The Clark Howard Podcast
2,280 episodes — Page 28 of 46
8.24.20 Zoom crash this morning + alternatives; The K-shaped look of the economic recovery
Zoom experienced a big crash this morning on the east coast of the US. Clark discusses and talks about the importance of having backup video conferencing options. The K-shaped economy is increasing the level of income inequality in the country. Clark discusses how to change your income prospects as the Covid economy continues to create real hardship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.21.20 Click & collect is the present and the future; Clark Stinks
Retailers like Target are crushing it right now - in large part because they have done an incredible job with click & collect. Clark loves buying stuff and picking them up at nearby national retailers. Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours to: Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.20.20 Amazon's sale of faulty goods; What's up with the next stimulus bill?
A court has just ruled that Amazon can be held responsible for faulty and unsafe good being sold on its website. Often many of the questionable items are sold by third party sellers but Clark calls on Amazon to clean things up on their site. The next stimulus bill is taking a while to put together. Clark talks about how the implementation of the recent executive orders is going and what we can expect from a stimulus bill at some point in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.19.20 Stock market reaches new highs; Flexible leases are more common
The stock market has fully rebounded since its collapse in the Spring. Apple just hit a $2 trillion valuation while the S&P 500 hit a new milestone as well. Leases are traditionally one year long. But landlords are becoming more flexible due to the pandemic. So if you would prefer a shorter lease or even to rent month to month, you should ask for that now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.18.20 New fees for refinancing; Apple & Google's monopolistic tendencies
Mortgage refinancing just got more expensive thanks to this new fee from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Apple and Google are acting more and more like a shared monopoly. Case in point, Fortnite has been pulled from both Google and Apple's store for attempting to bypass the fees they impose on sellers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.17.20 What's happening with the post office?; Student loan executive order details + a new proposal for student loan forgiveness
There are some big issues with the postal service right now and it has led to a political firestorm in Washington. But Clark wants to discuss the reforms that are actually needed as the USPS has seen declines in the mail they deliver. It looks like federal student loans will continue to see payment and interest deferral for the rest of the year due to the President's executive order. There's also a new proposal to change the way income based repayment works which would create some much needed simplification. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.14.20 Cutting items from your budget to save more; Clark Stinks
Clark encourages people to look over their spending for the past month or two. Are you still spending on gym memberships or other recurring subscriptions that you aren't really using right now? Cancel them out of your life! Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours to: Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.13.20 iBonds could be a great savings vehicle; Grocery shortages
With rates dropping quickly for savers, iBonds could be a great place to put some money you want liquid in order to get a better return. Some items are still hard to find at the grocery store. Clark talks about what is going on and the price inflation we're starting to see on lots of grocery items. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.12.20 How unemployment benefits will work under the executive order; Prepaid cell phone plan deals
The President's executive order extends federal unemployment benefits. But what will that look like on the ground in the states? Clark discusses. Boost Mobile has a new $10 a month plan! Clark talks about that and some of the other best deals right now on cell service. You could save hundreds of dollars a year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.11.20 Watch out for these bill scams; Insurance company access to your medical records
People are getting bill collection notifications via text or email that are scams. Especially in these emotional times, be vigilant for scam artists trying to get your personal or financial information. Life insurance companies want access to medical records in order to speed up life insurance purchases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.10.20 Eviction fears & potential for stimulus action; Chaotic start to school year
Clark discusses the difficulty many are having as federal unemployment benefits run dry in the absence of another stimulus bill. It could lead to an increase in evictions if the federal government doesn't pass another bill soon. The school year is getting off to a rocky start in many places. As some kids are doing remote learning, others have gone back in person. And the difference in safety precautions varies greatly by school district. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.7.20 Gold and precious metals have been on a tear; Clark Stinks
Gold prices have been soaring. And the gold bugs are touting gold to the masses as the best investment strategy. Clark talks about how you should think about gold in your investment portfolio. Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours to: Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.6.20 Credit lines being cut; AT&T rapidly losing customers
Credit card limits are being cut for many customers by the banks. This is going to drastically hurt the credit scores of many - and in the midst of a pandemic. AT&T is having an incredibly tough time. The company is losing massive amounts of subscribers which is crushing revenue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.5.20 Self storage units having a tough time; Half of Americans see income drop
With more Americans staying put and hunkering down, the storage unit industry is hurting in a big way. A new survey from Bankrate shows that almost 50% of Americans have had a reduction in income because of Covid. Pay cuts and furloughs have made things much harder on a lot of folks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.4.20 Why Roth 401k's are better; Fast food rewards programs
Roth 401k's make more sense than traditional 401k's for a lot of people. Clark discusses why that is the case. Wendy's has launched a rewards program. Starbucks just made changes to its rewards program. Clark talks about which ones he uses and how he's able to use these rewards programs and apps in order to score discounts and free food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8.3.20 Qualifying for food stamps; Protecting your email privacy
Are you eligible for food stamps? Many more Americans might qualify right now. A new email service will charge you $100 a year for an email address but they offer you privacy in return. Clark has other free options that he shares also. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.31.20 Overworked pharmacists making more prescription mistakes; Clark Stinks
CVS in Oklahoma was fined for prescription errors and poor staffing. Pharmacists need to be treated better! Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours to: Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.30.20 Websites that help end of life planning; Major discounts available for monitored driving
Lantern and Cake are newer websites that do a great job helping people plan for the future and do some estate planning. If you will let your insurance company monitor your driving you can score some major discounts and save a lot of money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.29.20 Amazon & Walmart changing checkout experience and robots that cook; Acorns Early to save for your child
Amazon has created a new shopping cart that allows you to skip the checkout line. Walmart is working on something similar that will create efficiency and limit human contact. Acorns has created Acorns Early to help you start invest for your child's future. If you have a child born in 2020 the account is free until they turn 18! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.28.20 How to handle health insurance if you've been laid off; Is now a good time to buy a home?
