01.30.26 Best Cheap Cars / Secret To An Affordable Vacation

Summary

The Clark Howard Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode Date: January 30, 2026
Episode Title: Best Cheap Cars / Secret To An Affordable Vacation
Host: Clark Howard, with Krista

---

Episode Overview

In this episode, Clark Howard discusses two perennial concerns for American consumers: finding affordable, reliable new cars in a landscape dominated by expensive SUVs, and how to enjoy meaningful vacations without overspending, especially when times are tight. Along with co-host Krista, Clark answers listener questions about navigating used car scams, understanding the evolving electric vehicle market, strategic trip planning and travel insurance, and retirement healthcare. The episode is packed with actionable tips, deep-dive advice, and a tone of empowerment and consumer advocacy.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Changing Landscape of Car Buying

• Persistent High Prices

  • Clark highlights that the average cost of a new vehicle in the U.S. is now over $50,000, pushing many Americans out of the market.
  • Despite this, there are still good, new vehicles available for “twenty-something thousand dollars.”

• Consumer Reports’ Best Affordable New Cars List ([03:06])

  • Clark lists the top 10 most affordable new vehicles, as per Consumer Reports:

    • 10. Subaru Crosstrek

    • 9. Mazda 3
    • 8. Nissan Kicks
    • 7. Subaru Impreza
    • 6. Kia K4
    • 5. Toyota Corolla Hatchback
    • 4. Chevy Trax
    • 3. Hyundai Elantra
    • 2. Hyundai Venue
    • 1. Toyota Corolla

    • Memorable Quote:

      "All these vehicles on their list started at a price that is going to surprise you because the average cost of a new vehicle in the United States is now $50,000 plus. But these 10 vehicles are 20,000 something." — Clark Howard (03:00)

• Unloved Year-End Cars as Bargain Buys ([05:35])

  • Some 2024 model cars linger on dealer lots into 2026.
  • Clark recommends buying these only if you plan to “go with my 10 year rule”—own the car long enough to offset immediate depreciation.

• The “Grind” at Dealerships and the Evolution of Buying ([06:51])

  • Clark criticizes traditional dealership tactics that wear buyers down into bad deals with unnecessary add-ons.

  • He points out how CarMax (for used cars) and now Carvana (experimenting with new cars) are bringing transparency, straightforward pricing, and a better experience.

    • Notable Anecdote:

      "Of all people who are starting to make a difference with new vehicle purchases: Carvana... They have been buying new car dealerships and experimenting with selling new cars cleanly to you like they do with used vehicles—where you know the price, there's no games, there's no gimmicks." — Clark Howard (07:48)

---

Listener Q&A — Autos & EVs

• Protecting Yourself from Odometer Fraud ([08:54])

  • The rise of digital odometer fraud: 2.45 million cars on U.S. roads may have rolled-back odometers—a 14% year-over-year rise (Carfax).
  • Clark advises:
    • Always require a mechanic’s inspection before purchasing a used car.
    • Check dealer service records (especially if buying brand-certified).
  • Key Takeaway:
    A good mechanic or electronic service record will often reveal discrepancies in actual vs. stated mileage.

• The Future and Affordability of Electric Vehicles ([11:12])

  • Clark believes EVs will get dramatically cheaper and better, faster than traditional vehicles because, “An electric vehicle is like a computer with wheels.”

  • International manufacturers like BYD are accelerating innovation cycles (new models every ~20 months).

  • The U.S. lags due to regulatory and cultural barriers, but global trends point toward rapid EV adoption and affordability.

    • Notable Quote:

      "You have the ability with technology for electric vehicles to steadily be getting cheaper and better, both at the same time at a crazy fast rate. And that's why they're going to dominate the vehicle market in the world." — Clark Howard (12:46)

• Longevity and Cost-Saving of Reliable Used Cars ([13:39])

  • Listener “David in Georgia” shares his frugal journey: a Toyota truck running at 400,000 miles, costing about a penny per mile or $30/month.
  • Clark celebrates this story:

    “Did you just buy twice very reliable used vehicles that gave you incredible years of mileage service? How great is that!” — Clark Howard (14:31)

---

Secret to an Affordable Vacation

• Rethinking Vacation Expectations ([18:29])

  • Clark notes many families are feeling unable to afford vacations due to inflation and job market uncertainty.

