The Clark Howard Podcast: Episode Summary – "Cruise Industry Update & Affordable Housing Solutions"

Release Date: July 9, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Clark Howard Podcast, host Clark Howard delves into two pivotal topics affecting consumers today: the evolving cruise industry and innovative solutions for affordable housing. Alongside answering listener questions, Clark provides valuable insights and practical advice aimed at empowering listeners to make informed financial decisions.

1. Cruise Industry Update: Navigating Post-Pandemic Waters

Clark begins the episode by addressing recent developments in the cruise industry. Earlier in the year, he highlighted the persistent high rates within the sector. However, the landscape has since shifted, revealing a softening in demand.

Clark Howard [00:39]: "After I told you earlier this year that cruise rates were staying stubbornly high, I've got an update for you."

Despite previously stable bookings, Clark observes that cruise lines are now experiencing a decline in price resistance. This change presents both challenges and opportunities for consumers. Every cruise cabin represents a discretionary expense, and as demand wanes, prices for cabins across various categories and dates are beginning to adjust accordingly.

Key Takeaways:

• Flexibility is Key: Travelers with future cruise bookings have the opportunity to reshop their reservations. By remaining flexible with dates and cabin choices, they can potentially secure better deals or even upgrades.

  Clark Howard [02:30]: "Think about this like being a free agent and reshop your cruise and see if... you can now turn this softening that's happening to an advantage for your wallet."

• Proactive Savings: Instead of committing once and ignoring potential savings, Clark encourages listeners to continuously evaluate their bookings to maximize financial benefits.

  Clark Howard [04:00]: "Don't treat your wallet like it's in poured concrete. I want you to shop it."

2. Listener Questions: Navigating Cruises and Beyond

Clark seamlessly transitions into a segment addressing listener inquiries, offering personalized advice on various topics.

a. Utilizing Third-Party Shore Excursions

Listener: Liz from New York inquires about using reputable third-party excursion providers like Viator and Shore Excursion Group for her upcoming Disney cruise.

Liz [06:09]: "When I travel I I find that many of the cruise websites are confusing and finding the excursions in advance to look at is difficult."

Clark's Advice:

• Early Booking: To avoid missing out on preferred excursions, book third-party tours early in the day, allowing ample time before the ship departs.

  Clark Howard [06:09]: "If you book the earliest ones in the day so that there's plenty of time built in as cushion when it's all aboard for the ship departing a port."

• Research and Reviews: Investing time in reading reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Cruise Critic can ensure the chosen excursions meet quality and reliability standards.

b. Finding Cheaper Flights from Coastal Hubs

Listener: Wes from Missouri seeks clarification on whether booking flights through coastal cities can yield better international fares compared to flying directly from his local airport, MCI (Kansas City International).

Wes [08:11]: "Does it make a difference in price if I look for a flight in Google Flights from MCI to a foreign destination where MCI does not fly to directly versus flights from MCI to insert Clark's coastal city, then onto the foreign city?"

Clark's Response:

• Focus on Major Gateways: Clark advises concentrating on major international gateways like New York and Chicago, which often offer more competitive fares due to higher traffic and competition.

  Clark Howard [10:30]: "Fares from Kansas City to either, particularly New York, very affordable."

• Strategic Planning: By combining a domestic flight to a major hub with an international connection, travelers can capitalize on lower overall fares.

• Benefit from Local Advantages: Larger cities not only provide cheaper fares but also safer connection times and more flight options.

  Clark Howard [11:45]: "You want to look at it in parts... from the west coast on to the destinations I talked about."

c. Managing International ATM and Banking Issues

Listener: Bill from Delaware experiences difficulties with his bank-issued ATM debit card while traveling overseas and considers opening a Capital One 360 checking account as a solution.

Bill [13:00]: "When I travel overseas, my ATM card doesn't work. What should I do?"

Clark's Guidance:

• Backup ATM Cards: Having a second ATM card can prevent disruptions caused by card failures.

  Clark Howard [13:21]: "Have a second ATM card just so you don't have to worry about a potential 'what if.'"

• No-Fee Accounts: Clark endorses accounts like Capital One 360 that offer no foreign transaction fees, enhancing accessibility abroad.

• Digital Payments Rise: Emphasizing the shift towards digital payments, Clark notes that cash usage abroad is decreasing, making reliable debit and credit cards more crucial.

  Clark Howard [14:30]: "Most places that you travel in the world used to say developed world. Now more and more places just in the world."

3. Affordable Housing Solutions: Modular Construction Takes the Stage

One of the episode's focal points is the pressing issue of affordable housing in the United States. Clark expresses his frustration with the country's inability to build housing efficiently and affordably, despite available technologies.

