the mortgage lenders of choice. Today banks account for only around 30% of mortgages issued because they’re usually a ripoff. Clark tells you the best places to look for a mortgage or refinance. // There’s been a lot of debate about our digital histories coming back to bite us years or decades later. One woman’s story is a lesson for all. Caution your kids about this in ongoing conversations. Ask Clark topics include: How and Why to Refinance Your Mortgage: A Step-By-Step Guide / Best and Worst Home Insurance Companies / Best and Worst Auto Insurance Companies / Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection vs. Progrexion Marketing, Inc - How to Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion / GoodSam Roadside Assistance - AAA Membership - Consumer Reports: Buying a Roadside Assistance Plan / Food Delivery Is More Expensive Than It Used to Be - NYTimes: A Pandemic Lifeline for Restaurants, Delivery Is ‘Here to Stay’ \\ 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

Used car prices have gone through the roof! Clark’s personal car selling story and an important warning for shopping used cars. / 3/4s of us take some form of herbal remedy and/or supplements. The FDA reports weight loss, muscle building, and sexual aid products pose the greatest risk. What certifications to look for when buying supplements. Ask Clark topics include: 5 Ways to Recognize Fraud and Scams | FEMA.gov / How to sell your house by owner \\ 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

Still waiting on your IRS refund? You’re not alone! The IRS Taxpayer Advocate has announced 35 million tax returns have not been processed. They’re severely short-staffed and refunds are delayed. Clark’s tax filing strategy to save you some trouble. / Promising news on the price of prescription medicine: A new program for prescription insulin has the potential to shake up the entire prescription marketplace! Clark discusses industry factors that affect the cost of meds, and reform initiatives. Ask Clark topics include: What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? / 529 Plans / Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything / What Is a Roth 401(k) and How Does It Work? - How To Open a Roth IRA / Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA: What’s the Difference? / Homeowners Insurance \\ 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

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Some people swear by Robinhood. Others swear at it. How free trading has evolved, and news on the controversial app, as they begin direct selling their stock. Get the Clark smart approach to investing. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: 6 reasons to think twice about co-signing a loan / Young Investors Society / PenFed Power Cash Rewards Review: Up to 2% Unlimited Cash Back - Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2021 / 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Fly Southwest Airlines - Delta, Southwest top J.D. Power airline ranking for 2021 / Peacock Review: NBC’s TV Streaming Service Has Something for Everyone - YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live: Which Streaming Service Is Better? / Fidelity Investments Review 2021: Pros & Cons - How To Open a Roth IRA / SBA's PPP loan forgiveness deadline is fast approaching. Don't be left on the hook \\ 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

Clark just returned from the first cruise to sail out of a US Port since the pandemic began. His full Royal Caribbean Celebrity Edge cruising report, including ports of call & vaccine policy. / Oil prices are the highest since 2015 and normal patterns don’t apply this year. Clark explains what factors are behind the price of gas and how long the pricing pain is likely to last. Ask Clark topics include: How to Make the Best Use of Your Delta SkyMiles / Electric Scooter Reviews | E-Scooter Tests - Consumer Reports / T-Mobile Expanding 5G Network - Offers New Home Internet Service \\ 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

Near & dear to Clark’s heart: Volunteering. Clark’s service to others has been a lifelong endeavor, including Habitat for Humanity, Christmas Kids for foster children - and founding the Consumer Action Center in 1993 - still going strong offering free advice and accepting volunteers. / Did your business take out a PPP loan? The topic of forgiveness is a great source of frustration. Clark has the latest, plus advice on what to do if your PPP loan forgiveness is denied by the SBA or by your lender. Ask Clark topics include: 5 Steps to Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room - HotelTonight: Last Minute Hotel Deals at Great Hotels / Column: He hasn’t smoked in decades. But Hertz is hitting him with a $400 smoking fee - File Complaint with BBB / 5 Things to Know Before You Use Zelle \\ 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

Clark smart recommendations for credit card first-timers and how to build credit. / The fight between the natural and lab-grown diamond industries is heating up. After years of escalating prices, the diamond industry is facing a real threat, and they’re fighting back. Lab-created diamonds are identical chemically to dug diamonds for a fraction of the price. And the industry is terrified … Ask Clark topics include: 6 Things To Know Before You Sign Up for Visible / What Are Index Funds? / Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2021 / Fidelity Investments Review 2021: Pros & Cons / What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? / What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? \\ 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

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Is your car spying on you for your insurance company? Good news for consumers around that controversial topic. Telematics has been a privacy issue and has become more invasive and sophisticated over time. Meanwhile, you can save big if you drive less than 10,000 miles per year. A new small competitor - available in 4 states and growing - charges by the mile without spying. Clark explains. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: How Retirees Can Combat Inflation / Apple Credit Card Review: Earn Cash Back on Tech Purchases / Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau / Small Business Help from SCORE / How to Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion \\ 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

