09.26.25 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Amazon Prime Family Shipping

Summary

The Clark Howard Podcast

Episode: Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Amazon Prime Family Shipping
Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Clark Howard

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Episode Overview

This episode features two main sections:

1. Clark Stinks: Clark Howard’s signature feedback segment, where he reviews and responds to constructive criticism and corrections from his listeners regarding personal finance advice, insurance, investing, streaming, and more.
2. Amazon Prime Policy Changes: Clark breaks down significant changes to Amazon Prime’s family and household sharing policies, what’s changing, and how it may affect listeners’ holiday online shopping.

Listeners also get practical answers to financial and consumer questions on TV antennas, legal documents for new adults, and preparing for life’s emergencies.

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1. Clark Stinks – Clark Answers His Critics

[01:05–16:25]

Clark reviews a series of listener-submitted critiques and questions, offering candid corrections and reflections.

Football Streaming Options

• [02:28] Matt (IL) calls out Clark for not mentioning NFL Plus Premium, which allows live streaming of local and primetime games—but only on phones or tablets for $14.99/month.
  • Clark: “You know, I have my antenna… I put it over by a window and yes, I am watching local games with that antenna… The picture is so much better than it is on streaming.” — (03:12)
• [02:28] Mark (WI) reminds listeners that local games are still broadcast free over the air if the game is a sellout.
• Clark doubles down on the value of antennas for free, high-quality TV.

Diet Soda “Virtue Signaling”

• [03:33] Byron (MO) expresses frustration about “do-gooders” shaming Clark about diet sodas, suggesting Clark shouldn’t apologize for enjoying one pleasure.
  • Clark, candidly: “And it is something that I really, really enjoy. I don’t do other things that could be potentially harmful. But that one would be a tough one for me to give up.” — (04:38)

403(b) Retirement Plans for Teachers

• [05:20] David (CA) says Clark’s dislike of 403(b)s might scare off educators from good low-cost options, e.g. Fidelity in the San Francisco district.
  • Clark responds: “I will tell you that you’ve got the option of being able to invest in a low cost plan from Fidelity in the 403B—that is as rare as…a needle in a haystack. Overwhelmingly…it is a scandal that we mistreat teachers…so horrifically that the retirement plans offered to them are so bad, laden with fees and commissions.” — (06:10–07:25)

Roadside Assistance & Insurance

• [07:25] Marianne (MN), an insurance industry veteran, disputes Clark’s frequent warning that using roadside assistance through auto insurance results in higher premiums.
  • Clark: “It seems to be for many insurers now a trap to harm their insureds rather than a help when you’re broken down by the side of the road.” — (07:51–08:31)

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

• [08:31] Alex (GA) critiques Clark for overselling HSAs, noting the burdensome record-keeping and eligibility issues.
  • Clark acknowledges: “Every time you do something that the government gives you…you also have all the paperwork that you’re required to maintain…If people are trying to get the greatest efficiency… HSA is the best bang for the buck.” — (09:29–10:40)

Tesla Recalls

• [12:29] Tom (NM) notes that Tesla’s recalls are often over-the-air software fixes, unlike most traditional car recalls.
  • Clark, amused: “Tesla is a computer that happens to drive…most safety related recalls are able to be handled with software updates right over the air rather than a visit to a technician.” — (12:46–13:33)

Skilled Trades vs. College Degrees

• [13:33] Cal (GA) observes that the growing interest in the trades among high schoolers isn’t just because of AI, but also due to high demand, good pay, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • Clark affirms: “The average age of workers in skilled trades is pushing upper 50s right now…The training gets you right into a workplace quicker…It is a viable alternative that many people now say, ‘Yeah, that sounds like a better idea for me.’” — (14:00–16:00)

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2. Amazon Prime Family Shipping Policy Changes

[18:33–23:24]

Clark analyzes Amazon’s recent move to restrict Amazon Prime household sharing to members at the same physical address, effectively ending the longstanding perk of including adult family members living elsewhere under a single Prime account.

