The Clark Howard Podcast

Google has a new USB security key and there are other companies selling these as well. They could save you from hackers; Merrill Lynch is scrapping its plan to be a fiduciary. Not cool; Products for aging baby boomers are, well, booming! Some of these products could be amazingly helpful for your aging parents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a new driving app that helps your family drive more safely; Google is working to shut down customer support number scams; The FIRE movement is all about financial independence. Clark talks to producer Joel about the specifics of the movement and how it is gaining ground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christa reads listener posts about how Clark has missed the mark in his advice this week. If you have a "Clark Stinks" to share you can leave it here; Credit freezes are free now as of today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google and T-Mobile have made it much easier to call 911 from your cell phone; Watch out for food fraud in your local grocery store and in nearby restaurants; There's a new great place to buy used cars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will the tariffs and trade war with China impact the holiday shopping season? Clark explains; Ancestry.com updated its ethnicity criteria and some people are reeling from it; One life insurance provider has introduced an incentive for policy holders to get or stay healthy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch out for this social security scam. Clark bring David Lazarus of the LA Times on to discuss; Amazon has a problem with employees taking bribes to delete bad reviews for certain products; You can avoid baggage fees a few specific ways. Clark discusses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you best help the victims devastated by Hurricane Florence? Clark tells you; A new proposal could allow teenagers to drive big rigs across the country. That's scary!; What happens to your personal information when you take an at-home DNA test...Clark tells you how to protect your information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christa reads listener posts about how Clark has missed the mark in his advice this week. If you have a "Clark Stinks" to share you can leave it here; Banks are now offering the equivalent to payday loans...at much lower interest rates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Verizon is launching in-home 5G in less than two months; United Airlines wants families to spend more to sit together on its airplanes. Clark takes the CEO to task; Big pharma price gouging continues yet there are ways for savvy consumers to save on prescription drugs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you believe it? Comcast is doing amazing things to reduce healthcare costs for their employees; Missouri passed a new law that crushes "fake" meat companies; Clark talks about how to prep for a hurricane as Florence approaches the eastern seaboard of the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark reflects on 9/11 on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks; There's a good chance you'll pay more for Rx drugs when you use your insurance vs paying cash; How long should your home appliances last? Clark has info and some advice to go along with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debit card fraud can cost you as the consumer dearly; Non-compete salaries are awful for our country and suppress employee salaries; The real cost of car ownership is far more than you think it is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christa reads listener posts about how Clark has missed the mark in his advice this week. If you have a "Clark Stinks" to share you can leave it here; A millennial landlord of a triplex shares her horror story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new iPhone is just about to be released. Clark tells you how long you need to wait in order to get a deal on one; Video game makers are making video games more addictive for kids. And it's becoming a major problem; Clark talks about the pros of flood insurance and how to go about shopping for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL is allowing you to stream local games on your smartphone for free this season; Illinois tried to crack down on P2P car sharing services like Turo; When and how to book Thanksgiving and holiday travel in order to save the most money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Medicare cards are arriving in mailboxes, but scammers are coming out of the woodwork at the same time; Have you seen this scam? Offers for free flights from Delta and other airlines are making their way around the internet...and they look insanely real; Net neutrality is making a comeback thanks to California - but this law could impact all Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Impossible burger is proof that meatless/vegetarian options have come a long, long way; The financial adviser crowd wants you to think that investing is hard. Clark discusses how to go it alone with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christa reads listener posts about how Clark has missed the mark in his advice this week. If you have a "Clark Stinks" to share you can leave it here. Walmart partners with Handy in order to offer inexpensive installation service for certain electronic purchases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark's brother Gary comes on the show to dish the details of how he has been living like a nomad for the past two years. LOTS of actionable travel advice in this fun conversation!; Watch out for this car warranty scam showing up in mailboxes around the country; Google has launched a new Jobs for Veterans service that could go a long way in helping former and current military men and women find jobs that fit their specific skill set. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon is using Sears to do installation of tires that they sell. This could be good for both companies; Paying someone to quit your job for you? It's a thing. And Clark tells you why it's ridiculous; Having trouble saving for retirement? Well, now employers can contribute to your 401k even if you can't because of student loan debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doorbell cameras are almost everywhere now. And they are great for being able to answer your door without actually opening it. But those doorbell cameras have also created some problems and Clark explains; As colleges go back in session there are a couple of major scams that you need to tell your college-age children or friends to be aware of; Personal loans are hot right now. But should you be taking one out? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aretha Franklin, the queen of soul, recently died and left an $80 million fortune. But she didn't have a will. Clark talks about how and why you should create a will. You can also score 50% off on of the best will making software bundles right now on Nolo.com. Verizon left fire fighters in the lurch without data due to terrible customer service and throttling tactics. Chase is going to offer free stock market trades to its customers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christa reads listener posts about how Clark has missed the mark in his advice this week. If you have a "Clark Stinks" to share you can leave it here. Working too hard can be harmful to your health and to the actual work itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vocational training is roaring back into some school districts and calls into question the seemingly common notion that college is valuable for everyone; Facebook met with major banks asking for your banking information. Really!?; SIM card hacking is one of the worst scams around right now. Clark explains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Certified pre-owned cars aren't all they are cracked up to be. Clark tells you what to watch out for any why you should be wary of dealerships selling CPO vehicles; A hacker ring with more than 15 million credit card has been busted up; Neighborhood grocery stores are popping up and serving consumers in ways the major grocery stores just aren't. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark brings LA Times columnist David Lazarus on the show to discuss how he thwarted potential scammers and followed the scam to its logical conclusion; Elon Musk is apparently working 120 hours a week. Working that much actually has harmful effects on your creative output; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have introduced new 3% down mortgages. There are pros and cons to these new offerings and Clark discusses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5G is coming to certain markets by the end of the year. Home internet prices are currently on the rise...but not for long. Clark discusses how 5G technology will create more competition in the home internet space and drive prices down over the long haul.; Clark recounts a story of one man taking the time to help his fellow man having a really difficult time.; Credit scores are going up for many Americans. Clark discusses why that is happening and how you can maximize your credit score. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christa reads listener posts about how Clark has missed the mark in his advice this week. If you have a "Clark Stinks" to share you can leave it here. Very few Tesla's get stolen. And if they do, 99% are recovered. Clark discusses why that is and offers tips on how to prevent your car from being stolen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Solar power is starting to make more and more sense for everyday Americans as prices drop; A neighbor called the cops on a little girl selling cookies at the end of her driveway. That's Clarkrageous!; Vanguard predicts low returns in the market over the next decade. What should we do with that news? Clark gives you his take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most Millennials spend more money eating out than they save for retirement. That's not good!; Auto-pay could be a disaster for your bank account. Clark tells you why to avoid it and how to pay your bills properly; Aldi is massively expanding their stores and their organic food selection. And their prices are still the best around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A DNA breakthrough could mean 23andMe on steroids giving you access to information previously impossible to apprehend; The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issues a $1 penalty to a payday loan scammer. That is Clarkrageous to the max; An internship for older Americans returning to the workforce? Yes! There is training help for you if you are returning to work after an extended absence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The housing market has been incredibly strong for a long time now. But it is finally starting to cool off. Watch out for "vomit fraud" when you take an Uber or Lyft. Clark tells you how to avoid getting a $150 charge that isn't warranted. The CFPB is weakening oversight of potential violations of the Military Lending Act. Clark is not happy about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christa reads listener posts about how Clark has missed the mark in his advice this week. If you have a "Clark Stinks" to share you can leave it here. New study shows that ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are adding to traffic congestion in major metropolitan cities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whole Foods is now offering grocery pickup. Clark tells you opting for grocery pickup can actually save you money. Unregistered adviser charged with lending fraud. Many Americans are now withholding enough for taxes. Don't get caught off guard at tax time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mattress Firm is struggling and bankruptcy is looming as the online mattress sellers continue to grab customers; There are some awesome airfare deals you need to know about. Clark fills you in. CVS is launching a teledoc service where you can have a video call with a doctor about your medical issue at any time of day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cheaper health care plans are coming, but, they won't have as extensive coverage. Fake charities have sprung up attempting to raise money for military veterans. That is Clarkrageous and Clark tells you how to avoid donating to these scam charities. Brand name prices are rising faster than ever, but store brands have become much better through the years. So don't buy the expensive brand name stuff! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fidelity has eliminated all commissions and fees on some of their funds. This is amazing for consumers. Clarkrage: AT&T has let loose a collection agencies on its own former employees. Clark tells you how you can save $1,000 a year by cutting your monthly bills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christa reads listener posts about how Clark has missed the mark in his advice this week. If you have a "Clark Stinks" to share you can leave it here. Clark gives advice on how to shop for health coverage if you reach financial independence and retire early. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bambino app can help you find a trusted babysitter that has been verified by your friends. Clark discusses student loan scams you need to be aware of. The fast food industry had some pretty insidious non-compete tactics but they are fortunately on their way out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AT&T is raising rates on many subscribers, but, it is also offering a new $15 skinny bundle streaming service. Many employees cash out their 401k plans when they leave their employer. Doing that leads to awful consequences. Car manufacturers are making dashboards that are incredibly distracting and could lead to more accidents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the quickest way to make more money? Clark tells you how to maximize your earnings in this economy. Did you know that it is illegal to perform your own eye exam in many states? While apps have made it much easier, governments are making it a whole lot harder. Also, which fast food restaurants get the best ratings and which ones are at the bottom of the barrel? Clark fills you in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple is facing a lawsuit for a monopoly on apps in the iTunes store. In state after state power is still sold to you by monopoly power companies which has led to massive rate increases. Also, the average car isn't in use the vast majority of the time. Consider renting yours out on a site like Turo to make some money of your ride when you aren't using it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics: Clark Stinks; Students are taking on less student loan debt overall...but parents are taking on much larger debt loads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics: Would Universal Basic Income work or is it Utopian madness?; Bad stockbrokers selling "private placements"; Current work from home opportunities and avoiding scams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics: Home improvements that will lowers your insurance costs; An update on Bitcoin; The importance of taking a job in your industry after graduating college Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics: Tariffs could bring meat prices way down...for now; Leasing puppies is now a thing and it is terrible; Annuities are actually less bad than they used to be Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics: Christmas in July! Hiring for Holiday jobs is actually starting now; Wells Fargo refunding millions of customers it ripped off; Zillow Offers can help you sell your home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics: Clark Stinks; Beware of sending checks in the mail because of this scam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics: Variable pricing is extending to movie theaters; Bank and ATM fees are outrageous...and climbing; Could airplanes be self-flying like a Tesla soon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics: What the 5 billion dollar Google fine means to you; MGM suing terror victims is Clarkrageous; A must-hear heartwarming story of generosity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices