07.16.25 Retail: Point Of No Returns / The Home Improvement Market Now

You bought it, you wore it once, then sent it back. Maybe you just changed your mind. In addition to online purchases necessitating more returns, there are those gaming return policies. Clark predicts how this challenge for retailers will become costlier for consumers. Also - Is now a good time to tackle a home improvement project? There’s something going on in the market you need to know. Retail Returns Costly: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Improvement Decision Making: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 15 Items That Can't Be Returned to Amazon 3 Reasons You Should Never Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room The Only Reason You Should Make an Improvement to Your Home Americans delay home improvements in latest blow to US housing market Certificate of Deposit (CD): What Is It, Best Places To Open One What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea? CD Ladder Calculator - Clark Howard How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark 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

Best Time To Take Social Security and Why Target Date Funds Are Good, but Not Perfect What’s the best time to take Social Security? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down several scenarios to help you optimize your Social Security check. Also, target date funds have long been a popular option as a “set it and forget it” easy button for investing. Wes shares why this “TV dinner” of investing is a good – but not perfect – option. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 15, 2025 Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes:   BOOKS BY WES MOSS   /   Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark has recommended shopping for auto insurance as rates keep rising. But it’s also important to know how some insurers are tracking you surreptitiously to set rates, while others offer voluntary programs, or usage-based premiums to earn discounts, which can be a benefit or punishment. Later - Clark is in favor of businesses setting credit card surcharges in the U.S. as they do in other countries, but some gas stations have been caught charging outrageous amounts, and you need to be aware before you go to the pump. Save On Auto Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Credit Card Surcharges On Gas: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:  Is Your Smartphone Making Your Car Insurance More Expensive? How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance Do I Need To Unfreeze My Credit To Shop for Car Insurance? Best Auto Insurance Companies and Some of the Worst Warning: Watch Out for This Big Ripoff at the Pump Best Travel Credit Cards: Top Rewards Picks for 2025 Best Cash Back Credit Cards Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card Review: Invest with 2% Cash Back Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark 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. Also, Clark offers perspectives on the current job market with advice for those seeking employment, including recent high school and college grads. Plus, for those soon heading into college, hear Clark smart advice for graduating with a solid employment path.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 The Value Of Working While In School: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: ⁠ETF vs. Mutual Fund: Which Investment Is Better?⁠ ⁠What Are Index Funds?⁠  /  ⁠What Is an ETF?⁠ ⁠Best Auto Insurance Companies and Some of the Worst⁠ ⁠Protect Your Money From Sneaky Card Skimmers⁠ Why Small Businesses Are Your Biggest Opportunity ⁠Monarch Money Review: Is This Budgeting Tool Worth the Price?⁠ ⁠Empower Review: How It Works, Pros & Cons Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark 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

After the pandemic, the cruise industry came roaring back. But the tide is turning. Today - Clark smart direction for cruise travelers. Also, there are innovative methods of building much-needed housing in the U.S. awaiting wider adoption. Clark has an impressive case in point - courtesy of Brooklyn. Cruise Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Affordable Housing: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why You Should Re-Shop Your Cruise Booking a Cruise? Here Are 5 Ways To Do It for Less Where You Should Never Buy Travel Insurance for a Cruise The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad This Brooklyn apartment complex was built like a Lego set Are Solar Panels Worth it? 3 Things To Consider Before You Get Solar Panels Ask Clark: How Should I Replace My Prepaid Bluebird® American Express®? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark 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

Avoid This Potentially BIG Roth Blunder and 3 Keys to Happy Retirement Success Don't make this potentially HUGE Roth mistake! Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss reveals a little-known rule about rolling over your Roth 401(k) into a Roth IRA that could cost you big. If you've only contributed to a Roth 401(k), you need to hear this to avoid a costly blunder with the 5-year rule. Also, Wes recently received a retirement love letter from a couple who are self-proclaimed “happiest retirees on the block.” He shares the letter and the big keys to happy retirement success. Plus, Christa shares your #AskWes questions and Wes gives his take. All this and more on the July 8, 2025 Ask an Advisor episode of the Clark Howard podcast. Submit your questions at clark.com/ask. We hope you enjoy our weekly Ask An Advisor episodes, in which Christa and Wes discuss investing and retirement savings in depth. Let us know what you think in the comments! Learn more about Wes:    BOOKS BY WES MOSS   /   Wes Moss, CFP® Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From influencers peddling goods to “finfluencers” employing bot farms to push fake posts about hot stocks - schemes and scams are rife on social media, and public users aren’t the ones getting rich. Also today, why you should never take a health insurance claim denial lying down! Clark explains the denial game, and how most of the time, filing an appeal works in your favor. Social Media Scamdemic: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 APPEAL Health Insurance Denials: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show:  Meta Battles an ‘Epidemic of Scams’ as Criminals Flood Instagram, Facebook - WSJ Tom’s Guide - The Oura ring just got a new rival What Should You Do if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied? No Surprises Act Consumer Advocate Toolkit Health Insurance Archives - Clark Howard Health Archives - Clark Howard Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark 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

Today, Clark discusses a disturbing trend underway involving retirement accounts, and explains the best way to use a 401(k).  Also, Clark explores the significance of small business in building wealth and influencing the overall economy, including the opportunities provided for workers now facing uncertainty.  Steady Retirement Saving: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Small Business: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark.com - INVEST & RETIRE The Only Two Exceptions to Clark Howard's Annuity Rule Immediate Payout Annuity: What Is It and Do You Need It? How to Start Investing: 10 Steps for Beginners 3 Big Retirement Account Changes You Haven't Heard About What Is a SEP IRA and Who Is Eligible? What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work? How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard How to Shop for Lower Car Insurance How To Send a ‘Drop Dead’ Letter to a Collection Agency Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark 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

Today - A Clark travel update about what the airlines are doing to get you to pay more for your tickets and what you can do about it.  Also, Clark has talked about how the airlines and hotels continuously devalue their miles and points. Now the credit card industry is at it as well. It looks like credit card points are going the way of the airline frequent flyer miles Airline Travel Update: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Travel Credit Card Points: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Thrifty Traveler - US Airlines Are Quietly Hitting Solo & Biz Travelers with Higher Fares How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps  /  Are Airline Miles Worth It? SeatGuru: Airline Seat Maps, Flights shopping and Flight information GOING - Plan trips. Get alerts. Fly for less Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference? Citi Is Devaluing ThankYou Points: Will It Impact the Double Cash Card? Best Airline Credit Cards for 2025: Are They Right For You? Should I Keep My Old Car or Buy a New Car? How To Sell Gift Cards Online for Cash Best Places To Find Free E-Books  Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark 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.   Also in this episode - Some banks & brokerages are playing games with your money. Clark discusses how to make sure you’re getting the best rate on savings.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Attention - Savings Rates: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your TV? Here's How Long Your Home Appliances Should Last 6 Things To Know About Series I Savings Bonds New Treasury I Bonds Yield Just Hit 4%. Are They Worth Owning? What Is Umbrella Insurance and Do You Need It? HSA - Clark.com Capital One Agrees To Major Settlement After Accusation of ‘Cheating’ Customers Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts  High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) Calculator Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 6 Things To Know in 2025 Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Wills & Funerals Archives - Clark Howard Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark 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