Clark Howard @ClarkHoward

Doing a lot of online shopping? You probably expect to see a few packages at your doorstep. But be wary of items you didn’t order. clark.com/shopping-retai…

Would you trade your shopping data for a little extra cash? A listener asked Clark on yesterday's podcast whether cash-back receipt apps are worth the privacy trade-off. 💡 Clark's answer may surprise you. While these apps collect your purchase data for market research, Clark says he isn't overly concerned about the privacy risk for most people. The bigger issue? 💰 You probably won't make much money. If you enjoy earning a few extra dollars or gift cards, they can be worth using—but don't expect them to become a meaningful source of income. The one potential concern Clark points out: if one of these companies were ever sold or went bankrupt, your data could become part of the company's assets. 👉 For most people, it's a reasonable trade-off—but it's important to know exactly what you're giving up. 🎧 Watch yesterday's episode: YouTube.com/clark | Clark.com/podcast | Or your favorite podcast platform #CashBack #ReceiptApps #Privacy #ClarkHoward #MoneySavingTips #PersonalFinance

Are any extended warranties ever worth the money? clark.com/shopping-retai…

💡 On today's podcast, Clark Howard breaks down which warranties are worth considering—and which ones are usually just a waste of your money. Before you pay extra for "peace of mind," make sure you're not buying something you don't need. 👇 What's the craziest thing you've ever been offered an extended warranty on? 🎧 Listen to today's episode: YouTube.com/clark | Clark.com/podcast | Or your favorite podcast platform

Right now at Holland America Line Cruises, you can take an 18-night Great Bear Rainforest Alaska cruise from $1,799 per person for an Oceanview room based on double occupancy. Get this DEAL ➡️ clarkdeals.com/travel/cruise/…

Clark shares his decades of wisdom to help you find the very best deal on every hotel room you book. Here are the five steps you should follow. clark.com/travel/hotel-d…

A listener asked Clark and Wes a fascinating question on today's podcast: 👉 If millions of Americans are automatically investing through their 401(k)s and Roth IRAs every payday… why does the stock market still crash? It's a great question—and the answer surprises a lot of investors. 💡 Clark and Wes explain why automatic retirement contributions create a tailwind for the market—but aren't nearly powerful enough to stop corrections or bear markets. Instead, those automatic investments benefit you. 📉 When markets fall, you're buying more shares at lower prices. 📈 Over decades, that's one of the biggest advantages long-term investors have. They also break down how often markets historically decline—and why staying invested has consistently rewarded patient investors. 👉 If you've ever wondered whether 401(k) money can keep the market from crashing, don't miss this conversation. 🎧 Watch this and more from today's episode: YouTube.com/clark | Clark.com/podcast | Or your favorite podcast platform #stockmarket #401k #Investing #ClarkHoward #WesMoss #PersonalFinance

AT&T now allows you to pay only for features you need while retaining access to a major cell phone provider. Choose how much data (and more) you need with base plans starting at $180 per year. clark.com/cell-phones/at…

🎉 It's Clark Howard's birthday! 🎉 Today we're celebrating the man who's dedicated his life to helping millions of people save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off. Clark is an amazing husband, father, friend, boss, and teacher—and we're so grateful for everything he does. 💚 Join us in wishing Clark a very happy birthday in the comments below! Let's show him how much this community appreciates him. Happy Birthday, Clark! Here's to many more trips around the sun and many more years of helping us all make smarter money decisions. 🎂🥳

A listener on today's podcast asked Clark a great question: 👉 Should index fund investors worry about high-profile IPOs and growing concentration in the market? Clark's answer may surprise you. 💡 Clark Howard explains that today's S&P 500 isn't as diversified as many people think. In fact, just 7 companies account for roughly 35–40% of the value of many S&P 500 index funds. That's one reason Clark has long preferred a total stock market index fund, which offers broader diversification while still benefiting from America's largest companies. He also discusses why all the excitement around companies like SpaceX has sparked an important conversation about market concentration. 👉 This topic isn't over. Next week, Clark and Wes Moss will dive much deeper into what this growing concentration means for long-term investors. 🎧 Watch today's episode—and don't miss next week's discussion with Clark and Wes: YouTube.com/clark | Clark.com/podcast | Or your favorite podcast platform

Your mortgage isn't the only cost of homeownership. Roofs wear out. HVAC systems fail. Water heaters quit at the worst possible time. That's why Clark recommends setting aside money specifically for home repairs before you need it. 🏠 Learn how much you should keep in a Home Fix-It Fund and how to build one over time. Read the article: clark.com/homes-real-est…

You can save big bucks buying gas from Costco. But it’s not a usual experience. Here’s why you should not block the middle lane and other Costco-specific tips. clark.com/shopping-retai…

Can't find a job after graduation? Your first instinct might be: 👉 "Maybe I should go back to school." But before you take on another mountain of student loan debt, ask yourself one question: Do you actually need that degree? Talk to people already working in the field you want to enter and find out: 🎯 Is a graduate degree really required? 💰 Will it increase your earning potential? ⏳ Or are you about to spend two years and thousands of dollars solving the wrong problem? Sometimes the best career move isn't another degree—it's better information. 👉 Before you enroll, do this first.

Right now at Tripmasters, you can take a 9-night tour of Japan with stops in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo from $1,419 per person. Get this DEAL ➡ clarkdeals.com/travel/japan-e…

Want a membership at an average gym? That’ll be more than $1,200 per year. Surprise: You don’t have to pay for a fancy health club. Here’s how to get fit for cheap. clark.com/health-health-…

If you aren’t paying attention to these major airlines shifts, your next trip could turn into a total nightmare. clark.com/travel/massive…

Thinking about upgrading your TV? This might be the best opportunity in years. Clark Howard says TV prices are the lowest he's ever seen. We're talking: 📺 75-inch TVs for $500 or less 📺 85-inch TVs for around $700 Why? Because this time of year, people are spending more time outdoors and retailers are desperate to move inventory. And with World Cup excitement building ⚽, a lot of fans are realizing that a giant TV is a lot cheaper than a ticket to the game. 👉 If you've been putting off a TV upgrade, the deals available right now may not last forever.

A package shows up at your door that you never ordered. Seems harmless, right? Not anymore. Scammers are mailing random, low-value items with one goal: 👉 Get you to scan the QR code inside. Once scanned, that code can: 🚨 Steal personal information 🚨 Send you to fake websites 🚨 Install malware on your phone Curiosity could cost you a lot more than the package is worth. #ScamAlert #CyberSecurity #ClarkHoward #QRCodeScam #ConsumerAlert

Paying less at the pump means your money can go the extra mile! Get this DEAL ➡ clarkdeals.com/deals/stores-o…

Squeezing the most out of your gas budget can make a real financial difference. Here are some ways to save that you probably haven’t considered. clark.com/cars/save-mone…