During a recent show, Clark explained why he doesn't like the refund loans pushed by many tax-prep chains. Now H&R Block has another offer called the Emerald Prepaid MasterCard that's an equally bad idea. This is basically a stored-value card that you take in lieu of getting a standard refund or a refund loan. This seems like a great idea -- until you get to the fees. You'll pay between $1.85-2.50 whenever you use an ATM, and that's in addition to whatever fee you're charged by the ATM itself. Clark has no idea who would benefit from this option. But this is the Super Bowl of tax return season for H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt. Everyone who overpaid wants to rush in to file at the chains and get money back as soon as possible. Special thanks to our listener Chuck for bringing this to Clark's attention.

On the saving side of the ledger, interest rates and CD rates are dropping. However, some outfits like Countrywide are still paying good money. Countrywide currently is trying to attract CDs of $250,000 and above -- probably because they're in dire financial straits and need big infusions of cash. Clark is warning people to stay away from this offer. Should you choose to bring your money to Countrywide, keep it within the limits of FDIC protection at $90,000 or less. Otherwise, you may get wiped out in the event of a bank failure. Don't go chasing yield above the FDIC limit.