The Clark Howard Podcast: Episode Summary – July 18, 2025

Title: Clark Answers His Critics on "Clark Stinks" / Buying An EV
Host: Clark Howard
Release Date: July 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Clark Howard Podcast, host Clark Howard delves into his popular "Clark Stinks" segment, addressing various listener criticisms and providing insightful advice on financial and consumer-related topics. Additionally, Clark explores the timely subject of purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) amidst changing tax laws.

Clark Stinks Segment

Credit Card Point Devaluation

Caller: Patrick
Timestamp: [01:55]

Patrick criticizes Clark for his previous advice on credit card point devaluations. Specifically, Clark had mentioned that Chase had not started devaluating points like Citi had. However, Patrick points out recent changes where Chase replaced their flat point value with promotional boosts tied to specific bookings.

Clark Howard:
"The simplest answer of all is a card with no annual fee that pays you 2% cash back and doesn't come with a whole slate of rules." [02:24]

Clark acknowledges the complexity introduced by Chase's new system and reiterates his recommendation for straightforward, no-fee cashback credit cards.

SeatGuru Replacement

Caller: Matt
Timestamp: [03:59]

Matt informs Clark that SeatGuru, previously a reliable resource for airline seating information, has deteriorated after being acquired by TripAdvisor. He recommends Aerolopa.com as a superior alternative.

Clark Howard:
"I like everyone else has had a lot of frustration at the deterioration the quality of SeatGuru... but I'm going to try Aerolopa and see if that is a worthy replacement." [03:59]

Sending Bonds via Couriers

Caller: Warren
Timestamp: [04:25]

Warren cautions against sending bonds or convertible instruments through UPS or FedEx, highlighting the violation of their terms and the lack of insurance coverage. He advises using registered mail instead.

Clark Howard:
"You can't cover them past $100, which obviously they're going to be worth more than that." [05:10]

Clark concurs with the risks involved and emphasizes the importance of using secure mailing methods for valuable instruments.

Warehouse Clubs vs. Traditional Grocery Stores

Caller: Maynard
Timestamp: [06:14]

Maynard argues against warehouse club memberships, stating that the benefits don't outweigh the costs when compared to savvy shopping at traditional grocery stores using ads, coupons, and rebate apps.

Clark Howard:
"The membership fee in my opinion is worth it... especially if you just need a putt putt commuter mobile for affordably getting to and from work." [06:54]

Clark counters Maynard's viewpoint by explaining that warehouse clubs often offer tighter margins and better deals for everyday items, making the membership fee worthwhile for the average consumer.

Costco Clothing Quality

Caller: Ron
Timestamp: [08:26]

Ron criticizes the quality of clothing sold at Costco, claiming they last only about a tenth of the time compared to traditional department stores.

Clark Howard:
"They may not have style, but I don't know. The quality is lower." [08:42]

Clark expresses surprise at the claim and suggests that while Costco clothing may lack style, the quality may not necessarily be inferior, indicating a need for further evaluation.

Capital One Performance Savings Lawsuit

Caller: J.P.
Timestamp: [09:42]

J.P. defends Capital One amidst a lawsuit alleging discrepancies in interest rates between savings accounts. He maintains that there was no bait-and-switch tactic involved.

Clark Howard:
"Capital One did end up paying compensation... internal messaging and emails that they were specifically trying to deceive people..." [09:42]

Clark reveals that Capital One was found culpable due to internal communications attempting to deceive customers with misleading account offerings, contradicting J.P.'s perspective.

Self-Driving Cars Misconceptions

Caller: Brian
Timestamp: [10:18]

Brian challenges Clark on his previous remarks about self-driving cars, clarifying that current Tesla models are only Level 2 ADAS systems, which require constant driver supervision.

Clark Howard:
"My Tesla doesn't let me do anything else anymore... I got a warning and then self drive is suspended if I look away." [10:56]

Clark humorously acknowledges the limitations imposed by Tesla's safety features, aligning with Brian's clarification.

Home Energy Audits

Caller: Joe
Timestamp: [11:34]

Joe suggests that listeners perform energy audits to identify and prioritize home improvements for energy efficiency, highlighting available federal and state incentives.

Clark Howard:
"A lot of utilities offer a very affordable home energy audit... depending on what's available in your state, that audit could be ultra cheap or free with state incentives." [12:25]

Clark agrees, emphasizing the mutual benefits for consumers and utilities in improving home energy efficiency.

Nationwide Toll Pass Solutions

Caller: Park
Timestamp: [13:29]

Park corrects Clark's statement about the availability of nationwide toll passes, informing him about Uni by E-Pass and Best Pass Complete Pass, which offer broader state coverage.

