11.28.25 BEST OF: About Clark Howard + A Special Birthday Edition of Clark Stinks

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Clark Howard Podcast

Episode: 11.28.25 – BEST OF: About Clark Howard + A Special Birthday Edition of Clark Stinks

Release Date: November 28, 2025
Host: Clark Howard
Guest/Co-host: Krista Howard

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Episode Overview

This special “Best Of” episode celebrates Clark Howard’s 70th birthday with two main segments. First, Krista encourages Clark to share the seldom-heard story of his life and how he became a personal finance icon. In the second half, instead of the usual “Clark Stinks” segment, Krista reads heartfelt listener messages honoring Clark’s positive impact. The episode is nostalgic, warm, and full of gratitude, highlighting both Clark’s frugality and the community he’s built.

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1. Clark Howard’s Life & Career Journey

(00:23 – 18:25)

Early Life, College, and Hard-Learned Lessons

• Clark’s Upbringing:
  • Grew up in what seemed like a wealthy household; realized later that his parents spent everything they earned.
• Turning Point:
  • At 18, returning home from college, Clark’s father lost his job after nearly 30 years with the same company. This financial crisis forced Clark to become self-sufficient (02:09).
  • “There’s money for you to go back to college in January,” his father said—a subtle way of saying there wasn’t.
• Immediate Response:
  • Clark switched to night school, got a full-time job, and paid for his tuition himself ($2,400/year at the time, which is about $17,286 in today’s dollars) (05:34).
• Work Ethic and Determination:
  • Supported himself by splitting cheap rent with a friend, worked during the day, studied at night, and finished college in three years to save money.
  • Took jobs at HUD and IBM (as a bill collector) because they paid for his education.

Notable Quote:

“I came right out of college living on every other paycheck and right from the get-go saving half of what I made. … It was an equal and opposite reaction to what happened.” – Clark (14:30)

Early Career and Entrepreneurship

• Social Work & Alternative School:
  • Became a social worker for at-risk youth (age 22-23).
  • Founded Career Action, an alternative school for employment skills (08:22).
• Entrepreneurial Pivot:
  • At age 25 opened a travel agency, anticipating a travel boom after airline deregulation.
  • Grew to 5 agencies and sold the business at 31—unexpectedly forced “retirement” (09:48).

The Road to Media & Personal Finance Authority

• Accidental Radio Career:
  • At age 33, invited as a guest on radio to talk travel; this led to hosting “Cover Your Assets”—a money call-in show (10:02).
  • Draws on real estate investing experience (bought first foreclosure at 22) and lessons from his father about reading stock tables.
• Transition to Television:
  • Eventually recruited to do TV; sent to “TV school” in Iowa and now a correspondent in multiple markets (11:41).
• Syndication & the Digital Era:
  • Went national in 1998; launched Clark.com (then ClarkHoward.com) in 1997 (13:16).
  • Early pioneer in podcasting before it was popular.
  • Shifted from syndicated radio to focus on podcasting and YouTube to reach a broader audience.

Notable Quote:

“We started podcasting before it was even called podcasting.” – Clark (13:24)

Core Money Philosophy & Motivation

• Living Frugally and Saving:
  • The trauma of his family’s lost financial security inspired lifelong habits: always save a large portion of income, always live below means.
  • Has always refused endorsements or paid commercials to preserve independence on the air (15:00).
• Giving Back:
  • Founded the Consumer Action Center in 1993 to provide free one-on-one financial help.
  • Led and sponsored Habitat for Humanity home builds (over 104 homes sponsored with his wife Lane) (17:52).

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2. Special Birthday Edition: Listener Tributes

(20:22 – 36:02)

Instead of the usual “Clark Stinks” (where listeners correct or critique Clark’s advice), Krista reads just a fraction of the “hundreds and hundreds” of birthday messages sent by fans. These highlight Clark’s personal impact, his financial wisdom, and his humanity.

Standout Messages & Moments

• Helping Listeners Through Hardship:

  • Susan recalls losing her job in 2008, calling the show, and Clark caring about her feelings as much as her money (21:42).