  • He encourages listeners to consider local state parks as an overlooked, budget-friendly alternative offering affordable lodging and meaningful experiences.

    • Key Quote:

      “State parks in many states, by tradition, or even occasionally it'll be in a state constitution, that the state parks have to be affordable for everyday people.” — Clark Howard (19:11)

  • State parks often provide:

    • Cabins, cottages, and economical motel-like lodging.
    • Variety in nature: lakes, mountains, forests, depending on locale.
    • Opportunity to break routine at low cost, compared to “staycations” that rarely recharge.

  • Lower gas prices further support road-trip affordability.

  • Summarized Advice:
    If spring break or vacation budgets are squeezed, “the state parks may be your ticket.”

---

Travel Tips, Planning, and Insurance

• Best Time to Travel to Jamaica — Listener Question ([21:26])

  • Colton in Florida plans a 10th anniversary trip to Jamaica.
  • Clark’s advice:

    • Fly from Orlando for competitive fares on Southwest and JetBlue.

    • Best Rates: First two weeks of December, and late April through November (excluding hurricane season).

    • Avoid peak holiday and hurricane periods for best deals and weather.

    • Travel Insight:

      “The first two weeks of December...is the absolute bargain time of the year for leisure travel because it's betwixt and between.” — Clark Howard (23:41)

• Travel Insurance for Frequent Road-Trippers to Canada ([24:50])

  • Catherine asks about buying medical-only travel insurance for border runs.
  • Clark recommends searching specifically for “travel medical policy” or “medical travel policy”—annual, medical-only plans are widely available and affordable for cross-border travel.

• Healthcare When Retiring Early ([26:42])

  • Listener Tania (Maine) wonders how to find health insurance before Medicare eligibility at 65.

  • Clark acknowledges the “disaster” that is the pre-65 health market: premiums are “back breaking,” especially for high-risk age groups.

  • He’s optimistic government will eventually address this, but there’s “no certainty right now.” His advice: keep planning, keep saving, and monitor legislative developments.

    • Supportive Message:

      “I'm so excited for the two of you, how determined you are to build out that financial independence so your husband can leave this very difficult work in six years.” — Clark Howard (28:39)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "All these vehicles on their list started at a price that is going to surprise you...these 10 vehicles are 20,000 something." — Clark Howard (03:00)
• "The way they grind you down...dealers still engage in the anti consumer practices of the past where they try to get you hungry, stall you at a dealership, keep you there for hours, hope you get dehydrated...before you know it you have bought something you can't afford." — Clark Howard (07:17)
• "An electric vehicle is like a computer with wheels...the improvements in technology are so fast..." — Clark Howard (12:10)
• "State parks...have to be affordable for everyday people." — Clark Howard (19:11)
• "The first two weeks of December...is the absolute bargain time of the year for leisure travel." — Clark Howard (23:41)
• "Coverage for the age period you're talking about [50-65] is out of sight—back breaking premiums. But we're talking six years from now...I'm always hopeful we will find our way to a better system." — Clark Howard (27:41)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:06] — Clark reads Consumer Reports' top 10 affordable cars list
• [06:51] — Clark discusses the "grind" at dealerships and solutions like Carvana/CarMax
• [08:54] — Odometer fraud in used cars and how to protect yourself
• [11:12] — The rapidly evolving EV market and its implications for price and value
• [13:39] — Listener story of extreme long-term savings driving reliable used cars
• [18:29] — Secret to affordable vacations: state parks and local travel
• [21:26] — When to find the cheapest deals on trips to Jamaica
• [24:50] — Buying medical-only travel policies for road trips to Canada
• [26:42] — Obtaining affordable healthcare before Medicare for early retirees

---

Overall Tone and Themes

Clark Howard retains his signature optimistic, empowering tone, blending practical advice with consumer advocacy and genuine listener engagement. The episode supports his mission to help audiences “save more, spend less and avoid rip-offs,” offering hope and clear strategies for two of today's biggest budget struggles: car ownership and leisure travel.

