The Clark Howard Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: 09.10.25 | Date: September 10, 2025
Host: Clark Howard
Main Topics: Credit & Debit Card Skimmers, Balcony Solar Power, Listener Q&A on Financial Questions

Episode Overview

In this episode, Clark Howard focuses on two main consumer issues:

1. A widespread scam involving skimmers at gas pumps and other card terminals, explaining how to avoid becoming a victim, particularly when using debit cards.
2. A new trend in affordable, self-installed solar panels, also called "balcony solar," providing a way for renters and homeowners to cut their electricity bills without large investments.

The episode is interspersed with listener questions, covering topics from college funding for the arts, international car rental insurance, the impact of unused credit cards on credit scores, high utility bills, and shopping around for insurance policies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Warning: Credit & Debit Card Skimmers

(Segment begins at 00:50)

• What's Happening:
  Skimmers—tiny, sophisticated devices attached to card readers at gas pumps and other locations—are being used to duplicate card information, especially when consumers use the swipe function.

• How the Scam Works:

  • Criminals instantly duplicate your card—often before you even leave the pump.
  • With debit cards, the stolen information allows criminals to drain your checking account directly.

• Advice for Listeners:

  • Avoid swiping: Only use "tap to pay" or chip functions.
  • If your debit card doesn’t offer tap/chip, request an updated card from your bank or credit union.
  • At gas stations: If only swipe is available at the pump, Clark advises:

    “...go inside and then tap to pay. And again, if you’ve got a legacy debit card... go to your financial institution, get the new version. Don’t put your money at risk.” (05:01)

  • Clark freezes his debit card in the banking app, only unfreezing it for ATM withdrawals.

    “I freeze the card, except when I’m at the ATM machine... Then as soon as I got my money, I freeze it again because I’m so terrified of the problems people can have with debit cards.” (05:34)

• Consumer Protections:

  • Federal rules favor banks: Restoring stolen funds can take weeks, risking bounced bills/payments in the meantime.
  • Avoid using debit cards as point-of-sale at stores—reserve for ATM use.

• Notable Quote:

  “You think I'm a little traumatized by that?” (06:38) – Clark, referring to his precautions.

2. Listener Q&A Highlights

College Funding for an Arts Major (07:36)

• Concerned parent asks if funding a musical theater degree for his daughter is a waste of money.
• Clark’s advice:
  • Compromise by encouraging a double major—one in her passion (musical theater) and one more practical for job security.

  “Even if it takes her five years instead of four... she get two degrees, one for her passion and one that would make you feel more at peace...” (08:24)

• Personal anecdote: Clark’s son is double majoring in finance and training as an airline pilot to adapt to changing job markets.
• Playful exchange on Venn diagrams and “MasterCard logo.”

  “That double major, also known as a Venn diagram.” – D (10:21)

Rental Car Insurance Abroad (11:19)

• Question about credit card insurance coverage for car rentals outside the US, specifically Costa Rica.
• Clark’s advice:
  • Prefer cards that offer primary coverage (e.g., Chase Sapphire Preferred, $95/year).
  • Always verify country-specific exclusions with your card company.
  • American Express offers a primary coverage add-on for ~$25 per rental.

  “So you only want to use a credit card here in the United States or overseas that is primary for rental coverage.” (13:08)

Closing Unused Credit Cards & Credit Score Impact (14:32)

• Listener wonders if closing dormant cards hurts his credit.
• Clark’s advice:
  • Don’t close them; having more available credit helps your score by lowering your utilization percentage.

  “Don’t close ’em, Matthew, leave them be... Having those cards, if they’re showing on your credit report, they’re showing no balance, it’s helping you with the available credit.” (14:47)

  • Main risk: dormant cards could eventually be closed by issuers or abused by thieves.

3. Balcony Solar Power: Self-Install Solar for Renters & Homeowners

(Segment resumes at 18:37)

• Rising Electricity Costs:

  • Power rates up nearly 7% year-on-year, partly due to growing demand from AI data centers.
  • Clark bemoans monopolistic, state-regulated utilities penalizing consumers.

• Traditional Energy Saving Tips:

  • Smart thermostats can save 25–30% on heating/cooling.
  • Home improvements are limited for renters.

• New Solution: “Balcony Solar”

  • Affordable, plug-in solar panels now available for DIY installation—no contractors/permits in most places.
  • Inspired by innovation in Europe (“BalkonKraftwerk” in Germany with over four million such systems).

