05.08.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?
May 8, 2026
AI Summary
5 min readClark Howard fields listener criticisms in the "Clark Stinks" segment, acknowledges valid points, and shares updated views before diving into whether extra cash should pay down a mortgage or go into investments. He also answers calls on home efficiency, saving for kids, and life insurance.
Clark Stinks: Airport Lounges, Dollar Stores, and EVs
Listeners challenged Clark's takes on airport lounges, dollar stores, and electric vehicles (EVs). John from Michigan corrected that Capital One Venture X cardholders pay $35—not $45—to bring a guest into lounges, which offer complimentary food and drinks that can rival airport meal costs. Clark agreed these lounges, especially Capital One's, outshine Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Centurion options, though value depends on wait time and needs. Patrick from Virginia noted dollar stores like Dollar Tree have higher unit prices per ounce than grocery stores or warehouse clubs for staples, despite occasional deals on private-label items; Clark conceded markups are high but item-specific savings persist.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (01:05) **Show Intro and Clark Stinks Tease** - Clark welcomes listeners and previews Clark Stinks feedback plus mortgage prepay vs. invest debate
- 2 (02:15) **Clark Stinks: Airport Lounges** - John corrects lounge guest fee to $35 on Capital One Venture X and defends meal value
- 3 (04:08) **Clark Stinks: Dollar Store Shopping** - Patrick notes higher unit prices on staples vs. grocery/warehouse clubs
- 4 (05:18) **Clark Stinks: EV Recommendations** - Brandon seeks deeper EV reasons beyond "fun"; lists low maintenance, cheap home charging, cleaner air
- 5 (06:48) **Clark Stinks: Retirement Costs by State** - Carlin questions if estimates are per person or couple; Clark notes per capita basis, highlights Hawaii highest, Oklahoma lowest costs
- 6 (09:05) **Clark Stinks: Groomy Razor Subscriptions** - Matthew details Groomy's fine print blocking cancellations; Alan reports Discover blocking charges
- 7 (11:05) **Clark Stinks: PayPal for Kids' Cards** - Derek praises PayPal teen card linked only to funded balance, fee-free control
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Show Notes
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, deciding whether to throw extra cash at your mortgage or funnel it into the stock market is one of the most debated dilemmas in personal finance, especially now that nearly a quarter of homeowners are carrying rates at 6% or higher. While Clark despises debt and champions the psychological freedom of owning your home free and clear, it’s vital to balance that achievement with the mathematical reality of long-term financial security. Clark offers guidelines for creating your financial priorities, including Team Clark’s new Pay Off Mortgage or Invest Calculator, to help make sure your money is working as hard as possible for the future.
- Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
- Financial Priorities: Segment 3
- Ask Clark: Segment 4
Mentioned on the show:
-
What’s the Total Value of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Perks? - Top 10 Perks of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Report: How Much You Need To Save in Each State To Retire Comfortably
- Best Prepaid Cards: Top Debit Card Alternatives - Clark Howard
- Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest? - Clark Howard
- Pay Off Mortgage or Invest Calculator (Clark.com)
- When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use a 529 Plan - Clark Howard
- Best 529 Plans by State: How Clark Howard Picks the Top College Savings Plans
- How To Buy Term Life Insurance in 7 Easy Steps - Clark Howard
-
Best Term Life Insurance Companies, Plans & Coverage
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