---

Useful for Listeners Who…

• Want to identify the best affordable new cars on the current market
• Are considering buying a used car and want tips to avoid scams
• Crave cost-effective vacation ideas that still fulfill the “getaway” feeling
• Need strategic travel planning guidance (deals, insurance, logistics)
• Are preparing for early retirement and need to plan for healthcare costs

---

For more money-saving tips or to submit your own questions, visit Clark.com and ClarkDeals.com.

Transcript

[Apple Card Announcer]

This message is brought to you by Apple Card. Isn't it time you earn daily cash back on your everyday purchases? Apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app to see your credit limit offer. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and [e-mail] this message is brought to you by Apple Card. Isn't it time you earn daily cash back on your everyday purchases? Apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app to see your credit limit offer. Subject to credit approval, Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and more at applecard.com.

[Clark Howard]

It's my pleasure to welcome you here to the Clark Howard show, where our mission is to serve you with advice and information that empowers you so you make better financial decisions in your life. And it's Friday. That usually means we'd be having a Clark Stinks for you, but today. Well, this is weird. Don't know this has ever happened in the 25 years or so. No, Clark Stinks goes back more than 25 years.

[Krista]

No, I don't think it does.

[Clark Howard]

I thought it went back to the 90s anyway, that I can ever recall that we didn't have enough posts on Clark Stinks to do an episode of Clark Stinks.

[Krista]

It's more that I have a just so many questions that I need to get through that I feel bad that we haven't gotten to.

[Clark Howard]

So I thought, well, so we're doing an extra.

[Krista]

Yeah.

[Clark Howard]

Content.

[Krista]

Because if you think about it, if every single week out of three shows, one is Clark Stinks like out of six segments, it's just, it becomes too much. Okay, Next week it'll be back, I promise. So I stink. It's Chris.

[Clark Howard]

No, you don't stink.

[Krista]

Yeah, I do.

[Clark Howard]

So. So I'm going to talk about the way we buy cars is going through such a change. And I want you to know something positive. Positive about buying vehicles, including affordable ones you can get. Not kidding. That's coming up straight ahead. And later I get complaints that I just. I love it so much. I talk too much about international travel and so many people can't afford it. May not be able to afford flying across the country. But I want to tell you about affordable vacations you can take that you may or may not have thought of or done in the past. And that's coming up later in this podcast. Okay. Car business has been bad news bears for consumers for the last six years. Automakers have gotten addicted to only making and selling crazy expensive vehicles to the point that they have priced their product outside the reach of most Americans to be able to get a vehicle. But I want to give you a counterpoint to that. Consumer Reports did a neat matrix. They look for very affordable vehicles that also are really good vehicles to own. And all the vehicles on their list started at a price that is going to surprise you because the average cost of a new vehicle in the United states is now $50,000 plus. But these 10 vehicles are 20,000 something. Yeah, I'm going to give them to you in the order that Consumer Reports rated them. So should I do this the 10th best or the first best for I'll do it. I'll do it like they do in countdowns the tenth best to buy that you can buy for twenty something thousand dollars is the Subaru Crosstrek. Ninth the Mazda 3 eighth. The Nissan kicks seventh. The Subaru Impressa. Already two Subarus on the list. Six the Kia K4. I don't have any idea what a K4 is. Fifth the Toyota Corolla hatchback. Fourth the Chevy Trax third the Hyundai Elantra. Second the Hyundai Venue V N U E I don't know what that is either. I thought I knew cars. And then the number one best on this affordable car list for new vehicles, Toyota Corolla. So Corolla hits the list twice with the hatchback in fifth place and the regular Corolla in first place. So one thing in common with these, a lot of these are either small crossovers or traditional cars passenger vehicles. The market in the United States so heavily has moved to SUVs and the automakers love them because the perceived value of an SUV is higher to a buyer and then they jam on all those extra options on them and run the prices way up. And I mentioned back in December there's also a deal that's an odd one on new vehicles. There are 2024 model vehicles that are stuck in inventory on a number of dealer lots. Here we are model year 26 and there are 24s still sitting there unsold. And the manufacturers are going to have to incentivize the dealers to move those on because they're not getting better with time and the value of them is depreciating sitting on the lot. However, if you find one of these deals on a 2024 and it's not related to those 10 vehicles I talked about, it's just vehicles in general. If you buy a 24 it needs to be something you're going to own a long time. Go with my 10 year rule because there's so much depreciation and value based on model year versus mileage. So you'd only buy strategically. You'd buy a 24 model year that's still sitting there unloved, if it's one you can see yourself having in 2036 that you'll still be driving it. A couple other minor things I wanted to tell you. I just am so frustrated with what's called the grind. That's how so many new vehicle and used vehicle dealers still engage in the anti consumer practices of the past where they try to get you hungry, stall you at a dealership, keep you there for hours, hope you get dehydrated along with being hungry. And before you know it you have bought something you can't afford with payment terms that are terrible and all kinds of add ons you didn't want and all the rest. And it's called the grind. The way they grind you down. And of all people who are starting to make a difference with new vehicle purchases, Carvana Carvana which does the thing where you can have the app on your phone and you can buy a used car right on your phone. They have been buying new car dealerships and experimenting with selling new cars cleanly to you like they do with used vehicles where you know the price. There's no games, there's no gimmicks. You know, the vehicle, the equipment, the color, everything. No games. And it is only by tradition that the car business stubbornly holds on to the old way of doing things. I thought mistakenly roughly 30 years ago when CarMax started, that CarMax was going to change the vehicle business and they did. For the people who buy from them, where you know the price on anything, there's no, there's no pressure, no games. It's a simple clean process. But most dealerships still sell used cars the old fashioned way. Playing games, gimmicks and selling you something could be junk and the second you sign the paperwork, you own it. Whatever problems it has. CarMax, Carvana have the thing where you can bring the vehicle back for a full refund within a period of time because used vehicles, they got histories and a lot of times they're not good. So the business is changing just more gradually than I expected or would have hoped. Krista.

