Episodes
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Later, everyone said the touchscreen ordering systems at places like McDonalds were going to cost jobs, but have they? Clark shares some interesting findings and historical perspective on how technology affects jobs. We’re off Thanksgiving week but will post some favorite episodes. If you’re shopping deals, make sure you’re subscribed to our Clarkdeals.com newsletter. The team will...
Published 11/22/24
Published 11/22/24
We’re one week out from Thanksgiving, and holiday shopping is in full swing. One thing to consider - return policies. Clark has a personal story to share that saved him big money. Also, this season of giving arrives with credit card debt at an all-time high. A Clark smart assignment for you.  Return Policies: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Debt: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Phone Plan Finder – Find and Compare Phone Plans - Clark.com Budgeting...
Published 11/21/24
Today,  a special guest joins the show - Charis from our ClarkDeals team shares the best deals of the holiday season and what to look out for. Also today, Clark lends perspective on post election confusion around the stock market right now.  Holiday Deals: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Direction For Investors: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: CLARK DEALS How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps Best 529 College Savings Plans By State NYTimes: Even at a Time...
Published 11/20/24
Buying a home vs renting is a tougher decision these days, with several factors and new considerations to keep in mind. Also in this episode, since the long term care insurance industry is broken and financially prohibitive in its present collapsed state, how do you prepare for the assistance you may need in old age? Renting Vs Buying A Home: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Long Term Care: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best Online Banks: Free Checking and...
Published 11/19/24
Pensions are relics and 401(k)s are problematic. We need a rethink on how we save for retirement, and how we allocate those savings with the certainty that people won’t outlive their money. A solution is out there, and Clark shares that with you today. Also, Clark breaks down the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle many find themselves in, and how for some earners, it’s entirely possible to break that cycle.  Solving Saving For Retirement: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Marginal Propensity To...
Published 11/18/24
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, the percentage of people being taken by scams continues to rise. Know how to recognize the common themes in prevalent scams right now in order to better protect yourself. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Scam Recognition-Prevention: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Consumer Reports: Best Most Reliable Used Cars Roth vs. Traditional 401(k):...
Published 11/15/24
It’s important to protect your privacy online and there are some simple things you can do to stop the sharing of your data when visiting websites. Also, Clark shares news on the state of the auto industry, and what it means for car buyers.  Protecting Online Privacy: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Auto Industry Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Safe Browser Alternatives That Promise Not To Track You Want To Guard Your Privacy Online? Search the Web With...
Published 11/14/24
Amazon and Walmart are retail behemoths in a market share fight, and Clark shares 2 new ways you can benefit, including a discount deal on gas. Also today, how much does mindset play into your success at work? More than you think! Amazon & Walmart+: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Positivity - It Really Works: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Amazon Prime introduces a new benefit to save on gas USA TODAY: Walmart unveils Black Friday plans: When customers can...
Published 11/13/24
Are you a part of the sandwich generation, caring for children and parents at the same time? Clark talks about the unique challenges involved, and ways to prepare if you foresee this often difficult squeezeplay in your future. Also today, as we move into the winter weather holiday travel season, Clark shares strategies for dealing with delayed or canceled flights. The Sandwich Generation: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Holiday Flight Tips: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the...
Published 11/12/24
A Special Veterans Day Thanks To All Who Have Served, Past, Present and Future. Today Clark goes back to basics, explaining how to determine if a robo advisor or a financial planner is best for you. Also, how rent control can distort a market and limit housing supply. Investment Advisors: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Rent Control: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Who Should Use a Robo-Advisor? (Clark.com) Investing: Self-Directed vs. Robo-Advisor vs. Financial...
Published 11/11/24
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Clark shares insights from his man on the street retirement survey. Hear the questions he put to those surveyed and see how your answers compare.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 What Clark’s Retirement MOTS Survey Reveals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Walmart+ Membership Program: 4 Things To Know These Are the Credit Cards in Clark...
Published 11/08/24
A trend among young adults economists call “doom spending” is of concern. Clark addresses why this is happening and offers a different perspective. Also today - why it’s so important to be an advocate for yourself when it comes to your health, and Clark is living proof.  Costly Pessimism: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 YOU Are Your Best Health Advocate: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Should You Ever Lease a Car? CarMax vs. Carvana: A First-Hand Experience...
