The Clark Howard Podcast: Episode Summary – February 21, 2025

In the February 21, 2025 episode of The Clark Howard Podcast, titled "Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Amazon Customer No-Service", host Clark Howard engages directly with listener feedback, addressing criticisms and sharing insightful discussions on consumer experiences, particularly focusing on escalating customer service issues with Amazon. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and valuable advice shared during the show.

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Clark Howard introducing the "Clark Stinks" segment—a bi-weekly feature where he addresses criticisms and feedback from listeners. This segment sets the tone for an open and honest dialogue between Clark and his audience.

2. Clark's "Stink" Segment: Responding to Listener Criticisms

a. Jim on Christmas Card Debt Advice (02:40 - 05:16)

Listener Jim challenges Clark's recommendation for managing Christmas card debt, arguing that a more assertive approach is necessary.

• Jim: "Clark stated that he recommends consumers with Christmas card debt set up a plan for paying off this debt over the next 10 months... There is no excuse for paying credit card interest for 10 months for Christmas presents."

Clark responds defensively, likening Jim's criticism to a "backed up septic system" and acknowledges his oversight.

• Clark: "Your advice stunk worse than a backed up septic system."

Co-host elaborates on the importance of establishing strong financial habits over incremental debt repayment.

b. Chelsea on Selling House for Family Accommodation (05:16 - 07:14)

Chelsea criticizes Clark for not suggesting alternative solutions, such as adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), instead of selling her home to support her family.

• Chelsea: "He could build an apartment above the detached garage or current house... which would have cost significantly less than selling his home with a 3.5% mortgage and pulling from retirement."

Clark acknowledges the oversight and agrees that renovation could have been a better suggestion.

• Clark: "Your vacuous answer left an odor worse than a wet shop vac after cleaning out a sewer drain."

c. Renee on Proxy Voting Explanation (07:14 - 08:15)

Renee points out Clark's failure to adequately explain proxy voting, leaving listeners uninformed about its significance.

• Co-host: "Instead of indulging us with what proxy voting is... you chose to revel in your utter disinterest in the entire process."

Clark concedes the mistake and emphasizes the need for thorough explanations.

d. Colin on Chase Sapphire Preferred Insurance (08:15 - 10:09)

Colin disputes Clark's information regarding the Chase Sapphire Preferred card's car rental insurance coverage.

• Clark: "The Chase Sapphire Preferred does have a primary insurance similar to the reserve... I hope this hasn't changed in some legal code somewhere and look forward to the Clark stinks on this subject."

The co-host commits to clarifying the differences between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards.

e. Sean on Public Wi-Fi Advice (10:09 - 11:53)

Sean criticizes Clark for conflicting advice on using public Wi-Fi, calling for a more comprehensive explanation of protective measures.

• Clark: "You've repeatedly told people when traveling abroad to use public WI fi wherever possible."

• Co-host: "Most people never get a vpn, use public WI fi and leave themselves wide open... installing a VPN creates a safe environment for using public WI fi."

f. Benjamin on Charities Rejecting Small Donations (11:53 - 13:03)

Benjamin highlights the risk of small fraudulent donations to charities, a point Clark initially overlooked.

• Benjamin: "Thieves often attempt to make very small credit card donations to charities to see if the card number is valid..."

Clark appreciates the insight and acknowledges the broader implications beyond merchant fees.

g. Bill on Career Advancement Advice (13:03 - 15:06)

Bill expresses frustration with Clark's advice for underpaid employees, seeking more actionable strategies for career growth.

• Clark: "A lot of employees... seem convinced that if you're not late for work... you ought to be in the fast lane for raises and promotions."

• Co-host: "You have to separate yourself from the herd if you want to advance quickly."

h. Mike on Series I Savings Bonds vs. TIPS (14:46 - 15:59)

Mike criticizes Clark's positive stance on Series I Savings Bonds, advocating for Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) instead.

• Mike: "Series I savings bonds fixed rate, is just 1.2%. Clark should stop speaking highly of Series I savings bonds and discuss the solid deal TIP SAR today."

The co-host agrees, discussing the nuanced benefits and complexities of TIPS compared to Series I bonds.

i. Gus on Scam Advice (15:59 - 17:05)

Gus shares a personal story where following Clark's scam advice indirectly led to uncovering his son's jail time, emphasizing the real-world impact of scams.

• Clark: "This just goes to show us all that the scams and evil that goes on in this world does require us to keep our head on a swivel..."

Gus appreciates the advice despite the ironic outcome.

3. Discussion on Amazon's Customer Service Issues

The conversation shifts to escalating frustrations with Amazon's customer service, highlighting systemic issues arising from Amazon's shift to a fulfillment model dominated by third-party sellers.

a. Co-host's Personal Stories (17:19 - 27:47)

The co-host recounts multiple negative experiences with Amazon, including:

• Dirty Blanket Incident (24:16 - 25:39): Purchasing a third-party blanket that arrived filthy with chemical residue, leading to a cumbersome return process.

  • Co-host: "I bought a new blanket on Amazon... it came incredibly filthy, dirty with some kind of chemical dripping out of it."

• Delivery Day Option Failures (25:39 - 26:40): Repeated failures in Amazon's Delivery Day service, resulting in lost packages and unresponsive customer service.

  • Listener Owen: "Every time this has happened, I've called Customer no service and it truly lives up to the name."

The co-host explains how Amazon's transition to a fulfillment house—where most items are sold by third-party sellers—has led to inconsistent return policies and delivery tracking issues.

• Co-host: "All bets are off on what the rules are going to be... you need to understand why and how to look out for potential trouble before it happens to you."

b. Impact of Amazon's Fulfillment Model (27:47 - 28:12)

Discussion on how Amazon's reliance on third-party sellers affects customer service, making returns and issue resolutions more complex and less reliable.

4. Listener Stories and Advice

a. Tara's Car Trade-In Query (28:12 - 31:33)

Tara from California seeks advice on trading in her low-mileage 2018 Toyota Camry for a new 2025 hybrid model. The co-host provides a step-by-step strategy to maximize the trade-in value and minimize the purchase cost.

• Co-host: "Get a price from Carvana on it... Know what it's worth just selling it separately from trading it in."

He emphasizes negotiating the new car's price online before discussing trade-ins to avoid dealership markups.

• Clark: "You must know your price on the new one so they don't play any weird games with you."

b. Justin's Resume Writing Scam Experience (31:33 - 32:40)

Justin from Georgia shares his unfortunate experience with a fraudulent resume writing service, warning listeners about the risks of scams during job searches.

• Justin: "I paid for their services believing the hype... I've been fighting with my credit card company... reviews for this company are abysmal."

The co-host offers empathy and advises listeners to rely on reputable sources and networks for career advancement.

• Co-host: "Do not beat yourself up Justin... Network with everybody you can."

5. Conclusion

Clark wraps up the episode by reiterating the mission to empower listeners with practical financial advice and consumer protection tips. He encourages the audience to subscribe to the Clark Newsletter and Clark Deals for more valuable content.

• Clark: "This is all about you learning ways to save more and spend less... we'll see you Monday on the podcast and YouTube show."

Notable Quotes

• Jim on Debt Management: "There is no excuse for paying credit card interest for 10 months for Christmas presents." (02:48)

• Clark on Listener Criticisms: "Your advice stunk worse than a backed up septic system." (05:16)

• Co-host on Amazon Fulfillment Issues: "All bets are off on what the rules are going to be... you need to understand why and how to look out for potential trouble before it happens to you." (27:47)

• Co-host on Career Advancement: "You have to separate yourself from the herd if you want to advance quickly." (14:46)

Key Takeaways

1. Addressing Debt: While incremental debt repayment can be a strategy, sometimes a more decisive approach is necessary to avoid prolonged financial strain.

2. Home Modification Alternatives: Before deciding to sell a home to accommodate family, exploring options like adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can be cost-effective and practical.

3. Proxy Voting Importance: Understanding the mechanics and implications of proxy voting is essential for informed investment decisions.

4. Credit Card Insurance Nuances: It's crucial to verify the specific benefits and limitations of credit cards, such as Chase Sapphire's insurance coverage.

5. Public Wi-Fi Security: Utilizing tools like VPNs is vital to protect personal information when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.

6. Charity Donation Security: Small donations to charities can be red flags for fraud attempts, and understanding these risks can protect consumers.

7. Career Growth Strategies: Beyond punctuality and reliability, proactive skills development and networking are key to career advancement.

8. Investment Choices: Comparing financial instruments like Series I Savings Bonds and TIPS requires understanding their distinct benefits and suitability for one's financial goals.

9. Consumer Vigilance Against Scams: Staying informed and cautious can prevent falling victim to fraudulent schemes, especially during vulnerable times like job searches.

10. Amazon's Changing Customer Service Landscape: The shift to third-party fulfillment has led to increased customer service challenges, urging consumers to remain vigilant and informed when making purchases.

This episode underscores the importance of consumer awareness and proactive financial management. By addressing listener criticisms and sharing real-world experiences, Clark Howard and his team provide invaluable insights to help listeners navigate complex financial landscapes and avoid common pitfalls.