• Transforming Financial Futures:

  • Reggie says, “Before I started listening to you…I could barely rent an apartment. Since then … this is my fifth property. Thanks to all your wisdom and guidance, you’ve changed my financial and credit path forever” (24:20).
  • Lana, a single mom and nurse, credits Clark’s advice for her $4 million net worth:

    “You are so right. It’s not how much you earn, it’s how much you save.” (32:49)

• Clark’s Humor and Relatability:

  • Brian jokes about Clark’s youthful hair (“You stink with your fancy, mostly black, full head of hair. It’s just not fair.”) (25:15)
  • Longstanding Costco/Pampers legend gets playfully debunked by Clark:

    “That is not a true story. That one has lived on like a legend. And besides, would I have bought brand name diapers?” (31:49)

  • Rob from San Diego writes he’ll celebrate in Clark’s honor by buying “day old grocery cupcakes marked down to half price… and cut free paper straws into candles.” (32:15)

• Stories of Listener Success:

  • Bill saves $3,000 in two years by switching cell providers on Clark’s advice (26:45).
  • Clay recounts being saved by buying travel insurance due to Clark’s recommendation – after needing medical attention during a trip to the Grand Canyon (27:22).

• Human and Community Touch:

  • Bonnie, a retired social worker: “You kept me company while I drove to home visits. I’m now retired in part thanks to your advice on … saving for retirement.” (33:46)
  • Multiple listeners recall decades of following Clark’s tips, sharing them with family, and making memories as a result.
  • Dan recalls working beside Clark at a Habitat build and laughs about Clark’s inexpert hammering (“all was fun and games until he handed the hammer to me and asked me to finish it”) (28:58).
  • Suzanne from Alaska was so engrossed listening to Clark while weeding, she missed a moose passing 5 feet away! (30:39)

Notable Quote:

“If I could, I would give you the biggest birthday hug for setting an amazing example of what A human being should be.” – Nancy (27:02)
“If there’s anything I can do it’s inspire you to have the confidence to be the boss of your own life.” – Clark (34:27)

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3. Noteworthy Reflections & Philosophy

• Clark on Professional Ethics:
  • Never allowed himself to do endorsements, commercials, or be censored:

    “I wanted the freedom to say what I felt was right in my heart, in my head… because I had saved so much … I was able to say what I believe…” (15:00)

• On Humble Beginnings:
  • Clark admits he graduated near the bottom of his class in high school and encourages young listeners not to be discouraged:

    “I was on a fair amount of academic probation…” (16:36)

• Clark’s Greatest Joy:
  • Volunteering and building community through Habitat, Christmas Kids, and more:

    “…what I really love is all the volunteer activities we’ve been able to do where we get people involved as part of our community…” (17:29)

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4. Timestamps for Key Segments

• Birthday Introduction & Family Banter: 00:23–02:00
• Clark’s Life Story: 02:08–18:25
• Listener Tributes and Clark’s Responses: 20:22–36:02
• Reflections on Community and Gratitude: 34:27–36:04

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5. Memorable Quotes

• On reacting to his father’s job loss:
  “I started smiling…he was just really torn up...he said ‘what are you smiling about?’ I said ‘I thought you were dying.’ And then he laughed.” – Clark (02:09)
• On financial independence:
  “I’ve always been about this stuff. It’s very intrinsic in me that I’m into living on less than what you make.” – Clark (14:30)
• Listener tributes:
  “We re-read your emails with tips like they were coming from a top government official.” – Rebecca (23:00)
• “May you have a happy memory for every dollar your advice has helped your followers to save. That would be a lot of happy memories.” – Lynn May (25:34)

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6. Tone and Style

The episode is warm, celebratory, and humorous. Clark’s humility and Krista’s affection come through, making listeners feel part of a close-knit community. Listener messages overflow with gratitude, humor, and real-life impact.

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7. Closing Reflection

Clark thanks everyone for their messages and reiterates his show’s purpose:

“If there’s anything I can do, it’s inspire you to have the confidence to be the boss of your own life.” – Clark (34:27)
“I appreciate more than you know, the gratitude. But what I really appreciate is hearing where you’ve been able to take stuff you’ve heard or learned and empower yourself in your own life.” – Clark (34:27)

He promises a return to regular programming after his “day old cake” birthday celebration.

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For More: Visit Clark.com or Submit a question to the show

(End of content summary; advertisements and outro not included.)

Transcript

[Commercial Announcer]

This message is brought to you by Apple Card. With Apple Card there are no points to calculate or rewards to claim. Just daily cash back on every purchase subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and [e-mail] this message comes from AT&T, the network that helps Americans make connections. When you compare, there is no comparison. AT&T.

[Clark Howard]

Happy Black Friday. I hope you enjoy this best of episode because I'm out chasing deals and I'll be back with you you on Cyber Monday, December 1st. I want to welcome you to this special edition of the Clark Howard Show Birthday Edition.