Key Points:

• Amazon Prime memberships have stalled; speculation on causes ranges from competition (like Walmart+) to internal changes making Amazon “less customer friendly.”
• New Policy: Only one member per household at a single address. Family members living elsewhere will be offered a one-year $15 “transition” Prime membership before paying the full price (currently ~$139/yr).
  • Clark clarifies: “You can still ship an item to anyone [as a Prime member]—but only you, the primary member, can order now.”
  • Compares to Netflix’s move banning cross-household account sharing.
• Many household “workarounds” (such as adult children signing in on a parent’s account) may technically still function, though they’re against terms of service.
  • Clark’s co-host, humorously, admits her kids order under her name: “So they commit wire fraud, pretend they’re you.” (22:07)
• Advice: Consider order minimums for free shipping if not a Prime member; Prime is not required for many purchases.

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3. Listener Q&A Highlights

[23:24–29:38]

Best TV Antenna for NFL Games

23:43–25:49

• Clark recommends starting with a 50-mile amplified antenna (specifically Best Buy’s $25 “Essentials” 50-mile model) with coax connection.
• Placement near windows is key; higher-mileage models are available for rural areas.
• Clark notes: “Most major metro areas you’ll pull in about a hundred, 110 free local channels…It’s like, ‘wow, I didn’t know I could watch this or that.’”

Legal Protections for 18-Year-Olds

26:34–28:45

• Angie (GA) asks what legal steps to take as her son turns 18.
• Clark recommends a durable power of attorney for health care—so parents can help in a medical emergency.
• Points listeners to NOLO.com for simple explanations and forms.

Being Financially Prepared for Emergencies

28:45–29:37

• Kim (FL) shares a personal story after her husband’s sudden passing:
  • "People need to let each other know passwords…In order for the remaining spouse to find answers concerning accounts…No one knows when your time is up. Be prepared." — (28:55)
• Clark thanks Kim and underscores the need for spouses and families to keep records accessible, including for points/miles inheritance in wills.
  • Clark: “...do you know the frequent flyer programs, the point programs, and all that say the actual owner... is the program itself, not you as the traveler. But... they honor the wishes that are stated in a will.” — (29:37)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The picture is so much better than it is on streaming.” — Clark on using a TV antenna for live football (03:12)
• “I don’t do other things that could be potentially harmful. But that [diet soda] would be a tough one for me to give up.” — Clark (04:38)
• “…it is a scandal that we mistreat teachers and people who work for other non-profits so horrifically that the retirement plans offered…are so bad…” — Clark (07:07)
• “Amazon Prime has become so large…there’s not much more they can grow from here.” — Clark (18:33)
• “You can order it, you can pay for it, you can send it to them. They just can’t order for themselves anymore.” — Clark, on new Amazon Prime rules (21:22)
• “You make me think in ways I’ve not thought or…remind me…that I’ve gotten lazy and forgot to mention.” — Clark, on the value of listener feedback (16:00)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Clark Stinks / Listener Feedback: 01:05–16:25
• Amazon Prime Policy Analysis: 18:33–23:24
• TV Antenna Q&A: 23:43–25:49
• Turning 18: Legal Docs: 26:34–28:45
• Preparing for Loss/Passwords: 28:45–29:37

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Tone & Style

Clark maintains his approachable, transparent, and good-humored style. He’s candid when he gets things wrong, always gives credit to mailing-listeners, and breaks down even complex policy changes in plain English.

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Summary Takeaways

• Feedback improves the show: Clark welcomes criticism, as it keeps advice current and practical—listeners are empowered to challenge and enhance Team Clark’s recommendations.
• Consumer policies change: Amazon and others periodically tighten perks as subscriber numbers plateau, emphasizing the value of being a savvy shopper.
• Be prepared: From power of attorney documents for young adults to keeping passwords accessible for loved ones, advance preparation is fundamental to financial security.
• Frugality wins: Whether with TV antennas or diligent record-keeping, Clark champions practical, low-cost solutions to everyday problems.