Many headlights now, especially aftermarket brands, are blinding to oncoming drivers. This can make night driving perilous. Clark has a safety tip and welcomes yours. We need enforced standards for headlight intensity as a safety issue. / Think you’re shopping at your favorite store online? Think again - Many major retail sites of all types are now offering their platform to third party merchants. You can select the host merchant only. Overwhelmingly the items on Amazon are from other sellers. This is true of Walmart, Target, and other retailers increasingly. Be clear WHO you’re buying from and their rules. Ask Clark topics include: How To Start An Investment Club (And Other Alternatives) / American Association of Individual Investors / 22 Ways to Save Money on Gas / VA IRRRLstreamline refinance option - Navy Federal Mortgage Refinancing / How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor / Vanguard Personal Advisor Services Review / Why Clark Howard Wants You to Set Up a ‘Financial Chromebook’ - For a Chromebook that’s no longer supported, set up a new Gmail address and cease financials on that device. \\ 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

Clark believes it’s essential that teenagers work starting at 15. Every dollar they DON’T spend, they can put into a Roth IRA (with a parental match if possible). Teaching deferred gratification gets youths in the habit of saving money to build for the future. / The summer is prime wedding season, and with so much pent-up demand, weddings are back - in a different form. Why Clark loves this trend. Ask Clark topics include: Discover it Secured Review: Earn 2% Cash Back While Building Credit / Ask Clark: How should I handle cell phone calls when I travel overseas? / How to handle money when you’re traveling overseas / Schwab - 5 Ways to Save Money When Traveling Abroad / Mint Mobile Review: T-Mobile’s Network for Only $15/Month \\ 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’re seeing worker shortages all over the country. The reasons may not be what you think. The problem pre-dates the pandemic. There’s a demographic angle. How businesses will need to adapt. / Have you ever had to cancel or delay a trip because you were ill? The airlines need to find a better way to treat people to protect us all. Taxpayer-funded corporate welfare saved the nation’s airlines. Each airline has a responsibility to the nation. If safety is the highest priority, why must they penalize illness? Ask Clark topics include: File a Consumer Complaint | US Department of Transportation / Uber and Lyft Surges: What to Know - The New York Times] - NEVER pay Uber or Lyft with Venmo - The #1 thing you need to do if you use PayPal, Venmo or Zelle for payments / BBB File a Complaint / Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau \\ 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

Subscriptions went way up in the pandemic year - many may no longer be relevant. Free Trials are a plague on people’s wallets. Anytime they need a form of payment, it’s not a FREE trial. People forget to cancel and keep paying. Many free trials obligate you for a term. A Clark Assignment around free trial offers & subscriptions. / Fraud Alerts are routine and many fraudsters have invaded this space. How these fake alerts work and your defense. There’s an easy workaround to protect yourself. Ask Clark topics include: Franchise ownership: Is it right for you? / Arctic Air Review: Can This ‘As Seen on TV’ Product Lower Your AC Bill? / Report: The Best Smartphones for Customer Satisfaction / CareCredit - Be certain you can pay it ALL off on time / How to Sell Your Car in 5 Steps \\ 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

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Rental car scams are booming. An urgent warning about searching for deals online and the kind of payment requested. Clark Stinks and Ask Clark topics include: Report: The Best Smartphones for Customer Satisfaction / Best Free Password Managers: 7 Top Picks / 7 Places to Get the Best Deals on Lab-Created Diamonds / Megabus | Low cost bus tickets from $1 / When Should I Refinance With a No Closing Cost Mortgage? - Mortgage Refinance Calculator / Why co-signing a loan can be bad on almost every financial level / Does a Credit Increase Request Create a Hard Pull on Your Credit Score? \\ 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

Clark discusses what’s needed to improve healthcare in the U.S. Expanded primary care access including NP and PA providers, and new subscription services are key. // Amazon loyalists get convenience but should consider that fake reviews, return problems, labor issues, and higher prices are all factors with Amazon and its mostly third-party merchants. Also, If you have Amazon devices in your home, under new terms of service, they utilize your internet connection unless you change your settings. Ask Clark topics include: Clark Howard: My 7 Rules for Using Credit Cards / What is a Promissory Note \\ 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

The law is finally being enforced against fraudulent for-profit student loan mills. Swindled students in debt can now receive loan forgiveness. Clark explains the role of colleges in excessive lending that impoverishes many parents, grandparents and graduates. // So many concert/sports tickets are bought through third-party brokers or ticket outlets. During Covid cancellations, many got little to no refunds. Beware buying this way. Buying legit can have huge markups. Clark tells you the only safe way to buy an event ticket. Ask Clark topics include: ConsumerFinance.gov - Submit a complaint / Target RedCard Credit Card Review: Earn 5% Back on Purchases / Wills & Funerals / How and Why to Refinance Your Mortgage: A Step-By-Step Guide / How to Build Credit / What Is a 403(b) and How Does It Work? / Fidelity Investments Review 2021: Pros & Cons \\ 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