[Krista Howard]

As if you're watching YouTube. We have our janky happy birthday sign behind you that we've used over and over again from the Dollar Tree.

[Clark Howard]

It's a $25 tree.

[Krista Howard]

Not we when we were there, when we got this sign, it was only a dollar and it's a little beat up.

[Clark Howard]

Doesn't this feel a little self indulgent that you have a birthday?

[Krista Howard]

No, it's not my birthday. I did it for you. You didn't do it.

[Clark Howard]

I mean it's self indulgent to me to have.

[Krista Howard]

No, because you didn't do it. We forced you into this. Do you think you would have done this?

[Clark Howard]

You know that this is always tough.

[Krista Howard]

For me when I know, I'm sorry.

[Clark Howard]

But I'm 70 years old today, which is, let's face it, that's not young.

[Krista Howard]

You look and act and feel young and that's all that matters. You're an example for us all and I know normally do. Clark stinks. Right now. We're going to have a special edition. If you're a newsletter subscriber, you know what's about to happen in the second half of the show Special with Clark Stinks edition. But I thought before we did that you haven't talked in a long time about sort of your history and how you came to be Clark Howard. Have the Clark Howard show and I think it would be great for you to share that if you don't mind indulging me on your birthday.

[Clark Howard]

It always feels weird to talk about my past, but I. If you really want me to, I do.

[Krista Howard]

Sorry.

[Clark Howard]

So I have a very, very odd, unusual life story. I grew up in a very comfortable life. As a kid I thought that my family was loaded with money because they lived like they were and went off to college and I was at American University in D.C. where I ended up eventually graduating from back then. We did have telephones back then, by the way. There Were dinosaurs still roaming? But I was in college in the 1970s, entered college in 73. And I came home for Thanksgiving and I was still a teenager. I was. I went to college at 17. I was still teenager. I guess I was 18. And there was something wrong in the house. I didn't know what was wrong, but there's something wrong in the house. It was just. It's just a bad atmosphere there. And my dad after dinner asked me to. To stay there. He wanted to talk to me and he said I have some terrible news. And in my mind I'd already gone to that place and I was sure he was going to tell me he was dying. And instead he said I lost my job. And he'd been with the same company for almost 30 years. And I started smiling and he was just really torn up about this. And, and as anybody is, it's a rough moment when you lose a job. And he said, what are you smiling about? I said I thought you were dying. And then he laughed. He thought that was a riot. And I think it, I think it lightened the feeling he had. But then he said I, I don't know. There's money for you to go back to college in January. Which was his way of saying there wasn't money to go back to college in January. And I was like milk of what because they, my parents had always lived like. Like there was just money falling from the sky. I had no idea that they spent and everything they made. And so I went back to. To school for the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas and I went to the registrar's office and re registered as a night student. Then I had to scramble and find a job. Got a full time job. And this is not possible today like it was then. I was able to pay my own tuition from what I was making a job. My tuition then was $2400 a year. Don't know what that is inflation adjusted. Krista, do you mind figuring out what $2400 in 1976, what it equates to today? 1973. That would have been as I was able to get a job. I was going to school in Washington D.C. i got a job as a civilian employee with the Air Force and made what seemed like a lot of money.

[Krista Howard]

Okay. Ready?

[Clark Howard]

Yeah.

[Krista Howard]

17. $286.

[Clark Howard]

So 17,000 versus 2400. So like almost eight times the cost. I was making seven grand a year and had 2400 intuition. My rent was. I was splitting terrible apartment, a bad neighborhood, with another student, a friend. And we were paying $125 each a month, I was able to live and pay for school. And I went year round, working during the day, going to school at night. And I finished college actually, in three years, and because it was cheaper that way. And I then got a job at HUD while I was in school because they paid more. And then I wanted to go to grad school. I got a job at IBM because IBM would pay for my grad school while I worked there. And I was a bill collector for IBM. And that was a great experience, actually, being 21 years old, being a bill collector. I did that while I was in school at night. And when I graduated from grad school, I went to Central Michigan University for grad school. I then moved back to my birth home, which is Atlanta, and I got a job. This is crazy. I got a job as a social worker with a program for what today we call at risk youth. People who were teenagers to 21 years old that were having a little bit of a tough time in life, and we tried to get them on a good path. And then when I was 23, I founded an alternative school called Career Action. And I founded this because there are a lot of people who came through school and were out in the world, and they just weren't getting anywhere. It was kind of like a dead end. And so what we did at Career Action was we taught employment skills that were very much sought after at that time, and also worked on the basics. English and math, job readiness, how to dress for an interview, how to do one. And we got people out in the workforce, and Career Action no longer exists. It lasted for about 25 years. I guess I was no longer involved most of that time. But then I did a complete U turn, and I wonder if I'm boring people yet. Keep going, Krista.

