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09.11.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Data Centers

The Clark Howard Podcast

35m
Transcript

Original podcast

Summary

Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.

This episode addresses listener criticisms on personal finance topics including prenuptial agreements, rental car insurance, bank CDs, and mobile deposit workarounds while examining the broader societal impacts of data centers and high school senior portrait scams. The host responds to pushback about advising unmarried couples and recommending prenups, acknowledging that changing economic realities and high divorce rates forced a shift in his long-held stance against divorce planning contracts. Later, the discussion shifts to the massive electricity and water demands of newly built data centers, arguing that tech companies rather than everyday utility customers should bear the infrastructure costs.

  • Review your financial accounts and avoid paying for third-party home repair and utility protection plans, as you are better off keeping a rainy day fund. 27:59
  • Check the fine print when booking senior school photos, because vendor contracts often require a zero-dollar option for basic cap and gown pictures. 30:15
  • Use credit cards that provide built-in cellphone insurance rather than making claims on homeowners insurance policies and risking major rate hikes. 12:46
  • Explore treasurydirect.gov or discount brokers to purchase T-bills and treasury notes that can offer higher yields and state tax exemptions compared to standard bank CDs. 10:31

Chapters

  1. 0:00
    Intro Ads and Host Greeting

    The episode opens with promotional ads followed by Clark Howard welcoming listeners to the show.

  2. 1:06
    Clark Stinks Segment Begins

    Clark Howard introduces the “Clark Stinks” portion, admitting past mistakes and setting up the discussion.

  3. 1:40
    Data Centers and Utility Costs Debate

    Clark critiques the expansion of data centers in the U.S., arguing they drive up electricity and water bills for consumers.

  4. 2:15
    Prenup and Cohabitation Advice Review

    Clark reflects on his changing stance on prenuptial agreements and cohabitation, addressing listener feedback.

  5. 17:38
    September 11 Remembrance and Call to Action

    Clark shares personal reflections on 9/11, urges listeners to stay engaged, and links the tragedy to civic responsibility.

  6. 32:41
    Personal 9/11 Experience and Lessons

    Clark recounts his involvement with the 9/11 aftermath, emphasizing resilience and the importance of active citizenship.

Highlights

  • 5:03

    Reconsidering Prenuptial Agreementsinsight

    The host explains why he reluctantly changed his decades-long stance against prenuptial agreements, citing high divorce rates and the financial complexities of blended families.

  • 7:01

    Rental Car Video Documentationdebate

    A listener argues that buying the rental car company's loss damage waiver saves vacationers from the anxiety of filming minor scratches, while the host defends his low-cost video method.

  • 10:31

    Purchasing T-Bills Directlystrategy

    A listener points out that TreasuryDirect offers short-term T-bills and notes that pay higher interest than CDs and enjoy state tax exemptions.

  • 14:33

    Funding Venmo via Check Depositstrategy

    A listener shares a clever workaround of writing a physical check to oneself and mobile depositing it to fund an alternate bank account used exclusively for Venmo.

  • 20:28

    Data Center Energy and Water Costsinsight

    The host argues that the AI-driven boom in data centers is placing an unsustainable burden on local water supplies and electricity grids, ultimately driving up consumer utility bills.

  • 28:45

    High School Portrait Package Ripoffsdata

    The host exposes high school senior photography monopolies that pressure families into spending thousands of dollars on digital image packages despite free basic yearbook requirements.

Quotes

  • “When you spend enough time around great companies, you notice that the best ones treat trust as a growth strategy, not a box to check.”
    Unnamed speaker · 0:00
  • “The real cost of a break-in isn't your valuables. It's the feeling that your home stopped being safe.”
    Unnamed speaker · 17:59
  • “The cost for you and I to borrow money is going up because of the massive borrowing of the data centers crowding out consumer borrowing, competing with consumer borrowing, and pushing rates up.”
    Unnamed speaker · 23:56
  • “You may have the best product, but buyers won't sign without proof that your product is secure, especially if it has AI.”
    Unnamed speaker · 19:33
  • Vanta 0:08–0:30
  • SimplySafe 0:35–1:00
  • SimpliSafe 18:04–18:28
  • Modafinil 18:29–18:59
  • Mintmobile 19:14–19:29
  • Vanta 19:39–20:03

About this episode

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, data centers being built around the country have been polarizing, but one thing is for certain: your electricity bills are going up. Clark describes how the deals are done - often out of public view, who should rightfully pay the freight, and issues a critical call to action. All this and more on the September 11, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Data Centers- A Call To Action: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Why Clark Howard Changed His Mind About Prenups Car Rental Insurance: Everything You Need To Know - Clark Howard Is Now the Time To Get a CD or a CD Ladder? - Clark Howard Where Should You Keep Your Cash Reserve? / TreasuryDirect.gov When Should You File a Claim on Your Homeowners Insurance? Cell Phone Protection: These Credit Cards Will Replace Your Stolen or Damaged Phone NYTimes: Data Centers to Add Billions in Power Costs in 13 States [The Washington Post] How utility and tech firms ‘educate’ regulators with big donations, secret retreats What Is Service Line Insurance and Do I Need It? - Clark Howard National September 11 Memorial & Museum 9/11 Day · September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community. Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

0:00
35:39

5,780 words · 7 speakers

Topics

  • Costco
  • Treasurydirect.gov
  • September 11th
  • Sam's Club
  • United Flight 93
  • Hyperbound
  • Snowfire
  • Virginia Foundation Solutions
  • Amazon Just Walk Out

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