04.08.26 Booking Rules Of Travel / Cell Phone Bans
In this episode of the Clark Howard Show, Clark breaks down the current travel cost surge, offering practical tips for finding cheaper airfare—like using one‑way searches, comparing multiple search engines, and focusing on flight days rather than purchase dates. He then explains why hotel prices are diverging, with budget‑friendly rooms staying relatively stable while luxury and corporate‑rate hotels spike, and suggests targeting mid‑week stays at upscale chains for better deals. Listener questions cover airline tarmac‑delay rights, optimal airline and routing strategies for a Europe trip (including using airline alliances and preferring trains between Paris and Milan), and the feasibility of traveling with only a carry‑on. The episode also touches on the growing trend of cell‑phone bans in venues and the impact of consumer‑protection gaps in U.S. airline regulations.
04.01.26 Adjustable Rate Mortgages - A Waning / High Deductible Health Plans
In this episode Clark Howard warns listeners about two financial pitfalls: the surge in Adjustable‑Rate Mortgages (ARMs) and the rise of high‑deductible health plans (HDHPs). He explains that ARMs can save about 1% in interest for borrowers who have substantial...
03.30.26 The Credit Bureaus: Errors & Apathy / Sticker Shock: New Smart Phones
In this episode Clark Howard warns listeners that credit report errors are soaring, highlighting a ProPublica study that shows Equifax resolves about 62% of complaints, TransUnion about 33%, and Experian less than 1%. He advises consumers to regularly check their...
03.25.26 Home Insurance Spy Drones / K-Economy Price Patterns
In this episode Clark Howard discusses the rising costs and invasive tactics of homeowners insurance, highlighting insurers’ use of drones and AI to assess roofs and potentially raise premiums or deny claims. He answers listener questions on special‑needs planning, advising...
03.23.26 SAVE MORE On Gasoline And Printer Ink
In this episode Clark Howard tackles two everyday cost‑savers: soaring gasoline prices and the outrageous expense of printer ink. He explains how price volatility creates wide gaps between stations, advises listeners to use tools like GasBuddy and to monitor local...
03.11.26 Retirees Returning to Work / Medical Privacy Warning
In this episode Clark Howard discusses two major topics: the financial pitfalls that lead many retirees to return to work, and the privacy risks associated with independent medical testing services. He highlights how inadequate retirement planning, gaps in health coverage...
03.09.26 SAVE MORE On Groceries / NEW Airline Credit Card Advice
In this episode Clark Howard breaks down where to find the cheapest groceries in the U.S., citing Consumer Reports data that shows Walmart as the baseline and highlighting that warehouse clubs like Costco and BJ's, as well as Aldi and...
03.02.26 Buy Now, Pay Later Aka Pay-In-4 / Ask Your Pharmacist
In this episode Clark Howard warns listeners about the dangers of Buy‑Now‑Pay‑Later (BNPL) schemes, especially the "pay‑in‑four" model that has spread from Australia to the U.S. He explains how the psychology of four easy installments can lead consumers to overspend,...
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...
02.18.26 Relocating Overseas / Debt Trap Exit Strategies
In this episode Clark Howard explores the practicalities of relocating abroad, highlighting countries that offer relocation incentives and essential considerations for a successful move. He then shifts to debt management, offering actionable strategies to accelerate credit‑card payoff, negotiate lower interest...
02.16.26 Your Relationship With Money / Self-Employed Retirement Planning
In this episode Clark Howard explores how our money mindset shapes financial outcomes, warning against both debt-driven overspending and overly frugal regret. He outlines a balanced approach that blends disciplined saving with purposeful enjoyment, and answers listener questions about practical...
02.11.26 Tax Refunds & Withholding / Clarksplainer: Trump Accounts
In this episode Clark Howard breaks down the tax season landscape, explaining why a large refund often means you over‑paid throughout the year and urging listeners to adjust their withholding to keep more money in their pockets. He offers practical...
02.09.26 Gift Cards: Use Or Lose Them / Big Changes For Home Backup Power
In this episode Clark Howard warns listeners about the surge in restaurant closures and the risk of losing unused gift cards, urging prompt use to avoid forfeiture. He answers listener questions on topics ranging from gift‑card expiration to personal finance...
