The Clark Howard Podcast
12.12.25 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Retirement Planning 2026
December 12, 2025
AI Summary
5 min read🎙️ The Voices & The Context
- The Format: This episode features an engaging casual chat between the hosts as they discuss listener feedback, financial tips, and personal anecdotes. The tone is light-hearted with a mix of humor and valuable information.
- The Key Players:
- Clark Howard: A well-known personal finance expert with a knack for making complex financial concepts accessible and entertaining.
- Krista: Clark's co-host, who provides a playful counterpoint to Clark's seriousness, enhancing the banter and chemistry of the discussion.
🗝️ Key Themes & Topics
- Clark Stinks Segment: Clark addresses listener critiques about his financial advice, creating a humorous and interactive atmosphere.
- Financial Tips for Retirement: The discussion includes updates on IRA limits and the importance of making informed decisions about retirement accounts.
- Wireless Plans and Savings: A segment on switching to less expensive wireless carriers, emphasizing consumer empowerment.
- The Importance of Debt Management: Clark discusses the benefits of being debt-free and the implications of credit scores on financial health.
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What you'll learn
- 1 **(00:00)** 🎙️ **Introduction: Clark Howard**
- 2 **(01:06)** **Clark Stinks Segment**
- 3 **(02:16)** **Feedback on Citibank Double Cash Rewards**
- 4 **(03:43)** **Tip on American Airlines and Citibank Strata Elite Card**
- 5 **(05:23)** **Unlimited Hotspot Data for Home Internet**
- 6 **(06:48)** **Independent Bookstores vs. E-books**
- 7 **(08:28)** **Debt-Free Focus and Financial Health**
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Show Notes
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in today’s episode: Take it to the limit - the new retirement account limits. Clark has updates and advice to enhance your retirement saving strategy.
- Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2
- Retirement Planning 2026: Segment 3
- Ask Clark: Segment 4
Mentioned on the show:
- Citi Double Cash® Card Review: 5 Things To Know in 2025
- 5 Things To Know About the Citi Strata Premier Card
- Cell Phones - Clark.com
- Can I Use HSA for DPC? Yes, Starting January 2026!
- Rechargeable Batteries: Are They Worth It?
- The Best Place To Buy Cheap Batteries
- 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500
- Why Clark Howard Is Obsessed With Roth for Retirement Savings
- My Social Security: The Free Account Everyone Needs To Set Up Before Retirement
Clark.com resources:
- Episode transcripts
- Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark
- Clark.com daily money newsletter
- Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275
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