Clark Howard [17:56]: "We can build more housing efficiently. We can build it more affordably."

Innovative Approach: Modular Construction

• Case Study: Clark highlights a groundbreaking apartment complex in Brooklyn, completed in just 22 months—a stark contrast to the typical five-year timeline in New York.

  Clark Howard [19:00]: "In Brooklyn, an apartment complex was built in 22 months... They built it the way a lot of hotels are being built now."

• Factory-Fabricated Components: By constructing building components in a controlled factory environment and assembling them on-site, costs were reduced by approximately one-third, and construction time was similarly decreased.

• Energy Efficiency: The modular units adhere to passive housing standards, achieving near net-zero energy consumption, which significantly lowers utility bills for residents.

  Clark Howard [20:25]: "They specifically built them the modular units to make it what's known as passive housing... so that people's rent is pretty much all they need to worry about."

Clark's Vision:

• Scalability: If such efficient methods can succeed in challenging markets like New York and Boston, Clark believes they can be replicated nationwide.

• Cultural Shift Needed: Emphasizing the need for imagination and willingness to adopt modern building techniques, Clark urges the U.S. to embrace innovations like 3D-printed homes and modular high-rises to bridge the housing gap.

  Clark Howard [21:25]: "Why are we not doing more things like 3D printed homes and modular construction of individual homes and high rises?"

4. Listener Questions: Solar Panels, Prepaid Cards, and Car Parts Shortages

a. Timing Solar Panel Installations

Listener: Shirley from California considers adding solar panels to her recently remodeled guest house but is concerned about potential changes in rebates and incentives.

Shirley [22:32]: "Should I install solar now or wait due to possible changes in rebates?"

Clark's Advice:

• Act Quickly: With existing incentives possibly diminishing, Clark recommends moving forward with solar installations sooner rather than later to maximize financial benefits.

  Clark Howard [23:06]: "There's a certain rush to beat the incentives going away... It requires some shopping around."

• California's Advantage: Given California's ample sunlight and high electricity costs, investing in solar panels offers a favorable return on investment, especially when combined with available tax credits.

b. Alternatives to Bluebird Prepaid Card

Listener: Terry from Ohio expresses concern over American Express discontinuing the Bluebird prepaid card and seeks alternatives.

Terry [24:19]: "Amex is canceling the Bluebird prepaid card in 2026. Do you know of another prepaid card similar or better?"

Clark's Response:

• Ongoing Search: Clark acknowledges the gap left by Bluebird and mentions ongoing efforts to identify suitable alternatives, potentially within the fintech sector.

  Clark Howard [24:29]: "My guess is it's going to be some kind of fintechy kind of thing."

• Future Solutions: Listeners can expect recommendations in upcoming episodes as the search for effective prepaid card alternatives continues.

c. Mitigating Car Parts Shortages

Listener: Kyle from Pennsylvania shares his ordeal with a Volkswagen Golf damaged by a deer collision, emphasizing the challenge of sourcing out-of-stock headlights.

Kyle [25:48]: "How does one mitigate this huge risk of losing your car indefinitely due to lack of parts?"

Clark's Guidance:

• Explore Modern Junkyards: Clark suggests utilizing modern junkyards with online inventories, allowing individuals to locate and purchase needed parts from previously damaged vehicles.

  Clark Howard [26:42]: "They're like modern junkyards that you can check inventory online... and you're able to inspect it and you're able to buy it right at the junkyard."

• Adaptability is Essential: Given the unpredictability of parts shortages, flexibility and proactive searching are crucial for resolving such issues.

  Clark Howard [26:42]: "You just have to flex as you can and do just what you did when the body shops... you fixed it."

5. Conclusion: Empowering Financial Confidence

As the episode wraps up, Clark reinforces his commitment to providing listeners with actionable advice to enhance their financial well-being. He emphasizes personal empowerment through knowledge, confidence, and practical financial strategies.

Clark Howard [26:52]: "I don't want any of us to be spectators in our own lives. I want us to be the bosses of our own lives."

Clark encourages continued engagement and feedback from listeners, fostering a community dedicated to financial literacy and independence.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Clark Howard Podcast delivers a comprehensive exploration of both the cruise industry's changing dynamics and innovative solutions addressing America's affordable housing crisis. Through expert advice and real-life examples, Clark Howard equips listeners with the tools needed to navigate these complex issues effectively. Whether planning a vacation, seeking housing solutions, or managing everyday financial challenges, listeners are empowered to make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.