The Clark Howard Podcast – Episode Summary (December 20, 2024)

In the December 20, 2024 episode of The Clark Howard Podcast, host Clark Howard dives into a variety of listener feedback, offers financial advice, and addresses critical issues affecting consumers today. The episode, titled "Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / A USPS Warning," provides a comprehensive look into Clark’s interaction with his audience and his insights on pressing matters like the U.S. Postal Service’s challenges.

Show Announcements and Format Changes

Clark begins the episode by announcing significant changes to the show's schedule for the upcoming year. He shares his decision to reduce the frequency of episodes from five to three per week, opting to focus on quality over quantity. Additionally, Clark introduces a new segment titled "Ask an Advisor," where financial advisor Wes Moss will address investment-related questions every Tuesday.

Clark Howard [01:31]: "I have decided, actually I decided years ago that in 25 I was going to work less. So I'm going to do three episodes a week in 25 instead of five."

Clark Stinks: Listener Criticisms and Discussions

The "Clark Stinks" segment serves as a platform for listeners to provide constructive criticism on Clark’s previous advice. This episode features several noteworthy critiques:

Debit Cards and ATM Usage

Listener Jennifer criticizes Clark’s advice on debit card usage, suggesting that his recommendation lacks practicality.

Krista [04:02]: "Your advice for the caller about how you use debit cards and ATMs had a faint scent of rotting pumpkins... I still love you, even if that advice was a little bit stinky."

Clark responds by acknowledging the limitations imposed by financial institutions, explaining why he relies on a Visa debit card from Charles Schwab.

Clark Howard [04:27]: "Unfortunately now a lot of financial institutions, including my ATM comes from. My ATM card comes from Charles Schwab. I'm only allowed to have one that is a Visa debit card to use as an atm."

Zoning Laws and Housing Issues

Steve from the audience criticizes Clark’s stance on zoning laws, arguing that changes can adversely affect homeowners who have invested in larger plots.

Krista [04:27]: "Clark stinks like a week old coyote carcass... it is grossly unfair to those who are playing by the rules."

Clark concurs, highlighting the complexities of zoning laws and their impact on community development.

Clark Howard [05:34]: "Houston just said, okay, we're not going to zone. So what's happened over time in Houston is... people started going into gated communities... it's something you can't change the rules in the middle of the game."

Health and Prescription Costs

Audrey suggests that promoting a whole-food, plant-based diet could reduce healthcare costs and eliminate dependency on prescription medications.

Krista [07:12]: "How about telling people how to reduce or eliminate most or all of their scripts? A whole food plant based diet has been shown to reduce or eliminate common such leading killers..."

Clark shares a personal testament to the benefits of diet changes, recounting improvements in his cholesterol levels through a suggested diet.

Clark Howard [07:52]: "My cholesterol numbers and all that have improved so much being on this new diet that it's absolutely shocking."

Advice on Apple Products

Roxanne critiques Clark’s guidance on transitioning from PC to Mac, particularly regarding password management.

Krista [09:36]: "You advised correctly about the safety of the Mac against viruses, but you failed on the password piece... Mac wins on all counts."

Clark humorously acknowledges the oversight and agrees with the listener’s points, especially after feedback from his son Grant.

Clark Howard [10:25]: "He said, dad, if you just would have paid four times the price for a MacBook, it would last more than four times longer than your Chromebook."

Google Fi's Foreign Coverage Policy

Todd expresses frustration with Google Fi’s abrupt termination of cellular data for international users, leaving his daughter stranded abroad.

Krista [10:56]: "I was outraged at the inhumanity of their policy that would leave a young lady stranded abroad."

Clark empathizes and offers practical solutions, emphasizing the importance of reliable communication methods.

Clark Howard [11:38]: "They don't tell you in advance, hey, in two weeks we're going to cut you off... It is mean spirited and inhumane."

Minimum Wage and Employment in California

Mark challenges Clark’s views on the impact of raising the minimum wage, citing job losses in California.

Krista [12:57]: "I believe the Wall Street Journal over your diatribe that raising wages significantly has no effect on employment, Mark."

Clark responds by linking job losses to California’s housing affordability crisis rather than wage policies.

Clark Howard [13:24]: "The primary reason that California loses jobs is because no one, even on a good middle class wage can afford to buy a home in much of coastal California."

Listener Questions and Advice

The episode also features listener questions, with Clark and Krista providing detailed advice.

401k to Roth IRA Conversion Tax Implications

Michael from Vermont seeks guidance after mistakenly transferring his traditional 401k to a Roth IRA, facing potential hefty tax bills.

Michael [22:37]: "I AM facing a 22 to 24% tax bill on this amount come spring."

Clark explains the complexities of retirement account transfers and suggests hiring an accountant to navigate IRS regulations.

Clark Howard [23:42]: "The rules are clear as mud on retirement plans... You could hire an accountant to request a private letter ruling."

Car Subleasing and Repossession

Fred from Georgia describes a problematic situation where a sublessee has defaulted on payments and moved out of state.

Fred [26:34]: "I subleased a car to another person... I would like to have the car repossessed."

Clark advises against repossession due to potential long-term credit repercussions and recommends consulting a collection attorney.

Clark Howard [26:57]: "You don't want to have the vehicle repossessed because if you do, the financial consequences stay with you seven years."

Judge Clark: Resolving a Domestic Dispute

In the "Judge Clark" segment, Liz from Vermont seeks advice on a minor domestic issue regarding missing magnets in a purchased product.

Liz [29:59]: "I recently purchased a set of two photo tiles that come with two adhesive magnets. The package came without the magnets."

Clark concludes that the company has already rectified the issue by sending a replacement product, suggesting that Liz accept the resolution.

Clark Howard [30:47]: "You've made you whole. ... they have taken care of you and solved the problem. Case closed."

USPS Warning and Final Thoughts

Toward the episode’s end, Clark shifts focus to a critical issue: the deteriorating state of the U.S. Postal Service. He expresses deep concern over unreliable mail delivery affecting credit scores and essential bill payments.

Clark Howard [18:00]: "I feel so badly for the hard working men and women of the U.S. postal Service... The system is in chaos."

Clark advises listeners to adopt proactive measures such as meticulous bill tracking, either through printed statements or diligent online monitoring, to mitigate the risks posed by unreliable mail services.

Clark Howard [22:37]: "It's so important to look through your statements each and every month... hope springs eternal. At some point maybe we'll have reliable mail delivery in the United States again."

Conclusion

Clark wraps up the episode by emphasizing the importance of financial empowerment through knowledge. He encourages listeners to remain patient, especially during the holiday shopping rush, and to uphold values of peace and joy.

Clark Howard [32:18]: "Know what this is all about is you being empowered with knowledge so you learn ways to save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off."

The episode effectively balances listener engagement with actionable financial advice, addressing both personal finance issues and broader economic concerns. Clark Howard continues to solidify his role as a trusted advisor, dedicated to helping his audience navigate the complexities of modern financial life.