The Clark Howard Podcast - Episode Summary Release Date: August 1, 2025
Episode: 08.01.25 - Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Amazon Price Changes

Introduction

In this episode of The Clark Howard Podcast, hosted by renowned money expert Clark Howard, listeners are invited to air their grievances and critiques during the "Clark Stinks" segment. Clark diligently addresses various listener concerns, providing clarifications, additional insights, and actionable advice. Additionally, he delves into recent changes in Amazon's pricing strategies and offers guidance on navigating the evolving retail landscape.

Clark Addresses Listener Criticisms

1. Bike Purchase Advice

A listener named JP Lane expressed disappointment with Clark's previous advice regarding bike purchases. Clark initially suggested purchasing bikes from big-box retailers like Walmart, emphasizing cost-saving measures. However, JP highlighted the drawbacks, noting that cheap bikes often lack proper assembly and durability.

• JP Lane [02:12]: "Bikes from big box retailers are unlikely to even be assembled correctly. But then spend another $20 on a brightly colored safety vest and a bright tail light. These could very well save your life."

• Clark Howard [03:20]: "I bought very cheap bikes. I don't ride a bike for speed or for distance. I just ride a bike for fun."

Responding to JP, Clark acknowledged the validity of the critique and shared his personal experience with purchasing affordable bikes, reinforcing the importance of balancing cost with quality.

2. Aldi vs. Dollar Tree Meat Quality

Don, another listener, recounted his past negative experience with Dollar Tree's meat recommendations by Clark. However, he found success with Clark's later suggestion of Aldi's Smash Burgers.

• Don [03:20]: "But I value your opinions over the years. And try it again. As it turned out, the Aldi Smash Burger was a smash hit."

Clark admitted that his recommendation for Dollar Tree meat was not favorable and expressed his preference for Aldi's higher-quality yet affordable options.

• Clark Howard [04:03]: "The Aldi Smash Burger, wow. I love those. It's hard to find them because they're so popular."

3. Mailing Checks for Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD)

Richard raised concerns about Clark's advice against sending checks via U.S. mail for QCDs, highlighting the increased risk of check theft.

• Richard [04:30]: "That's two opportunities for stolen checks."

Clark responded by discussing the Federal Reserve's "FedNow" system, which aims to mitigate such risks, and shared his personal apprehension about mailing checks.

• Clark Howard [05:03]: "I am terrified of ever sending a check in the mail because it's where criminals are concentrating in a stolen check."

4. Carry-On Luggage Weight Restrictions

Daniel critiqued Clark's previous discussions on carry-on luggage, emphasizing that weight restrictions often impede effective packing strategies.

• Daniel [05:03]: "Depending on the airline and region, the weight limit can be as low as 7kg or 15lb for a carry-on."

Clark acknowledged the oversight and introduced solutions like scottevest's cargo vests, which redistribute weight and maximize carry-on capacity without exceeding limits.

• Clark Howard [06:43]: "You can carry the most stuff during the cold weather season when you can hide so much more in a puffer type jacket."

5. Roth IRA Income Limits Misunderstanding

Bethany highlighted a discrepancy between Clark's stated income limits for Roth IRA eligibility and the actual IRS guidelines.

• Bethany [07:57]: "I heard Clark say that to be ineligible for a Roth IRA you had to make upwards of 500k per year."

Clark clarified that his reference was to Roth 401(k) plans, not Roth IRAs, which do have income limits based on filing status.

• Clark Howard [08:23]: "If you don't have a retirement plan at work, you're not subject to the income limits. Almost half of us don't have a retirement plan at work."

6. Gift Tax Limits Clarification

Brian questioned Clark's advice on annual gift limits, pointing out that the lifetime exemption far exceeds the annual exclusion.

• Brian [11:13]: "The actual limit is a lifetime limit of over $13 million."

Clark acknowledged the mistake, explaining that his earlier advice was precautionary against potential future changes in estate tax laws.

• Clark Howard [11:40]: "Under the new tax law, that's not an issue anymore."

7. Tipping for Takeout Orders

Patty shared her experience as a hostess who doesn't receive tips, questioning Clark's stance on tipping for takeout orders.

• Patty [12:24]: "She's a hostess at a local restaurant, not a chain, she gets no tips at all."

Clark responded by advocating for tipping staff who perform additional roles during takeout orders, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their hard work.