[Krista]

Okay, David in Montana has a question for you. I recently read the below quote regarding used cars and the odometer. This appears to come from a good reliable source. What can a consumer do to protect themselves when buying a used car to ensure they are getting correct odometer readings? They thank you. And here's the quote. 2.45 million cars on US roads are likely to have rolled back odometers. That's a 14% rise year over year, more than double the typical annual growth. The reason? Used car competition is high and scammers are doing everything they can to artificially inflate values. And it's getting easier as more cars switch over to digital or odometers. And this source is carfax.

[Clark Howard]

So thank you. And I had read that carfax report and I don't know why I never thought about talking about it. So I'm so glad that you submitted this, David, because the hope had been that when we went to digital odometers that the problem with mileage rollbacks would end. But now criminals have figured out how apparently to manipulate the digital odometers. So if you follow my simple rule, and that is as a condition of purchase of a used vehicle, you have it inspected by a mechanic of your choosing, then the mechanics going to figure out there are signs that will be clear. In a vehicle, something is being sold with 60,000 miles on it that maybe has 110,000 or whatever. A mechanic will know that they'll be able to see various signs of wear and tear. Also, if you're buying a used car from the brand of dealer that the car is. So let's say you're at a Honda dealer's used car lot buying a Honda or you're at a Chevy dealer buying a used Chevy, they will have electronic service records that will clearly show what the actual mileage is pretty close on that vehicle. And that's how you can pierce what the actual or approximate real mileage is on a vehicle with a mechanic or with a records check.

[Krista]

Jeremy in Arizona says Clark is convinced that the marketplace is going to force the sellers of electric vehicles to become more efficient to sell at a lower price now that they don't have the helping hand of the $7,500 tax credit. Why would this time be different than the early 20th century when the electric vehicles completely died off?

[Clark Howard]

What a great question, Jeremy. And it is very different this time because the companies making electric vehicles look at them as like a computer. And an electric vehicle is like a computer with wheels. And the improvements in technology are so fast that that outside the United States, the electric vehicle manufacturers update their models, I mean a real update, not just changing the grille on the front or something like that, roughly every 20 months where gas engine vehicles, because the changes in how internal combustion engines work, updates to those vehicles usually are on a four or five or six year cycle. So the electric vehicle market, if you think of it more like how cell phones steadily change over time, hopefully the functions get better, the size of the screens are growing, all that. You have to think of electric vehicles as like that. And one privilege I have by traveling the world is outside the United States. I see the vehicles being delivered and on the roads all over the place. And byd, which is build your dreams I think is what BYD stands for. They are growing so fast it's amazing. They were originally funded by Warren Buffett. And the vehicles that I've had the privilege to ride in many times, as you know, rideshare, Uber kind of stuff, they're amazing. And they're changing so fast. So you have the ability with technology for electric vehicles to steadily be getting cheaper and better both at the same time at a crazy fast rate. And that's why they're going to dominate the vehicle market in the world. And we're just going to be a laggard on that because we put up barriers in the United States to the adoption of electric vehicles.

