03.13.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / FREE Tuition - The Clark Howard Podcast Recap

Podcast: The Clark Howard Podcast

Published: 2026-03-13

Duration: 32 min

Summary

Clark Howard addresses listener feedback in the 'Clark Stinks' segment and discusses the increasing availability of free tuition programs at various colleges. He also covers the challenges of paying for veterinary and PA school given new federal loan limits.

What Happened

Clark Howard starts by acknowledging listener feedback during the 'Clark Stinks' segment. Feedback includes a critique on his comments about solar generators, highlighting their cost-saving benefits and potential for power backup. Another listener points out the complexities of Zelle fraud, emphasizing that different types of fraud require different consumer protections.

Clark also clarifies the differences between homeownership and renting, noting the potential for tax-free capital gains on home sales. He discusses the benefits of Fidelity's credit and debit cards compared to Schwab's, and offers tips for canceling cable services more efficiently.

The episode addresses the complexities of Health Savings Account contributions and the potential benefits of automatic transfers in mutual funds versus ETFs. Clark highlights the need for more frequent transfers to maximize investment returns, referencing a listener's detailed analysis.

In the second part of the episode, Clark discusses the trend of colleges offering free tuition programs to attract students, mentioning a Washington Post article that lists nearly 1,000 such programs. He advises parents of high school sophomores to start researching potential options for free or reduced tuition.

Clark answers listener questions about funding higher education. He advises a parent on setting up a 529 account for a son in prison aiming to attend college after release, and discusses funding strategies for vet and PA school in light of new federal borrowing limits.

Finally, Clark addresses a question about tipping practices in restaurants, explaining the traditional percentage-based tipping system and its implications for service quality. He encourages listeners to provide feedback on his advice, emphasizing the importance of different perspectives.

Key Insights

• Solar generators, while initially costly, can save money over time by providing reliable power backups during outages, a factor often overlooked in their economic viability.
• Zelle fraud is more complex than it seems, with consumer protections varying based on the type of fraud, creating a minefield for unprepared users.
• Fidelity's credit and debit cards may edge out Schwab's by offering better perks, but canceling cable services efficiently requires knowing when and how to negotiate.
• With nearly 1,000 colleges offering free tuition programs, parents of high school sophomores should start researching these options now, as early planning can significantly reduce future education costs.

Key Questions Answered

What advice does Clark Howard give on solar generators?

Clark Howard acknowledges a listener's feedback on solar generators, highlighting their potential for immediate cost savings and backup power during outages. He notes that as battery costs decrease, more homeowners will adopt such systems.

How does Clark Howard suggest handling Zelle fraud?

Clark Howard clarifies that while Regulation E theoretically protects against unauthorized account access, banks often fail to support consumers in practice. He continues to view Zelle as risky due to its integration with bank accounts.

What are Clark Howard's tips for funding vet school?

Clark Howard suggests exploring state loan forgiveness programs for students willing to work in rural areas post-graduation. He notes the new federal loan cap of $50,000, requiring additional private loans for vet school.