The Clark Howard Podcast

Episode: 11.21.25 – Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Auto Theft: Is Your Car A Target?
Date: November 21, 2025
Host: Clark Howard

Episode Overview

In this Thanksgiving week episode, Clark Howard dives into his recurring “Clark Stinks” segment, candidly responding to listener critiques on topics ranging from airline loyalty, credit cards, and building codes to vehicle tech subscriptions and financial products. The second half spotlights auto theft trends, the most targeted vehicles, and practical tips to keep your car safe. Clark closes the episode by taking listener questions on banking for college students, mortgage escrow, and HSA contributions.

Clark Stinks: Clark Answers His Critics

Purpose

Clark openly reads and responds to listener feedback—both the “stinky” and the constructive—acknowledging when he may be off base and sharing new insights.

Listener Critique Highlights & Clark’s Responses

1. Southwest Airlines Benefits

(03:03–05:48)

• Listener (Greg, Missouri): Criticizes Clark’s negative slant on Southwest Airlines.
  • Points out A-list and A-list Preferred status benefits, including the Companion Pass, flexible seating, no bag fees, free internet and drinks, and consistently competitive fares.
  • “Next time the subject of Southwest Airlines comes up, try to keep an open mind and remember that there are many travelers that love Southwest and won’t be switching airlines just because they’re making a few changes to improve profitability.”
• Clark’s Response:
  • Acknowledges Southwest’s unique perks and Candor about recently cancelling his own Southwest credit card.
  • “I have now canceled my Southwest credit card and I’m in show me mode. So I’ll see over time if my disappointment in a lot of the changes at Southwest are misplaced and I’ll want to reengage this next year.” (04:20)

2. Delta/Amex Revenue vs. Profit

(05:48–07:28)

• Listener (George, North Carolina): Corrects Clark’s claim that Delta makes $10B in profit from Amex, noting it’s revenue, not profit—actual projected revenue is $8B, and real profit likely closer to $1.3B.
  • “Profit and revenue are not the same.”
• Clark’s Response:
  • Admits error, says, “Completely accurate, completely true. I did overstate it.”
  • Argues latest Wall St. analysis estimates about half the revenue falls to profit.
  • Stands by the enormous benefit of Delta’s Amex relationship to shareholders.

3. Tesla Subscriptions Clarification

(07:28–09:18)

• Listener (Chris, Florida): Pushes back on Clark’s critique of car tech subscriptions; specifies Tesla’s $100/year fee covers convenience, not access to most features.
  • “As a Tesla owner you should know better…Tesla charges for high speed connection but not for individual functions.”
• Clark’s Response:
  • Notes FSD (Full Self Driving) is $100/month and “is freaky…It drives better than I can as a human being and is that worth $100 a month? For me it is.” (08:09)
  • Highlights the inevitability of vehicles as “computers on wheels” moving toward subscription models, akin to smartphones.

4. National Building Code Debate

(09:18–10:51)

• Listener (Greg, California): Civil engineer corrects Clark on claims we lack a national building code, highlighting the International Building Code and UBC, and need for local adaptation based on safety needs.
  • “If we tried to do one code that worked in every area, buildings and structures would be so overdesigned they would be financially enviable and those local building codes are there to make you safer.”
• Clark’s Response:
  • Concedes expertise to engineers, recognizing listener passion: “The passion that I sparked on this Krista would blow your mind.” (10:12)

5. Walmart One Pay Card & Spam Calls

(10:51–12:00)

• Listener (Keith, Oregon): Loves card’s cash back but says after application, “I start to receive multiple spam phone calls a day.”
• Clark & Krista’s Response:
  • First time hearing this complaint; unsure if it’s related.
  • “I've not heard that before... Share more if you could what it is that's happening from when you get the card.” (11:28)

6. Passport Renewal Confusion

(12:00–13:03)

• Listener (Patrick, New York): Corrects Clark: renewals are permitted if passport expires within a year, or expired less than 5 years ago.
• Clark’s Response:
  • Reflects on his misunderstanding, plans to investigate,
  • “I'll look at that and see if I gave the wrong advice on that.” (12:26)

7. HSA Withdrawal Rules

(13:03–13:42)

• Listener (Linda, New Hampshire): Reminds Clark to mention HSAs can be reimbursed for past medical expenses, if receipts are kept—even years later.
  • “You can get reimbursed for an expense that happened 10 years ago.”
• Clark’s Response:
  • Fully agrees and touts tax-free growth benefits.
  • “Almost nobody knows...you can then submit all those prior receipts...grab money at any time. It's not like it has to be in lockdown till retirement.” (13:42)

Featured Segment: Auto Theft Trends & Prevention

(17:28–21:44)

Key Insights

• Good News: Vehicle thefts have “dropped and dropped” in recent years—once over a million cars per year, now down 20%+ in many states.

• Most Stolen Makes/Models (2025):

  • Hyundai Elantra & Sonata
  • Kia Optima, Soul, Forte, Sportage
  • Chevy Silverado; Ford F-150
  • Honda Accord & Civic

  “None of them are things you might expect would be most stolen.” (17:58)

• Why These Cars?

  • Older Hyundais and Kias had key systems vulnerable to basic theft techniques.
  • Trucks and Hondas historically targeted for parts (“chop shops” profit).

• Personal Behavior Drives Theft Risk:

  • #1 reason: leaving vehicle running unattended with key/fob inside.
    • “How long does it take for a crime of opportunity? Somebody sees your vehicle running and they're gone with the wind.” (20:39)
  • Leaving valuables visible increases break-in risk—most of Clark’s car break-ins due to parking in marginal areas to avoid parking fees.

  “Cars, if taken apart, are much more valuable than they are put together.” (19:36) “Six car break-ins over the years...because I don't like to pay for parking.” (21:44)

Listener Q&A and Final Tips

Teen Banking Choices

(22:19–23:41)

• Sophie, Pennsylvania: 17yo planning for college, unsure how to safely keep $300 cash given limited bank account access.
• Clark’s Advice:
  • Open a college credit union account on campus or, when 18, an online bank account.

Escrow vs. Self-Managed Tax/Insurance Payments

(23:41–24:25)

• Buddy, Wisconsin: Wishes to handle property tax/insurance payments himself instead of escrow to earn interest.
• Clark’s Caveats:
  • Many mortgage contracts prohibit escrow removal or force higher rates if done.
  • Newer rules limit how much extra lenders can escrow (“about 17% of the estimated amount for a year”).

One-Time IRA/401k to HSA Contribution

(25:36–25:59)

• Gary, California: Points out you can fund HSA with a one-time IRA/401k direct transfer.
• Clark’s Caution:
  • “It is...obscure, but one time in a lifetime...from traditional IRA into an hsa...you get all the use of that money tax free—but jump through every hoop, right?”

Notable Quotes

• “You almost think I'm pretty stupid.” – Clark Howard (02:50, self-deprecatingly introducing ‘Clark Stinks’)
• “Next time...try to keep an open mind and remember that there are many travelers that love Southwest.” – Greg, Missouri (03:54)
• “It drives better than I can as a human being and is that worth $100 a month? For me it is.” – Clark Howard, on Tesla FSD (08:14)
• “Cars, if taken apart, are much more valuable than they are put together.” – Clark Howard (19:36)
• “Six car break ins over the years…because I don’t like to pay for parking.” – Clark Howard (21:54)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:40] – Show intro; mission and newsletter plug
• [03:03] – Southwest Airlines loyalty feedback
• [05:48] – Delta/Amex profit-vs-revenue debate
• [07:28] – Tesla subscriptions and FSD
• [09:18] – Building code correction
• [10:51] – Walmart credit card and spam
• [12:00] – Passport renewal rules
• [13:03] – HSA withdrawal records
• [17:28] – Car theft statistics & most targeted vehicles
• [22:19] – Teen banking options
• [23:41] – Mortgage escrow frustrations
• [25:36] – One-time IRA-to-HSA transfer advice

Clark’s Closing Vibe

Clark wraps with gratitude for the audience and reminders of the upcoming (abbreviated) Thanksgiving schedule, wishing everyone a safe, happy holiday—football and all.

“If you’re not with us [next week]...I want to tell you I hope that your Thanksgiving is everything you hope it to be. And if you’re into football like I am, that you really enjoy the full diet of NFL football Thanksgiving Day and through the holiday period.” (27:26)

[End of summary]