The Clark Howard Podcast: 11.07.25
Episode Date: November 7, 2025
Host: Clark Howard
Main Topics: Clark Stinks Listener Feedback & How to Screen Out Robocalls
Episode Overview
In this lively episode, Clark Howard dives into the latest round of "Clark Stinks," where listeners critique or add to his advice, providing a healthy forum for differing views and missed tips. In the second half, Clark updates listeners on new features to fight back against robocalls, explaining tools available for iPhone and Android users to reduce scam calls and improve phone security. The episode is full of practical consumer advice, candid back-and-forth, and Clark’s signature humble, thrifty tone.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Clark Stinks: Listener Feedback and Debate (01:00–20:30)
Balance Transfers for Debt Paydown
- Listener Warren (02:00): Suggests using 0% balance transfer credit cards for paying off 24% debt, especially for those with credit scores above 750.
- Notable Quote:
“[With] balance transfers... mark your calendar and if you haven't paid it all off by the end of the term, you can do another balance transfer.” — Warren (02:00)
- Notable Quote:
- Clark’s Response: Agrees, stresses not to make new charges on transfer cards and to monitor qualification criteria.
Travel Packing and Shipping Tips
- Listener Susan (04:25): Suggests packing food in checked bags for extended travel to Hawaii to save on shipping.
- Clark: Acknowledges a “dead spot” when it comes to checking bags but finds the tip valuable.
Heat Pumps & HVAC Systems
- Listener Ron (05:00): Corrects Clark’s past comment, clarifying that heat pumps are part of HVAC, and recommends comparing warranties and efficiency.
- Notable Quote:
“A base heat pump will have the lowest legal efficiency or seer and probably just a five year compressor warranty. But a higher seer unit...is totally worth the extra cost.” — Ron (05:00)
- Notable Quote:
- Clark: Emphasizes the long-term savings of heat pumps despite higher upfront cost.
Credit Score Fluctuations & Authorized Users
- Listener Vienne (06:30): Points out that being an authorized user of a family credit card can impact credit score, and highlights card issuers lowering credit limits as another common cause.
- Clark: Agrees and cautions that credit compression is happening now due to banks' concerns about defaults.
- Notable Quote:
“You may have a bullseye target on you from some of the credit card issuers... that can be devastating to your score.” — Clark (07:24)
- Notable Quote:
Card Bonuses: Don’t Miss Out
- Listener Pete Mass (08:36): Notes Clark forgot to mention opening bonuses for the Venture X card.
- Clark: Thanks Pete, reviews the card's value and fee structure.
Medicare Advantage Plans: Pros, Cons & Mobility
- Listener Ralph (09:35): Pushes back on Clark’s “lottery” analogy, saying people choose Medicare Advantage carefully, not just by luck.
- Clark: Clarifies his main objection is lack of flexibility and the risk if medical networks change mid-coverage.
- Notable Quote:
“If the doctors and facilities you so carefully checked...are removed from that plan...that could be life threatening, health threatening.” — Clark (10:13)
- Notable Quote:
Airplane Window Shades: Etiquette and Preferences
- Listener Stephen (11:33): Argues repeatedly opening/closing window shades is disruptive; leaving it open is less annoying.
- Clark: Shares his preference for enjoying the view and finds frequent flyer culture’s expectation odd.
- Funny Exchange:
- “If I want to sleep, I just bring an eye mask. Isn't that an easy solution?” — Listener (13:08)
- “That is. That is a Rodney King kind of thing. Can't we all just get along?” — Clark (13:13)
- Funny Exchange:
Costco Optical: New Policy Frustrations
- Listener Jen (13:17): Upset Costco no longer puts lenses in frames older than 2 years.
- Clark: Suggests escalating to leadership, notes this policy is “not right” and off-brand for Costco.
NFL Game Watching on the Cheap
- Listener Perry (15:29): Frustrated by the cost of seeing all NFL games, asks for Clark’s viewing solution.
- Clark: Shares his method of watching YouTube highlight reels after the fact, avoiding spoilers, and discusses the tradeoff between channel bundles and antenna use.