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For further money-saving advice and to submit questions, visit clark.com/askclark.

Transcript

[Clark Howard]

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[Clark Howard]

We're spending millions of dollars. I'm so excited to embark on this adventure with all of you. May the best idea on Brand with Jimmy Fallon series premiere Tuesday on NBC.

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[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Foreign.

[Clark Howard]

To welcome you here to the Clark Howard show. You know our mission is to serve you with advice and information that empowers you to make better financial decisions in your life. Today's episode, we're starting with my favorite time of the week, Clark improvement class. I like this. That Krista.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Thank you.

[Clark Howard]

That's where I get to hear your constructive criticism in our weekly Clarkston segment. Also today, Amazon is giving you an early lump of coal in your Christmas shopping. I'll fill you in on what Amazon's up to that shows they're not really your friend right now, but right now it's time for something more important. You must think I'm pretty stupid.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

You should be ashamed of yourself.

[Clark Howard]

Well, maybe I'm wrong.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Maybe I'm wrong.

[Clark Howard]

Maybe you're right, pal.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Okay, a couple about football, which I know you also love. It's your favorite time of the week because you're going to get to watch football this weekend.

[Clark Howard]

Football is my life. So football is on a lot of weeks this year? Mm, seven days a week.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Seven.

[Clark Howard]

I mean, how great is that?

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

All right, here's the first one from Matt in Illinois. Clark, during your recent rundown on how to watch football, you failed to mention subscribing to NFL Plus Premium on NFL.com for 14.99amonth. You can watch the live local games, all primetime games and the playoffs. The only downside is you have to watch on a phone or tablet. No, I do not work for NFL.com and then Mark in Wisconsin says Mr. Smells like a flaming pile of poo on this one. I cannot believe Clark does not mention that the NFL carriage agreement calls for TV stations to broadcast local market games, provided that the game qualifies as a sellout. As long as you're in your area, you can most certainly enjoy your beloved games for free.

[Clark Howard]

And so I have my antenna that we've talked about. It's on a long coax and I put it over by a window and yes, I am watching local games with that antenna or whatever is being broadcasted locally. And the picture is so much better than it is on streaming.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Byron in Missouri says. Or Missouri. Remember, I was corrected about that. I am sick to death of virtue signaling. Do gooders scolding you for drinking a diet soda while sermonizing about their own most excellent choices. While their stench is profound, yours is greater as you apologize for a small pleasure instead of politely inviting them to get a life. Life.

[Clark Howard]

So just in the last week, full disclosure. Krista sent me something about how much danger I was in for drinking my beloved diet sodas. You've been worried about me drinking them for. Well, since 1997 when.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

So now we're going to get Clark Stings. But me? No, I mean, I drink an occasional diet soda. I do, but I saw you drink. Yeah, what do you call it? Poison. But I thought you'd be interested. I mean, everything in moderation, right? I thought you'd be interested in the article because it did say there was a link between the artificial sweeteners was the thing. And Alzheimer's dementia.

[Clark Howard]

So, you know, this is.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

But, gosh, there's a link between everything and that it seems these days.

[Clark Howard]

But Byron, thank you. I need to acknowledge and respect that when people do those posts, they're doing it because they care about me and they worry about me drinking my soft drinks. And it's my one, let's call it vice that, that I embrace. And I've been drinking soft drinks since I was. I mean, a little teeny kid. And it is something that I really, really enjoy. And I. I don't do other things that could be potentially harmful. But that one would be a tough one for me to give up.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

I remember it's just a quick aside. When I was 16, I remember this so clearly. I was at a friend's older sister's house and she was bragging about how she wouldn't have a microwave in her house because they're so unhealthy. And then later on talked about how she had done cocaine. I was just like, what? All right, David in California Clark, Your dislike of 403B plans makes you a little stinky as you paint all 403B plans as bad. I looked up the San Francisco public school system on 403B wise and determine that one of the options is Fidelity Investments. Because you lay your dislike for 403B plans so heavily, I'm afraid you're scaring people away from investing in good 403B plans. Please make sure to tell people to check what plans they have available to them before they make a decision to skip investing in the 403B.

