The Clark Howard Podcast

9.29.20 Supermarkets are stocked for Fall; How to negotiate rent with your landlord

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Supermarkets are stocking up before Fall hits in case there's a surge in Covid cases. Apartment vacancies are up. So there's more room for you to neg...

9.28.20 Voters are less divided than our politicians; Amazon Prime Day + Ring drone camera

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Americans are actually less divided than our elected officials seem to be. They tend to agree on fiscal policy like the minimum wage and affordable ch...

9.25.20 Cheaper batteries are lowering energy costs; Clark Stinks

25 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tesla is leading the charge towards cheaper batteries. And that is going to have a major impact on consumer energy bills going forward. Kim and Joel ...

9.24.20 Housing market inventory is crazy low, driving up prices; Car insurance claim estimator

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Fewer Americans are listing their homes for sale. And as interest rates continue to remain low, that is driving up home prices. Artificial intelligen...

9.23.20 New independent contractor rule; Southwest companion pass offer

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A new rule gives employers more leeway when it comes to how they classify employees. Clark discusses the pros and cons of this move as well as how emp...

9.22.20 What to do with overwhelming hospital bills; How small businesses are faring

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark discusses how to handle overwhelming hospital bills. It's absolutely crucial not to pay that bill with a credit card. There are some positive s...

9.21.20 Fighting back against an unlawful eviction; Walmart raising pay

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There is a federal moratorium on evicting tenants who can't pay right now. Clark discusses free software that is available to help you fight back if y...

9.18.20 Why delaying social security payments is so important; Clark Stinks

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of Americans opt to take social security when they are first eligible. But this can cost you a whole lot of money in the long run. Clark discuss...

9.17.20 The telemedicine boom; Good news for job seekers

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Telemedicine is taking off right now. And it's actually better for your health, too. There are all sorts of positive signs in the job market. Clark t...

9.16.20 Employees love working from home, but many employers don't love it; Football is back!

16 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Stats show that Americans who have been able to work from home during the pandemic would love to be able to continue doing so when things get back to ...

9.15.20 Americans are saving more right now; USPS prescription delivery delays

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many Americans who can are saving more of their income. This bodes well as the economy continues to recover as the spenders will be able to meaningful...

9.14.20 The wildfires in California; The cell phone price wars intensify

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark talks about what has led to the wildfires in California and what policies need to be implemented to avoid such devastation in the future. Link ...

9.11.20 Special Edition: Navigating Your Finances in the Pandemic Economy

11 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark talks about how the economy has changed since Covid-19 became a reality in our lives. And his wife Lane joins him to pose your questions - all o...

9.10.20 Christmas sales in October; The used car shortage

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Retailers are likely to start offering bargains earlier than normal this year. You could find some great bargains in October instead of having to wait...

9.9.20 Mint Mobile launches cheap unlimited cell plan; FedEx is hiring

09 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you need unlimited data, Mint Mobile just launched one of the best plans that is pretty inexpensive - only $30 a month when you pay up front. Check...

9.8.20 The unbalanced stock market; How the eviction moratorium works

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The stock market has started to experience some volatility - particularly in the tech sector. Clark talks about how that should impact how you invest ...

9.7.20 New car recall tool; Dollar stores become more popular as consumers are still hurting

07 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

NHTSA has released a new free app that makes it easy for consumers to check for any outstanding recalls on their vehicle. Dollar store chains are sta...

9.4.20 Walmart Plus takes aim at Amazon Prime; Clark Stinks

04 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Walmart Plus just launched with a $98 annual fee in an attempt to take market share from Amazon. The perks will include fast shipping on a lot of item...

9.3.20 Why you should wait to buy an iPhone; States are having financial difficulties

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Apple will be releasing 5G iPhones in the Fall. Don't buy an iPhone until those are released! Clark talks about the states that are having the most f...

9.2.20 Federal reserve won't worry about inflation; Companies forbid employees to talk about Covid diagnosis

02 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Federal reserve has signaled that it won't do much to reign in inflation right now. Clark discusses what that means for your money in the near fut...

9.1.20 Executive order confusion and stimulus package progress; More airlines drop change fees + flying cars

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark talks about how the executive orders are rolling out. And will there be another stimulus package? It's likely. But it's hard to know when Congre...

8.31.20 Clark talks prostate cancer and improving your eating habits; United scraps ticket change fees

31 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark was diagnosed with prostate cancer over a decade ago. But he's in great health still. Staying healthy is important for so many reasons, and your...

8.28.20 Now is an ideal rate to shop around for car/home insurance; Clark Stinks

28 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Insurance companies are raking in the profit right now as crime is down and people are driving less. That makes this an excellent time for you to shop...

8.27.20 New refinance fee postponed; Why freezing your credit is SO important now

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The new refi fee that Clark talked about last week is being postponed until December. And borrowers who are refinancing smaller loans won't see it at ...

8.26.20 Knowing your home's flood risk; Rip-off schools

26 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

FloodFactor.com is a great website that can help you assess your home's flood risk. And if you are at a higher risk, you can get flood insurance prett...

8.25.20 IRS to stop sending tax notices for now; Schwab's new free planning tool

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

IRS will stop sending tax notices for now until it clears through a backlog of mailed in returns. Charles Schwab has a new tool to help with retireme...

8.24.20 Zoom crash this morning + alternatives; The K-shaped look of the economic recovery

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 conferenc...

8.21.20 Click & collect is the present and the future; Clark Stinks

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Retailers like Target are crushing it right now - in large part because they have done an incredible job with click & collect. Clark loves buying stuf...

8.20.20 Amazon's sale of faulty goods; What's up with the next stimulus bill?

20 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

8.19.20 Stock market reaches new highs; Flexible leases are more common

19 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

8.18.20 New fees for refinancing; Apple & Google's monopolistic tendencies

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

8.17.20 What's happening with the post office?; Student loan executive order details + a new proposal for student loan forgiveness

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 refo...

8.14.20 Cutting items from your budget to save more; Clark Stinks

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark encourages people to look over their spending for the past month or two. Are you still spending on gym memberships or other recurring subscripti...

8.13.20 iBonds could be a great savings vehicle; Grocery shortages

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

8.12.20 How unemployment benefits will work under the executive order; Prepaid cell phone plan deals

12 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The President's executive order extends federal unemployment benefits. But what will that look like on the ground in the states? Clark discusses. Boo...

8.11.20 Watch out for these bill scams; Insurance company access to your medical records

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

People are getting bill collection notifications via text or email that are scams. Especially in these emotional times, be vigilant for scam artists t...

8.10.20 Eviction fears & potential for stimulus action; Chaotic start to school year

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

8.7.20 Gold and precious metals have been on a tear; Clark Stinks

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 thin...

8.6.20 Credit lines being cut; AT&T rapidly losing customers

06 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

8.5.20 Self storage units having a tough time; Half of Americans see income drop

05 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 5...

8.4.20 Why Roth 401k's are better; Fast food rewards programs

04 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

8.3.20 Qualifying for food stamps; Protecting your email privacy

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

7.31.20 Overworked pharmacists making more prescription mistakes; Clark Stinks

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

CVS in Oklahoma was fined for prescription errors and poor staffing. Pharmacists need to be treated better! Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks poste...

7.30.20 Websites that help end of life planning; Major discounts available for monitored driving

30 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 insuranc...

7.29.20 Amazon & Walmart changing checkout experience and robots that cook; Acorns Early to save for your child

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

7.28.20 How to handle health insurance if you've been laid off; Is now a good time to buy a home?

28 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

7.27.20 Walgreens is adding doctors offices across the country; Credit card debt is shrinking

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 se...

7.24.20 Garmin breach has major ramifications; Clark Stinks

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Garmin services went down after a ransomware attack. This affects user data for Garmin users but the implications of this breach go even further. Clar...

7.23.20 Unemployment & possible stimulus measures; Instacart customer data leak

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

7.22.20 Walmart won't be open on Thanksgiving; College tuition cuts

22 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

7.21.20 Getting out of a lease; Crowded flights

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

7.20.20 Potential Covid stimulus package; Retailer mask requirements

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Different stimulus proposals are making the rounds. Clark discusses what he believes will be a part of the next relief package. Major retailers are n...

7.17.20 Mortgage rates decline further; Clark Stinks

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

7.16.20 Bitcoin scam hacks prominent Twitter users; Small business bankruptcy tips

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hackers broke into the Twitter accounts of prominent politicians and business leaders to send a message about a Bitcoin scam that claimed to double pe...

7.15.20 Walmart now requiring masks to be worn; New data on the economic recovery

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

7.14.20 The economy, jobs, and the potential for more stimulus; Travel safety and booking

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 no...

7.13.20 Tax filing deadline quickly approaching; Ford promises to buy back cars if you lose your job

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 manufac...

7.10.20 Why you need to drive your car even if you have nowhere to go; Getting conference calls right

10 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

7.9.20 People are adopting pandemic puppies; Investing gets cheaper as fund fees fall

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

7.8.20 How you bank will change because of Covid; How restaurants will survive - takeout

08 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

7.7.20 Companies now doing curbside pickup; 71% of Americans think their retirement is destroyed

07 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 lar...

7.6.20 Best customer service cell phone companies; Cities redesigning streets for bike commuting

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 de...

7.3.20 Community college saves you money; Clark Stinks

03 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 post...

7.2.20 Millions of loan payments being skipped; How to approach investing if you are near retirement

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

7.1.20 Travel insurance problems; People are moving all across the country

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The travel insurance industry has had massive problems during the pandemic. Clark tells you how to buy travel insurance moving forward. People are mo...

6.30.20 Keep your food fresh longer; Is now a good time to re-balance your retirement portfolio?

30 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 imp...

6.29.20 New 401k rules could wreak havoc on your account; Asking for a raise

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

6.26.20 Americans are returning to car dealerships; Clark Stinks

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ret...

6.25.20 Walmart expands education benefit to include skilled trades; Vanguard's super-cheap digital advisor

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Walmart is offering its workers increased access to education benefits that go beyond just getting a college degree. Vanguard's digital advisor servi...

6.24.20 Banks took in $11 billion in overdraft fees in 2019; Pay cuts are becoming more common

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Overdraft fees are the worst. Mostly because they can be avoided! Pay cuts have become more common during the pandemic. Many employers are choosing p...

6.23.20 Watch out for unused gift cards; Debt collectors increase aggressive tactics

23 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

6.22.20 Beware credit card fraud; Renter background checks are flawed

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

6.19.20 Last-minute Father's Day thoughts; Clark Stinks

19 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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. Su...

6.18.20 Spending from high-income earners is down; Getting PPP forgiveness and getting your stimulus money

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark discusses the current state of the economy including what is happening with unemployment. Also, high earners in society have been spending a who...

6.17.20 Target raising minimum wage to $15 an hour; T-Mobile outage and communicating when networks go down

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

6.16.20 Retail sales are up; EIDL loans are again available for small business owners

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

6.15.20 Hertz selling off cars in its fleet; The riskiest activities to partake in during Covid-19 pandemic

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hertz is selling off cars. But should you buy one? Clark tells you what to watch out for and what is important when buying a used car. Certain activi...

6.12.20 Monitoring your credit score is even more important right now; Clark Stinks

12 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With many payments being deferred right now some creditors are making inaccurate reports to the credit bureaus. So watch your credit score closely! K...

6.11.20 Why the stock market fell today; Amazon creates small business lines of credit

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The stock market took a big dip today. There are a few reasons for this and Clark explains. Amazon and Goldman Sachs have joined together to offer s...

6.10.20 So many good deals right now!; Small investors are taking big risks

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clarkdeals.com has been busy because deals currently abound. Clark talks about the best deals he's currently seeing. Small investors are buying incre...

6.9.20 Car prices are going up; Some stimulus payments coming via debit card

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Used car prices had fallen a good bit recently because of the pandemic. But the time for used car deals is over as demand has skyrocketed. Some peopl...

6.8.20 Are we still in a recession?; Ticketmaster's new refund policy

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some economists are saying that we aren't in a recession any longer. That's hard to understand when unemployment is still off the charts. Clark discus...

6.5.20 Should kids go back to school?; Why CD's might be a great place for your money right now

05 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark talks about the great dilemma of whether or not schools should open in the Fall. Rates for taking on student loans in the Fall have plummeted. ...

6.4.20 Employers can allow you to change your health plan; Popular pandemic scams

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The CARES Act allows employers to make a decision on whether or not you can change the healthcare plan you are currently enrolled in. There are more ...

6.3.20 Store brands are having a moment; Paying your rent

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Store brands and generics are doing incredibly well right now. But they have always been a good money saving idea. A lot of people are having a tough...

6.2.20 Amazon is releasing a new Fire HD tablet; PayPal's new credit card is actually great

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Amazon has solid tablets at really great prices. And they have just released a new version. PayPal's older credit card offering just wasn't that grea...

6.1.20 Advice for people looking for a job; People are driving again in bigger numbers

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark discusses how you should go about job hunting in today's environment. People are starting to drive again in larger numbers. Gas prices are lowe...

5.29.20 Small businesses ditching delivery services; Avoid using these apps for payments especially with current Covid scams

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Delivery services cost small businesses money. So many are opting to ditch the delivery services and Clark discusses how you can continue to support t...

5.28.20 Average monthly expenses survey; What foods are making a comeback right now

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark goes over a survey that shows what the average monthly expenses are for Americans. Some of the big food products, especially snack foods, are c...

5.27.20 Staying safe in hotels this Summer; Fiduciary disclosure coming to your mailbox

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you are traveling this Summer, if you are staying in a hotel, it's important to stay safe. Clark tells you how to do that. An awkward and opaque...

5.26.20 Navigating Cobra insurance benefits; How students should think about school in the Fall

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cobra benefits are going to be offered to you if you lose your job in many cases. But those benefits can be EXPENSIVE. Clark discusses what the decisi...

5.25.20 Walmart Express offers 2-hour delivery; Home prices are actually rising right now

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Walmart just launched Walmart Express which promises 2-hour delivery. Many people assumed that home prices would fall as a result of the pandemic and...

5.22.20 Restaurants incur higher expenses start surcharging customers; Clark Stinks

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some restaurants have come under fire for charging Covid-related surcharges. But the revenue is down and expenses are up for most local restaurants. ...

5.21.20 How the life insurance industry is changing; Where the hiring is actually happening

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

At-home exams for life insurance are starting to become the norm instead of being the exception to the rule. Buy life insurance on the internet in ord...

5.20.20 Getting debt relief from financial institutions is hard right now; Second home communities will hurt for a while

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The phone lines could be tied up at your bank or lender as MANY people are seeking relief. Clark tells you what to do. Second home communities will l...

5.19.20 Walmart earnings soar; Cyber insurance is more necessary now - and more costly

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Walmart has been one of the biggest quarantine winners as earnings have gone up substantially. Cyber insurance is becoming an even bigger necessity ...

5.18.20 New mortgage forbearance rules; Stock market pivoting positive on vaccination progress

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

New mortgage forbearance rules are great for people who are having a hard time paying their mortgage right now. The stock market is doing well today ...

5.15.20 Retail sales plummet 16% in April; Clark Stinks

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Retail sales were even worse in April than economists expected. Clark Stinks is back! You can contribute to this segment by sharing the ways you thin...

5.14.20 New PPP loan guidance; Credit report protections in the CARES Act

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some really helpful guidance on the PPP loans just came out. In particular, the SBA is providing safe harbor for PPP loans under $2 million. Your cre...

5.13.20 Grocery costs have soared; Watch out for Coronavirus misinformation

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark talks about how consumer purchasing has changed...and groceries have quickly gotten more expensive. Misinformation about the virus is rampant -...