• Clark Howard [13:04]: "There's this thing that people used to carry called cash... you know they actually got the money."

Michelangelo added further critique, suggesting that Clark's observations on tipping might overlook digital payment methods.

• Michelangelo [13:34]: "With it being carryout orders, isn't there a chance they paid and tipped online?"

Clark acknowledged the oversight and appreciated the nuanced perspective, reiterating the importance of considering all payment channels.

8. Survivor Benefits for Widowers

Troy shared his personal loss and sought advice on survivor benefits for himself and his child.

• Troy [14:39]: "Please advise the morning dad to contact the Social Security Administration about survivor benefits."

Clark expressed heartfelt sympathy and underscored the importance of contacting the SSA to explore available benefits, recognizing the critical support they can provide during such challenging times.

• Clark Howard [15:22]: "The Social Security system is not just about giving people money in retirement."

Amazon Price Changes and Consumer Impact

Transitioning from listener critiques, Clark addressed substantial changes in Amazon's pricing strategy and its implications for consumers, especially in comparison to competitors like Walmart and Sam's Club.

• Clark Howard [19:15]: "Amazon is hitting your wallet a lot harder right now."

Citing a Wall Street Journal analysis, Clark highlighted that Amazon has increased prices on lower-cost, everyday items by over 10% annually, while Walmart has reduced prices by 2% on similar products.

• Clark Howard [25:03]: "Amazon is now a convenient seller more than a price-oriented seller."

He emphasized that although Amazon continues to prioritize convenience, consumers are experiencing significant price shocks, making comparison shopping more crucial than ever.

Clark recommended alternative retail memberships like Sam's Club and Walmart Plus, which offer competitive pricing and benefits that often surpass Amazon's offerings.

• Clark Howard [24:54]: "If money matters to you more than the speed of delivery, I recommend [Sam's Club]."

He also addressed listener Marilyn's concerns about Walmart Plus's price increase, clarifying the differences between standard and premium delivery options.

• Clark Howard [28:17]: "The regular Walmart Plus is still $98 a year."

Illustrating the importance of evaluating membership benefits versus costs, Clark urged listeners to choose services that align with their financial priorities.

Listener Stories and Additional Advice

Throughout the episode, Clark engaged with various listener stories, offering tailored advice:

• Career Change Guidance: Daniel from Iowa sought advice on transitioning to a financial advisor role post-company downsizing. Clark encouraged exploring opportunities with major financial institutions like Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab, emphasizing the availability of entry-level positions with training programs.

  • Clark Howard [26:10]: "Look at the big bureaucratic three... they all have explanations."

• Direct Booking for Airbnb Rentals: Janet from New York inquired about the risks of paying property owners directly via Venmo or personal checks for discounted Airbnb rentals. Clark cautioned about the loss of platform protections but acknowledged that many trusted relationships successfully navigate direct bookings.

  • Clark Howard [29:34]: "You have to make your own judgment whether you feel really, really comfortable with this individual being on the up and up."

Insights and Conclusions

Clark Howard adeptly balances addressing listener criticisms with providing insightful financial advice. Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Critical Evaluation of Cost vs. Quality: Whether purchasing bikes or choosing between retail platforms, evaluating the balance between cost savings and product/service quality is paramount.

• Navigating Financial Decisions: Clarifications on Roth IRAs, gift taxes, and survivor benefits underscore the importance of understanding nuanced financial rules to make informed decisions.

• Retail Strategy Awareness: Awareness of pricing strategies by major retailers like Amazon and Walmart empowers consumers to make cost-effective purchasing decisions.

• Personalized Financial Guidance: Clark's personalized responses highlight the value of tailored financial advice in addressing individual circumstances and challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Clark Howard [02:00]: "Today's Clark stinks. I should have never encouraged you to speak."

• Clark Howard [05:03]: "I am terrified of ever sending a check in the mail because it's where criminals are concentrating in a stolen check."

• Clark Howard [08:23]: "If you don't have a retirement plan at work, you're not subject to the income limits."

• Clark Howard [19:15]: "Amazon is hitting your wallet a lot harder right now."

• Clark Howard [24:54]: "If money matters to you more than the speed of delivery, I recommend [Sam's Club]."

This episode underscores Clark Howard's commitment to empowering listeners with knowledge to navigate financial decisions, while also demonstrating his willingness to engage constructively with listener feedback and adapt his advice accordingly.