[Krista Howard]

Oh, my gosh, keep going, because I've.

[Clark Howard]

Only made it to 25 years old.

[Krista Howard]

Come on.

[Clark Howard]

Okay, so at 25, I opened a travel agency. Back then, 1980, the airlines were deregulated, and they were starting to figure out how to be able to fly where they wanted, when they wanted, whatever price they wanted to charge. Because, believe it or not, through the history of the airline industry in the United States, the federal government decided how many seats could be on an airplane, who could fly the route, and what they could charge. How stupid. Anyway, one of the great things that happened to unleash economic growth in the United States was all, at that time, in 80, we deregulated the airlines, the trucks, and the trains, and caused a lot of disruption, but at the same time created opportunity. The travel business I just believed was going to come alive, which is what it did. And I was in the right business at the right moment. And we grew and grew and grew and grew until I was, I had five agencies and I was 31 and at this point and I was bought out by these guys from one of the then three national chains and they kicked me out the door. I had no idea they were firing me when they bought my business and I moved to the east coast of Florida and became a beach bum.

[Krista Howard]

So you retired 31.

[Clark Howard]

31. I mean I, I call it retired. I, I don't know if I ever intended to work again, but I really didn't work any serious amount for several years. I pedal around, but I was just playing.

[Krista Howard]

You were doing tons of volunteer stuff, but we probably don't have time to list all of those things that you were doing back then. But I keep hearing of new ones, you know.

[Clark Howard]

Also I was, I was bike riding 20 miles every day except on one day a week I would do 45 mile ride and then I was swimming 2 miles every day of my life. I was fit, man, I was really fit. And so then I was just doing nothing. And then out of nowhere I got a call from a radio station and I was about, I don't know, 33 at this point. And they asked me if I'd be a guest on the radio talking about travel. Well, I'd been in that business and they'd gotten my name from somebody and I started doing these guest appearances and everything that's happened to me since in media happened from doing those guest appearances on radio about travel in maybe 1989, something like that. And then they made me host him of a weekday show called cover your assets, which was a call in show about money because I haven't even mentioned. There's not enough time to talk about my involvement in real estate investing. Bought my first foreclosure when I was 22 and was involved in an investing partnership from very young. I learned about investing from my father who worked as a young man on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and taught me in elementary school how to read what were called stock tables in that area. There was no Internet, no computers. I learned how to do investing research in elementary school. Isn't that wild? So anyway, so I was doing this show and I was just having fun. It was just, you know, on the air, wasn't really thinking about it as a career or anything. And then after a while I was doing really well in the ratings and I got approached by the big radio and television operator in the town and they said, how would you like to do radio and television for us? I said, well, I don't know anything about television. They said, we'll teach you. Little did I know, they sent me to Iowa in the middle of winter to TV school. And I learned the basics of being on camera. And I was doing radio at that point, three hours a day. And TV I did four times a week. Now I do TV five times a week to this moment. And then in 1998, I launched into radio syndication and did radio syndication for 23 years, I guess, and was on around the country doing the Clark Howard show. And I've been doing TV ever since. 19. Gosh, what year was that? 91. And I'm a TV reporter for stations around the country. And then we started. Clark.com was then called ClarkHoward.com in 1997, I guess.

[Krista Howard]

Yep, 97, 98.

[Clark Howard]

And Krista started what was then a web page, not a website.

[Krista Howard]

Yep.

[Clark Howard]

And ended up being now CEO of my company. And I've been doing all this and for all these years. And we started podcasting before it was even called podcasting. And eventually I decided to switch from doing syndicated radio to doing podcast and the YouTube show because specifically I wanted to reach people anywhere and everywhere and not specifically. And the couple hundred markets I was on in syndication and it's worked out really well. And we've got the websites and newsletters and all this stuff.

[Krista Howard]

Consumer Action Center.

[Clark Howard]

Consumer Action center, which I founded in 1993 to provide free one on one advice. And is there anything else I should talk about?

[Krista Howard]

I would just say, like one thing I find. Well, I find two things inspiring. One is that you always, even when you made very little, like you did jobs that weren't very lucrative and you shared in the beginning you always saved 50% of your take home pay.

