The Clark Howard Podcast

Episode: 02.25.26 – Buying & Selling Gold / Why Simple Appliances Win

Host: Clark Howard
Date: February 25, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The Clark Howard Podcast centers on two main personal finance issues: the savvy buying and selling of gold and silver, and the virtues of choosing simple appliances over high-end, feature-laden models. Clark addresses listener questions about precious metals, consumer scams, technology security, navigating cable company woes, and making practical lifestyle choices that put savings and reliability first. True to the show’s mission, Clark delivers clear, actionable advice to help listeners save money, avoid ripoffs, and make informed financial decisions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Buying & Selling Gold and Silver (01:37–18:40)

• Gold and Silver as a Hedge, Not an Investment (02:10)

  • Clark clarifies: "Gold and silver... operate as a hedge in times of uncertainty or worry about the world or the value of currency... Having some hedge in gold, silver, commodities is a valuable strategy. It is not investing."
  • He recommends precious metals should make up only 5–10% of your investable assets: "The amount you should buy and own should represent somewhere...5 to 10% of investable assets...I don't refer to them as an investment." (03:15)

• Physical Gold vs. ETFs/ETNs (05:40)

  • Physical coins involve high buying and selling (buy/sell spread) and storage risks.
  • Buying via ETFs or ETNs offers “teensy tiny buy sell” costs and eliminates risk of theft.
  • “Funds are your friend. You want to sell them? Bam. You sell them ultra easy.” (06:30)

• When Not to Buy Gold (04:30)

  • “The time not to be excited about buying gold or silver is when they're in the news, because when they're in the news means they've had a big run up.” (04:35)

• Tax Considerations (08:40)

  • Those in very high tax brackets may see tax advantages in gold mining stocks over physical gold or funds: “The tax treatment of owning mining companies is much more favorable than owning actual gold.”

• Caller: Counterfeit Silver American Eagles – What Now? (09:13)

  • Caller “George in California” shares experience of getting scammed with counterfeit coins and being let down by his bank’s dispute process.
  • Clark’s advice: Filing a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint is worthwhile, though success rates dropped from 50% to just 5%. Small claims against scammers is essentially unenforceable. (10:06–12:48)

2. Q&A: Roth IRAs vs. Saving for a Car (12:48–16:35)

• Listener Dilemma (Chris, North Carolina)
  • Family with modest income and strong savings receives a large tax refund: Should it go to their Roth IRAs or be saved for a future car?
  • Clark’s advice: Invest in the Roth IRAs. With a solid emergency fund and low-interest car loans available, the Roth offers a better long-term gain: “Put this money into the Roth...grow your money for the long term.” (14:27)

3. Security: Face ID vs. Passwords (17:00–18:40)

• Face ID and Passkeys for Banking Apps
  • Clark says, “Yes. Pass keys are awesome...they are safer than passwords and I would feel good about using it for a banking app.” (17:14)

4. Why Simple Appliances & Cars Win (20:28–26:53)

• Clark’s Story: Fancy vs. Basic Dryers (21:30)

  • Clark found his expensive, feature-rich dryer unreliable, replaced it with a “plain dull white dryer” that works perfectly: “Simple. Works better.” (21:48)
  • He stresses Consumer Reports for appliance reliability research.

• The Dangers of Over-Engineered Products

  • High-volume, simpler appliances are usually more reliable and cost-effective.
  • Clark links this to today’s $50,000 average car prices, blaming unnecessary gadgets for high cost and reduced reliability.
  • “Manufacturers...run up the price, put more and more gadgets on them, more and more frills, they become less reliable.” (24:05)
  • Highlights Europe’s Dacia brand as a model for affordable, practical vehicles.

• Anecdote: John Mulaney & Bad Washer/Dryer Experiences (26:04)

  • Comedian’s frustration: Bought the “best” washer/dryer but it consistently underperformed, echoing Clark’s points.

5. Cable & Internet: Navigating Customer No-Service (26:53–31:42)

• Cancelling Cable is War

  • Caller describes the hassle of canceling with Spectrum/Charter: “...question after question...finally told her I was only going to give her one more minute. She said it would take at least five more minutes...completely unprofessional.” (27:19)

• Clark’s Advice:

  • Expect retention specialists to stall; watch YouTube tutorials on expediting cancellation.
  • Document every conversation: names, dates, times.
  • Always get (and keep) receipts for returned equipment to avoid spurious charges. (29:00–31:10)

• Clark’s Quote: “It is war. Customer no service war...when you deal with the cable monster you gotta be prepared.” (31:38)

6. Other Notable Q&A Segments

• Credit Card Limit Cut After Paying Off Balance (32:00)

  • Clark explains card issuers can reduce limits for many reasons, not always your fault. Always diversify card issuers and check your credit report for errors.

• Venmo for the Older Generation (34:22)

  • Older listener hesitant to use Venmo; Clark suggests using a separate online account for apps, citing fraud risks with physical checks outweigh those with apps.
  • “Giving people checks, I wouldn't do it. It’s too risky...My mother-in-law...she now has a Venmo account and sends [grandkids] money that way. And they're all thrilled...” (34:33)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Gold/Silver: "The purpose for me is simple and clear: protection. It's almost like an insurance policy against potential bad times." (07:30)
• On Appliance Choices: “With appliances...simple works better.” (21:48)
• On Technology Security: “Pass keys are awesome...you are who you say you are in a way that seems to be superior, usually involving biometrics.” (17:14)
• On Cable Companies: “It is war. Customer no service war.” (31:38)
• On Embracing New Payment Apps: “Giving people checks, I wouldn't do it. It's too risky." (34:33)

Key Timestamps

• 01:37: Intro to gold/silver—hedge vs. investment
• 05:40: Physical precious metals vs. ETFs
• 09:13: Caller on counterfeit coins, Clark’s CFPB advice
• 12:48: Chris in NC: Tax refund—Roth IRA vs. car savings
• 17:00: Face ID and passkeys—better than passwords
• 21:30: Simple appliances win reliability test
• 24:00: Dacia cars as affordable, functional models
• 26:04–26:53: John Mulaney washer/dryer anecdote
• 27:16: Cancelling cable—Spectrum and retention roadblocks
• 31:38: Equipment return, billing disputes, and documentation
• 32:26: Card limit cut after payoff—check your credit!
• 34:22: Venmo vs. checks—advice for hesitant users

Summary

Clark Howard unpacks the realities of investing in gold and silver, advising that their primary role is as a hedge—not a wealth-building investment—and steering listeners toward ETFs/ETNs for simplicity and liquidity. He fields cautionary tales of scams, provides practical solutions for financial windfalls, celebrates the virtues of basic appliances and cars, and offers tactical advice for dealing with predatory cable companies. The episode ends with reassurance that adapting to new financial technology is both inevitable and manageable, as long as you take steps to protect yourself. Throughout, Clark’s tone is approachable, direct, and relentlessly focused on putting the listener’s financial well-being first.