[Krista]

Okay, and then David in Georgia says this, Clark, thanks so much for sharing the joy of living frugally. A funny thing happened on the way home from Christmas. My 2004 Toyota truck hit 400,000 miles.

[Clark Howard]

Wow.

[Krista]

And it's still running like a top. Even the AC works. I bought this from a friend 10 years ago when it had 75,000 miles for only $3,500. If you're doing the math, the that's a penny a mile or $30 a month. In addition, over 30 years ago, my generous dad sold 16 year old me my very first car, a 1996 Mazda truck for $2,000, which I drove for 300,000 miles and 13 years and then sold it for 1451,450. I feel very grateful for such reliable and expensive vehicles and for my mother, Sue Gladson, who taught me how to be frugal, thrifty and content with living simply, you know.

[Clark Howard]

Also I was just doing the math. And David, you drive a lot of miles every year and doing it so cheaply. And I just wonder, David, do you have mechanical ability that you have nurse these vehicles along for a long time or did you just buy twice very reliable used vehicles that gave you incredible years of mileage service? How great is that? And Krista, your vehicle now has hit 61, 000 miles. You showed me. Yeah, the other day.

[Krista]

Yep.

[Clark Howard]

And you're gonna drive it till it has like 600, 000 miles, however long it will drive.

[Krista]

It's turning six this year, so it's still a baby.

[Clark Howard]

Okay, See? So think about how few miles you drive a year.

[Krista]

Yeah.

[Clark Howard]

Versus how much David drives a year. Coming up ahead. Speaking of driving, what about having an affordable vacation you can drive to? There's something that is so overlooked in a time that we really have to stretch Every penny is a way for you to have a great, affordable vacation.

[Apple Card Announcer]

This message is brought to you by Apple Card. Apple Card members can earn unlimited daily cash back on everyday purchases wherever they shop. This means you could be earning daily cash on just about anything, like a slice of pizza from your local pizza place or a latte from the corner coffee shop. Apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app to see your credit limit. Offer in minutes. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and [e-mail] we all have moments when we.

[Schwab Advertiser]

Could have done better. Like cutting your own hair. Yikes. Or forgetting sunscreen so now you look like a tomato.

[Apple Card Announcer]

Ouch.

[Schwab Advertiser]

Coulda done better. Same goes for where you invest. Level up and invest smarter with Schwab. Get market insights, education and human help when you need it. Learn [e-mail].

[Don McDonald]

You know what's funny about free financial advice? It's usually the most expensive kind. I'm Don McDonald from the Talking Real Money podcast. For over three decades, my co host Tom and I have been the antidote to the financial advice nonsense that fills the airwaves. We don't sell products. We don't have sponsors paying us to recommend their funds. We just tell you what has actually worked, backed by decades of academic research, not some guru's gut feeling. Our listeners tell us we're like car talk for your money. Minus the car problems, with maybe even more bad jokes. You're already listening to a podcast right now, so finding us couldn't be easier. Just search for Talking Real Money or visit talkingrealmoney.com give us a few minutes. The worst that happens, you're mildly entertained. The best you stop making your broker richer and start building actual wealth. Just search for Talking Real Money Talking Real Money is an educational podcast, hosts or affiliated with a registered investment advisor. For disclosures, visit talkingrealmoney.com we all have.

[Schwab Advertiser]

Moments when we could have done better. Like cutting your own hair. Yikes. Or forgetting sunscreen so now you look like a tomato.

[Clark Howard]

Ouch.

[Schwab Advertiser]

Coulda done better. Same goes for where you invest. Level up and invest smarter with Schwab. Get market insights, education and human help when you need it. Learn [e-mail].