[Clark Howard]

Well, that was because of what happened with my parents.

[Krista Howard]

Right.

[Clark Howard]

And when something happens to you as a teen, it's like kids that were teens during the Great Recession and their parents might have been foreclosed on or all over, whatever. Those things stick with them their whole lives and changes how they think about money. And for me, when my dad lost his job and I realized they hadn't saved money, I came right out of college living on every other paycheck and right from the get go saving half of what I made. I mean, it just, it was a reaction, it was an equal and opposite reaction to what happened? So I've always been about this stuff. It's very intrinsic in me that I'm into living on less than what you make. And I. I've always been a big saver because I wanted to be able to be in control. Because somebody loses their job and they don't have savings, things feel out of control. Right. But the big thing that. That was really important to me is when I was on commercial radio stations, and I still do commentaries on commercial radio stations, morning and evening drive. But when I was doing the show, I did not want to ever be censored. And I never have done endorsements or commercials, which are typical how most people make their money in radio. I never did that because I wanted the freedom to say what I felt was right in my heart, in my head or head, in my heart. And so that's an advantage I had because I had saved so much money, had made so much money, that I was able to say what I believe and what I thought was right. It doesn't mean I was always right. Doesn't mean today that I'm always right. I'm a human being.

[Krista Howard]

That's why we have corkscrewing a lot.

[Clark Howard]

And I have my kids and my wife to always tell me when I'm not right.

[Krista Howard]

Also say just to inspire kids who might be listening. Their parents might be mad at this, but you weren't at the top of your class in high school.

[Clark Howard]

I was on a fair amount of academic probation, and I graduated near the bottom of my class. I'm not encouraging that. All three of my kids have been good students, thanks to my wife, but. And it's funny because Lane graduated, what's it called? Magna cum laude. She was not suma like Steffi was or. Or Claire. Yep. Consume is the highest, right? Yeah. So my wife made 1B from when she entered high school to when she finished college.

[Krista Howard]

Wow.

[Clark Howard]

And I was. If I ever got a B in a class, I was like, yeah, what happened? I got a B.

[Krista Howard]

Well, see, I think you've done all right, so thank you for indulging us in that. I think it's such an inspiring story, truly.

[Clark Howard]

But you know what I really love? Love? What is all the volunteer activities we've been able to do where we get people involved as part of our community, contributing to the wider community. What we've done over the years with Clark's Christmas Kids, we've been able to do with our Habitat Bill.

[Krista Howard]

How many Habitat homes have you personally sponsored?

[Clark Howard]

Well, with Lane, 104.

[Krista Howard]

Unbelievable.

[Clark Howard]

In fact, we're building right now in Tulsa, Oklahoma and in Atlanta.

[Krista Howard]

So pretty awesome.

[Clark Howard]

Love Habitat. If you don't know how Habitat really works, you're not giving anybody a home. You're just because the volunteer labor and the sponsors. You're getting a home at a lower monthly cost, a lower mortgage price per month and I just love giving hard working people an opportunity at the American Dream.

[Krista Howard]

All right, we are going to come right back with a special edition of Clark Stinks.

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[Clark Howard]

So Krista, I don't even know what I'm supposed to say now. Am I just supposed to listen?

[Krista Howard]

Normally we do Clark stinks, but Clark stinks at taking compliments and so I'm making you uncomfortable on your birthday again. We did a special call out just one day in the newsletter for people to write in for your birthday. And we had so many submissions, like hundreds and hundreds of submissions that I just, I chose some to read to you and then we're going to show you all of them later. We have them in a special spreadsheet for you to look at. And some of these are super fun. So I want you to hear how.

[Clark Howard]

You'Ve packed people's lives you haven't told me about, have you?

[Krista Howard]

Okay, okay, here's the first one. I have to admit I always wish to find someone like Clark to marry. Unfortunately, I'm still single and have given up on that dream. I'm frugal, finding it hard to buy anything that isn't secondhand or just a great deal. I have for years trusted Clark and followed his advice on so many topics I can't name them all. However, the thing I'll always remember is that in 2008, when I got unexpectedly laid off from my longtime job, I called into the show and I talked with Clark. I had no idea what to do next. Clark, first thing, expressed his sympathy that I'd had this happen. He was so kind. He was just as interested in my feelings as my pocketbook. He gave me several steps I needed to take to make sure I recovered, both financially and personally. I will never forget it. Susan.

[Clark Howard]

Thank you Susan.

[Krista Howard]

Here's another one. May your special day be filled with happy memories, joy and peace. Also, want to share a story of financial help from your team? I called for advice about my 401k and followed the recommendation. My money a small amount doubled just as predicted. Thanks for all you and your team do for others. Deborah. And here's another one from Christine. I truly enjoy your YouTube show and always look forward to it. I even listen to it through my earpiece while I'm at work because your your energy and enthusiasm always bring a smile to my face. Your laugh in particular is so contagious it never fails to brighten my day.

[Clark Howard]

Thank you.

[Krista Howard]

Very true. Happy Birthday. Wishing you many blessings, good health and wonderful adventures. I've enjoyed listening to you since 1992. You used to do the Friday Flyer Travel show and because of that segment, you saved me a lot of money on travel. I had so many people write in with travel stories. Your advice even helped me navigate an airline bankruptcy that occurred mid trip. I have many wonderful family memories from all of my travels and I have you to thank for that. In addition, your money investing advice helped me to achieve a comfortable nest egg as I recently retired. I've shared your advice and recommended your show to so many. The service you and your team provide is priceless. Thank you for looking out for the best interest of your listeners. With sincere gratitude, Jessica Clark I've been listening to your advice since the days Only Women posted. No, no, there were a lot. It is funny because we have so many male listeners, but I'm going to get to some men. But yeah, women definitely write in more than men do this stuff. 11 wrote in but they were just like happy Birthday. Okay, Happy Birthday, dude. All right, Garc, I've been listening to your advice since the days you're on Headline News. You are a wonderful person to give us regular folks great advice about pretty much everything. We reread your emails with tips like they were coming from a top government official. My husband even called into your hotline once asking about financial information for free. I tell all of my friends constantly after reading your tips. Well, my friend Clark says you're simply one of the most amazing people I've ever encountered. Thank you so much for what you do for millions and millions of listening fans. We love you, have a wonderful birthday and know how much you're loved and appreciated. Rebecca this one's from a guy named Reggie. I've moved from Washington D.C. to Atlanta in the early 90s. Before I started listening to you in 1993, I could barely rent an apartment. Since then I've lived in Oklahoma, San Francisco, Orlando, and now I'm living in a home I've just built outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. This is my fifth property. Thanks to all of your wisdom and guidance, you've changed my financial and credit path forever. Happy Birthday to the coolest nerdy guy I know. You rock all right. From the time I saw I was a small child, I remember Mama talking about Clark Howard and how no matter what I did in life, I should always listen to his advice. Ms. Opal lived to be 98 and she was always a fan. I've carried on the tradition and before any major decisions, I always check to see what Clark's opinion is. And that's from Susan. Happiest birthday to my financial hero. I met you after you had broadcast on the radio a round trip deal to LA for less than $100. My husband and I took advantage of the deal and had such a wonderful time. I love your involvement in Habitat as I too have built with an organized builds with Habitat since the early 90s. I hope you enjoy your day as you make my day sunny and happy each day with your advice and upbeat spirit. And here's one From Brian in Oregon. This is also a. Clark stinks. Clark stinks not because of his wonderful advice, but because of his youthful hair. As a mostly bald, 72 year old man with some residue of gray hair. You stink with your fancy, mostly black, full head of hair. It's just not fair. All my best on your birthday. Do you have any plans for your first Social Security check?

[Clark Howard]

Yeah, I'm gonna save it. By the way, do you know how often people at TV stations say, how often do you dye your hair? Isn't that an unkind cut? I've never, I've never dyed my hair, but I do have gray throughout it.

[Krista Howard]

You have some, but you, you're good on the hair game. All right. You're like the big brother that gives advice you didn't ask for, but is always accurate and is always available to help you out. Thank you for being the big brother to so many people. Happy birthday, Clark. You are an American treasure. Rinda. Okay, here's one from Lynn May. You have a happy memory for every dollar your advice has helped your followers to save. That would be a lot of happy memories. And then Craig S. Sent in a simple one. Have a great day. Splurge a little. Are you going to splurge?

[Clark Howard]

Yeah. You know what I'll do? Maybe not today, but I will and honor my birthday. I'll pay retail for my favorite ice cream. Ah.

[Krista Howard]

What's your favorite ice cream these days?

[Clark Howard]

Grater's ice cream. Which flavor? So there are lots of Graters flavors that I really like.

[Krista Howard]

Okay. Greaters used to love Dolce de Leche, Haagen Dazs, didn't you?

[Clark Howard]

Well, I do eat that, but okay. But there's nothing like Graters. And somebody else may say, no, you gotta go try this ice cream. Like, I love Amy's ice cream from Austin, but Grater's ice cream is my favorite.

[Krista Howard]

All right. Bill wrote in with this specific one. Clark, happy birthday. Thanks to you and your staff, I shut down my AT&T cell service and switched to visible with my three phones. I've saved over $3,000 the last two years. It went from $186 to $65. Thanks again, Bill.

[Clark Howard]

That's a good savings, Clark.

[Krista Howard]

Beyond all the financial advice you've shared with your listeners over the years, the warmth and kindness you exhibit is the most incredible thing you do. Your generosity of spirit you exhibit as you dispense advice to listeners keeps me tun. If I could, I would give you the biggest birthday hug for setting an amazing example of what A human being should be. Nancy.

[Clark Howard]

Thank you, Nancy.

[Krista Howard]

After listening to your advice about travel insurance, we decided to add it to our plans for a trip to the Grand Canyon. We have taken many trips, including cruises, but never even thought about it before. Picked a company off of your list and got a very good price, never realizing how high the Grand Canyon is. After a 30 hour train trip to Flagstaff, Arizona, I got up the next morning for breakfast and promptly passed out. My lovely wife, scared as she was, got help and had me transported to a hospital. After many tests and overnight stay, I was released after getting enough oxygen to acclimate. The good news is we did get things rearranged to be able to visit the Grand Canyon. I will never live down my statement that we didn't need the policy. Thanks again, Clay. And here's this one.

[Clark Howard]

Hey, glad you're okay, Clay.

[Krista Howard]

Hey you non coffee drinking, crazy man. Thanks for all the great advice over the years. You've saved me so much money on things from how to invest to how to travel. I hope you have a great but inexpensive birthday, Heidi. All right, here's this one to a down to earth funny, knowledgeable and helpful guy who feels like a friend. I wish you a magically happy blessed birthday, Dina. And then Dan wrote in with this one. It was a great honor to work beside Clark building a Habitat for Humanity home. Everybody was chuckling when Clark couldn't drive the nail in and kept bending. It all was fun and games until he handed the hammer to me and asked me to finish it. I have the utmost respect for Clark Howard as a man of honor, truly caring, empathetic for others, a visionary who sees successful paths and shares a bright future with all around him and inspires everyone he touches to be a better person. Happy birthday to one of the few men I would follow anywhere, Dan.

[Clark Howard]

So Dan, I gotta tell you, a few weeks ago I was at Habitat building pouring down rain and cold temperature and I was trying to hammer into Hardy Plank. Hardy Plank is hard to hammer into in perfect conditions. I was pitiful at it. And do you know who came behind me and fixed what I had messed up? My 86 year old father in law made me look pathetic there.

[Krista Howard]

It's pretty awesome. All right, here's one from someone you know. Clark. Happy, happy birthday. We've known each other for many years. It has been my honor to have been able to help you and eat and enjoy your birthday cake and ice cream over the years by keeping your teeth and gums in perfect condition. I hope you continue to floss Haha. And brush, so you may enjoy many more years of cake and ice cream celebrations. I wish you well, my friend. Happy birthday from Kate, your dental hygienist.

[Clark Howard]

Kate's such a sweet, wonderful person. Speaking of people who have done great things in their lives over and over again, she's volunteered to provide dental care in Haiti.

[Krista Howard]

Oh wow.

[Clark Howard]

And in sometimes very tough conditions because of the civil disorder in Haiti. But she's been there over and over again to help people.

[Krista Howard]

That's awesome. On a different note, this one came in from Ann. Thank you, Clark, for making Thrift sexy again. Still got it, man. All right, here's one. I'm not a big fan of weeding the flower bed. But that all changed when I started taking my tablet outside and listening to Clark's podcast. One day, a moose walked right by me in the yard. My husband approached me saying, you're still outside. Didn't you see the moose? My reply? Nope. I was completely engrossed in a Clark Howard podcast. Later, looking at the surveillance replay, the moose was a mere five feet from me. Nothing comes between me and my Clark Howard podcast. Have a great year ahead and happy birthday and many blessings. Clark, Suzanne from Alaska.

[Clark Howard]

Suzanne, I'm glad Bullwinkle didn't bother you and you were a. Okay.

[Krista Howard]

All right, thanks, Clark. I've been listening to your great advice for 25 years. My wife still likes to brag about how her cheap husband walked into the living room one day and said, how about Rome this fall? Flights are on sale. Just following Clark's rule of finding a travel deal and then figuring out why to go. Happy birthday to the man, the myth, the legend in our house. Clark Howard from dj.