Published 11/07/24
TV viewers endure an unrelenting barrage of pharmaceutical ads. A recent study reveals information about these ads that every consumer needs to know, plus hear Clark’s recommendation for vetting medicines. Also, mortgage holders with high interest rates are waiting to refinance, but there’s another payment strategy that can save you big bucks over time.  Drug Ad Deceptions: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Mortgage Pay Down Method: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the...
Published 11/06/24
Today - remember shrinkflation? It’s not entirely over but some manufacturers have heard the complaints and are changing course. Also - There are sundry reports these days about post-pandemic young workers having difficulty landing jobs and adapting to new work places. Job interviews have changed and it’s vitally important to understand the basics of how to prepare and conduct yourself during an interview for employment.  Shrinkflation Reversal: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Job Interview...
Published 11/05/24
The stock market is overvalued these days so many are concerned about a coming correction or bear market. Hear Clark’s take on how best to move forward with your investment goals. Also today, two ways of paying for items over time that Clark wholeheartedly does NOT recommend.  Clark Smart Investing: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 2 Payment Schemes To Avoid: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Investing & Retirement Archives - Clark Howard Warning: How To Avoid...
Published 11/04/24
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Clark compares the cost of food prepared at home vs eating out. New data on total meal spending shows where we can save more on overall food costs.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Save On Food Costs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 401(k) Rollover: How To Roll Over a 401(k) How Much of Each Paycheck You Should Save or Invest 10 Ways To...
Published 11/01/24
Home Depot is doing something that all employers should do. Clark talks about what distinguishes a winning corporate culture. Also today, Help Wanted: electricians, plumbers, CPAs, air traffic controllers, police officers and more. Clark shares opportunities for employment that empower workers to create financial security and personal wealth.  Employers Should Know: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Employment Opportunities: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: AutoSlash...
Published 10/31/24
Clark discusses the societal changes in how college costs are trending now, the existing burden of student loan debt, and the best way to save in a 529 Plan. Also today, Clark has news on the car insurance front. The cycle has turned. Brace for good news and know how to make the most of it. How To Choose A 529 Plan: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Auto Insurance Update: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Best 529 College Savings Plans By State How To Save Money With...
Published 10/30/24
Not only does carrying the burden of debt create an enormous amount of stress, but a new poll shows that it affects so much more. Clark discusses how it can even affect your career mobility. Also, Clark talks about the best deals in reliable used cars right now. Debt Paralysis: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Best Deals In Used Cars: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Debt Archives - Clark Howard Should You Ever Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room? Your Guide to DIY...
Published 10/29/24
Yesterday Clark talked about using credit cards responsibly to your advantage. Today Clark discusses why he refers to the debit card as a “piece of trash fake Visa”.  Know the risks of debit card use.  Also - The big pharmacy chains are closing hundreds of stores, and Clark wants to make sure you’re aware of another option for lower cost prescriptions that’s also convenient. Piece Of Trash That Burns Your Cash: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Rx For Less: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment...
Published 10/28/24
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, there’s a market share war with credit card companies. Competition is hot. So how do you choose? Clark has updated his cards and offers a new tool to help you choose the best credit cards for you. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Clark Smart Credit Cards: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These...
Published 10/25/24
Shopping season is upon us and the use of payment apps is commonplace, but more fraud protections are needed. Know the safest way to use these apps including Venmo, Zelle, Cash App & PayPal. Also, when using credit cards, though it hasn’t been required in years, many retailers still have you sign the receipt. Clark has a good idea why that’s happening.  Payment App Precautions: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Receipts: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the...
Published 10/24/24
Independent retail chains selling gas and food are becoming an economic force benefiting consumers. So what are the best convenience store chains in the nation? Clark delivers new rankings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Also today - One reason the U.S. economy is faring better than most other developed economies in the world is American entrepreneurship. Covid era startups have created over 7 million American jobs. Clark speaks to the potential entrepreneur in...
Published 10/23/24
Our Consumer Action Center is getting a lot of calls about a growing text message scam that appears to be from your credit card company. Know how to spot it so you don’t get taken. Also, Clark shares some ways restaurants at all levels are exploring ways to cut costs. Know what to look for to save more on dining out, including smaller portions for less money. Credit Card Text Scams: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 SAVE MORE Eating Out: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the...
Published 10/22/24