The Clark Howard Podcast

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also - some older workers have a new opportunity to sock more money away in their 401(k)s next year. Use our calculator at Clark.com to estimate how much your retirement accounts will grow over time.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 401(k) Super Catch-Up Provision: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why I Think Medicare Advantage Plans Stink - Clark Howard The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel: ACTEC What To Do if Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled Older Workers Can Now Supersize Their 401(k) Savings - WSJ 401(k) Calculator (Clark.com) Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference? What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? 5 Sneaky Ways To Improve Your Credit Score Journal of the American Medical Association The New England Journal of Medicine | Research & Review The Lancet | The best science for better lives Mayo Clinic: Top-ranked Hospital in the Nation / Cleveland Clinic Clark's Christmas Kids 2024 Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Disclosure in Podcast Description: A Bond Account is a self-directed brokerage account with Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Deposits into this account are used to purchase 10 investment-grade and high-yield bonds. As of 9/26/24, the average, annualized yield to worst (YTW) across the Bond Account is greater than 6%. A bond’s yield is a function of its market price, which can fluctuate; therefore, a bond’s YTW is not “locked in” until the bond is purchased, and your yield at time of purchase may be different from the yield shown here. The “locked in” YTW is not guaranteed; you may receive less than the YTW of the bonds in the Bond Account if you sell any of the bonds before maturity or if the issuer defaults on the bond. Public Investing charges a markup on each bond trade. See our Fee Schedule. Bond Accounts are not recommendations of individual bonds or default allocations. The bonds in the Bond Account have not been selected based on your needs or risk profile. See https://public.com/disclosures/bond-account to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the earnings rate on I Bonds changes every six months - Clark has updated advice  for savers. Also - Clark’s “three favorite children” in the financial world, Vanguard, Schwab and Fidelity, aren’t perfect, and he calls them out where needed. At the moment, there’s an issue with Fidelity that investors need to know about.  Series I Savings Bonds: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Fidelity Investments: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark's Christmas Kids 2024 6 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds You Bought Blockbuster I Bonds. Here’s What to Do With Them Now. - The WSJ 17 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in November 2024 Best Prepaid Cards: Top Debit Card Alternatives Fidelity And Ex-Advisor Agree to End Lawsuit Over High-Fee Investments How To Open a Roth IRA Fidelity Investments Review: Pros & Cons The Best Places To Buy Hearing Aids (Clark.com) Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re in the market for a giant screen TV  this holiday season - Clark’s got news to help you Save More.   Also - there is one thing that a business can do to make employees happier, and in turn give customers a better experience, and in turn - be more profitable.  Big Screen TVs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Employer Enlightened Self-Interest: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Deals - TVs Are Online ESA Letters Legitimate? Even large corporations should consider employee ownership. Here’s why Should I Refinance My Car Loan? 4 Questions To Ask Yourself Clark Howard's Simple Rule for Refinancing an Auto Loan How To Refinance a Car Loan: A Step-by-Step Guide Auto Loan Refinance Calculator - Clark Howard How To Open a Roth IRA Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past 15 years homeowners insurance has become increasingly unstable, expensive and anti-consumer. But with the run-up in home values, many may be seriously underinsured. Clark has direction for home owners to ensure proper coverage. Also today, the giving season requires a warning about charity scams - a real problem. Know how to make sure your charity dollars are used effectively. Update: Homeowners Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Safe Charitable Giving: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: What Is Homeowners Insurance? How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need? Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard What Is a C.L.U.E Report and Its Impact on Your Insurance How Often Should You Re-Shop Insurance? Clark's Take: Should You Invest in Stocks at All? INVEST & RETIRE - Clark How To Choose the Best Charities for Your Donations (Clark.com) Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards: 9 Options in 2024 Cash Back Credit Card Calculator Tool Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Car? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark has new advice for booking domestic flights and the new airline rule on refunds figures into the way you should now search for fares. Also in this episode, Amazon is expanding their medical offerings. Clark has some experience using Amazon health services and shares his insights into this option. One Way Flight Search: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Amazon Medical Care: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Save Money With Google Flights The Best Day and Time to Book a Cheap Flight What's the Best Way To Send Money Overseas? Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 The No Surprises Act's Prohibitions on Balancing Billing Clark's Christmas Kids 2024 Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns December 2nd with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today - The travel industry can be unstable. Another cruise line recently shut down. Know Clark’s number one rule for booking travel and protecting your money. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Travel Booking Rule: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Google Fi Wireless: My Experience as a Five-Year Customer (Pros and Cons) The Best International Phone Plans What Should You Do About Phone Data on an International Trip? American Queen Voyages Cancels All Cruises, Shuts Down Operations Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2024 The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money Should I Buy Additional Insurance From a Rental Car Company? Amex EveryDay® Credit Card Review: 15 Months of Intro 0% APR Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns December 2nd with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! The percent of income we save, our savings rate  - is the key indicator of financial health. So how are we doing right now?  Also -  How much exercise do you really need to make a difference in your health, and ultimately your wallet?  Only 25% of Americans get the recommended amount of exercise. New data reveals what a big difference the minimum requirement can make for those who are mostly sedentary. American Savings Rates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Arise From The Couch: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Americans are saving less and spending more. Could that raise the risk of recession? Bankruptcy filings are on the rise. Here's why an even bigger surge is looming. Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Worries Clark Howard My Credit Card Offers Some Rental Car Coverage. Why Do I Still Need To Involve My Primary Auto Insurance? Car Rental Insurance: Everything You Need To Know How Much Exercise Do You Need? More Than You Think—But Every Little Bit Helps. Donor-Advised Funds: The Benefits and Drawbacks Vanguard Charitable: Home What Is Black? Uber Black Car Service Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns December 2nd with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! Clark has news for parents and grandparents saving for a child’s college education. Also in this episode, reversals in the auto industry are landing many existing car loans underwater. What to do if you are upside down in a car loan. 529 Plan Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Upside Down Vehicle Loans: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Use the 529 Grandparent Loophole to Maximize College Savings Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Rollovers From a 529 Plan to Roth IRA: What to Know Target Date Funds: Clark’s Favorite Retirement Investment How To Find and Choose a Financial Advisor Car values plummet, putting car loans underwater More car owners are underwater on loans because of lower trade-in values What Is Gap Insurance? Definition, How It Works, When to Buy How to Buy a Used Car in 7 Steps Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving Week! Please enjoy this Best Of episode. Clark returns December 2nd with new ways to Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Getting Ripped Off! There’s a lot of talk and concern about traditional 401(k)s and IRAs going away. Clark explains.  Also, baggage fees are rising again, increasing the cost of flying for customers. What to know before you get to the airport.  Future 401(k)s & IRAs: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Airline Baggage Fees: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark Predicts Traditional 401(k)s, IRAs Will Cease To Exist Within a Decade Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places How Many Bank Accounts Should You Have? - Clark Howard 16 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2024 How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way 4 Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-On Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2024 Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in 2024 Should You Ever Buy Travel Medical Insurance? 6 Best Apps To Save Money on Groceries Flipp – Flyers, Shopping List, Weekly Ads | Flipp Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 update deals all week, with the exception of Thanksgiving day. Happy Friday and enjoy the holiday! Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Robotics, Efficiency & Jobs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 5 Money Lessons From Clark Howard's Trip to Europe Changing Jobs? Don't Make This Costly Retirement Mistake What Can I Safely Use for Peer-to-Peer Payments? Fidelity vs. Vanguard vs. Schwab: Which Brokerage Is Best? 12 Keys To Keeping Your Home Wi-Fi Network Safe and Secure Best Free Password Managers: 10 Top Picks 5 Tips To Protect Your Digital Privacy Safe Browser Alternatives That Promise Not To Track You Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices