They advertise on billboards, roadside signs and in media - real estate companies that specialize in distressed properties. Should you ever consider giving them a call? Like any industry, there are both legit and crooked players in the real estate investment game as cash home buyers. A Clark Smart Warning includes a reminder to watch over our vulnerable senior loved ones. Also, half of Americans with paid vacation don’t use it all! Clark speaks to this unspeakable stat, with a directive for you. 

Unethical Real Estate Investors: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

ALL Your Vacation Time!: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4


Mentioned on the show

The Ugly Truth Behind “We Buy Ugly Houses”

Five Stories of Lives Upended After Dealing With the “We Buy Ugly Houses” Company

[The Washington Post] The mystery of the disappearing vacation day

Less Than Half of US Workers Use All Their Vacation Days


Clark.com-Timeshares / Timeshare Users Group / Vacatia


Clark Howard's Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding

How To Manage Your Monthly Subscriptions To Save Money

7 Types of Subscriptions You May Want To Cancel Today


Clark.com resources

Episode transcripts

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05.23.23  Unethical Real Estate Investors - It Gets Ugly  /  Unused Vacation Time? NO!

Save more and spend less is more than just a motto for money expert Clark Howard; it’s a way of life. Clark and his crew — Team Clark — are on a mission to empower people to take control of their personal finances by providing money-saving tips, consumer advice, hot deals and economic news to help everyone achieve financial freedom. Clark is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host and a consumer reporter for television stations around the country. His podcast, The Clark Howard Show, receives more than one million downloads each month and is a hub for listeners to get valuable advice on-demand any time. Clark answers questions on the most popular business and consumer topics including; how to buy a cars, financing a home, retirement planning, shopping for insurance and getting the most out of your savings. Join the conversation and submit your question to www.clark.com/askclark . Clark spearheads two free resources — Clark.com and ClarkDeals.com — to encourage consumers to save more, spend less and avoid ripoffs.

Business

Investing

Careers

Management & Marketing

Business News

Shopping

Entrepreneurship

Right now in the U.S. we have record credit card debt, a huge stressor on so many.  To add insult to injury, supposed credit repair companies make things worse for those struggling to get back on their feet. What you need to know.  Also, Clark translates the scare stories out now about the stock market and offers direction for investors.   

Debt Relief Scams: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Investing & Dollar-Cost Averaging: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4


Mentioned on the show:

Americans’ credit scores are falling. That hasn’t happened in a decade

Maxed Out: Inside America's Credit Card Debt Crisis -- and What We Do Next

NYTimes: Judge Blocks Debt Settlement Company From Resuming Operations

Carrying credit card debt? How to avoid debt relief scams

How To Send a ‘Drop Dead’ Letter to a Collection Agency

6 Things To Know Before Contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling

Clark Howard's 2024 Credit Card Debt Elimination Strategy

Is an HSA the Best Way To Save for Future Medical Expenses?

Will Social Security Run Out?

Should investors keep riding the US markets runaway train?

Barrons.com: Worried About Investing in a Frothy Market? Try Dollar-Cost Averaging.

Should You Sell or Stay Put in the Stock Market? (Clark.com)

Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2024

5 of Clark Howard's Most Extreme Frugal Hacks


Thank you for listening today, Clarkies! If you want to be part of our “Clarkie” segment, call 404-981-2071 to leave a comment or story. We may play it during a future episode!
Clark.com resources

Episode transcripts

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Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275


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04.25.24  Beware Debt Relief Scams  /  The Stock Market: Word To Investors

Today - How the recent credit-card settlement affects merchants and your future transactions.  Also, do you need the latest greatest television? Clark explains why buying the latest TV technology is a waste of money.

New Credit Card Rules: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Cheap TVs Are Clark Smart: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4


Mentioned on the show:

NYTimes: Credit Card Swipe Fees Are Going Down. Are Points Going With Them?

