The Clark Howard Podcast

Episode: 11.12.25 – Shopper Guidance In The K-Economy / Screen Addiction Solutions
Date: November 12, 2025
Host: Clark Howard
Co-Host/Producer: Krista

Episode Overview

This episode addresses two core personal finance topics:

• The K-Economy and Smart Shopping Guidance
• Solutions and Observations on Screen Addiction

Clark Howard discusses the growing split between economic "haves" and "have-nots," gives actionable shopping strategies amid income inequality, and tackles listener questions on saving, investing, and practical consumer decisions. In the second segment, he examines modern screen addiction, suggests practical ways to cut down phone usage, and highlights why conscious tech habits are essential for quality of life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding the K-Economy

[00:40–07:10]

• Clark defines the K-Economy: A sharp divide in the American economy, with about 25–30% of Americans prospering while 70–75% are struggling.
• Retail Industry Impact: Disparity is evident in shopping behaviors and retail strategies; luxury and "have-to" purchases are treated differently.
• Sector Examples:
  • Airlines struggle to fill economy seats but see record demand for premium seating.
  • Restaurants: High-end establishments are thriving, while fast food chains are losing customers.
  • Clothing: Basics are far more affordable than "want-to" or premium items.
• Notable Quote:

  “Items that are everyday items... the have-tos are a better deal. And Walmart specifically is selectively pricing in their stores, pricing the have-tos to people at even a loss if they need to, or very tight profit margins.” — Clark Howard [05:50]

• Actionable Advice:
  • Focus on “have-to” purchases for better deals; avoid “new and improved” or premium-branded products.
  • Even wealthier consumers are shopping at discount outlets, driven by better deals on essentials.

2. Q&A: Saving, Investing, and Consumer Decisions

Young Home Buyer Saving Strategy

[07:10–08:50]

• Listener (Sarah, Florida): 23 years old, nearly $50k saved for a home, seeks advice on optimizing returns as interest rates drop.
• Clark’s Advice:
  • Use brokerage-placed CDs for higher yields.
  • Lock in rates now, as high-yield savings rates will slip further.
  • Take advantage of discount brokerages (Vanguard, Fidelity, Schwab) for better CD rates.

Health Careers & Navigating the Great Recession

[09:11–10:51]

• Listener (Russell, Georgia): Shifted to a radiology career post-recession, validates Clark’s past advice on alternatives to four-year degrees.
• Clark’s Insight:

  "Medicine has so much opportunity with an aging population." — Clark Howard [10:24]

• Broader encouragement: Embrace career pivots, especially in fields in demand.

Managing Investment Fees in Employer Plans

[10:51–13:58]

• Listener (Russell, continued): Concerned about high fees in a Roth 403(b) plan through an insurance company.
• Clark’s Guidance:
  • Ask for administration and expense ratio totals directly.
  • Anything under 0.5% total is ideal; 0.5–1% is tolerable if options are limited.
  • Over 1%: shift excess savings to a backdoor Roth IRA for cost efficiency.
  • Notable Quote:

    "Insurance Companies that run 403 are very very sketch about disclosing all the expenses but if you ask for it, they have to provide it to you." — Clark Howard [11:49]

Cell Phone Plan Shopping

[13:58–16:46]

• Listener (Zach, Texas): Used Clark’s cell phone plan finder to save by resisting upselling at a T-Mobile store.
• Clark’s Tips:
  • Do not rely on retail staff; have your information ready.
  • Stores are incentivized to steer you away from best-value plans.
  • Use online guides, compare yearly costs, and assert your plan choice.
  • Memorable Quote:

    "I'm telling you, they're a new Bermuda Triangle for your wallet." — Clark Howard [15:13]

3. Tackling Screen Addiction

[16:46–22:50]

• Clark’s Observation:
  • Increasing numbers of Americans are addicted to their smartphones, even in social settings.
• Personal and Social Solutions:
  • No-phone zones at meals (cell phone caddy at dinner parties, etc.).
  • Use of simple “time limiting” reminder apps.
  • Switch to feature (non-smart) phones or restrict smartphone functions.
  • Families returning to landlines.
  • Campus initiatives for “phone-free hours.”
• Notable Quote:

  "The phone’s awesome for so many things till it’s too much. ... Too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing." — Clark Howard [20:22]

• Advice: Recognize problematic use, consciously set boundaries, and find solutions that fit your lifestyle.

Krista’s Perspective

• Focuses on engaging in alternate activities (knitting, socializing, walking sans phone), especially during routines.

4. Additional Listener Questions & Practical Finance Advice

App vs. PC for Banking Security

[22:50–25:11]

• Mobile banking apps are generally more secure than PCs, due to fewer vulnerabilities.
• Never share verification codes, even with supposed institution representatives.

Long-Term Care Insurance Woes

[25:11–27:45]

• The long-term care insurance market is “broken” due to non-guaranteed escalating premiums.
• If unaffordable in the long run and not urgently needed, treat the sunk costs as lost; if you expect to need care soon, try to keep paying.

Debit Cards for Kids – Fee Debate

[27:45–30:25]

• Acorns Early & Greenlight cards: Clark dislikes the fees ($60/year), Krista values the educational payoff.
• Clark suggests looking for free youth accounts at credit unions (e.g., USAA).
• Point-Counterpoint Dynamic:
  • Clark: "I'm just too cheap."
  • Krista: The teaching value justifies cost for some families.
• "Clark Stinks" segment on break due to technical issues impacting question volume.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

| Quote | Speaker | Timestamp | |------------------|---------------|---------------| |"Items that are everyday items... the have-tos are a better deal. And Walmart specifically is selectively pricing in their stores..." | Clark Howard | 05:50 | |"Medicine has so much opportunity with an aging population." | Clark Howard | 10:24 | |"Insurance Companies that run 403 are very very sketch about disclosing all the expenses but if you ask for it, they have to provide it to you." | Clark Howard | 11:49 | |"I'm telling you, they're a new Bermuda Triangle for your wallet." | Clark Howard | 15:13 | |"The phone’s awesome for so many things till it’s too much. ... Too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing." | Clark Howard | 20:22 | |"I'm just too cheap." | Clark Howard | 30:02 |

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• K-Economy & Shopper Guidance: 00:40–07:10
• Young Home Buyer Saving Advice: 07:10–08:50
• Career Shifts Post-Recession: 09:11–10:51
• Retirement Plan Fee Management: 10:51–13:58
• Cell Phone Shopping Strategies: 13:58–16:46
• Screen Addiction Solutions: 16:46–22:50
• Banking App Security Advice: 22:50–25:11
• Long-Term Care Insurance Challenges: 25:11–27:45
• Debit Cards for Kids—Fee Debate: 27:45–30:25

Tone & Style

Clark Howard’s tone is practical, empowering, and gently humorous (“I’m just too cheap”). He features real listener stories, balances empathy with direct advice, and always maintains a mission-driven focus: “Save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off.” Krista’s conversational input adds warmth and perspective, especially in areas where parental or consumer values differ.

Summary Takeaways

• The K-Economy has sharpened the contrast between “need” and “want” economies—shop accordingly.
• Be vigilant about fees and plan structures in all financial products; always ask.
• Cell phone and subscription shopping require homework and assertiveness against retail tactics.
• Conscious tech use leads to better relationships and real-life value—know yourself and set limits as needed.
• Even expert co-hosts disagree on educational expenses vs. frugality—do what aligns with your household’s values!

Clark and Team Clark remain committed to providing actionable, trustworthy advice in a world of economic uncertainty and digital distractions. For more, visit clark.com or clarkdeals.com, and keep sending in your questions.