“Shrinkflation” is real - Clark offers 2 ways to counteract less product in packaging, and tells you what “New and Improved!” really means. Also Clark’s outlook on inflation. / Clark smart TRAVEL - Do you have frequent flyer miles in your account?. Airline miles and hotel points belong to the issuers and they can devalue them at any time. Some mileage programs are 3rd party - much better. Plus, new rules from the EU -The vaccine is going to be key to international travel. Ask Clark topics include: How To Open a Roth IRA / Get An Identity Protection PIN | Internal Revenue Service / CREDIT CARDS / Deferred maintenance - Have an inspection to prioritize repairs. / Home equity loans & lines of credit / The worst insurance in the world / How to Buy Term Life Insurance / Emergency Fund Complete Guide: How Much & Where \\ 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

Vehicles keep getting better. Last year the average age of vehicles rose to 12.1 years. What you spend on housing and automobiles has the biggest impact on your long-term financial health. How long should you keep your vehicles to retire 5 years sooner? Safety concerns? Hear and use Clark’s New & 10 Rule, plus his 4 & 4 Rule for used cars. / Hackers are everywhere The weakest link: employee social media accounts. Don’t be the reason your company gets hacked. Your power is privacy - How to protect yourself and others from hacks. Ask Clark topics include: 6 things you need to know before donating your used vehicle / The Center for Auto Safety - Subaru - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration / How to Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate / How Retirement Communities Work / HVAC leasing NOT recommended. \\ 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

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Christa & Clark have a harrowing car rental experience with some great advice for all - Something you should do before you show up at the rental counter can save your day. Clark Stinks & Ask Clark topics include: Here Is Clark Howard’s Bottom Line on Bitcoin / Protect Yourself and Your Family from Radon / How to Budget With a Cash Envelope System / How To Talk to Your Partner About Money Before Marriage / Apple iPhones Can Soon Hold Your ID. Privacy Experts Are On Edge / How to avoid paying $51 for a 60-cent toll / Why co-signing a loan can be bad on almost every financial level \\ 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

It’s time for some major sales! Amazon Prime days are coming up, and other retailers are already putting out screaming deals to compete. A Clark smart deals roundup. / Verizon & AT&T offer deals to stop switchers. Are the new phone giveaway deals a real bargain? AT&T and Verizon compete with free phones - with a catch... - Report: The Best Smartphones for Customer Satisfaction. Ask Clark topics include: Living Will Forms (“Directive”) - search Living Will + your state or ask for forms at a medical facility. / When Should I Refinance With a No Closing Cost Mortgage? / Apple Credit Card Review: Earn Cash Back on Tech Purchases / Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2021 / 7 Things to Know About the New Venmo Credit Card \\ 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

An update on Clark’s review of T-Mobile’s home internet service. / Clark loves solar power but has a warning about the industry. What to know when installing solar for your home. Ask Clark topics include: 1031 Exchange Rules: What You Need to Know - Clark avoids this as capital gains tax rates are favorable now / Best Free Password Managers: 7 Top Picks - Consumer Reports Password Manager Ratings / What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink? / How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor / Owner’s Title Insurance / How to Deal With Medical Debt / Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2021 / Udemy Voice-Over Courses \\ 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 bear the cost of credit card fraud directly. A quarter of Americans were victims of credit card fraud last year. One simple way to protect your wallet. / Are you concerned robots will take over all of our jobs? Throughout modern human history, there have been predictions of job loss due to technology. Clark smart historical perspective on automation, robots, jobs lost - and gained. Ask Clark topics include: How to Switch Banks in 4 Simple Steps / 5 common contractor scams and how to avoid them / How to roll over a 529 plan, and why it may be a good idea / INSURANCE - Amica - Six-Month Auto Policy FAQs \\ 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

Clark breaks down the true value of remodeling and the best reason to do a home upgrade. / Trading, bartering, getting stuff for free - Several ways to find goods, from clothing to furniture, for little or no money while helping to eliminate waste. Ask Clark topics include: Google Fi Review: The Best Cell Phone Provider for International Travel? / Mint Mobile Review: T-Mobile’s Network for Only $15/Month / 3 Things to Know Before Buying Owner’s Title Insurance / Home Title Lock: Is It The Same As Home Title Insurance? - Have your county notify you if there is any activity on your title. / Marriage, money and happiness: A timeline. \\ 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

