The Clark Howard Podcast

11.6.20 The US is poised for a big economic recovery in 2021; Clark Stinks

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It looks like 2021 will be a year of meaningful economic recovery for the USA. Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on the web and share with C...

11.5.20 Stock market soars with divided election results; Important ballot measure results across America

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rates for savers and borrowers are going down while the stock market is reacting with optimism to the election results that we have in hand. Clark ta...

11.4.20 The appliance repair industry is booming; Credit card companies are soliciting new customers

04 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As people are spending more time in their homes, they are starting to spend more to fix them up. That means that the appliance repair industry is seei...

11.3.20 Cruise lines can sail again; Labor department bans ESG investing

03 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cruise ships are now allowed to sail again, but with strict rules to protect health. The Labor Department has issues new rules to prevent ESG investi...

11.2.20 Debt collectors can now reach you through social media; HSA rules for 2021

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Debt collectors will now be allowed to contact you via social media. Clark tells you how to protect yourself in this new era of debt collector access....

10.30.20 How to pick a contractor when renovating; Clark Stinks

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

People are spending meaningful amounts of money to renovate their homes now. Clark talks about how to proceed and what to look for when you're vetting...

10.29.20 Tax bracket changes; 30-40 million Americans facing eviction

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark discusses the tax bracket changes for 2020 and how that impacts the way you handle your money. We're in a tough position in our country. Tens o...

10.28.20 Stock market selloff; T-Mobile's new streaming offering + Boost cuts cell plan price again

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The stock market is having a tough day. Clark talks about how investors are seeing the increase in Covid cases - and how you should approach your inve...

10.27.20 How to handle student loans in 2021; Where you can travel now + middle seat restrictions

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the absence of political action, people with federal student loans will have to start paying on those loans again in January. Clark tells you what ...

10.26.20 What will happen to oil & gas?; Cable data caps burn people working from home

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What will happen to oil and gas as renewables continue to get cheaper and more robust? Clark gives his thoughts. Americans working from home are runn...

10.23.20 Why you should use all your vacation days; Clark Stinks

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As we get closer to the end of the year, make sure that you don't leave any vacation days on the table! Kim and Joel share the Clark Stinks posted on...

10.22.20 What you need to know about open enrollment; How to sell your old cell phone

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Open enrollment starts in early November. Clark tells you what you need to know before open enrollment begins. If you are buying a new cell phone and...

10.21.20 Scam election emails; Fake reviews plague major websites

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Scam emails are flooding inboxes as we draw nearer to the election. The FBI has issued a warning and Clark tells you what to watch out for. Amazon Pr...

10.20.20 Justice department sues Google; What's happening with the economy right now?

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The major tech companies are in hot water in Washington D.C. right now. Clark talks about what's happening and why the lawsuit against Google is makin...

10.19.20 The jobs in high demand; Boeing Max returning to the skies

19 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some jobs are actually in high demand right now. Clark discusses where the opportunities are. The Boeing Max will start making flights again in Decem...

10.16.20 When the best Black Friday deals are coming; Clark Stinks

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Walmart has just announced its Black Friday plans. Clark talks about where the best deals will be and how Black Friday will shake out this year. Kim ...

10.15.20 Small business optimism; Rents are rising in the suburbs

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Small businesses are more optimistic. Some of this is thanks to the reality on the ground of increased foot traffic and higher sales. This is good ne...

10.14.20 The airlines are losing massive amounts of money; Protecting your brokerage account

14 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Delta Airlines just announced that they lost over $5 billion in Q3. The travel recovery could take a while and Clark discusses how the difficulty in t...

10.13.20 The election & your investments; Tax breaks for working from home

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How should the upcoming election change your investments? Clark discusses that and the low rates that savers are currently enduring. Clark discusses ...

10.12.20 Robinhood disastrous account hacking; New PPP loan forgiveness form

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Investing app Robinhood has acknowledged that some of its customers may have been targeted by hackers. The SBA is making the forgiveness process for ...

10.9.20 The skinny on meal delivery kits; Clark Stinks

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark has discussed grocery delivery and curbside pickups, but Consumer Reports has a new review of meal delivery kits that's worth sharing. While the...

10.8.20 Southwest wants pay cuts, not layoffs; Beware payroll advance apps

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Southwest asks employees to accept pay cuts to avoid furloughs. The airlines and the travel industry as a whole are having a really hard time anticipa...

10.7.20 Why you should get the flu shot; When the Holiday deals are happening

07 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clark discusses the importance of getting a flu shot - especially given the fact that the pandemic is still wreaking havoc in our country. What is th...

10.6.20 New Verizon home internet option; The impact of Trump's Covid diagnosis

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Verizon has a new offering that will help rural folks get decent internet speeds in their home. Clark also mentions a fantastic new unlimited cell pho...

10.5.20 Census bureau report about widening income gap; New credit card doesn't look at your credit score

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Roughly 80% of Americans have less purchasing power now than they did a decade ago. This is not good news! Clark discusses the significance of what th...

10.2.20 PPP loan forgiveness gets underway; Clark Stinks

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Small business owners that took out PPP loans have been worried about how forgiveness for those loans will work. The Treasury department finally annou...

10.1.20 Teachers are underpaid; Fake debt collectors

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A new report finds that teachers are paid less than non-teacher, college-educated workers. That's a problem. Fake debt collectors are on the rise. Cl...

9.30.20 Massive layoffs at Disney and the airlines; Where to turn for health insurance after job loss

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The airlines are set to lay off tens of thousands of employees as government bailout funds run dry and the travel industry remains disrupted. Disney h...

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 ...