[Apple Card Announcer]

This message is brought to you by Apple Card. Apple Card members can earn unlimited daily cash back on everyday purchases wherever they shop. This means you could be earning daily cash on just about anything, like a slice of pizza from your local pizza place or or a latte from the corner coffee shop. Apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app to see your credit limit offer in minutes subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City branch terms and [e-mail] so I have a certain blind.

[Clark Howard]

Spot, and that's that I love travel and I love to travel far away and experience new places all over the globe. It's just the way I'm wired. But I've been thinking, I hear so many people say now because of the cycle of the economy we're in, with inflation and the job market slowing and all the rest, that they can't afford to take vacations anymore. And I just hate that because it's so good to refresh and step away and have that time with others, family, friends, whatever. And I know that it's a bridge too far how expensive vacations can be, but there's something that's so overlooked, and it's the state park systems that are so widespread around the country. State parks in many states, by tradition, or even occasionally it'll be in a state constitution, that the state parks have to be affordable for everyday people. And in a lot of states, the state park systems will have a variety of lodging choices that are very affordable, from cottages to cabins to more like roadside motels of the old days. And so you just need a tank of gas or if you're electric, you know, charge up your vehicle and you go to nature of various types, depending on the topography where you live, it could be a state park and a mountain on water, whatever. This is a way instead of doing a staycation, which does not recharge you. I mean, staycation is such a thing. But I don't think that it does the same thing for you as change of scenery, change of environment, breaking your routine and going to do something. So if your budget's really tight, this is a way you can do it. And I, I talked before about how there's an oversupply of oil and gasoline in the world, and we've been seeing gas prices go down. This is likely to continue. So that tank of gas you need to get there is likely to be very, very affordable. So if you're thinking about what you're going to do during the spring for spring break, if you have kids or whatever it is and you think, well, this year I'm not going anywhere. The state parks may be your ticket. Just a thought of something opposite of what I'm always talking about with travel and sightseeing and all that, but a very, very affordable way to do it. Krista.

[Krista]

All right, Colton in Florida says, my wife and I are planning a special trip for our 10 year anniversary in 2027. When we got married, we couldn't afford a good honeymoon, so this will be our first real vacation together. We're thinking about going to Jamaica, but we're flexible on timing. If we can find a great deal, when's the best time to travel to Jamaica and start looking for deals? We live in North Florida and thanks for all your help. We couldn't plan a trip like this without your guidance.

[Clark Howard]

All right, first of all, congratulations to you, colton, on your 10 year anniversary.

[Krista]

Yes, happy anniversary.

[Clark Howard]

Congratulations that you're now in a position to be able to afford the honeymoon essentially you couldn't afford 10 years ago. And congratulations to you living in North Florida because pretty much anywhere in North Florida except the extreme of the panhandle, you're a short drive to Orlando. And the reason Orlando is significant if you want to go to Jamaica is the fares are hyper competitive out of Orlando to Jamaica. A lot of very strong competition among discount airlines from there. And by discounter, I don't mean Frontier. Oh, did I just read a crazy Frontier story? Anyway, as I recall, Southwest, JetBlue both compete against each other on that route. And it's a hop, skip and a jump for you from most of North Florida to go there. As for the bargain times a year for Jamaica, the Caribbean fun in the Sun Starting about the 20th of April is when the off season prices for places you'd go come into effect. And also for airfare, airlines have a tougher time selling tickets outside the peak season, which is from just before Christmas till late April.

[Krista]

You don't want to go during hurricane season, right?

[Clark Howard]

Well, I mean, hurricane. How'd you know I was going to talk?

[Krista]

Oh, no, I was just wondering.

[Clark Howard]

You don't need me. Go ahead, please. No, no, no, because you're right. So the hazard that comes with the opportunity is, as Krista just said, is hurricane season. How do you deal with that? Well, if it can be any time this year, the bargain time to go on a trip like this is when you get outside the hurricane season, which puts you into November and December. Now here's the weird thing for cruises, for going to the Caribbean, anything like that, running off to Jamaica for this 10 year anniversary. The first two weeks of December, right after you close out the Thanksgiving period is the absolute bargain time of the year for leisure travel because it's betwixt in between. Nobody's really taken fun in the sun trips in early December. So if that would work for you, that gets you the benefit of the absolute lowest time of the year to go. And weather is going to be great and you don't have to worry about hurricanes. And if you go in early November, let's say before Thanksgiving, same rules apply, low hurricane risk then. But December, you're outside of the season.

