The Clark Howard Podcast

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

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.

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)

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.

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)

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)

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

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.

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.

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