[Clark Howard]

David, thank you. And 403B wise does the most fantastic job. There's so many different school districts and all that they can't have data on all of them. But any school teacher should check 403B wise because they are the nation's experts on being able to figure out in your school district or from your union if there is an acceptable plan. I will tell you that you've got the option of being able to invest in a low cost plan from fidelity in the 403B. That is as rare as looking for a needle in a haystack overwhelmingly. And it to me is a scandal that we mistreat teachers and people who work for other nonprofits so horrifically that the retirement plans offered to them are so bad, are so laden with fees and commissions that a hard working teacher putting money aside can end up with less money years later than what they put in because of all the insurance company junk ladled on those plans.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Marianne in Minnesota says you publish information that I believe is totally incorrect regarding buying roadside assistance from your auto insurance company. I worked for 25 years in the insurance industry and worked with many insurance companies and never did they use that claim again against you to raise your rates or cancel you for anything. It is called a claim only in order to facilitate the refund of your money up to their limit. I think you need to research this further before you tell people that.

[Clark Howard]

Marianne, thank you very much for that. And you're an insurance industry insider. We've also heard from people who have had that claim on their record for using roadside assistance and it has spoiled their ability to shop with other insurers so who say you have a claim on your record. So I think it depends on how the insurance company is reporting it in the insurance industry database that they all draw upon and unfortunately it seems to be for many insurers now a trap to harm their insureds rather than a help. When you're broken down by the Side of the road.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Alex in Georgia says Clark snuck it up in two ways addressing HSAs. First, he failed to mention that just because because one spouse is not eligible for an HSA account, the younger spouse can still contribute at a single contribution limits until they reach age 65. That said, I've looked into this extensively. I feel Clark doesn't give any consideration to the complications he adds to his life. You must continually prove to the government that your expenses paid from this account qualify for legitimate medical expenses. I opted to forego the HSA for simplicity. In my life there are other ways to have tax free money available for medical expenditures. The Roth is one. And I know you don't get this tax savings up front, but you can spend it on anything you want tax free. You can also borrow money against a regular brokerage account tax free as well. But that is more advanced. Let's not forget the elephant in the room. You have to be substandard health insurance for it to be called. You have to have that for it to be HSA eligible.

[Clark Howard]

So substandard. The way health insurance is changing, it's becoming more and more designed to be for catastrophic reasons rather than everyday medical care. Which is why the deductibles have been going higher and higher and higher. And so more and more of us do have plans that make us HSA eligible. So yes, you're right. Every time you do something involved with something that the government gives you, in this case triple tax benefit with an hsa, you also have all the paperwork that you're required to maintain. It is creating more complexity in your life. If people are trying to get the greatest efficiency out of every dollar that they save, don't spend. And HSA is the best bang for the buck of anything that we can do. Avoiding paying tax, which is something that is being able to pay for things pre tax versus post tax can make a big difference in your life later.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

And don't you spend it's like 96% of your health costs are in the last few years of your life or something like that average.

[Clark Howard]

There's a lot of different stats last 6 months of your life. You know that the overwhelming amount of your health spending. The idea of the HSA, if you, if you can afford to let it build over the years, is that it gives you the ability in the later part of your life to be able to absorb those expenses with money that has grown tax free and that you spend tax free later in life. You know they talk about, demographers, actuaries talk about how if you Think of retirement in three phases. The first phase is the active phase. Traveling more than we have in the past. We're doing more activities than we have in the past and spending actually is at the high end. Then the middle stage later in life, we're less active and we have our lowest spending levels. Then the last phase is. What you're referring to is when we're living but not well necessarily health wise. We have a lot more medical expenses and that's where the HSA can really come into play because then you have your other money like Social Security and whatever to be able to pay for regular stuff and the HSA pay for all those medical bills that come to in that last phase.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

You just can't get the same kind of long term care insurance that you used to.

