The Clark Howard Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: 12.12.25 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Retirement Planning 2026
Date: December 12, 2025
Host: Clark Howard
Key Topics: Listener feedback, credit card and banking tips, consumer product advice, retirement planning for 2026, money-saving strategies

Overview

This episode combines two signature Clark Howard segments: “Clark Stinks,” in which Clark reads listener criticisms and corrections and responds candidly, and a detailed look at new retirement plan limits and strategies for 2026. Throughout, Clark encourages personal financial empowerment, smarter consumer habits, and maximizing savings—while also learning from his own missteps, as highlighted by his listeners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Clark Stinks – Listener Feedback and Corrections

Clark reads and responds to tough, constructive criticism from listeners on a wide variety of topics. The tone is candid, sometimes humorous, and always with an emphasis on humility and learning.

a) Credit Card Rewards Redemption (Double Cash Card)

• Listener Maxim, Virginia: Corrects Clark regarding Citi Double Cash Card’s redemption options, explaining you can still get a paper check, though the option is less visible ([03:31]).
  • Clark: Admits to being mistaken and praises the listener for the tip. Adds extra advice about boosting American Airlines points by pairing Double Cash with Citi’s Strata Elite card—for serious mileage loyalty fans ([04:00]).
  • Quote: “You’re right, I was wrong, I was sloppy...it is true you can, with a little extra work, get the double cash back as cash.” – Clark ([03:31])

b) Hotspot Data for Home Internet

• Stephen, Texas: Warns that relying on unlimited hotspot data as a permanent home Internet replacement violates most carriers’ terms—could be throttled or cut off ([05:25]).
  • Clark: Acknowledges the risk, clarifies that some low-cost carriers offer real unlimited plans, but not all; best for solo users/travelers ([05:52]).

c) The State of Independent Bookstores

• Kitty, California: Pushes back on Clark’s comment about indie bookstores fading due to eBooks, citing a “renaissance”—especially for genre-specialized shops ([06:39]).
  • Clark: Agrees completely and says he appreciates the correction ([07:14]).
  • Quote: “We are in a renaissance for independent bookstores...inevitably they are packed with passionate readers.” – Kitty ([06:39])

d) Debt Payoff vs. Rewards Chasing

• Dean, Virginia: Shares personal joy at paying off a mortgage despite giving up investment returns; wishes Clark emphasized debt freedom more strongly ([07:31]).
  • Clark: Supports being debt-free but warns against letting credit history vanish, which could backfire via higher insurance rates ([08:55]).
  • Quote: “You can’t let your credit score vanish, because insurers set their rates based on you having active credit...” – Clark ([08:55])

e) HSA Rules and Concierge Physicians

• John, Texas: Notes Clark missed that new rules allow HSA funds to pay direct primary care/concierge physician subscription fees ([10:15]).
  • Clark: Clarifies—yes for “direct primary care” (lower-cost, no-insurance), but pure high-end concierge fees are still ineligible as per current regs ([10:59]).

f) NFL Streaming Budget Tips

• Milosh, Illinois: Teases Clark for not using NFL Plus streaming for affordable football access ([12:00]).
  • Clark: Prefers free over-air antenna for local games, touts high-def quality, admits to “ugly” coax around living room ([12:42]).

g) AA/AAA Battery Wars

• Dwayne, NC & Eric, FL: Recommend rechargeable NiMH batteries and warn that Kirkland (Costco) AA/AAA batteries sometimes leak and ruin devices. Claims of “Duracell equivalence” may be outdated ([13:56]).
  • Clark: Is surprised, pledges to investigate, and acknowledges listeners’ strong views on battery quality and savings ([15:31]).
  • Quote: “The lonely double A and AAA battery got so much response, so much from our listeners and viewers.” – Clark ([17:11])

2. Retirement Planning 2026 – New Limits and Strategies

Clark shares breaking updates on retirement account contribution limits for 2026, making the case that incremental savings gains compound powerfully over time.

• IRA Limits: Up from $7,000 to $7,500/year; $8,600 for age 50+ ([19:54])
• 401(k) / 403(b) / 457 Limits: Up to $24,500/year, with higher “catch-up” amounts for those over 50
• Key Principle: Increase your savings immediately (“dollar cost averaging”); even “small” extra contributions grow massively over decades.
  • Quote: “The younger you are, the more powerful that additional $500 becomes for you because you’re then able to have that money compound on itself again and again over the years.” – Clark ([19:54])
• Roth vs. Traditional Accounts: Roth generally superior for most (except very high earners in high-tax states)
• Warning: Many roll 401(k) funds to an IRA but never invest it—Clark praises Vanguard for “nudging” IRA holders to actually deploy their cash ([22:30])
  • Quote: “The most important thing is be in the habit...of living on less than what you make, saving for your future.” – Clark ([22:45])

3. Rapid-Fire Listener Questions and Quick Tips

Clark and Krista answer practical listener questions about maximizing rewards, managing credit scores, Social Security accounts, and switching phone carriers.

a) Managing Credit Utilization on Large Purchases

• Christopher, Arizona: Wants to make a big credit card purchase for rewards, worries about credit utilization ([24:49])
  • Clark: Yes, do it—just pay it before the statement closes to avoid utilization spike ([25:12])
  • Quote: “It’s not when the bill is due, it’s when the monthly statement closes.” – Clark ([25:12])

b) Checking Social Security Records

• Peter, Pennsylvania: Thanks Clark for advice to check Social Security statements—even if decades from retirement ([25:52])
  • Clark: Strongly encourages checking online at least annually ([26:46])

c) Switching Wireless Carriers to Reduce Costs

• Dennis, Connecticut: Reports saving 75% by leaving a major carrier, spurred by Clark’s advocacy ([27:37])
  • Clark: Reiterates families overpay by staying with the big three; competition yields identical service for less via their “junior brands” ([28:47])
  • Quote: “Don’t abuse your wallet by overpaying for your monthly bills.” – Clark ([28:47])

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On Listener Critiques:
  • “I should have never encouraged you to speak. You almost think I’m pretty stupid.” – Clark ([02:21])
• On New IRA Limits:
  • “If you ever wondered why I say I’m the dullest man alive…it’s when I saw in the financial press that the IRA limits had been increased for 26 and I was so excited I couldn’t wait to talk about it.” – Clark ([19:54])
• On Saving and Spending:
  • “Be in the habit of living on less than what you make, saving for your future.” – Clark ([22:45])
• On Loyalty to Big Wireless Carriers:
  • “There’s almost not a person listening or watching right now who isn’t overpaying for their mobile phone service. And the family plans are a trap to just eat your money up right before your eyes.” – Clark ([28:47])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Clark Stinks Segment Begins: [01:32]
• Citi Double Cash Card Correction: [03:31]
• Hotspot Data for Home Use Debate: [05:25]
• Independent Bookstores Defense: [06:39]
• Debt Payoff Philosophy: [07:31]
• HSA/Direct Primary Care Correction: [10:15]
• NFL Plus vs. Antenna: [12:00]
• Battery Recommendations & Disputes: [13:56]-[17:31]
• Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026: [19:54]
• Credit Utilization Tip: [25:12]
• Checking Social Security Accounts: [25:52]
• Switching Mobile Carriers Success Story: [27:37]

Conclusion

This episode delivers classic Clark Howard: forthright, practical financial advice mixed with humility and good humor. By acknowledging listener feedback, Clark continues to update and refine his guidance—whether it’s on maximizing credit card rewards, the best practices for batteries, or the nuances of retirement savings. The new 2026 IRA and 401(k) limits offer cause for celebration—and a reminder that disciplined saving pays off, even in small increments.

Clark closes with a reminder that empowerment comes from knowledge—and that the best financial tools are free, starting with newsletters and advice from Clark and his team.