- Notable Quote:
“I'll go on YouTube and watch the official summary of the game ... and it takes about 17 to 20 minutes to see the whole game that way. And I found it to be absolutely fine for me not to pay more money.” — Clark (16:02)
- Notable Quote:
2. Feature Segment: Screen Out Robocalls and Phone Security (22:12–29:00)
iPhone and Android: New Call Screening Tools
- Clark (22:12): Announces Apple’s latest iOS now includes a call screening feature similar to Android’s.
- Explains how both platforms now ask unknown callers for a reason and can block non-contact calls altogether.
- Advice: “If you are one of those people who...are tempted...to answer [calls], you're setting yourself up. That’s why doing the settings...that screen calls...is a great thing.”
- Both Clark and a co-host discuss how they never answer calls from “private numbers” or unknown callers to avoid scams.
Personal Strategies and Amusing Tales
- Clark (26:12): Shares family anecdotes about phone durability and planned obsolescence, including a story about a phone surviving a fall from a stunt plane.
- Funny Moment:
“The sheriff holds the phone up to him...‘Yeah, it fell out of a plane.’” — Clark (28:58)
- Funny Moment:
3. Listener Q&A: Consumer Technology and Payment Tips (29:12–41:23)
Amazon Device Obsolescence
- Listener Jim (29:12): Frustrated after a Fire TV device is bricked by update; offered only 5% off a replacement.
- Clark: Labels the situation “uncool” and discusses the issue of e-waste and the challenge of holding big tech companies accountable.
Amazon Third Party Sellers: Hidden Shipping Charges
- Listener Scott (31:36): Receives surprise postage bill due to fraudulent label from overseas seller.
- Clark: Emphasizes increased Amazon customer service friction and risk with third-party sellers vs. “fulfilled by Amazon.”
- Advice: “If you keep pushing, you get what you’re looking for. But what they count on is that most people give up too easily.” — Clark (34:39)
Alternative Payment Methods for Small Business
- Listener Sean in Hawaii (34:51): Wants to avoid credit card fees; mails checks, but Clark routinely advises against this.
- Clark: Recommends debit cards or P2P apps as lower-cost options, but notes risk is on customer. Suggests “cash discount” for non-card payments, and discusses high (Visa/MasterCard) merchant fees in the U.S.
- Insight: “Who benefits from all these merchant fees? I do... We're being subsidized by the massive fees that merchants are paying...” — Clark (37:56)
- Explains how in Australia, checkout systems display real-time fees by payment method.
Charge Card Trivia & Discover’s Future
- Discussion (41:06): Brief historical banter about Diners Club, Carte Blanche, and speculation on Discover/Capital One competition in payments.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “We're all in this together and we all help each other. And isn't that what it's supposed to be like?” — Clark (19:02)
- “I can't remember everything about everything... That's why I know nothing about real life, because I don't have room for it in my head.” — Clark (19:02)
- “Nobody should ever answer a call from a number or even a business they don't recognize. Let it go to voicemail.” — Paraphrased Clark (24:00)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 01:00–20:30 – Clark Stinks: Listener Feedback
- 22:12–29:00 – Robocall Screening and Phone Security Tips
- 29:12–41:23 – Listener Q&A: Amazon Hardware, Payments for Small Business, Merchant Fees
- 16:02 – Clark’s method for watching NFL games affordably
- 26:00 – Family stories about phone accidents and durability
Overall Tone and Takeaways
Clark maintains his characteristic humility, gratitude for listener community, and direct style. The episode reinforces the importance of staying vigilant as a consumer—whether choosing payment methods, watching out for shifting credit limits, fighting robocalls, or sticking up for yourself with big companies like Amazon or Costco.
Best Practical Advice:
- Take advantage of modern phone call screening features—don’t pick up calls from unknown numbers.
- For small businesses, consider debit or peer-to-peer payments and offer “cash discounts.”
- Always double-check for bonuses before applying for new credit cards.
- Don’t accept poor customer service—push back, escalate, and don’t give up if you’re wronged.
For More:
- Find Clark’s balance transfer guide, robocall defense tips, and consumer resources at clark.com.