Clark Howard:
"Isn't it kind of weird with all the technology we have today, that we're still talking about states having incompatible systems for charging tolls? That really stinks." [14:09]

Clark acknowledges the frustration over inconsistent toll systems despite technological advancements.

Parental Appreciation

Caller: Teresa
Timestamp: [14:36]

Teresa takes issue with Clark's generalized statement that kids never appreciate their parents, arguing that many young adults are actively supportive and caring.

Clark Howard:
"For the most part, what I've said is true... one parent can take care of 10 children, but 10 children can't take care of one parent." [15:00]

Clark clarifies his earlier statement, explaining that while not universally applicable, parents generally manage caregiving better than adult children can.

Supplemental Health Benefits

Caller: Jennifer
Timestamp: [23:10]

Jennifer inquires about the value of supplemental health benefits like accident and critical illness insurance, especially as one approaches middle age.

Clark Howard:
"You want general wide coverages... they appear very inexpensive for the coverage amounts they offer because they're actuarially seeing the odds that one of those things will happen is much lower." [24:05]

Clark advises prioritizing comprehensive coverage over narrow, supplemental policies, highlighting the importance of covering broad life events.

Pet Insurance

Caller: Matthew and Maine
Timestamp: [25:28]

Matthew and Maine question the practicality and financial wisdom of purchasing pet insurance, noting mixed messages from retailers like Costco.

Clark Howard:
"It's a hard one to find something that you're going to say, this is great... If you're going to buy a policy otherwise, take what you would have paid for the policy and save the money." [26:05]

Clark remains skeptical about pet insurance, suggesting reliance on veterinary advice or personal savings instead.

Venture X Card and Costco Cruises

Caller: Jeff
Timestamp: [27:37]

Jeff discusses his disappointment with the Capital One Venture X card following changes to lounge access and seeks advice on booking cruises through Costco.

Clark Howard:
"If they don't have one of those... you're getting about 12.7% back, plus or minus." [28:17]

Clark explains the benefits of booking through Costco Travel, including cashback incentives and comparing it to other discount options like CruiseCompete.com.

Buying an Electric Vehicle (EV)

Timestamp: [18:50]

Clark shifts focus to the advantages and current market conditions surrounding electric vehicles:

• Tax Credits: Congress has recently cut back on EV tax credits, reducing the availability and duration of financial incentives.

• Market Opportunity: With dealers holding excess EV inventory due to reduced demand, prices may decrease if purchases are made before the end of September.

• Charging Infrastructure: Clark notes improvements in charging reliability and the increasing number of charging stations, boosting EV practicality.

• Gasoline Costs: The rise in EV adoption globally is contributing to reduced gasoline usage, which indirectly benefits all consumers by potentially lowering fuel prices.

Notable Quote:
"Electric vehicles are helpful to people who own them and also helpful to people who don't own them. So next time you're hating on an electric vehicle, remember they're making the gas you buy cheaper." [22:58]

Clark emphasizes the broader economic and environmental benefits of EVs beyond individual ownership.

Personal Anecdote

Towards the episode's end, Clark shares a personal story about his son, Grant, booking a last-minute cruise deal, which inadvertently led to disrupted sleep due to travel mishaps. This lighthearted segment adds a personal touch to the episode, illustrating the unpredictability of spontaneous travel plans.

Notable Quote:
"But you know, obviously somebody canceled at the last second and this popped up is a last-minute deal. Bam." [30:19]

Conclusion

Clark Howard wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude for listener feedback, even when critical, as it fosters growth and improvement. He reiterates his commitment to empowering listeners with practical financial advice and encourages proactive decision-making in personal finances and consumer choices.

Final Thought:
"We all grow by learning from others, and that's the only way any of us grow, is learning from others." [16:02]

Takeaways

• Credit Cards: Opt for simple cashback cards over complex rewards systems.
• Travel Tools: Consider alternatives to SeatGuru for flight seating information.
• Mailing Valuable Items: Use registered mail instead of couriers for bonds and important documents.
• Shopping Strategies: Evaluate the true cost-benefit of warehouse memberships versus traditional grocery shopping.
• EV Purchases: Act promptly to take advantage of remaining tax credits and market opportunities.
• Insurance Choices: Prioritize comprehensive coverage and consult professionals before opting for supplemental insurances.
• Energy Efficiency: Utilize home energy audits to maximize utility savings and take advantage of incentives.

For more detailed advice and to engage with Clark Howard, visit www.clark.com/askclark.