In some states, almost 1/4 of citizens are without health coverage due to the pandemic and having lost their job. Clark talks about where to look for healthcare coverage. You should specifically look to the healthcare exchange at Healthcare.gov. You may be eligible for a heavily subsidized policy if your income has been drastically reduced. Clark discusses the state of the housing market and how things are shaping up in regards to inventory and pricing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.27.20 Walgreens is adding doctors offices across the country; Credit card debt is shrinking
Pharmaceutical chain Walgreens will be adding doctors offices to stores around the country. The Walgreens model will be unique as you'll be able to see a primary care doctor there. People are paying down credit card debt in a big way since the pandemic began. This is great news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.24.20 Garmin breach has major ramifications; Clark Stinks
Garmin services went down after a ransomware attack. This affects user data for Garmin users but the implications of this breach go even further. Clark discusses. Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours to: Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.23.20 Unemployment & possible stimulus measures; Instacart customer data leak
Stimulus bill talks are heating up in Washington. As Covid cases are increasing in many states, legislators are starting to talk about what it should look like to provide further financial relief to affected Americans. Buzzfeed News is reporting that the personal information of Instacart shoppers is being sold online. This includes names, addresses, credit card data, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.22.20 Walmart won't be open on Thanksgiving; College tuition cuts
Black Friday is going to be very different this year. Walmart has announced that they won't be open on Thanksgiving and that will likely cause a lot of other retailers to follow suit. Some universities are offering tuition discounts this year. Others aren't. Clark gives alternatives to consider if the school you or your child attends isn't offering a Covid discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.21.20 Getting out of a lease; Crowded flights
As states and municipalities begin to do away with eviction moratoriums, it's important to know how to protect yourself. Clark discusses how you can work with your landlord to potentially get out of a lease. Flights are getting more crowded as more people get back onto airplanes. Clark discusses the specific airline passenger limits and what you need to know before you fly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.20.20 Potential Covid stimulus package; Retailer mask requirements
Different stimulus proposals are making the rounds. Clark discusses what he believes will be a part of the next relief package. Major retailers are now requiring that you wear a mask in order to shop in person. And as the biggest retailers in the country have developed policies, many smaller businesses are following suit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.17.20 Mortgage rates decline further; Clark Stinks
Mortgage rates have fallen. And you can now get a 30-year mortgage under 3%! Clark is a big fan of 15-year mortgages though because of the even lower rates those carry. Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours to: Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.16.20 Bitcoin scam hacks prominent Twitter users; Small business bankruptcy tips
Hackers broke into the Twitter accounts of prominent politicians and business leaders to send a message about a Bitcoin scam that claimed to double people's money. It's easier than ever for small businesses to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Clark tells you what you need to know if your business is in big financial trouble right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.15.20 Walmart now requiring masks to be worn; New data on the economic recovery
Walmart is going to require customers to wear masks starting July 20. Clark discusses new data on the economic recovery. He talks about which sectors are doing well and which ones aren't - and how that's affecting jobs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.14.20 The economy, jobs, and the potential for more stimulus; Travel safety and booking
Clark talks about what is currently happening in the economy as Covid cases rise in many states. Booking travel is still fraught with issues right now. Clark discusses how to think about safety when traveling and booking travel in the midst of the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.13.20 Tax filing deadline quickly approaching; Ford promises to buy back cars if you lose your job
The deadline to file your taxes is on Wednesday. And Clark discusses the importance of filing a return no matter what your situation is. Auto manufacturer Ford promises to take back any Ford car that you buy if you lose your job - as long as you finance your vehicle with Ford as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.10.20 Why you need to drive your car even if you have nowhere to go; Getting conference calls right
Because of Covid, cars are being driven a lot less. And some animals are finding a new home. So Clark discusses how to take care of your car and keep it in good shape even if you don't have anywhere you need to drive. Conference calls can be a frustrating new part of your daily life. Clark talks about how you can make them easier and less annoying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.9.20 People are adopting pandemic puppies; Investing gets cheaper as fund fees fall
People are buying a lot of puppies and other pets because of the pandemic. Clark makes a pitch for getting a rescue puppy. Investing continues to get cheaper for the average American. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.8.20 How you bank will change because of Covid; How restaurants will survive - takeout
It seems like every sector of the economy is impacted by Covid in one way or another. Banking is no different. Clark talks about how your relationship with your bank will change because of the virus. Takeout is becoming incredibly important to the survival of local restaurants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.7.20 Companies now doing curbside pickup; 71% of Americans think their retirement is destroyed