Visa, Mastercard credit-card settlement could save businesses billions

Visa, Mastercard settle long-running antitrust suit over swipe fees with merchants

Is an HSA the Best Way To Save for Future Medical Expenses?

Why Clark Says Everyone Should Have a Dash Cam

NYTimes: Tired of Streaming? Free Blockbuster Libraries Offer an Alternative.

AAA IDP International Driving Permit


Thank you for listening today, Clarkies! If you want to be part of our “Clarkie” segment, call 404-981-2071 to leave a comment or story. We may play it during a future episode!
Clark.com resources

Episode transcripts

Community.Clark.com

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Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275


Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices
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04.24.24  The Future Of Credit Cards  /  Buying A TV

Clark recommends renting in a new city or state before you buy there, and has a great example of why to share with you. Also, Clark is very happy to report that the used clothing market is growing 7 times faster in the U.S. than the new market. Buying used is a great way to Spend Less! 

Rent Before Buying In New Locale: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Secondhand Clothing A WIN: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4


Mentioned on the show:

New York Post: Florida transplants fleeing in droves over relentless heat, damaging hurricanes

The home insurance market is crumbling. These owners are paying the price

The $10 Travel Essential Clark Howard Always Packs

5 Best Robo-Advisors in 2023

Who Should Use a Robo-Advisor?

Secondhand clothing stores are red hot as consumers look to save money

Clark.com  -  CELL PHONES

Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2024

10 Best Free Checking Accounts in April 2024

Fidelity Investments Review 2023: Pros & Cons

Team Clark Guarantee - Clark Howard


Thank you for listening today, Clarkies! If you want to be part of our “Clarkie” segment, call 404-981-2071 to leave a comment or story. We may play it during a future episode!
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

04.23.24  Relocation: Rent Before You Buy  /  Clothing: SAVE More Buying Secondhand

Clark recently talked about GM selling off driving data to auto insurers, and 2 of his predictions about this have now come true. That update plus - another invasion of privacy by the insurance industry has come to light, this time impacting homeowners. Also today, college costs continue to skyrocket. Clark explains how this has come about, and what today’s students can do about it.

Insurance Spies: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

College Costs: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4


Mentioned on the show:

GM faces 2nd lawsuit over driver data collection without consent - from Detroit Free Press

Insurance companies are using aerial images of homes as a tool to ditch properties seen as higher risk

Predatory Lending: How to Avoid, Examples and Protections

Should I Keep My Old Car or Buy a New Car?

The Average Vehicle Age in America

Some Colleges Will Soon Charge $100,000 a Year. How Did This Happen?

College will cost up to $95,000 this fall. Schools say it's OK, financial aid can numb sticker shock

Biden seeks student debt relief for millions

How Do Student Loans Work? 7 Things to Know

How To Open a Roth IRA

Amazon “Prime Visa” Card Review: 5% Back for Amazon Prime Members

A better way to book with points

Best Rewards Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2024

Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards: 8 Options in 2024


Thank you for listening today, Clarkies! If you want to be part of our “Clarkie” segment, call 404-981-2071 to leave a comment or story. We may play it during a future episode!
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
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04.22.24  Insurance Invasion Of Privacy   /   College Tuition Costs

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Speaking of Fridays - working hard or hardly working? There’s a trend of workers cutting out early on Fridays, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. 


Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2

Flexible Fridays!: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4


Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com - TIRES

The Basics of Municipal Bonds


Travel Archives - Clark Howard / 

Travel Archives - Clark Deals

We’re Working Less on Fridays, and That’s OK - The Wall Street Journal.

Guide to 529 Plans, Saving for College and Financial Aid

Rollovers From a 529 Plan to Roth IRA: What to Know

Balanced Fund: Definition, Investment Mix, Examples


Thank you for listening today, Clarkies! If you want to be part of our “Clarkie” segment, call 404-981-2071 to leave a comment or story. We may play it during a future episode!
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

05.23.23 Unethical Real Estate Investors - It Gets Ugly / Unused Vacation Time? NO!

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