[Clark Howard]

No long term care, Right.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

All right, Tom, in New Mexico, HSA.

[Clark Howard]

For long term care, I would think.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

It'S medical expenses like assisted living. Wouldn't you be able to, you know.

[Clark Howard]

I've never thought about that. I don't know. I actually don't know the answer to that.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Okay, we'll have to look into that. Tom in New Mexico says, I'm very disappointed in the car recalls article. I've owned a Tesla for four years and I've never had to take it in for a recall. I every recall has been handled with a software update. How many of those Tesla recalls that that put it on top actually require a shop visit?

[Clark Howard]

That is a very good point. Tesla is a computer that happens to drive.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Right.

[Clark Howard]

And that is the future of automotive transportation. And as a Tesla driver, I'll get a notice of a recall and it'll say in the recall that I'm going to get a software update to take care of that recall. Now there are recalls that you actually have to go to a service center or have a mobile appointment. But the thing that makes Tesla different than a lot of other brands is most safety related recalls are able to be handled with software updates that go right over the air rather than a visit to a technician.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Cal in Georgia says, hey, Clark, I love your show, but today I think you stunk. You mentioned teens not wanting to go to college because AI may take their jobs. I agree, but you left out why they are looking at the trades versus other areas. The need for tradesmen is huge and the pay reflects it. Mix that with the ability to become a small business owner with a set skill and I think that many teens are choosing it over college, not just because of AI. Again, I love your show. Keep up the great work.

[Clark Howard]

So thank you very much for your post. And one of the things, Cal, that's so important about what you're saying is the average age of workers and skilled trades is pushing upper 50s right now. If they're blended average across skilled trades for probably two generations, people coming out of high school have not considered skilled trades. And now there's this effect where people are saying, wait, wait, wait, wait. All these people getting college degrees with the debt and they're not finding a job that calls for what they went to college for. Maybe there's a better path. And so the extreme shortages, we have technicians and mechanics in all different areas. Gosh, I could name so many skilled areas. The opportunity is quite large. The training gets you right into a workplace quicker. A lot of times you're making money as an apprentice while you're getting the skilled trade. And it is a viable alternative that many people now as teenagers say, yeah, that sounds like a better idea for me. And what you said is right. It's not just about AI. So thank you for that. And I want to thank everyone for your Clark Stinks. You make me think in ways I've not thought or make me remember something that I've gotten lazy and forgot to mention. And so I appreciate so much every time you post a Clark Stinks because we're all in this together. The whole idea is for us all to be empowered by sharing our knowledge and experience with each other. And that's why Clark Stinks is so important to me. Because I want to grow as a person. I want to do better at what I do, and I want to do the best I can at serving you. Coming up ahead, a company that doesn't serve people as well as it used to. Amazon. And now Amazon wants to dig deeper in your and my wallet. Here's what you need to know about the special early Christmas gift nobody wanted from Amazon. Coming up.

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[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

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[Clark Howard]

Financial analysts why Amazon prime memberships have stalled out. There are lots of theories batted about. One is that Walmart plus has started to take market share from Amazon. Don't know that that's true. Walmart plus has attracted a significantly higher income household with its shopping program then goes into physical Walmart stores on average. So it may have been some part of it. Amazon becoming less customer friendly, which they certainly have. No doubt from the feedback we get from people every week could have an impact. But I think the biggest reason is Amazon is a victim of its own success. Amazon prime has become so large with such a monstrously huge membership base that there's not much more they can grow from here. So Amazon, before the Christmas shopping season has cut back membership privileges for family members who don't live at the same address and so now they're being kicked out. And Amazon's giving a one year transition of an ultra cheap membership for family members who don't live at the same address who were part of a family. Amazon prime membership so for the first year, you become a member for roughly 15 bucks for the year. Then after that you've got to pay whatever the prevailing is. Right now, I think 139 to remain a member. Amazon clarified after an inquiry from the New York Times that it looked like they were removing the ability for you to buy anything on Amazon prime that went anywhere but your home address. And Amazon now has said, no, no, no. You as the member and you can be the only member in your household. You know, it's got to be that address. You can send items to any other address. You could, let's say, order something for one of your adult kids who is part of your membership. You can order it, you can pay for it, you can send it to them. They just can't order for themselves anymore. The whole idea is Amazon's looking for some way to boost the prime memberships from where they have stalled out, and they may get a little bump from this. But again, the reality is only so many people are going to pay $139 a year for Amazon. And by the way, a lot of things on Amazon, you just have to have a certain order minimum not being prime in order to get free shipping. So you don't have to do Prime. But Amazon gets most of its sales from people who are prime members. How does it work in your household? Do you have multiple family members at different parts of the country?

