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09.25.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Price Drop: Athletic Shoes

The Clark Howard Podcast

32m
Transcript

Original podcast

Summary

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

In this episode, the host addresses listener critiques during the Clark Stinks segment, correcting previous advice on topics like ATM usage abroad, retail arbitrage, passport renewal scams, and travel packages. The host admits mistakes regarding the total cost of travel deals and explains how online search results often direct users to scam sites. Later, the host discusses a major market oversupply leading to steep discounts on running and walking shoes, pointing out that brands like Hoka can be found on clearance or at discount retailers like Nordstrom Rack. Finally, the host answers listener questions about workplace injuries, emergency savings, and retirement planning.

  • When traveling abroad, exchange money at a local bank or get a small amount before leaving to avoid intimidating foreign ATMs. 2:25
  • Always verify overall trip expenses including hotels and car rentals within 24 hours of booking a cheap flight. 9:58
  • Do not unlock your smartphone and hand it to strangers for photos; use the lock screen camera shortcut instead. 12:24
  • Never trust Google search results for customer service numbers or passport renewal sites due to widespread scam operations. 25:36
  • Contact a hospital social worker or patient advocate to handle unresolved medical billing errors resulting from workplace injuries. 28:51

Chapters

  1. 0:00
    Intro and Modafinil Promotion

    The episode opens with a promotional segment for Modafinil and a brief holiday plan offer.

  2. 1:03
    Clark Stinks Segment Begins

    Clark Howard introduces the Clark Stinks segment where listeners critique his advice.

  3. 2:25
    Travel ATM Advice Critique

    Listeners challenge Clark's recommendation to use foreign ATMs for travelers.

  4. 4:23
    Retail Arbitrage Debate

    A listener questions Clark's stance on buying and reselling products from retailers like Target.

  5. 8:17
    Groupon Mystery Fare Discussion

    Clark discusses the mystery fare program and its implications for travelers.

  6. 10:09
    Fintech FDIC Warning

    A listener urges Clark to warn about fintech companies claiming FDIC insurance.

  7. 12:14
    Phone Security PSA

    Clark and a listener highlight the importance of not unlocking phones for photos.

  8. 13:24
    Thermostat Energy Advice Critique

    Listeners critique Clark's advice on thermostat settings for energy savings.

  9. 20:07
    Running Shoes Deal Segment

    Clark talks about overstocked running and walking shoes and how to find deals.

  10. 24:59
    Passport Scam Advice

    Clark provides guidance on handling a passport renewal scam and protecting credit.

  11. 27:40
    Hospital Billing Issue Resolution

    Clark advises a listener on dealing with erroneous hospital billing and collections.

  12. 29:42
    Emergency Fund Strategy

    Clark discusses strategies for building a robust emergency fund with a listener.

Highlights

  • 2:25

    Atm Fees Versus Airport Exchangedebate

    The guest reads a critique arguing that getting foreign currency at home is safer for first-time travelers than using an overseas ATM. The host responds that exchanging money in the United States wastes about 10% in junk fees.

  • 6:47

    Groupon Mystery Travel Dealsinsight

    The host expresses excitement over Groupon's mystery trip program where travelers do not know their destination until shortly before departure, noting it resembles past airline mystery fare programs.

  • 8:58

    Total Cost Of Travel Packagesstory

    The host acknowledges a listener's critique that focusing solely on cheap airfares ignores high hotel and car rental costs, citing an expensive staff trip to Hawaii.

  • 13:35

    Home Thermostat Sleep Recommendationsdebate

    A listener from Las Vegas criticizes the host's recommendation to keep bedroom temperatures at 68 degrees for better sleep, pointing out the exorbitant electric bills in the desert summer.

  • 15:48

    Charitable Bequests In Willsinsight

    A listener points out that the host missed an opportunity to suggest charitable bequests for people without heirs who are creating online wills.

  • 20:45

    Running Shoe Market Oversupplydata

    The host explains that Dick's Sporting Goods and other retailers are struggling to sell running shoes because the market is massively over-sourced, leading to steep discounts and clearance deals.

  • 25:36

    Passport Renewal Scam Sitesstrategy

    The host warns that Google search results for passport renewals frequently direct users to third-party scam sites that charge hundred-dollar fees for pre-filling forms.

Quotes

  • “I'm so glad to welcome you here to the Clark Howard Show.”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:03
  • “You recently suggested someone who has never traveled abroad use their ATM when they arrive overseas to get local cash.”
    Unnamed speaker · 2:25
  • “You should have recommended she go to AAA or their local bank and get $100 or $200 in foreign currency.”
    Unnamed speaker · 2:49
  • “I am really smelly trash. So many different ways to do it.”
    Unnamed speaker · 13:31
  • “You are right that you've got 24 hours from when you book an airline fare when there's a great deal.”
    Unnamed speaker · 9:52
  • “You can do digital renewal so easy, so quick.”
    Unnamed speaker · 27:36
  • mod.com 0:00–0:27
  • mintmobile.com 0:43–0:50
  • Spruce 17:37–18:05
  • SimpliSafe 19:13–20:06

About this episode

Clark Stinks & Deal Alert: Running Shoes Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, running and walking shoe prices are finally dropping, creating a massive money-saving opportunity for your wallet. Major retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods are feeling the squeeze from an oversupplied market and slowing consumer demand, leading to deep discounts across nearly every major brand. Whether you need a fresh pair for daily walks or serious training, now is the time to skip full retail and lock in major savings across the board. All this and more on the September 25, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Running Shoes Discounted: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad - Clark Howard 5 Money Mistakes To Avoid When Traveling - Clark Howard Mystery Vacation | Groupon Getaways How To Get Top-Brand Running Shoes for Cheap Right Now Clark Deals - Shoes How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Your Passport Could Be Useless - Even if It's Not Expired / State.gov How Much Money Do I Need in My Emergency Fund? - Clark Howard Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community. Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

0:00
32:44

5,477 words · 8 speakers

Topics

  • FDIC
  • Betterment
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Nevada
  • Nordstrom Rack
  • Nebraska
  • Massachusetts
  • Colorado
  • Fidelity

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