The Clark Howard Podcast Episode Summary Episode: 01.03.25 – SAVE MORE On Streaming / Gift Returns & January Deals
Release Date: January 3, 2025

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of 2025, Clark Howard ushers in the new year with practical financial advice aimed at helping listeners save money and make informed decisions. While traditionally featuring the "Clark Stink" segment on Fridays, Clark opts to kick off the year with valuable insights on managing expenses related to streaming services, gift returns, and capitalizing on January deals.

Save More on Streaming Services

[01:04] Clark Howard:
Clark addresses the recent price hike by YouTube TV, which has increased its cost by approximately 13% during the holiday season—a time already strained by inflation at around 2.2%. He criticizes the timing and magnitude of the increase, suggesting listeners reconsider their streaming expenditures.

Alternative Solutions:

1. Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST):
   Clark advocates for utilizing FAST services, emphasizing their extensive programming without the hefty subscription fees. He highlights platforms like Pluto TV, which offer a diverse range of live channels and on-demand content.
   Clark Howard: “FAST is the fastest growing part of television streaming television watching because people's budgets are pinched.”

2. Antenna for Free Over-the-Air TV:
   Recalling the days before paid television, Clark recommends investing in a good antenna to access free, high-quality broadcast channels. This method provides reliable signal and superior picture quality compared to many streaming options.

3. Customized Streaming Guides:
   Clark directs listeners to a comprehensive guide on clark.com, which details various free streaming services and advises on selecting services based on personal viewing preferences rather than succumbing to marketing pitches from major streaming providers.

Listener Questions

1. Buying a New vs. Used Car

Listener: Brian from Wisconsin
[07:30] Krista:
Brian inquires about the feasibility of purchasing a new car versus a used one, expressing concern over the doubling prices of used cars and considering a new vehicle priced around $45,000. He provides his financial background, including a $65,000 annual income, $300,000 in his 401(k), and $70,000 in savings.

[08:07] Clark Howard:
Clark commends Brian’s financial prudence, noting the market’s slow recovery and the reduced costs of new vehicles.
Clark Howard: “If you’re going to own one a long time as a practical buyer, what are the ones that are the most reliable? And it's funny because what's most reliable may be something you don't even think about as a brand.”

He advises negotiating effectively, possibly exploring broader geographic areas to find better deals, and considering Consumer Reports for reliable vehicle recommendations.

2. Vehicle Insurance Commissions

Listener: Lynette from Oklahoma
[10:37] Krista:
Lynette questions whether most of her vehicle insurance payments go to agent commissions, referencing a YouTube ad promoting direct insurance purchases.

[10:58] Clark Howard:
Clark clarifies that while agents do earn commissions, especially captive and independent agents, it does not constitute the majority of the payment.
Clark Howard: “Certainly not a majority of the payments you make for vehicle insurance going to that commission salesman. Absolutely not.”

He emphasizes the importance of shopping around for auto insurance and warns against online tools that may favor certain insurers, recommending direct contact with insurers for accurate quotes.

3. Credit Cards with Supplier Default Coverage

Listener: Sanjeev
[12:47] Krista:
Sanjeev seeks recommendations for credit cards that offer supplier default coverage, which protects against travel suppliers going out of business.

[13:00] Clark Howard:
Clark notes that such coverage has become rare, typically available only through high-annual-fee cards like Platinum American Express and Capital One Venture X.
Clark Howard: “To my knowledge, it's the Platinum American Express product, which is an ultra-expensive credit card product. And the other is the Capital One Venture X card, which is also an expensive annual fee.”

He advises purchasing trip insurance from reputable third-party providers rather than relying on airline or seller-offered options, highlighting the importance of reading policy details carefully.

4. Contacting Companies Safely via Maps

Listener: Vincenza from Montana
[28:44] Krista:
Vincenza asks if using map applications on her iPhone to find company contact information is safe.

[29:12] Clark Howard:
Clark strongly advises against trusting contact information from map or search engine results due to potential scams.
Clark Howard: “Do not trust what you see on Maps.”

He recommends accessing a company’s official website directly through a secure browser to verify contact details, ensuring protection against fraudulent attempts to steal personal information.

5. Auto Dealership Customer Service Decline

Listener: Chelsea from Georgia
[30:47] Krista:
Chelsea expresses disappointment with her high-end auto dealership’s sudden discontinuation of courtesy Uber services for vehicle servicing, seeking recommendations for reputable independent mechanics.

[31:29] Clark Howard:
Clark explains that dealerships often use complimentary services like loaner cars or Ubers as a retention tactic to encourage repeat business, especially from loyal customers.
Clark Howard: “It's a phenomenal sales technique… it’s how they get you to come back, even out of warranty, to the overpriced service bays of a dealer instead of to an independent mechanic.”

He advises exploring online reviews and platforms like Yelp to find specialized independent repair shops that offer better customer service and competitive pricing without the high-pressure sales tactics of dealerships.

Gift Returns and January Deals

[19:25] Clark Howard:
Clark shifts focus to post-holiday financial strategies, emphasizing the opportunity presented by January for returns and deals. He advises returning unwanted holiday gifts promptly to take advantage of end-of-season clearances, which offer significant discounts.
Clark Howard: “January is a wonderful time to pick up deals. … seasonal merchandise that has not sold, the retailers have got to get rid of it.”

He highlights strategies for shopping at warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco, where items ending in specific cents (e.g., $0.01, $0.97) often indicate clearance sales on seasonal goods. Clark encourages listeners to hunt for these bargains to maximize savings.

Conclusion

Clark Howard wraps up the episode by reiterating his commitment to helping listeners achieve financial freedom through informed decision-making. He encourages setting realistic and measurable New Year's resolutions, whether they are financial goals or personal improvements, to ensure sustained progress throughout the year.

Clark Howard:
“I hope that your holiday season was wonderful… Know what we're about all year long and every year giving you ideas, strategies for you to save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off.”

Listeners are reminded to visit clark.com and clarkdeals.com for additional resources and daily newsletters packed with money-saving tips and deal alerts.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and advice presented by Clark Howard in the episode, providing actionable insights for listeners seeking to optimize their finances in the new year.