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / Weddings are coming back in big numbers. Couples can eliminate the financial pitfalls that can poison a relationship by first thinking through what’s important to each and having an ongoing dialogue to get financial cards on the table. Hear Clark smart strategies about how to proceed from there. Clark Stinks & Ask Clark topics include: The Best Veterans and Military Charities / United Service Organizations - USO / Which restaurant tipping method is better? / Your C.L.U.E. Report / Xoom.com | Send Money Abroad Fast | Xoom, a PayPal Service / 6 Best Ways To Send Money Online / When and Where to Buy a Wireless Security System / Your Guide to DIY Home Security Systems \\ 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

Clark recently moved and has fresh wisdom on downsizing / How do you seize the opportunities available in today’s job market? We need to be lifelong learners. The more we learn, the more we earn. Employers can’t match skilled workers to available jobs. The ladder is training. Middle skill jobs require skills based training. Clark discusses 3 approaches including workforce development programs - the win-win we need in the U.S. Ask Clark topics include: Fidelity Investments Review 2021: Pros & Cons / Pet Insurance - Pet Insurance: Should You Buy It? / Best Treadmill Reviews – Consumer Reports / 5 Ways to Create a Cheap Home Gym \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both Walmart and Amazon are getting into healthcare to save money for their companies, and potentially for all consumers (including those insured), using both telehealth and clinics. Clark explains the offerings. These outsiders will expand outside of their own employee groups to become a threat to the medical industry, and a benefit to consumers. // In addition to having a physical DL, some states are rolling encrypted digital versions to carry in your phone. Mobile driver’s licenses are not subject to manipulation to create fake IDs. When it comes time to renew, check online to see if this convenience is available. Ask Clark topics include: Social Security Basics: | Kiplinger / For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Definition – hire a real estate lawyer to do the paperwork. / 7 Things to Know Before You Buy Travel Insurance / 9 ways to pay for college without student loans / Debit vs. credit | Pros, cons and protections for your money \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark speaks with admired colleague, finance expert JONATHAN CLEMENTS - founder and editor of HumbleDollar, author of personal finance books and former personal finance columnist for The Wall Street Journal, among other accomplishments. They discuss the core attributes of financial success, working part time in retirement, prioritizing debt, marriage & money, saving late in life, paying for college, divorce - financial strategies for life's stages and rebounding from life's setbacks. Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may be a candidate for strategies that can lower your credit card interest rate and eliminate your annual fee. / Life Insurance is an area where you can easily get ripped off. Clark guides you through the process. You’ll learn the different types, what to avoid, where to look and how much to buy. Fear not. It’s easier than it once was. Ask Clark topics include: Radon Gas / Policygenius Review: What to Know Before Getting Quotes / Haven Life Insurance Agency Review: How It Works 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

Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. / If you are an owner or involved with the finances of a business, you know the banking industry has traditionally killed you with fees. Clark lists several alternatives including something new from Square and a warning about specialty online lenders. Clark Stinks & Ask Clark topics include: How To Find Your Chromebook's End-of-Life Date - Lifehacker / 4 Things to Know Before You Sign Up for Locast / Overdraft Protection / Clark Howard’s Bottom Line on Bitcoin / Best savings accounts for June 2021 / Car Rentals / Non-Owner Car Insurance: Who Needs It? / How to Monitor Your Credit \\ 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

Banish streaming price confusion - Our new interactive tool allows you to enter your favorite channels to uncover the best options for you. Load & delete channels and find your best price per month. ~Live TV Streaming Channel Tool - Clark Howard~ / Travelers, an important warning about timeshares. Clark explains why there’s no intrinsic value. The industry expects a great year due to pent up travel demand, making people extra vulnerable to the timeshare pitch. A NEVER NEVER Clark rule on timeshares you can take to heart - and to the bank. Ask Clark topics include: Credit Cards Archives / Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards / Best 0% Intro APR Credit Cards / How To Bypass the Banks for a Loan / How To Open a Roth IRA / This Mistake at the ATM Could Be Costing You $240 a Year / Is a Home Warranty Worth the Money? / Where Do We Get a Homeowners Warranty on Appliances? / Don't let your gym give your wallet a workout / Dangers of putting monthly bills on automatic debit / Your Guide to DIY Home Security Systems / Wyze Home Monitoring \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Airbnb is in need of hosts. The original idea was to save money. But now, 1 out of 4 stays are a month or longer due to remote work capability, driving the average cost of an Airbnb stay up 35%. How to flex with this environment and save on lodgings this summer. / Vacation & work/life balance is seriously vital to health. A new WHO report details how excessive work is literally killing people. Many are working themselves to death. Use your vacation! You’re better at what you do when you get enough rest, mentally & physically. Ask Clark topics include: Google Flights / Customers Fight Airlines For Refunds From Pandemic Cancellations : NPR / Clark Howard: Here’s My Experience Selling a Home With an iBuyer / What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? \\ Want more money advice? Sign up for Clark’s free daily newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices