The Clark Howard Podcast - Episode Summary Title: Holidays Deals With Karis! / 2025 Investment Predictions
Release Date: November 20, 2024

Introduction

In the November 20, 2024 episode of The Clark Howard Podcast, host Clark Howard teams up with Karis, chief deal digger from clarkdeals.com, and guest Ryan Reynolds from Mint Mobile to explore the best holiday deals available this season. Additionally, Clark delves into his investment predictions for 2025, offering listeners valuable insights into navigating the stock market amidst fluctuating economic conditions.

Holiday Deals with Karis and Ryan Reynolds

Current Holiday Promotions and Top Deals

Karis and Ryan Reynolds kick off the discussion by highlighting the plethora of holiday deals available across major retailers. They emphasize the significance of early and staggered sales, which have been increasingly common this year due to extended promotional periods.

• Walmart and Amazon: Ryan notes, "Amazon's going to start their official Black Friday sale this Thursday" [03:31], and mentions a "65 inch TCL Roku TV for $228" [04:23] as a standout Walmart deal, especially for Walmart Plus members. Additionally, Amazon is offering substantial discounts on electronics like Fire Sticks at "50% off."

• Best Buy and Macy's: Both retailers are participating with significant sales starting early November. Karis points out that Macy's has already begun their Black Friday sales on the 14th [03:31].

• Costco and Sam's Club: Ryan highlights Costco's ongoing deals, including an "$80 off Ring security system" [05:12], while Karis shares her personal success in purchasing an "85 inch TV for $698" at Sam's Club [05:26], underscoring the value of membership-based savings.

Electronics and Appliances

The duo discusses the abundance of deals on electronics and appliances, advising listeners to subscribe to their daily newsletter for the latest updates.

• AirPods and Roku Premier: Ryan mentions "AirPods right now for $94 at Walmart" [05:35], a saving of $75, and offers a marketplace review of the Roku Premier, suggesting it as a good entry point for Roku users but noting its limitations in functionality [06:08].

• Dyson Vacuums: An anticipated sale on a "Dyson 11 cordless vacuum for $350 next week at Walmart" [06:36] is highlighted as a must-watch deal.

Clothing and Wardrobe Refresh

Karis addresses the current turmoil in the clothing market, questioning whether consumers should take advantage of Black Friday deals or wait for potentially better discounts in January [06:59]. She suggests that while some specific items like pajama sets may be affordable now, significant clearance deals are likely to appear post-holiday season [07:19].

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Reynolds on staggered sales: "It's just crazy" [03:31].
• Karis on wardrobe deals: "The clothing market is in such turmoil right now, so it's great if you need a wardrobe refresh" [07:19].

Listener Questions and Expert Advice

1. Delta Flight Pricing and Booking Strategies

Listener: Mary from Michigan
Mary inquires about the steep rise in Delta flight prices from $350 to over $800 for a trip to Florida in March 2025 and seeks advice on whether to book now or wait [08:12].

Karis' Response: Karis explains that flying Delta out of dominant hub markets like Detroit often results in higher fares due to the lack of competition. She advises exploring alternative airlines that may require layovers but offer more affordable rates. Additionally, she recommends booking domestic tickets "six to ten weeks out" for the best prices and notes that March's popularity for spring break can drive prices up [09:20].

2. Opening a 529 Plan Post-Divorce

Listener: Carrie in Ohio
Carrie seeks guidance on whether both she and her ex-husband can open a 529 plan for their grandchild to benefit from tax breaks [11:03].

Karis' Response: Karis congratulates Carrie on her amicable post-divorce relationship and explains that 529 plans must have a single owner, regardless of marital status. She suggests that both Carrie and her ex-husband can each open separate 529 accounts for their grandchild, potentially allowing both to benefit from tax deductions, depending on Ohio's specific tax laws [11:08].

3. Payroll Theft Scam Awareness

Listener: Laney in Rhode Island
Laney reports receiving a suspicious email requesting a change in direct deposit information, suspecting a payroll theft scam [11:37].

Karis' Response: Karis acknowledges the growing trend of reverse payroll scams where fraudsters impersonate employees to alter direct deposit details. She advises employers to independently verify any such requests through internal channels before making changes and underscores the importance of implementing safeguards to protect payroll systems [12:47]. She emphasizes vigilance as scams continue to evolve [14:38].

4. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) and Retirement Planning

Listener: Janae in Illinois
Janae asks whether opening a HELOC is advisable for retirees and inquires about fixed-rate options and suitable terms [23:12].

Karis' Response: Karis affirms the importance of securing financial tools like HELOCs while still working, as they may not be accessible post-retirement. She explains that HELOCs typically have variable rates tied to the prime rate and recommends approaching credit unions for more favorable terms. She distinguishes HELOCs from home equity loans, which have fixed rates, and stresses using HELOCs primarily for home improvements to maintain financial stability [25:22].

Notable Quotes:

• Karis on Delta fares: "Delta charges far, far more per mile on nonstop routes" [09:20].
• Karis on 529 plans: "529 accounts have to have a single owner" [12:47].
• Karis on payroll scams: "The big thing here is employers need to have independent verification" [13:11].

Investment Predictions for 2025

In the latter half of the episode, Clark Howard shares his insights on the stock market's trajectory leading into 2025.

Market Valuation and Economic Fundamentals

Clark discusses the initial market euphoria following President Trump's reelection, which later subsided due to global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions with Russia. He emphasizes that despite market volatility, the fundamental strengths of the U.S. economy—such as robust employment trends and dynamic growth—remain solid [14:54].

Investment Strategy: Slow and Steady

Clark advocates for a "slow and steady" investment approach, maintaining a diversified portfolio without reacting impulsively to market fluctuations. He highlights the concept of "reversion to the mean," where overvalued markets are likely to normalize over time, leading to more modest returns compared to previous high-growth periods [16:00].

• Diversification and Consistency: Clark stresses the importance of consistent contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s, regardless of market conditions.

• Avoiding Market Timing: He discourages the practice of attempting to time the market, whether by selling off assets during downturns or making hasty purchases during peaks.

Economic Optimism amid Overvaluation

While acknowledging that U.S. stock holdings are currently overvalued, Clark remains optimistic about the long-term stability of the economy. He advises adjusting expectations for investment returns rather than altering investment strategies, reinforcing the value of disciplined financial planning [23:12].

Notable Quotes:

• Clark on investment approach: "Slow and steady ultimately wins the race" [16:00].
• Clark on economic fundamentals: "The fundamentals of the US Economy are rock solid" [22:30].

Additional Holiday Deals and Recommendations

Southwest Airlines Gift Cards

Karis and Ryan highlight a special offer from Sam's Club and Costco, where Southwest Airlines gift cards are available at a discounted rate of "$429 for a $500 card" [23:26]. This 10% discount is particularly advantageous for frequent flyers, providing long-term savings without an expiration date.

Marc Jacobs Fragrances

A promotional highlight features Marc Jacobs fragrances, including the iconic Daisy and Perfect lines, available in gift sets that make ideal holiday presents [17:24]. These sets offer a combination of favorite scents and matching travel sprays, positioning them as perfect gifts for loved ones [17:24].

Notable Quotes:

• Karis on Sam's Club deal: "What a deal" [23:26].
• Karis on fashion deals: "There are so many deals, especially for electronics" [06:59].

Conclusion

The episode effectively blends practical advice on maximizing holiday savings with strategic insights into long-term investment planning. Listeners benefit from detailed discussions on the best deals across major retailers, expert responses to diverse financial questions, and a grounded perspective on market investment strategies. Clark Howard and his team continue to empower consumers to save more, spend less, and achieve financial freedom through informed decision-making.

Resources Mentioned:

• Clark Deals: clarkdeals.com
• Mint Mobile: mintmobile.com
• Discover Credit Card: discover.com/creditcard
• Grammarly Enterprise: Grammarly.comenterprise
• Team Clark Consumer Action Center: clark.com/cac

For personalized financial advice, listeners are encouraged to visit www.clark.com/askclark to submit their questions.