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

I've got my kids, so my kids do log into my account and they'll order stuff that goes to their website.

[Clark Howard]

So they commit wire fraud, pretend they're you.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Yeah, basically.

[Clark Howard]

That still will work.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Yeah, thank goodness.

[Clark Howard]

That will work just fine.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Yeah. And I like to be able to send them stuff. And when my parents were living in a different state, I would send things to them that I knew they needed through my account. So.

[Clark Howard]

Yeah, so you can still do that.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Yes, exactly.

[Clark Howard]

Yeah. So that has not changed. It's. It's where Amazon was allowing, under the umbrella of One prime membership, multiple family members who live in different parts of the country to all be under One prime membership. And that's no more. It's almost like what happened with Netflix, where people used to share the Netflix sign in and Netflix permitted that as part of how they did things. And they were like, well, we need more member revenue. And they went to where everybody had their own. Have to have their own Netflix account.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Yeah, I know. My daughter was very upset by that. She loves a documentary.

[Clark Howard]

So you need to tell your daughter that she needs to go read our guide to fast because you can watch just about any documentary you ever wanted to see through free supported television. Although for our kids having to watch commercials, they would rather eat glass than watch commercials.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

So true. All right, we'll go to questions. Tate in Florida sent this one in. Again, the NFL again. Clark, you mentioned that you purchased an indoor antenna to receive NFL games and the antenna worked well. Could you share the brand you used? Lots of people called our Consumer Action center and have written in asking about your antennas.

[Clark Howard]

I've been trying different ones and what I've found what you need to do is the minimum standard you should look at for an antenna to attach coax to the back of your TV. Coax like, like from 1990 in the cable era or something. You plug these antennas into coax, they're amplified. Some require a separate plug in to the wall. Others get their power, I guess from the television itself. I don't know how that works, but anyway, I've got one from Best Buy that has the best Buy essentials which are there. It's their junior private label and it's about 25 bucks for a 50 mile rated antenna. So what I like for you to do when you're trying to pick up free over the air television is you start at a baseline with the 50 mile range antenna. If for whatever reason where you live, if a 50 is not going to get it. And this is for urban suburban, you can go with a 60 or 100 which have stronger amplification. So what I do, this is like so backwards. So from my TV I have the long coax when I'm watching football over the air, I have to take the antenna, pull it over against the wall where the window is, find the best position on the window and then I get a five by five signal, a fantastic signal. But then you're getting that for free. And the coolest thing, in most major metro areas you'll pull in about a hundred 110 free local channels that you didn't even know existed because you'd know the network affiliates exist. But then there's so many minor channels that are available a lot with programming you're not interested in. But then others it's like wow, I didn't know I could watch this or that or this other thing.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

I just by the way would love a camera on you. And you're moving your antenna around your family's price just like eye rolling like there he goes again.

[Clark Howard]

Well, I mean you got to save money. And you know when I dumped YouTube TV because they went to 83amonth base. I mean I remember when YouTube TV was the absolute bargain out there was $35 a month.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Yep.