[Clark Howard]

Thank you, dj.

[Krista Howard]

My favorite story was from a Wall Street Journal front page article on Clark about 20 years ago. They talked about how when Costco first opened in Atlanta years earlier, Clark got so excited that he filled up his car with several boxes of Pampers that he had bought at very reduced prices. Driving home, he couldn't wait to show his wife what a great bargain he had gotten. Her response was, but Clark, we don't have a baby. That's from Gary.

[Clark Howard]

That is. Okay, Gary, that is not a true story. That one has lived on like a legend. And besides, would I have bought brand name diapers?

[Krista Howard]

No. I was going to say they had.

[Clark Howard]

To be three kids.

[Krista Howard]

No way.

[Clark Howard]

My three kids went through infancy in generic store brand diapers.

[Krista Howard]

All right, Clark, in your honor, I'm buying a dozen day old grocery cupcakes marked down to half price instead of that expensive little birthday candle on top. I'm cutting some free paper straws into 1 inch segments and lighting them with some matches I got for free years ago when restaurants gave them out. Happy birthday, Clark. Rob from San Diego.

[Clark Howard]

Oh, Rob, I love that.

[Krista Howard]

All right, here's one. I love this one. I've been following you since 1992. I was a single mom working as a nurse. I now have a net worth of $4 million. You are so right. It's not how much you earn, it's how much you save. Happy birthday, Clark. Lana.

[Clark Howard]

Lana. 4 million?

[Krista Howard]

Yep.

[Clark Howard]

And think how many people she helped over her career as a nurse.

[Krista Howard]

I know. It's such an unbelievable profession. All right. Dear Clark, I wish you all the best and what's good in this world. Happy Birthday. Thank you for helping my husband and I get through rough times when he was ill and we had piles of credit card debt. If it weren't for your website and helpful insight, I would not have known where to begin. I continue to use your site and recommend it to my children and anyone who needs solid financial insight. All the best, Renee. And then here's this one from Bonnie. Clark. No matter which episode I listen to, I always learn something new even though it may not seem relevant at the time. I store it away and it helps me build my financial knowledge. I was a social worker licensing foster in adoptive homes and I did a lot of driving. You kept me company while I drove to home visits. I'm now retired in part thanks to your advice on the importance of saving for retirement and the strategies to achieve it. Happy birthday and enjoy your Social Security check, Bonnie.

[Clark Howard]

Thank you, Bonnie.

[Krista Howard]

Happy birthday, baby. Clark. May you continue to share good information to all of us. Long life and happiness to you. God bless. That's from Hazel. And then Mark wrote in. I love hearing about Clark's love of Mickey D's and his tips of combining burgers.

[Clark Howard]

I do that.

[Krista Howard]

That's another one. All right. And here's. I'm just going to read this last one. Thank you for all your advice as well as willingness to take it on the chin in the Clark stinks feedback. Lol. It shows integrity and that you're open to criticism. I appreciate your humility and your kindness. Wishing you a very happy birthday, Clark. Angela, there's so many more but I know you've probably had enough like. But we are going to show them all to you.

[Clark Howard]

Well, I want to thank all of you. Every day I have the privilege of having people come up and talk to me and tell me stories. And I appreciate more than, you know, the gratitude. But what I really appreciate is hearing where you've been able to take stuff you've heard or learned and empower yourself in your own life. I mean, that's why we're here. That's why I'm here. That's why we do this. Besides having fun, I really want in a time that so often we feel powerless, things feel out of control. We deal with these large impersonal companies and organizations and government that we have more power than we realize in our own lives. And if there's anything I can do is inspire you to have the confidence to be the boss of your own life. And I want to thank as embarrassing it is for me to hear, I want to thank everyone who took the time to write a nice message. And I look forward, Krista, to reading all the many others that you weren't able to read. I also feel weird because this feels like. Like I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing, which is serving you.

[Krista Howard]

We'll get back at it on Monday.

[Clark Howard]

Okay?

[Krista Howard]

How's that? You can enjoy your birthday weekend.

[Clark Howard]

Thank you very much. And I can't wait to have some day old cake.

[Krista Howard]

Awesome.

[Clark Howard]

And I hope that you have an absolutely fantastic weekend and thank you for being part of this supportive community one to another. And we'll see you Monday. And Doug, here we have the Limu emu in its natural habitat helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us? Cut the camera.

[Commercial Announcer]

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