The Clark Howard Podcast: Episode Summary (May 30, 2025)

Title: Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks & Tech Brakes On Super Speeders
Host: Clark Howard
Release Date: May 30, 2025

1. Introduction & Overview [01:00 – 02:02]

Clark Howard opens the episode by reaffirming the show's mission to empower listeners with financial advice and information. He introduces two key segments for the episode:

• Clark Stink: A weekly segment where Clark addresses criticisms and feedback from listeners.
• Tech Brakes On Super Speeders: A new discussion about technology designed to limit vehicle speeds, aiming to curb aggressive driving behaviors.

Clark Howard [01:00]:

"Our mission is to serve you with advice and information that empowers you to make better financial decisions in your life today."

2. Clark Stinks: Listener Criticisms & Song Tribute [02:02 – 03:41]

Krista introduces a playful yet critical segment where a listener named DT showcases his dissatisfaction through a fan-made song titled "Clark Stinks." DT's creative expression serves as a humorous take on listener criticisms.

Krista [02:02]:

"DT wrote and produced a song about Clark Stinks. Here's a clip of it."

DT's Song Excerpt [02:48 – 03:41]:

"Clark Stinks, Clark Stinks, He's a skunky funky clogging my sinks, Clark sticks."

Clark Howard [03:41]:

"Wow. DT, thank you very much. And that is such a different accent than I would expect from the son of Scotland."

3. Listener Feedback & Clark's Responses

a. Digital Safety Concerns with Temu App [03:41 – 04:46]

A listener questions the safety of shopping on the Temu app, expressing concerns about data collection and ties to China. Kim Commando suggests deleting the app.

Clark Howard [04:21]:

"Temu is basically in frozen land right now because of the fight with China about tariffs. I appreciate you bringing a perspective that maybe I completely missed answering that question."

b. Solar Power and Electric Bills [04:46 – 05:57]

Krista shares her confusion regarding Clark's mention of a $12 electric bill due to solar power in his condo, contrasting it with her experience of a high $4,000 bill when her son overused the AC.

Clark Howard [05:14]:

"We've had a home in Florida that runs on solar. Our power bill is so close to zero month after month after month. It's pretty awesome."

c. Spray Foam Insulation Issues [05:57 – 08:16]

Krista discusses her negative experience with spray foam insulation, citing high costs, potential health risks, and issues with mortgage lenders. She urges Clark to conduct more research on the topic.

Clark Howard [06:44]:

"If you don't see a reduction in your bills, I have no explanation for that. I haven't heard of spray foam insulation causing health risks or affecting mortgage loans. I will do more reading about it."

d. Roth IRA Conversion Misconceptions [08:16 – 11:11]

Krista critiques Clark's previous statements on Roth IRA conversions during market downturns, emphasizing the importance of tax rate considerations over mere market conditions. A retired CPA, Mark, corroborates her points.

Clark Howard [08:58]:

"During a market decline, there is an advantage to converting a traditional IRA to a Roth. But if your tax rate in retirement is likely to be much lower, then you don't want to do the conversion."

e. Hotel Reservation Practices [11:11 – 13:20]

Fred questions Clark's contradictory advice on reserving non-refundable hotel rooms while personally using Priceline, a platform known for non-refundable bookings. Clark explains the nuances of Priceline's offerings.

Clark Howard [11:21]:

"Priceline has express hotels which are non-refundable, but they also offer refundable options. I usually get the best price through Priceline, but I always compare with other sites."

f. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Utilization [13:20 – 14:27]

Todd adds to the discussion on HSAs by highlighting the benefit of indefinite reimbursement, suggesting that keeping receipts can provide an additional revenue stream in retirement. Clark acknowledges this and appreciates the suggestion.

Clark Howard [13:50]:

"Todd, you are the second person to suggest keeping receipts to let your HSA grow tax-free for future reimbursement. You have to be a really good record keeper, which you obviously are."

4. Tech Brakes On Super Speeders: Speed Assist Technology in Virginia [14:31 – 22:00]

Clark delves into Virginia's adoption of Speed Assist technology, which limits vehicle speeds to posted limits. He discusses the potential benefits and privacy concerns, highlighting the balance between safety and personal freedoms.

Clark Howard [18:05]:

"Virginia became the first state to adopt Speed Assist, a technology that limits your speed to the posted limit. While it might seem like an invasion of privacy, driving is a privilege, not a right, and excessive speed leads to many deaths."

Listener Interaction:

Clark asks listeners how they would feel about having a speed limiter installed if they were caught speeding too much. Krista responds, preferring the speed limiter over license suspension.

Krista [21:49]:

"I'd rather have the speed limiter than that. Thank you."

5. Additional Listener Questions & Answers

a. Health Payment Systems [22:00 – 24:11]

Kyle in Pennsylvania inquires about a health payment system that offers discounts by linking a checking account or using a credit card. Clark warns about potential pitfalls, such as discrepancies in discounts and the hassle of retrieving funds.

Clark Howard [22:40]:

"If these systems don't work as advertised, you might find yourself stuck trying to get your money back, which can be time-consuming and stressful."

b. Window Replacement Costs [24:11 – 25:10]

Dylan from Illinois contemplates spending $46,000 on window replacements for his townhome, concerned about recouping the investment upon resale. Clark advises against this expenditure if not planning to stay long-term, suggesting alternative repairs.

Clark Howard [25:10]:

"Replacing windows isn't a smart spend if you're not planning to stay long term. The payback is pathetic, and potential buyers won't pay extra for new windows. Consider low-cost repairs instead."

c. Auto Insurance for Rental Trucks [25:10 – 30:43]

Dan from Florida shares an incident where a U-Haul truck he was renting caused damage. He questions whether standard auto insurance covers such scenarios and why rental companies are less aggressive in selling insurance options. Clark emphasizes the importance of understanding insurance limitations and not relying solely on rental company assurances.

Clark Howard [26:45]:

"Most insurers have limits on rental trucks. If you rent a truck beyond your policy's coverage, you're uninsured for liability and repair costs. Always verify your coverage before renting."

6. Closing Remarks [30:43 – End]

As the episode nears its end, Clark reiterates the importance of being informed and empowered to make smart financial decisions. He promotes ongoing access to resources like @clark.com and clarkdeals.com, ensuring listeners have support 24/7.

Clark Howard [30:43]:

"We serve you all weekend long at clark.com and clarkdeals.com. Empowerment with knowledge so you can save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off."

Key Takeaways

• Listener Engagement: Clark actively addresses criticisms and questions, fostering a transparent and interactive community.

• Financial Advice Nuances: Emphasizes the importance of personalized financial planning, particularly concerning retirement accounts and home improvements.

• Technological Impacts on Safety: Introduces and evaluates new technologies aimed at improving road safety, balancing benefits against potential privacy concerns.

• Insurance Awareness: Highlights the necessity of understanding insurance policies, especially when dealing with rentals and large expenditures.

Notable Quotes

• Clark on HSA Strategy [13:50]:

  "You have to be a really good record keeper, which you obviously are."

• Clark on Speed Assist [18:05]:

  "Driving is a privilege, not a right, and excessive speed leads to many deaths."

• Krista on Speed Limiter [21:49]:

  "I'd rather have the speed limiter than that. Thank you."

• Clark on Roth IRA Conversions [08:58]:

  "During a market decline, there is an advantage to converting a traditional IRA to a Roth. But if your tax rate in retirement is likely to be much lower, then you don't want to do the conversion."

This episode of The Clark Howard Podcast balances listener feedback with expert financial advice, addressing both personal finance topics and broader societal issues like road safety technology. Clark's approachable demeanor ensures that even critical feedback is handled constructively, providing value to both loyal listeners and newcomers.