The Clark Howard Podcast: Episode 10.10.25

Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / The Truth About “Free” Phone Offers
Date: October 10, 2025
Host: Clark Howard
Co-Host/Producer: Krista

Overview

This episode features two main segments: Clark’s weekly “Clark Stinks” feedback section—where listeners critique his advice and he responds—and a deep dive into the truth behind “free” cell phone offers from major carriers. Throughout, the tone is lively, candid, and focused on empowering listeners to make smart financial decisions.

1. Clark Stinks – Listener Critiques and Clark’s Replies

[01:58–17:19]

The “Clark Stinks” segment is a tradition where listeners call out moments where they think Clark has missed the mark. He responds with humor, humility, and further insight, enhancing the show’s transparency and educational value.

Key Discussion Points

• Antenna Advice and Watching Sports ([01:58])

  • Listener Greg in Oregon says Clark should have mentioned resources like AntennaWeb.org for finding the right TV antenna.
    • Clark: “Antenna Web is what I use too… but with rolling hills it’s not always completely accurate. Still, if you can pull that signal in, the picture is so much better than streaming or cable.” ([02:26])

• Cost of Living in Hawaii ([03:26])

  • Kevin in Hawaii notes the high costs but highlights savings on heating, electricity, and other expenses.
    • Clark: “I’d love to live in Hawaii… but Lane [my wife] is freaked about the dog quarantine and we’re far from the kids and grandkids.” ([04:11])

• Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire Housing Costs ([04:38])

  • Pete in Massachusetts says savings can depend much on where you live; border towns have higher housing costs.
    • Clark: “You’re completely right…the migration has driven up border-area costs. People go for tax reasons but pay in housing.” ([05:11])

• ATM Foreign Exchange Fees in Europe ([05:36])

  • RJ in Georgia shares frustration about high markups on ATMs in Europe.
    • Clark: “Use bank ATMs, not ‘convenience’ ones, and always decline conversion to dollars—let your home bank handle it.” ([06:21])
    • Krista adds: “USAA and Schwab refund ATM fees; Schwab is unlimited.” ([08:05])

• Hidden Fees and Homeowner Costs ([08:57])

  • Catherine in Florida warns about HOA and CDD fees that weren’t mentioned in Clark's “28% Rule” for home buyers.
    • Clark: “In Florida especially, there’s the CDD, and sometimes a developer’s fee at resale—a back-end revenue source. Developers are stacking income streams.” ([09:47])

• Scripted Show Accusation ([11:11])

  • Chris in Maryland questions how “the questions always relate to the topic” and if the show is scripted.
    • Krista: “No script. I just put the questions in ahead and Clark glances at them right before we record.” ([11:55])
    • Clark: “It’s all authentic. I use my base of knowledge and years of experience—no script here.” ([11:55])

• NFL vs. College Football Fan Experience ([12:37])

  • Justin in Illinois contends college football games are a better value and experience than the NFL.
    • Clark: “My son tells me the same thing every week. You’re both right—the college experience is, for many, much more fun and less expensive.” ([13:45])

• Credit Cards in Europe and the Irish Approach ([14:12])

  • Noel in Ireland explains the European preference for debit cards, citing cultural and regulatory differences.
    • Clark: “If we had the same consumer protections on debit cards as in Europe, we’d all be better off using them. But here, the protections aren’t equal.” ([15:22])

Notable Quotes

• “I should have never encouraged you to speak. You all must think I'm pretty stupid.” — Clark Howard, intro to Clark Stinks ([01:45])
• “If you can pull that [antenna] signal in, you see the game…so much better.” — Clark ([02:26])
• “You always say euro [at European ATMs]. As a general rule, then there won’t be junk fees.” — Clark ([06:21])
• “Developers are looking for income trails of all different kinds.” — Clark ([09:47])

2. The Truth About "Free" Phone Offers

[18:50–21:50]

Clark breaks down the “free iPhone” and similar deals heavily advertised by major wireless carriers, especially during football games.

Key Points

• Carrier Gimmicks

  • The new iPhone is advertised as “free” by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, but the reality is it requires long-term contracts.
    • “You’re getting credits, as long as you jump through every hoop they have, month by month, over multiple years… But you have so overpaid for monthly service you could’ve just bought the phone.” ([18:50])

• Better Alternatives

  • Many discount carriers—often owned by the big three—offer service at a third of the price.
    • “All that difference is more than what you’re saving on the newest phone. So think about that before you do it.” ([21:50])

• Insurance Company Ads

  • Hints at a future discussion: the companies saturating TV with ads tend to score poorly on customer service.

Notable Quotes

• “What they do is way overcharge for monthly service, and you’re not getting the phone free… That’s the game, that’s the gimmick.” — Clark ([18:50])

3. Listener Q&A

[21:50–31:47]

A grab bag of financial questions, from scammy real estate texts to HSA strategies and playful football betting stories.

Highlights

• Spam Property Sale Texts ([21:50])

  • Use of personal information for property prospecting; Clark suggests credit freezes if worried about identity theft but considers it likely a simple data mismatch.

• Credit Score Drop ([23:46])

  • A listener’s score dropped despite excellent habits.
    • “Nothing to worry about if you’re still in the upper 700s, but check annualcreditreport.com for stray items.” ([24:08])

• Maximizing HSA vs Roth 401k for Retirement ([27:09])

  • Listener wonders whether to use HSA for retirement spending or maximize Roth contributions.
    • “If you use the HSA for medical expenses, the tax benefits are unparalleled. If not, maximize the Roth 401K for tax-free withdrawals.” ([27:09])

• Football Pool Strategies ([28:54])

  • Fun exchanges about betting: picking by favorite city, having a dog choose, and how even sports reporters struggle to win reliably.
    • “Doing something randomized…may work out for you.” — Clark ([29:48])

4. Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “I'm in one pool. I paid $85 for the whole NFL season because I wanted to be more interested in the games.” — Krista ([30:05])
• “I said I will watch even a bad NFL game…Those two were so bad, couldn't do it. Anyway, speaking of streaming, Monday I’m going to talk some more about streaming TV…” — Clark ([31:25])
• “Thank you everyone for taking time to post today on Clark Stinks. What I marvel at is that every single edition of Clark Stinks is different.” — Clark ([15:22])

5. Segment Timestamps

• [00:53] — Show begins
• [01:58]–[17:19] — Clark Stinks segment (Listener feedback and Clark’s responses)
• [18:50]–[21:50] — The Truth About "Free" Phone Offers
• [21:50]–[31:47] — Listener Q&A

6. Takeaways & Tone

• Clark is candid and humble, welcoming challenging feedback.
• He encourages skepticism of financial marketing “gimmicks.”
• Practical, hands-on advice with updated insights for 2025.
• Emphasis on consumer empowerment and transparency.

For Listeners

If you want to avoid hidden financial pitfalls, maximize your savings, and stay wise to industry tricks, this episode captures Clark Howard at his engaging, practical best.