[Clark Howard]

And now we're with Sling and Sling. You know, the operators are Sling are really cheap like I am. So they've had all these fights with local broadcast stations. So I don't get a lot of local broadcasts. So that's why I have to have the antenna if I'm going to get programming from Sling and save the money with Sling and still be able to watch football.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Angie in Georgia says hi Clark, thanks for all the advice you share. When you speak, I definitely listen. My question is about my son. He's a senior in high school and will turn 18 the same year. And as a parent of an 18 year old who is still at home and then off to college next year, are there any legal papers or protections that I need to have in place? I swear he was just for the other day. Please help me to know how to parent an adult Angie.

[Clark Howard]

Gosh. You know all the recommendations about what you do when a child reaches adulthood, which in many states for some things is 18. Others it's 21 involve negative things like having medical directive if sadly your child was in an accident or something like that having in most states it's called a durable power of attorney for health care because once your child's an adult you don't have parental oversight in a legal medical environment. If something did happen with your child and your state almost certainly like others, has a state standard form, you do for a durable power of attorney for health care and you can go down a rabbit hole from there. Of all the different legal forms you might want to have in place once a child reaches adulthood. And Nolo has an article about it that's pretty easy to [e-mail] and there are others that you can find with an online search or if you use an AI tool, you'll see what papers you should do. And again, it can get really more and more extreme with what you might be recommended to do for a child turning 18. But I'd say the one that is thankfully remote is a possibility. But the most important is for you to have authority in the case your child can't express his wishes in the event of their of a medical emergency. And that is the durable power of attorney for health care.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

All right, this is a a sad story, but I wanted to make sure I read this. Kim in Florida says my husband passed away on 529 of this year unexpectedly.

[Clark Howard]

Really sorry.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

We both followed Clark. I was overwhelmed with trying to Handle things financially. Fortunately, we had discussed a lot of things and I could make decisions because I knew what he wanted. People need to let each other know passwords, etc. In order for the remaining spouse to find answers concerning accounts. Please cover this with your listeners. Again, no one knows when your time is up. Be prepared. I love your show, Kim.

[Clark Howard]

My absolute sympathy goes out to you over the loss of your beloved husband. I'm really, really sorry. I hope you're getting the support you need, the comfort you need from family and friends, because I'm sure it's still raw.

[Clark Howard's Co-host or Caller]

Oh, gosh. Yeah.

[Clark Howard]

At this moment, so few months have passed. So that you took the time at this moment to be of help to your fellow listener and viewer is just incredible. And you're right. Even if, even if couples have had conversations and you got to make sure if you've got a responsible adult child, that they are aware as well in the event something happened that happened to both of you at the same time. Where key papers are, what sign ins for accounts are, things like that need to be in an organized fashion and that they are discussed. And my wife is very analog. She writes everything down. She still uses a paper calendar. It's so funny. It's all color coded. It's really, it's really cute. Anyway, she has records set up where she knows how to get in all of my accounts, how to sign into this, that other account. This is important stuff that we ignore at our peril. And by the way, if you're doing a will, updating a will, one of the things you want to cover in it is if you have, let's say you travel a lot and you have a lot of points and a hotel program or airline program or one of the credit card programs you want to put in there. And most software now, or if you go to a lawyer, they'll be prepared to do this, that it designates who's to inherit these various points and miles and whatever. And the thing is, not every travel supplier honors those wishes, but generally they will if it has force of law in a will. But the thing is, do you know that the frequent flyer programs, the point programs and all that, say the actual owner of all that is the program itself, not you as the traveler, but as a general situation, they honor the wishes that are stated in a will. But just talking about all the things like how to get in a spouse's email, I mean, that's so something you might not think about, but it's important in your phone, making sure that your spouse knows how to get in your phone, or if you're living with someone that you know how to do that stuff in case something you're temporarily incapacitated or whatever, so the other has access to those things. And, Kim, in a time of such serious grief, I want to thank you for bringing this up, because it's the kind of topic people put off, don't talk about, don't want to think about. But life happens and you have to be prepared. So thank you so much for joining us today. And I hope that this weekend you've got really great stuff in front of you and know what we're all about here. It's about you being empowered with knowledge so you can save more, spend less, and don't let anyone ever rip you off. See you Monday.