07.22.26 Electronics: Repair Or Replace? / Buying Insurance

July 22, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The cost of components in electronics is rising sharply, partly because AI is gobbling up the same chips and memory that go into consumer devices. Apple recently announced it would push up device prices to maintain profit margins. Clark Howard, who has long advised people to throw away broken electronics rather than repair them, has changed his mind. "That was then, this is now," he says, and the calculus has shifted.

When to repair, when to replace

The old rule—electronics depreciate so fast that repairs are never worth it—no longer holds for phones and laptops. A new computer that would have cost a certain amount a year ago now costs about $150 more. When the next iPhone series launches, the price jump will be "really bad." So if your phone has a cracked screen or a degraded battery—the two most common complaints—the smarter move is to pay for the repair and extend the device's life. Apple supports software on older devices for years, and the repairs themselves are not crazy expensive.

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What you'll learn

1 (01:01) **Introduction & Episode Overview** - Clark introduces the two main topics: the changing economics of repairing vs. replacing electronics, and the shifting landscape of buying auto and homeowners insurance.
2 (01:40) **The New Math of Electronics Repair** - Clark explains why the old rule of "never repair electronics" is changing due to rising component costs.
3 (03:00) **A Real-World Example: Replacing a Studio Computer** - Clark shares a personal anecdote about deciding to replace a very old computer for the podcast, noting the price increase.
4 (03:58) **Smartphone Repair: The New Smarter Choice** - Clark argues that minor phone repairs (screen, battery) are now a better financial move than buying a new phone.
5 (05:42) **Laptops vs. TVs: A Decision Framework** - Clark provides a simple rule for when to repair versus replace based on the type of device.
6 (06:34) **Listener Question: Is Furnished Finder Legit?** - Clark warns Christy in Colorado about the risks of using Furnished Finder for a month-long rental.
7 (10:03) **Listener Question: The "GlocalMe" Portable Internet Device** - Clark evaluates a mobile internet device for international travel.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

The days of automatically upgrading your phone or computer every time it slows down are officially over. Clark breaks down why inflation and rising component costs mean tech prices are going "up, up, and away." Tech giants like Apple are raising device prices to protect their profit margins. While Clark has advised against sinking money into old electronics, the math has changed. Clark shares his rule of thumb for deciding when to repair versus replace, why TVs remain the one truly disposable tech item, and how to avoid the "free phone trap" being pushed by the big three wireless carriers. Also, Clark dives into the massive shakeup happening in the insurance industry. State Farm is facing major backlash from its own agents after dropping a hammer on their compensation models—a desperate move to compete in a market where they are losing ground. Hear which company has taken the lead by embracing a hybrid model, and what to expect buying online vs. with an agent.
Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 22, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Electronics: Repair Or Replace?: Segment 1
Ask Clark: Segment 2
Buying Insurance: Segment 3
Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show: