Clark Howard's Show Notes

Websites/phone numbers mentioned:

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:46:44 UTC

AnnualCreditReport.com - The only truly FREE credit report Quizzle.com - Get your FREE credit score online CreditKarma.com - Get your FREE credit score online Credit.com - Get your FREE credit score online Finjan.com - FREE web-security solution... (Read more)

Clark wins a free Porsche in the mail?!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:51:39 UTC

Clark recently received a postcard in the mail from an "award verification center," which trumpeted that he won a guaranteed prize. The prizing included his choice of either a couple of cars valued at $49,000; a massive shopping spree; a luxurious va... (Read more)

Calculate the cost of old gas-guzzlers vs. new gas-sippers

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:57:49 UTC

Over the last few weeks, we've received hundreds of calls from people who wonder whether they should ditch their old gas-guzzling SUV/truck and buy a newer fuel-efficient vehicle to save money on gas. Clark usually says that it doesn't make sen... (Read more)

Beat the keyloggers with this simple tip

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:35:49 UTC

Clark was recently disturbed to learn that your personal info can float out in cyberspace long after you think it has been removed. This is because of caching issues. Search engines send spiders out across the web to find info that's stored on s... (Read more)

A lesson on energy independence from South America

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:55:47 UTC

Brazil has long won praise from Clark for their energy independence thanks to native sugar. Virtually all their cars can run on sugar or gas or a combination of both. They also have had huge discoveries of oil as of late. In an ironic twist, they may... (Read more)

Websites/phone numbers mentioned:

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:31:32 UTC

Hulu.com - Free network TV/films available online NFCC.org - Free or low-cost credit counseling resources... (Read more)

Viacom and Google spar over YouTube content

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:38:43 UTC

Google has been in a clash of the titans with Viacom because the latter's copyrighted content has been appearing on the Google-owned YouTube. Viacom -- which owns HBO, MTV, Comedy Central and others -- is seeking more than $1 billion in penalties fro... (Read more)

Altruistic job market booming with applicants

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:42:30 UTC

As Clark recently explained, workers are normally entitled to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. But a new federal law now extends that coverage through 39 weeks. If you've exhausted your 26 weeks and still haven't found work, contact your state's De... (Read more)

Clark flips over the Flip

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:45:01 UTC

Oprah and Clark are on the same page about something again! First, they liked the same ice cream. Now, they've both gone crazy for a very simple technology -- little portable video cameras that are idiot-proof. Most video cameras just gather dus... (Read more)

Is it time to raise your homeowner's coverage?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:53:45 UTC

If you've been in a house for 5 years or longer, chances are you may be grossly underinsured for homeowner's coverage. In fact, you'll only discover it after a catastrophic loss when it's too late. So you must read the coverage limits when your ... (Read more) <br /><div align="right">Sponsored by: <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/cxri.clarkhoward.text/shownotescat4;rr=1;pg=/shownotes/index.xml;mkt=Personalities;sz=120x30;tile=1;ord=1216532463?" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/cxri.clarkhoward.text/shownotescat4;rr=1;pg=/shownotes/index.xml;mkt=Personalities;sz=120x30;tile=1;ord=1216532463?" height=30 width=120 border=0></a> </div>

Websites/phone numbers mentioned:

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:45:14 UTC

VirginMoneyUS.com - Formalizes and administers private loans between individuals... (Read more)

Getting compulsive shopping under control

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:54:27 UTC

A recent study in The American Journal of Psychiatry reveals that about 1 in 16 Americans -- some 6% of us -- have compulsive spending habits. This kind of behavior leads to a momentary rush of adrenaline, but afterward comes the financial hango... (Read more)

eBay facing $61 million judgment over bogus goods

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:00:35 UTC

eBay is currently facing lawsuits all over the globe for their role as an enabler for people selling counterfeit goods. Clark has long believed that eBay has a responsibility to guarantee that the merchandise on their site is the real deal. The compa... (Read more)

Dell sued over mandatory arbitration

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:10:46 UTC

Much of corporate America forces mandatory arbitration on its customers in what amounts to a stacked-deck proposition against consumers. For example, this practice allows Bank of America to win 99.9% of the time with the arbitrators they choose. So i... (Read more)

Retirees opening micro-businesses in a down economy

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:18:44 UTC

This is an extraordinary time for entrepreneurs. There's no better time to start a business than during a recession. Think about it: There's a surplus of vacant office, retail and commercial space that can be had for below-market value. Ditto for hig... (Read more) <br /><div align="right">Sponsored by: <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/cxri.clarkhoward.text/shownotescat1;rr=1;pg=/shownotes/index.xml;mkt=Personalities;sz=120x30;tile=1;ord=1216532463?" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/cxri.clarkhoward.text/shownotescat1;rr=1;pg=/shownotes/index.xml;mkt=Personalities;sz=120x30;tile=1;ord=1216532463?" height=30 width=120 border=0></a> </div>

Websites/phone numbers mentioned:

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:09:30 UTC

ML-Implode.com - The Mortgage Lender Implode-O-Meter myFICO.com - See what interest rates people are getting based on FICO score RipOffReport.com - Check out a questionable company... (Read more)

Procter & Gamble raising prices by 16%

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:14:12 UTC

Congrats to our associate producer Joel who recently became a proud new uncle. "Does your nephew have a job yet?" was Clark's first question upon hearing the good news! If you've looked at the prices of diapers and formula lately, you're apt to s... (Read more)

The Mortgage Lender Implode-O-Meter

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:27:22 UTC

The Mortgage Lender Implode-O-Meter is a popular website developed by former Emory University research Aaron Krowne. This unique portal monitors the overall health of lenders so that you know if they're safe to do business with. Clark particular... (Read more)

Microsoft trying out subscription-based software model

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:34:06 UTC

Microsoft has long dominated the office software market. But the computer giant is now feeling threatened by alternative programs that target entrepreneurs and small business. So Microsoft is experimenting with a $70 annual subscription service ... (Read more)

Advance-fee loans are back with a vengeance

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:16:36 UTC

RIP-OFF ALERT: Here's an oldie but baddie that dates back some 20 years ago to Clark's first days on the air. According to the FBI, advance-fee loans have roared back into action after years of being off our radars. Business owners and individua... (Read more)

Websites/phone numbers mentioned:

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:25:00 UTC

Prosper.com - Peer-to-peer lending BiddingforTravel.com - Promotes informed bidding on Priceline BetterBidding.com -Promotes informed bidding on Hotwire NAPFA.org - Fee-only financial planning advice for retirement or call 1-888-FEE-ONLY... (Read more)

Why aren't Americans relocating for opportunity?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:59:53 UTC

New stats from the Census Bureau show that Americans are not as mobile as we once were. In a time of economic dislocation, there's been a longstanding tradition in our country to migrate for opportunity. That usually means relocating for a better job... (Read more)

The 10 worst insurers in America

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:08:03 UTC

Why do you buy home or auto insurance? You do it because if something goes wrong, the insurer is there to make it right -- be it repair your home, fix your car or replace it if stolen. But some companies only do half the job. They take the premi... (Read more)

A bust, a bailout and new mortgage lending rules

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:20:30 UTC

Another day, another wrinkle in the mortgage crisis and its impact on other sectors of the economy! First off, we had the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history with IndyMac on Friday. Just a day later, Clark got a call from a relative who w... (Read more)

The hard numbers on free lunch seminars

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:34:25 UTC

Have you ever heard the expression, "There's no such thing as a free lunch"? Clark gets advertisements for free lunch investing seminars all the time. They're typically billed as educational workshops and promise you that nothing is being sold. They ... (Read more)

Websites/phone numbers mentioned:

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:16:59 UTC

BreezeNet.com - Clark begins his search for rental cars here!... (Read more)

Hotels deals, baggage warning for travelers

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:17:41 UTC

Airlines are parking hundreds of planes in the desert, and car rental companies are dialing back on new purchases for their fleets. But hotels are sitting ducks during this travel recession. After all, you can't just stop production on a hotel that's... (Read more)

Clark issues apology to Vonage, takes Comcast to task

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:53:35 UTC

Clark owes an apology to Vonage after he took a recent call from a woman who ripped them apart. This particular caller complained about several things, among them being hit with a larger cancellation fee than her contract called for. To add insult to... (Read more)

Colleges taking kickbacks from book publishers

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:54:37 UTC

First, the student loan kickback scandal on college campuses...and now this. The Wall Street Journal reports that some schools are now taking kickbacks from book publishers. For several years, publishers have had to compete against the online use... (Read more)

Don't cash out that 401(k) when you change jobs!

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:10:29 UTC

Clark is very impressed with young people who open a 401(k) when they first start a job. Years ago, few people even knew what a 401(k) was! But a new study from Fidelity reveals that just under half of all 20somethings and 30somethings cash out t... (Read more)

Websites/phone numbers mentioned:

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:00:28 UTC

CDARS.com - Protect your deposits above FDIC limits up to $50 million MagicJack.com - Cheap unlimited local/long distance calling through your computer... (Read more)

Metro areas where your money goes the furthest

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:19:57 UTC

In a time when unemployment is rising and layoffs are spreading, many people assess where they want to live and where they can make their money go the furthest. Americans have always been a migratory people when the chance to follow opportunity arise... (Read more)

Clark unveils his "Tech 101" guide

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:34:24 UTC

Have you ever heard Clark talk about technology using lingo that befuddled you? If so, he's come up with an internet access glossary that explains some of the "techspeak" you commonly hear on the show. The penny-pincher may be a self-professed t... (Read more)

Unreal clothing deals coming in September

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:43:58 UTC

CLARKONOMICS: The latest retail sales figures are in and show the warehouse clubs and discounters including Wal-Mart are booming. On the other hand, Target and mid-priced clothing retailers are not doing so well -- except for maybe Kohl's. These... (Read more)

Utah state employees enjoy a 4-day work week

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:54:27 UTC

Clark recently put out a call to corporate America for more businesses to adopt the 4-day work week. With such a schedule, employees work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. That means a savings in fuel, reduction of air pollution and impr... (Read more)

Websites/phone numbers mentioned:

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:03:02 UTC

AMBest.com - Get ratings on your insurer NFCC.org - Free or low-cost debt management advice or call 1-800-388-2227 MIB.com - Free credit report-style dossier for health insurance or call 1-866-692-6901 ChoiceTrust.com - Free C.L.U.E. report ClarkHowa... (Read more)

Pay attention to foreclosures at the risk of missing other deals

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:31:27 UTC

CLARKONOMICS: We live in a time when "Dare To Be Rich" foreclosure schemes are pushed via infomercials, web ads and more. If you believe the hype, foreclosures are the hottest deal since sliced bread. But do you remember when it was all about ho... (Read more)

Oilman's energy plan has a decidedly green angle

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:51:08 UTC

Getting our country on a better footing with energy has been a longtime personal mission for Clark. Some of you may have heard about his 3-wheel car called the Freeway. This vehicle ran on a 12-horsepower Tecumseh engine and had no reverse gear! ... (Read more)

Know your FDIC and NCUA limits to protect your money

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:03:02 UTC

IndyMac Bank -- a failing mortgage company and bank -- has been the subject of a classic "run on the bank" scenario. That makes this a great time for Clark to remind you that a run is not necessary -- unless you have excess money in a bank. The ... (Read more)

Waterless washing machine, smart AC could save you $$

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:24:39 UTC

Sanyo has invented a washing machine that cleans your clothes with no water. The Wall Street Journal reports this product is already being sold in Asia and will be marketed here in the future. The device uses high-powered air to wash, disinfect ... (Read more)