The Clark Howard Podcast – Episode Summary Episode: April 11, 2025 – "Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Job Market Update"

Clark Howard, the renowned money expert and host of The Clark Howard Podcast, delves into two significant segments in this episode: addressing listener criticisms in the "Clark Stinks" segment and providing an insightful update on the current job market. Released on April 11, 2025, this episode offers valuable financial advice while transparently engaging with audience feedback.

Clark Stinks: Listener Feedback and Clark's Responses

In the "Clark Stinks" segment, Clark Howard invites listeners to voice their critiques and experiences with his financial advice. This interactive portion underscores Clark's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

1. Maximizing Credit Card Bonuses

Listener: Linda (00:54 - 04:34)
Linda criticizes Clark's suggestion regarding credit card sign-up bonuses. She points out that Clark recommended utilizing a sign-up bonus from the Chase Sapphire Preferred card for purchasing airline tickets. However, since she already holds this card, additional bonuses are unattainable with the Chase Reserve card. Linda proposes an alternative strategy: obtaining multiple credit cards to maximize sign-up bonuses, potentially earning up to 300,000 points by distributing purchases across several cards.

Notable Quote:
"He could sign up for two cards and his wife, for instance, could sign up for two cards and they could split the $40,000 into four purchases, putting 10k on each card to maximize the points." — Linda (01:54)

Clark's Response:
Clark acknowledges Linda's valid points and shares a personal anecdote about his pets named after wholesale brands, highlighting his appreciation for her insights. He agrees that strategic utilization of multiple credit cards can lead to substantial rewards, emphasizing the importance of monitoring sign-up bonuses and leveraging them effectively.

2. Car Loan Advice Concerns

Listener: Maureen (04:34 - 06:31)
Maureen recounts her experience following Clark's advice to finance a used car purchase of approximately $42,000 and then paying off the loan promptly. She encountered difficulties with online payments, unexpected interest accrual, and delays in title processing, leading her to question the effectiveness of this strategy.

Notable Quote:
"In addition, I was surprised to find that some interest has already accrued in the three weeks or so since the car purchase, given the hassle, been better off just paying the dealer directly." — Maureen (04:34)

Clark's Response:
Clark expresses confusion and concern over Maureen's experience, clarifying his stance on financing used vehicles. He emphasizes the benefit of negotiating without disclosing financing intentions and highlights scenarios where financing can lead to better deals, especially when loans come with no prepayment penalties. Clark admits the possibility of miscommunication and reassures Maureen of his intent to provide beneficial advice.

3. Frequency of Vehicle Oil Changes

Listener: Warren (06:31 - 07:07)
Warren disputes Clark's recommendations on oil change frequency, advocating for changing oil every 5,000 miles regardless of the manufacturer's guidelines. He argues that modern engines require more frequent lubrication due to tighter tolerances and complex components.

Notable Quote:
"Owners should change the thermostat too high, especially if you live in a humid place. Clark, you do not stink, but you need to smell like fresh linen all the time." — Herman (07:52)

Clark's Response:
Clark acknowledges Warren's perspective and shares a mechanic friend's agreement on the matter. He concedes that while manufacturers' schedules are generally sufficient, personal discretion based on individual vehicle use and maintenance preferences is crucial. Clark emphasizes the minimal cost of oil changes compared to potential engine expenses, supporting proactive maintenance.

4. Thermostat Settings and Humidity Control

Listener: Herman (07:52 - 09:21)
Herman critiques Clark's advice on adjusting thermostat settings to save on power bills. He points out that HVAC systems also manage ventilation and humidity, which are critical in humid climates like Georgia. Improper thermostat settings can lead to excessive humidity, causing damage like warped wood floors.

Notable Quote:
"If you live in Georgia where the humidity is high during the summer months... it can cause damage." — Herman (07:52 - 08:41)
"Clark, you do not stink, but you need to smell like fresh linen all the time." — Herman (07:52)

Clark's Response:
Clark appreciates Herman's detailed feedback and discusses advancements in thermostat technology, such as Nest thermostats, which can automatically adjust settings to manage humidity effectively. He admits his oversight and highlights the importance of balancing temperature settings with humidity control to prevent home damage.

5. Roth IRA Income Limits Miscommunication

Listener: JG (10:20 - 10:56)
JG challenges Clark's explanation of Roth IRA income limits, stating that Clark inaccurately referred to high-income thresholds ($250,000 for singles and $500,000 for married couples) instead of the IRS-specified phase-out ranges ($150,000-$165,000 for singles and $236,000-$246,000 for married couples filing jointly).

Notable Quote:
"The correct limits per The IRS website for 2025 the phase out range is between 150,000 and 165,000 for singles and heads of household. For married couples filing jointly, the income phase out ranges between 236,000 and 246,000." — JG (10:20)

Clark's Response:
Clark apologizes for the misstatement and clarifies his intent was to differentiate between traditional and Roth 401(k) plans, which have higher income considerations. He acknowledges the confusion and reiterates the importance of understanding specific retirement account limits, thanking JG for the correction.

6. Transferring 529 Plans to Grandparents

Listener: Barry (12:05 - 13:23)
Barry challenges Clark's assertion that transferring ownership of a 529 plan from a parent to a grandparent is not straightforward. He shares that Ohio's College Advantage offers a simple transfer process, contradicting Clark's earlier statement about potential complications.

Notable Quote:
"I think you're incorrect. My 529 accounts are with Ohio's College Advantage and they have a straightforward form to transfer the ownership." — Barry (12:05)

Clark's Response:
Clark concedes that the ability to transfer 529 plan ownership depends on state-specific rules and acknowledges that some plans, like Ohio's College Advantage, facilitate straightforward transfers. He commends Barry for highlighting this possibility and clarifies that while general FAFSA rules are accommodating, individual institutions might have varied requirements.

7. Parking App Savings vs. Valet Services

Listener: Jennifer (13:23 - 14:22)
Jennifer shares her experience of saving $39 by using a parking app instead of paying a $49 valet fee at a Detroit hotel. She appreciates Clark's advice on seeking cost-effective parking alternatives.

Notable Quote:
"But thanks to your show, we pocketed $39. Keep us on our toes." — Jennifer (13:23)

Clark's Response:
Clark humorously recounts his own limited experience with hotel parking fees, illustrating that while he managed to avoid extra charges, the savings were modest. He acknowledges Jennifer's success and uses it to emphasize the cumulative benefits of small savings, suggesting even minimal amounts invested wisely can grow over time.

8. Cruise Booking and Purchase Protection

Listener: Dan (22:46 - 23:18)
Dan inquires about the value of purchase protection programs offered by cruise lines, which reimburse price drops after booking. He seeks Clark's opinion on whether such programs are worthwhile or if there are better strategies to secure the best deals.

Notable Quote:
"Do you think this type of protection is worth it or is there a better strategy to ensure I get the best deal?" — Dan (22:46)

Clark's Response:
Clark endorses purchase protection programs, especially for frequent cruisers. He underscores the unpredictability of cruise pricing and the advantage of securing the best possible rate by monitoring fare changes. Clark shares a personal anecdote about achieving significant savings through such vigilance, reinforcing the practicality of Dan's approach.

9. Specialty Credit Bureaus and Payday Loans

Listener: Gary (25:06 - 27:25)
Gary discusses an issue where his credit monitoring service alerted him to an attempt to obtain a payday loan in his name. He seeks clarification on the specialized credit bureaus that monitor such activities, which are different from the major bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Notable Quote:
"Does Clark know what these three or four firms are? They're not related to Experian, Equifax or Transunion or in Novus, according to this host." — Gary (25:06)

Clark's Response:
Clark acknowledges the existence of numerous specialty credit bureaus that operate beyond the major three. He expresses skepticism about the practicality of freezing credit across all these entities due to sheer volume. Clark advises focusing on freezing credit with the major bureaus and expresses reservations about the efficacy and necessity of monitoring minor bureaus, though he remains open to changing his stance in the future.

10. Scam Alert: Fake Norton Antivirus Charges

Listener: Lisa (27:25 - 28:25)
Lisa recounts her boss's attempt to dispute a fraudulent Norton antivirus charge, which led to a near-fraudulent account reversal request. She emphasizes the importance of verifying the authenticity of contact numbers on statements to prevent further scams.

Notable Quote:
"The lesson. Don't assume an 800 number on your statement is real. Always call the company directly with questions." — Lisa (27:25)

Clark's Response:
Clark highlights the sophistication of modern scams, noting how criminals exploit familiar company names to deceive consumers. He advises listeners to independently verify contact numbers through official company websites rather than relying on those listed on potentially compromised statements. Clark underscores the importance of vigilance to prevent identity theft and financial loss.

Job Market Update

Following the "Clark Stinks" segment, Clark transitions to discuss the prevailing state of the job market, drawing parallels to the "deep freeze" experienced during the Great Recession (2009-2012).

Key Points:

• Current State:
  Clark describes the present job market as "frozen," albeit not as severely as during the Great Recession. Employers are hesitant to initiate new hiring or expand due to economic uncertainties exacerbated by persistent tariffs and disrupted business confidence.

• Economic Indicators:
  Contrary to optimistic forecasts predicting a robust economy for the year, Clark notes that economists are now contemplating a potential recession with substantial odds, reflecting shifting economic sentiments.

• Job Opportunities:
  Clark advises job seekers to pivot towards smaller, service-oriented businesses and local activities, which are more adaptable and less impacted by large-scale economic disruptions. He suggests that opportunities may also arise within state or local government roles or through entrepreneurial ventures.

• Adaptation and Resilience:
  Emphasizing the resilience of the diverse and large American economy, Clark is optimistic that businesses will adjust to overcome tariff-induced challenges. He encourages flexibility and creativity among workers, such as engaging in gig work, to navigate the temporary economic stagnation.

Notable Quote:
"For the first time in years and years, the job market is not an employee job market anymore. And how long that's going to go on, don't know." — Clark Howard (18:18)
"This is a bump in the road. This is not an unmitigated disaster like what followed the banking scandals." — Clark Howard (18:18)

Conclusion

In this episode, Clark Howard effectively balances addressing critical listener feedback with providing a comprehensive analysis of the current job market. His openness to criticism and willingness to clarify and adjust his advice demonstrates his dedication to serving his audience's best interests. Simultaneously, his job market update offers essential insights for individuals navigating uncertain economic times, reinforcing his role as a trusted financial advisor committed to empowering his listeners.

Resources Mentioned:

• For personalized financial advice and resources, visit clark.com and clarkdeals.com.
• Submit your questions at www.clark.com/askclark.