    “You buy these inexpensive panels and they plug right into... an electrical outlet in your home... you plug them in and you, voila, have power from our sun.” (22:11)

  • Prices range from ~$399–$1,199 for a setup, a stark contrast to whole-house systems that can cost tens of thousands.

    “This is totally different math. When you looked at putting solar on your house... it was maybe $60,000.” (24:17)

• Market Status in the US:

  • Utah only state with clear regulations so far; the trend is new/pioneering here but already established overseas.
  • Intended to reduce your own bill, not sell back to the grid.

• Notable Quote:

  “This is an example using what is called by the coined term now in English, balcony solar.” (25:04)

4. Managing High Power Bills as a Renter

(Listener Q&A resumes at 25:04)

• Listener’s power bill hits $495 for a 1,200 sq ft rental during a Florida heatwave—landlord won’t improve insulation.
• Clark’s advice:
  • Use high-quality, efficient fans (on clearance at Costco/Sam’s) to make higher room temps feel 6–8° cooler.
  • Portable AC units (also on clearance) can “zone” cool just the room you're in; keep thermostat higher for rest of home.

    “If you move it up from 73 to 78 and you have fans going, you will feel the same comfort in the room... the power bill will go way down.” (27:02)

  • Both fans and portable AC units are portable and renter-friendly.

5. Shopping for Homeowners Insurance in the Face of Rate Hikes

(28:41)

• Listener hesitant to leave long-time insurer after premium hike, despite good service.
• Clark’s advice:
  • Shop around! Loyalty is typically penalized, not rewarded, in the insurance industry.
  • Reveal new quotes to current insurer—they may offer to match or beat the competitor.

    “Show them you’ve gotten a quote from these other people you’re gonna leave, but you love the company and you’d rather stay with them. What can they do for you? And somehow, magically, they may offer you a lower premium.” (29:07)

6. Clark’s Take: Kirkland Signature Products at Costco

(30:33)

• Listener pans new Kirkland Signature men’s jeans for poor fit and durability; Clark agrees and jokes they’re hard to fasten after washing.
• Clark’s playful side:

  “They make me feel fat. After you wash them, they are so hard to fasten because they shrink. So I’m with you that the Kirkland Signature jeans are not working for me.” (31:29)

7. Personal Reflection: Remembering September 11th

(31:40)

• Clark recalls the impact of 9/11, sharing memories of broadcasting from New York in the aftermath, honoring the victims and heroes of that day.
• Shout-outs to Flight 93, first responders, and the lesson of national resilience.

  "We took our radio show on the road, broadcasted from New York. ... If you were not of age that this day means a lot to you, tomorrow means a lot to me because that’s a day that America first was reeling and then stood up to be counted." (32:09)

• Urges listeners to "never forget the lessons of a very tough time in the United States" (36:17).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On skimmer dangers:

  “That is a technology. I don’t even know you can call it a technology. It goes back so many decades that a child could figure out how to steal the information from a swipe.” (04:48)

• On the “balcony solar” shift:

  “You don’t need some fancy solar installation company. ... You just buy, you know, one to four panels and you plug them in and you voila, have power from our sun.” (22:11)

• On loyalty and insurance:

  “The insurance industry is notorious for penalizing people with higher premiums that are extremely loyal and offering deals only to people who are disloyal.” (29:07)

• Personal reflection:

  “I'm sorry for the seriousness of this moment, but I wanted to tell you how I feel and why I want us never to forget the lessons of a very tough time...” (36:17)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:50: Card skimmer warning & debit card safety
• 07:36: Funding an arts degree & double major approach
• 11:19: International rental car insurance guidance
• 14:32: Should you close unused credit cards?
• 18:37: Inflation in power rates & energy-saving basics
• 21:32: Balcony solar power explained (main segment)
• 25:04: Listener’s high power bill: advice for renters
• 28:41: Shopping insurance after premium hikes
• 30:33: Kirkland jeans & product complaints
• 31:40: Personal reflection on 9/11, resilience, and remembrance

Tone and Style

Clark Howard’s advice is direct, practical, and empathetic, often seasoned with humor and personal anecdotes. He demonstrates a strong consumer advocacy stance, encourages self-empowerment, and is not afraid to share personal experiences—including both financial strategies and more reflective moments—as teaching tools.

This summary captures the episode’s essential content, guidance, and key moments, enabling non-listeners to walk away informed and empowered, just as Clark would intend.