[Krista]

Okay, Catherine in Montana says my question is about travel insurance. My husband and I take frequent road trips to Canada, which is close by. We buy travel insurance only for medical coverage and medical evacuation back to Montana while we're across the border. It's frustrating since travel insurance is packaged to cover costs for airfare, trip packages, et cetera, and we have none of those. Our hotel reservations could be canceled without a charge within a day or two of travel and we have no costs for flights, tours, etc. We want to reduce our cost for travel insurance by buying only what we need. We've used insuremytrip.com but we can't filter out travel costs and just buy a medical policy. Any suggestions?

[Clark Howard]

So there are a lot of sellers online that sell medical only policies or medical plus evacuation for travelers. You can buy an annual policy for people who travel. You can buy one for a cycle of time. But if you're frequently over the course of a year crossing from Montana into Canada, it would really be great for you to buy an annual travelers medical policy. And I thought insure my trip listed those. But if they don't, this is one you're probably safe doing a Google search where you look for travel medical policy or medical travel policy or something like that. They are pretty widely available and not crazy expensive at all for these because as long as you're not spending extremely long periods of time, these policies aren't designed for that. But instead you're doing multiple trips over a year. That will be how you avoid the policies that whatever medical coverage they offer is part of the array of things offered in a broad travel policy that you don't need.

[Krista]

Okay, and then hope I'm saying your name right. Tinia. Tania. Tania in Maine says some background on us. We're 49. My husband has a job in transportation construction in Maine. So the hours and stress are pretty extreme for him during the construction season. Our goal has always been for him to retire early by 55 in six years. Financially, we have a good $800,000 in retirement savings between 401k, 401k, Roth, Roth and IRAs.

[Clark Howard]

First, congratulations to you on doing that in your 40s. That's great.

[Krista]

For the first time in 2025, we were able to max out our contribution to retirement accounts, the 401k Roth and the traditional Roth for both of us.

[Clark Howard]

Wow.

[Krista]

And we plan to keep maxing out if possible. I plan to keep working till 60 for the health benefits. My question is how do people find reasonable health benefits when they retire early and don't have access through their employer? We need to make sure to account for this expense if we have to pay a lot for it. And I don't know where to start. 65 is the age for Medicare.

[Clark Howard]

Yeah. So again, I want to emphasize how great it is that you're setting yourself up financially by being max savers for retirement now and the money you've already accumulated. Awesome. The thing for people 50 and over but not yet eligible for Medicare is buying health coverage is a disaster. Right now the Congress has not been able to come up with a system for comprehensive and affordable health care for people of any age. But the real weak spot is people that are too young for Medicare and at an age that the actuarial tables show you're expensive. For insurers, we used to have a system that essentially held down the premiums for people that were in their 50s and early 60s. We don't have that anymore by the choice of Congress. So now the coverage for the age period you're talking about is out of sight. I mean, back breaking premiums. But we're talking six years from now. And the health care system in the United States, the cost of it, the insurance system for it, it's not working, obviously. And I am hopeful, always hopeful, that we will find our way to a better system for health care in the United States. Because this is not just about insurance. It's the whole picture we have to address. So for you right now, I can't give you an answer for six years from now or 11 years from now. I mean, 11 years from now it's going to be whatever it's going to be is going to be completely different because you're talking about you'll work 11 more years. So I think you cannot know with certainty how that's going to work. You keep doing what you're doing over these years to keep accumulating wealth for your retirement future. And hopefully over this time period between now and we're talking about the late2030s, we will come up with a better system for health care and how we cover it in the United States than the Never Never land we're kind of in right now. So that's the best I can say about it. But again, I'm so excited for the two of you, how determined you are to build out that financial independence so your husband can leave this very difficult work in six years in his mid-50s. And thank you so much for joining us today. I hope that in front of you, you have a wonderful weekend planned. And know that all weekend long, we're there for you on social media, on YouTube, @Clark.com ClarkDeals.com and so we serve you every day of the year, every minute of the day, some way with our websites and the other ways that you can access information. It's all about you being empowered with knowledge so you can see, save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off. And we'll be at your service on Monday.