Curbside pickup is becoming more normal these days. And even major companies like Aldi and Sam's Club have both started doing curbside pickup. A large percentage of Americans feel like their retirement has been destroyed because of Covid's effects on the economy and the stock market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.6.20 Best customer service cell phone companies; Cities redesigning streets for bike commuting
The ACSI just came out and lists the cell phone companies that have the best customer service. Covid-19 has caused some cities to look at how they design for alternative forms of transportation - and many are prioritizing bike commuting right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.3.20 Community college saves you money; Clark Stinks
Community college is a big time money saver. And it might make even more sense for lots of kids in the Fall. Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours to: Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.2.20 Millions of loan payments being skipped; How to approach investing if you are near retirement
Millions of loan payments aren't being made right now. But it's actually not as bad as some people thought it might be. Many near-retirees are having a hard time thinking about how they should handle their investments right now. Clark gives his thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7.1.20 Travel insurance problems; People are moving all across the country
The travel insurance industry has had massive problems during the pandemic. Clark tells you how to buy travel insurance moving forward. People are moving across the country in much greater numbers right now for more opportunities or a better life. Remote work is definitely contributing to this as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.30.20 Keep your food fresh longer; Is now a good time to re-balance your retirement portfolio?
There are ways to keep your food fresh for longer. And it's more important as grocery prices continue to rise. Re-balancing your portfolio can be important from time to time. And right after stocks have moved a good bit might mean it's wise to check your holding. But remember, it's important to keep your time horizon in mind before you make any changes too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.29.20 New 401k rules could wreak havoc on your account; Asking for a raise
New 401k rules allow for individual investors to invest in private equity. Clark is not a fan of this. Clark gives suggestions on how to ask for a raise...and actually get one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.26.20 Americans are returning to car dealerships; Clark Stinks
Most people thought that car buying would take place online in the future - in large part as a response to the pandemic. But Americans are already returning to car dealerships! Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours to: Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.25.20 Walmart expands education benefit to include skilled trades; Vanguard's super-cheap digital advisor
Walmart is offering its workers increased access to education benefits that go beyond just getting a college degree. Vanguard's digital advisor service is making robo-advising even cheaper and more accessible for people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.24.20 Banks took in $11 billion in overdraft fees in 2019; Pay cuts are becoming more common
Overdraft fees are the worst. Mostly because they can be avoided! Pay cuts have become more common during the pandemic. Many employers are choosing pay reductions instead of letting employees go completely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.23.20 Watch out for unused gift cards; Debt collectors increase aggressive tactics
Unused gift cards need to be used as soon as possible. As more retailers file for bankruptcy those gift cards become worthless. Debt collectors are taking more aggressive tactics to claw back money from people that owe. Clark tells you what to watch out for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.22.20 Beware credit card fraud; Renter background checks are flawed
As we do more shopping online, scammers are more likely to take over individual credit card accounts. So freeze your credit and check your statements and watch out for phishing scams. Renter background checks help landlords decide who they will rent to. But they aren't always accurate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.19.20 Last-minute Father's Day thoughts; Clark Stinks
Clark talks about what to do for your dad in the middle of a pandemic. Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with Clark. Submit yours to: Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.18.20 Spending from high-income earners is down; Getting PPP forgiveness and getting your stimulus money
Clark discusses the current state of the economy including what is happening with unemployment. Also, high earners in society have been spending a whole lot less which isn't helping the recovery. Getting PPP forgiveness will be easier for small businesses with smaller PPP loans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.17.20 Target raising minimum wage to $15 an hour; T-Mobile outage and communicating when networks go down
Target is raising the minimum wage. Pay has gotten much better for retail workers in recent years and that trend is continuing. T-Mobile experienced a massive network outage yesterday. Clark talks about what went down and how you should look to communicate in case your internet or cell network goes down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6.16.20 Retail sales are up; EIDL loans are again available for small business owners
Retail sales rose a record 18% in May. That's the biggest monthly increase since 1992. Clark discusses what this means for the economy. The SBA EIDL program has been hard to follow with rules that have changed frequently. But the SBA just re-opened EIDL loans for small businesses who have been hit hard by the pandemic. You can call 1-800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices