The Clark Howard Podcast: Episode Summary (June 6, 2025)
Title: Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Best Sunscreens
Host: Clark Howard
Release Date: June 6, 2025
1. Introduction to "Clark Stinks" Segment
In this episode, Clark Howard dives into his "Clark Stinks" segment, where he addresses criticisms from listeners and engages in candid discussions about various consumer topics. Setting the stage for an open dialogue, Clark emphasizes his commitment to providing valuable financial advice while remaining receptive to feedback.
Notable Quote:
Clark Howard [02:05]: "It's great to have you here on the Clark Howard Show... today it's time for you to remember to protect your skin when you're out and about from the sun."
2. Top Tier vs. Regular Gasoline
Clark tackles the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of top tier gasoline. Listener Don McDonald shares his experience, highlighting that despite predominantly using non-top tier gas, his vehicles have remained reliable without issues related to fuel or internal combustion.
Notable Quotes:
Don McDonald [02:47]: "There's no difference in the quality of top tier and regular gasoline... Neither vehicle has ever needed a repair on anything regarding gas."
Clark Howard [03:54]: "When gas is shared among all different distributors... some believe that top tier gasoline is in fact safer, potentially better for your car than non top tier gas."
3. Funeral Insurance Policies
Listener Rory raises concerns about funeral insurance sold by funeral homes, explaining that policies like irrevocable insurance annuities offer portability and validity even if the funeral home is unavailable. Clark acknowledges the benefits but warns about the high fees associated with such products.
Notable Quotes:
Rory [05:07]: "We bought a funeral irrevocable insurance annuity sold by the funeral home... it follows you anywhere and is as valid as the original."
Clark Howard [05:27]: "These policies tend to have very high fees built into them... as a general consumer purchase, it's not something that I advise because of the high costs."
4. Challenges in the Healthcare Industry
Don McDonald criticizes Clark's views on the healthcare industry's reliance on phone-based triage systems. He argues that such systems are essential for managing patient urgency and maintaining operational efficiency despite the industry's financial pressures.
Notable Quotes:
Don McDonald [06:21]: "Clark has missed addressing how difficult it is to run a healthcare practice... a phone conversation with a patient is far more useful in vetting the severity and urgency of a problem."
Clark Howard [07:34]: "People in medical practice right now are in a squeeze play like you can't imagine... There's just not enough staff for the demands."
5. Student Loans vs. Family Member Loans
Bill, another listener, discusses the complexities of lending money to family members for education. He advises establishing clear repayment terms and avoiding treating the loan as a gift to prevent misunderstandings and financial strain.
Notable Quotes:
Bill [09:16]: "Don't have the funds to include their payment as well. Find your side hustle... it's wrong to assume that it's a gift or no timeline expected."
Clark Howard [10:04]: "We have covered so many family drama situations... your point from the side of the family member lending money, you are completely correct."
6. Inflation and Consumer Goods: The Case of Sugar
Laura points out that rising sugar prices have been countered by reducing the size of sugar packages, indicating a silent impact of inflation on everyday purchases. Clark acknowledges this oversight and commits to better monitoring such changes.
Notable Quotes:
Don McDonald [11:24]: "Clark used an example of sugar prices rising but then returned to normal... the normal price was now for a four pound bag instead of the traditional five."
Clark Howard [11:40]: "I was not aware of that and I will look next time I'm in the supermarket."
7. Discounted Blood Work Solutions
Kelsey shares her positive experience with Life Extension’s discounted blood work services, recommending LabCorp partnerships for affordable tests not typically covered by insurance, such as vitamin D deficiency screenings.
Notable Quotes:
Don McDonald [12:04]: "Lifeextension.com offers discounted blood work through LabCorp... the vitamin D test was less than a quarter of the price."
Clark Howard [13:03]: "Someone brings something to the table that I didn't think of, that I wasn't aware of... thank you for taking the time to do the post."
8. Best Sunscreens for Health and Budget
As summer approaches, Clark emphasizes the importance of using effective sunscreen to prevent skin cancer. He reviews Consumer Reports' top-rated sunscreens, highlighting affordable and high-performing options.
Top Sunscreens Reviewed:
- Coppertone Water Babies Lotion - $8: Perfect score of 100.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Lotion - $24: Score of 90.
- Everyday Humans Oh My Bod - $15: Score of 83.
For sprays, Clark notes that only specific products meet high standards:
- Trader Joe's Spray SPF 50 - 74
- Userin Advanced Hydration Spray - 16 bucks, score of 88
- Black Girl Sunscreen Kids - $12, score of 77
Notable Quotes:
Clark Howard [16:10]: "Coppertone Water Babies Lotion gets a perfect 100... it's not expensive, just eight bucks."
Clark Howard [20:00]: "Buy something that the testers have been able to find in labs and in real experience really do work."
9. Changing Tipping Etiquette for Carryout Orders
Trina from Georgia inquires about the norms of tipping for carryout orders. Clark observes a decline in tipping practices post-COVID, noting that while tipping surged during the pandemic to support essential workers, it has since reverted to lower levels.
Notable Quotes:
Clark Howard [21:42]: "The percents people are tipping are way down... roughly four out of five people are not tipping anymore on the carry out orders."
Don McDonald [22:04]: "Is it? Doesn't seem like it to me."
10. Purchasing Model 3 Tires on a Budget
K, a listener from Missouri, seeks advice on buying affordable tires for a Tesla Model 3. Clark recommends warehouse clubs like Costco for their competitive pricing and comprehensive packages. Additionally, he suggests Tire Rack for no-frills options, emphasizing the importance of understanding total costs at installation centers.
Notable Quotes:
Clark Howard [23:58]: "Warehouse Clubs are far and away, based on our research, the best place to buy tires... Costco is better than Sam's or BJ's."
Don McDonald [25:00]: "Tire Rack is a no frills seller of tires... make sure you have the actual total cost for everything involved."
11. Navigating Retirement Communities: Non-profit vs. For-profit
Kerry from Ohio asks about choosing between non-profit and for-profit retirement communities. Clark advocates for faith-based non-profit options backed by charitable organizations but warns to ensure that operations aren't contracted out to for-profit entities. He underscores the necessity of verifying the financial stability of continuing care retirement communities to protect life savings.
Notable Quotes:
Clark Howard [26:10]: "Find out if it's being operated by the nonprofit rather than a for-profit enterprise that may cut corners."
Clark Howard [26:32]: "States have failed their citizens and not protected this buy-in money... it's your money, you worked hard to save."
12. Closing Remarks
Clark wraps up the episode by reiterating his mission to empower listeners with knowledge to save more, spend less, and avoid being ripped off. He encourages continuous learning and engagement with his resources to achieve financial freedom.
Notable Quote:
Clark Howard [31:11]: "Be empowered with knowledge you learned through the week... so that you can save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off all weekend long."
Conclusion
This episode of The Clark Howard Podcast offers a blend of listener interactions, expert advice, and practical tips across a spectrum of topics—from gasoline choices and funeral insurance to healthcare challenges and effective sunscreen selection. Clark's transparent approach in addressing criticisms fosters a trustworthy environment, ensuring that listeners are well-equipped to make informed financial and personal decisions.