The Clark Howard Podcast – Episode Summary: March 7, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Clark Howard Podcast, host Clark Howard dives deep into his “Clark Stinks” segment, addressing critiques from listeners on various financial topics. Additionally, Clark introduces a practical assignment related to Daylight Savings Time, aiming to help listeners safeguard their possessions against insurance disputes. This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, enriched with notable quotes and organized into clear sections for easy navigation.

1. Introduction to Clark Stinks

Clark Howard opens the episode by expressing his enthusiasm for the “Clark Stinks” segment, which embodies his commitment to continuous improvement and encourages listeners to challenge his advice constructively.

Clark Howard [00:16]:

“I love Clark Stinks because it makes me think about things in ways I might not have otherwise.”

He introduces the day's topics, highlighting the controversial nature of Daylight Savings Time and teasing a special assignment for listeners to engage with.

2. Addressing Criticisms in the Clark Stinks Segment

a. IRS Free Fillable Forms and Annuities

A listener named Adam criticizes Clark’s previous advice on IRS free fillable forms and annuities. Clark acknowledges the oversight and provides a more nuanced perspective.

Adam [03:03]:

“The insurance coverage that is available on annuities is vastly inferior to the FDIC... The annuity industry has become a dirty industry because... they are pushing high-commission products that distort what would be best for the consumer.”

Clark Howard [03:22]:

“I can't say you stink because I fully understand where you're coming from, but I think some clarification here would be helpful.”

Clark elaborates on the benefits of certain annuity products, emphasizing their role in ensuring a steady income in retirement, while acknowledging the industry's flaws.

b. Cruise Ship Industry Critique

Another listener, Anonymous, harshly criticizes the cruise ship industry’s environmental practices and its impact on local communities.

Anonymous [06:47]:

“Clark, your continuous promotion of the cruise ship industry stinks as much as the sewage they illegally dump... 27 new ships are coming online... they are burning ultra cheap bunker oil when they should be burning much cleaner, low sulfur clean oil.”

Clark responds by sharing his firsthand observations of cruise ships disrupting local life and highlights the industry's unsustainable growth.

Anonymous [07:44]:

“The cruise ships are getting very large, 6,000, 7,000 passengers... They are very disruptive. We don't go on cruises anymore because it's not my wife or my choice of what we would normally do on a vacation.”

c. Planet Fitness Amenities Misconception

A listener named Kenneth challenges Clark’s dismissive remarks about Planet Fitness, prompting Clark to clarify the gym’s offerings.

Clark Howard [09:17]:

“Clark smells worse than used gym socks when he dismissively describes the amenities available at his gym, Planet Fitness...”

Anonymous [09:39]:

“They offer candy. They offer, I think, Tootsie Rolls often.”

Clark acknowledges the oversight and details the additional services Planet Fitness provides, such as free weights, group classes, and massage tables for black card members.

d. Car Buying Through Carvana and CarMax

Frank criticizes Clark’s endorsement of Carvana and CarMax, highlighting hidden transfer fees that can significantly inflate the cost of purchasing a vehicle.

Clark Howard [10:32]:

“On a previous show Clark talked about how wonderful Carvana and CarMax are because you have seven or 30 days to return the car...”

Frank [11:15]:

“Carvana's non-refundable shipping charges can range from $200 to over $1,000... Why would you do that to poor Krista?”

Clark concedes the oversight and explains the circumstances under which transfer fees may apply, advising listeners to be cautious when opting for out-of-market vehicles.

e. Google Fi Service Issues

Andy shares his negative experience with Google Fi during international travel, pointing out the lackluster customer service and unreliable connectivity.

Clark Howard [12:30]:

“Google Fi techno service was absolutely useless... we had to get local sims to get access.”

Andy [13:19]:

“Customer no service at Google Fi is terrible... It took so much wasted time to get the problem solved.”

Clark warns listeners about potential issues with Google Fi’s international services, suggesting alternative carriers for travel.

f. Spending Habits: Gender and Types of Spending

Jennifer critiques Clark’s reference to latte spending as predominantly a female behavior, prompting a discussion on broader spending habits impacting financial health.

Clark Howard [15:01]:

“Clark smells like old durian fruit for referring to latte spending to imply women predominantly overspend...”

Jennifer [15:36]:

“Your point is accurate that it's not just money you spend on a lunch out...”

They explore how unnecessary expenditures, regardless of who spends them, can hinder financial goals like saving for retirement or buying a home.

g. Lab-Grown Diamonds

A listener named Colin seeks advice on purchasing lab-grown diamonds, referencing Clark’s wedding anecdote.

Clark Howard [17:04]:

“I didn't share where he found his wife's three and a half carat earrings for $1,000...”

Colin [17:25]:

“I got those at Lightbox Jewelry during a flash sale... They offer lab diamonds at a fraction of the price compared to traditional diamonds.”

Clark highlights the value of lab-grown diamonds and encourages listeners to lookout for opportunistic sales.

h. Credit Score Building Strategies

Dean questions why Clark didn’t recommend adding as an authorized user on his wife’s credit cards to build his credit score.

Clark Howard [18:21]:

“Recently you had a question from a teacher about how to build up his credit score...”

Dean [18:49]:

“There is an enormous benefit to the person added and there's risk to the person adding them...”

Clark underscores the importance of cautious financial strategies and the benefits of building credit through trust-based methods.

i. Citibank Electronic Payment Problems

Carla shares her frustration with Citibank’s abrupt shift from electronic payments to paper checks, exacerbated by postal service delays.

Clark Howard [30:31]:

“Carla in California says... Citibank suggested issuing a stop payment request on the check...”

Anonymous [31:21]:

“Navy Federal no longer accepts electronic bill pay... Payments aren't getting there because of the chaos going on at the Postal Service.”

Clark advises listeners to directly pay creditors through their official websites to avoid delays and emphasizes the current challenges facing the U.S. Postal Service.

3. Daylight Savings Time Assignment: Protect Your Possessions

Clark leverages the onset of Daylight Savings Time to introduce a practical assignment designed to help listeners protect their possessions in case of emergencies.

Clark Howard [26:29]:

“I want you to use this weekend to take your phone and do a walk and talk of your possessions... It’s like an insurance policy for your insurance policy.”

He emphasizes the importance of documenting valuable items to ensure fair compensation from insurers during disasters, advocating for proactive financial safeguarding.

Notable Instruction:

“Walk around your house and say, 'We got this new laptop... We bought this TV on Black Friday...'”

4. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Clark wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of financial vigilance and proactive measures to protect one’s assets. He encourages listeners to utilize resources like Clarks.com and ClarkDeals.com for ongoing financial advice and savings opportunities.

Clark Howard [31:21]:

“Remember, you go video your stuff, do your walk and talk this weekend. And I hope that you when you get that extra hour of daylight that you find pleasure in it like I do.”

He signs off with a reminder of the valuable resources available to listeners and a call to action to stay informed and financially empowered.

5. Key Takeaways

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing criticism as a means to refine and enhance financial advice.
• Proactive Financial Safeguards: Conducting a yearly inventory walk-and-talk to protect against insurance disputes.
• Cautious Consumerism: Being aware of hidden fees and deceptive practices in industries like automotive sales and telecommunications.
• Balanced Spending: Recognizing and managing unnecessary expenditures to achieve financial goals.
• Reliable Financial Services: Choosing trustworthy financial products and services, and understanding their limitations.

This episode of The Clark Howard Podcast serves as a testament to Clark’s dedication to providing honest, actionable financial advice while remaining open to listener feedback. Whether addressing industry criticisms or offering practical financial assignments, Clark ensures his audience is well-equipped to make informed decisions and achieve financial well-being.