The Clark Howard Podcast

02.25.26 Buying & Selling Gold / Why Simple Appliances Win

In this episode, Clark Howard tackles two hot topics: when and how to buy or sell gold and silver as a hedge, and why simple, non‑brand‑name appliances often offer better value than pricey name‑brand models. He explains that precious metals should be limited to 5‑10% of investable assets, recommends ETFs over physical coins to avoid costly buy‑sell spreads, and notes tax‑advantaged alternatives like gold‑mining stocks for high‑income earners. He also debunks the myth that higher price tags guarantee quality in appliances, emphasizing durability and functionality over brand prestige. Throughout, Howard offers practical advice for listeners’ personal finance questions, from handling counterfeit coin scams to optimizing a large tax refund.