The Clark Howard Podcast

Episode: SAVE MORE On Groceries / NEW Airline Credit Card Advice
Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Clark Howard

Episode Overview

This episode is packed with Clark’s signature money-saving advice, focusing on two big themes:

1. How to save more on groceries using the latest data comparing major grocery retailers
2. Updated recommendations on airline credit cards, with a special focus on recent industry trends affecting frequent and casual travelers alike

Alongside these headline topics, Clark and his team field listener questions about government surveys, family phone plans, maximizing savings account returns, and travel tips, providing actionable, down-to-earth guidance throughout the show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Where to Get the Cheapest Groceries – What Data Shows

[00:35–07:41]

• Clark shares new findings from Consumer Reports on grocery pricing, using Walmart as a price baseline due to its dominant market share and historically lower prices.
• Warehouse Clubs Lead Savings:
  • BJ’s Wholesale Club and Costco sell groceries at 21% cheaper than Walmart.
  • Clark notes: “It's no surprise to me because of my obsession, but two companies sell groceries not just a little cheaper than Walmart, but much, much, much cheaper than Walmart. And they are BJ's Wholesale Club...and Costco.” ([02:15])
• Aldi & Lidl:
  • Both are over 8% cheaper than Walmart.
  • Clark questions this: “Consumer Reports said I’m wrong, that the savings are only 8%. I find it hard to fathom.” ([04:18])
  • Caveat: Difficult brand comparison due to private labels.
• Other Notables:
  • WinCo Foods: Employee-owned, low-priced, heavily in mountain states and West Coast.
  • H.E.B.: Popular in Texas, roughly tied with Walmart for price.
• The Expensive End:
  • Whole Foods ("Whole Paycheck"): 40% more expensive than Walmart.
    • “Whole Paycheck...40% more expensive than going to Walmart. Forty. I mean, come on.” ([05:30])
  • Trader Joe’s: 25% more expensive than Walmart, despite Aldi connection.
  • Publix: 20% more expensive.
• Kroger (Second-Largest Supermarket Chain): 15% more expensive.
• Sam's Club: Not included, but Clark "has to believe" it would also be 20% cheaper than Walmart.
• Key Takeaway:
  Shopping at warehouse clubs or discount grocers like Aldi and Lidl can bring the greatest savings—empirical data matches instinct.

2. Listener Q&A: American Community Survey

[07:42–09:51]

• Listener Concern: The census-like American Community Survey feels invasive.
• Clark’s Guidance:
  • Legally, you could be charged for not completing it, but enforcement is nonexistent.
  • Expect repeated mailings and potentially a home visit if ignored.
  • Advice: “If you find questions invasive, don’t answer the questions you find invasive. Answer the most basic stuff...don’t make stuff up.” ([09:39])
• Clark’s Tone: Empathetic, lighthearted (“I would have been married nine times. Let them put that in their database. No, don’t make stuff up.”)

3. Listener Q&A: Family Phone Plans and Device Upgrades

[09:51–11:39]

• Listener is on a Verizon family plan and wonders about upgrading through Verizon.
• Clark’s Advice:
  Normally, avoid "free" carrier phones because of contractual handcuffs, but:
  • “Because you're all in with Verizon, take the free phone.” ([10:33])
  • Especially if there's no intent to switch carriers.

4. Listener Q&A: Savings Platforms (“Max My Interest”)

[11:39–13:57]

• Question: Is Max My Interest safe for big money?
• Clark’s Analysis:
  • Legitimate, helps users find highest savings rates.
  • Brokered accounts can carry risks if the third-party intermediary goes under before your money reaches FDIC-insured accounts.
  • Quote: “That is what makes me nervous about the brokers. And I have not been able to find how max my interest protects you...” ([12:40])
  • Users do get better rates, but with a “little touch” taken as a cut.

5. Airline Credit Cards: Time for a Change in Strategy?

[16:48–23:55]

• Industry Update:
  • Airlines now make more money from co-branded credit cards (through banks like Amex, Citi, Chase) than from flying passengers.
  • Example: Delta earned $10 billion from Amex partnership in a recent year.
• Clark’s Previous Stance:
  • Stay a “free agent,” stick to general-purpose travel cards (e.g., Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Strata Elite, Amex Platinum).
• What’s Changed:
  • Airlines use baggage fees and lounge privileges to incentivize holding their cards.
  • Clark’s New Advice:
    • If you or your family fly a single airline regularly (3+ times/year) or often check bags, consider getting that airline’s $100/year card for free checked bag privileges.
      • “They’re using this as the way to get you to...three check bags over the course of a year covers the cost of the entry-level credit card.” ([21:37])
    • Airline cards may grant better access to loyalty award seats (United and Delta offer discounts or more availability to cardholders).
• Warning About Premium Cards:
  • Delta’s highest-tier card is now $650/year. Only worth it if you travel frequently and use perks/lounges.
  • Memorable Moment: “If you’re walking right now...hold on tight because the annual fee on that card is $650 a year!” ([23:23])
• Still Recommend:
  For most, Capital One Venture X and similar cards remain the best value, especially if you’re not loyal to one airline or live in a hub city.

6. Practical Travel Advice for Europe

[24:13–34:07]

• Booking Flights:
  • Book early if you see great fares, but beware basic economy limitations (consider paying more for flexibility and seat selection).
  • Avoid tight connections that add stress—choose longer layovers for peace of mind. ([27:57])
• Ground Transportation:
  • Clark panned Scottish rail (old, crowded, and slow) versus flying or considering other alternatives to Inverness.
• European Payment Tips:
  • Use tap-to-pay with your smartphone for maximum convenience and security.
  • Avoid ATM and card “dynamic currency conversion”—always pay in local currency to dodge hidden 10% fees.
    • “They make it seem like it’s a favor. It ain’t.” ([26:00])
• Maritime SIM Cards:
  • Useful for minimal data, but most cruise lines now offer faster, unlimited Starlink Internet that’s better for heavy usage.
• Currency Prepay (Revolut/Wise):
  • Can “dollar-cost-average” your way into holding euros/pounds ahead of a trip; Revolut/Wise are reputable.
• Story Time:
  • American Express excels in traveler support: Clark recounts a relative’s friend in Rome who, after being mugged and losing wallet/phone, was able to get a new Amex card same day from the regional office. ([33:13])
  • Classic advice: Keep a spare card and your passport separate—never carry all payment methods together when traveling.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On warehouse shopping:
  “We got a dog named Kirkland. Signature. You know where my mind's at? It's with the warehouse clubs.” ([07:34])

• On Whole Foods pricing:
  “For some reason they're building, say something called Whole Foods, but their actual name is whole paycheck. 40% more expensive.” ([05:27])

• On airline cards & bag fees:
  “Three check bags over the course of a year covers the cost of the entry level credit card. So this is the change in advice I’m giving.” ([21:37])

• On dynamic currency conversion in Europe:
  “Always say no. Always have it converted…You want to buy your purchase in euro. Do not. They make it seem like it's a favor. It ain't.” ([26:00])

• On American Community Survey:
  “What I recommend is that if you find questions invasive, don't answer the questions you find invasive. Answer the most basic stuff on there and you could make something up. ... No, don't make stuff up.” ([09:19])

• On premium airline cards:
  “If you’re walking right now...hold on tight because the annual fee on that Card is at $650 a year.” ([23:23])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Groceries Price Analysis: [00:35–07:41]
• American Community Survey Advice: [07:42–09:51]
• Family Phone Plan/Verizon Question: [09:51–11:39]
• Max My Interest (Savings Account Broker): [11:39–13:57]
• Airline Credit Card Strategy Update: [16:48–23:55]
• Travel Abroad: Flights, Payments, SIMs, Safety Tips: [24:13–34:07]

Clark’s Tone and Style

Clark maintains his signature conversational, friendly, and humor-laden style (“Whole Paycheck,” “dog named Kirkland Signature”). He never talks down to listeners, interspersing personal anecdotes and relatable advice with clear, direct instructions for savvy consumer behavior.

Summary Conclusion

Clark Howard’s March 9, 2026 episode is loaded with actionable information—from grocery shopping hacks, revamped airline credit card recommendations to down-to-earth advice for travelers venturing abroad. Whether you’re trying to stretch your dollar at the supermarket, maximize card points, avoid government survey headaches, or travel confidently, Clark’s advice is practical and empowering, delivered with the wit and clarity that makes The Clark Howard Podcast a go-to resource for smart consumers.