Full Show: Clark Stinks! & Why Now Is the Best Time in Years for a Home Renovation

Описание: It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, for the last several years, finding a reliable contractor was nearly impossible; they were often overbooked, unresponsive, or quoting "go-away" prices because demand was so high. However, the power has shifted back to the consumer. Whether you are looking to update your kitchen or considering the growing trend of building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in your backyard, now is the first time in a long time that you can renovate on your own terms and timeline.

All this and more on the March 6, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

Submit your opinions or questions:
https://clark.com/clarkstinks/
https://clark.com/ask/
https://clark.com/about-consumer-acti...

00:00 - Intro
01:27 - Clark stinks - Should restaurants be required to give exact change when customers pay cash, even though servers tip out a percentage of sales and assume a tip will be added? (James J, California)
01:27 - Clark stinks - Is rounding up a cash restaurant bill without consent considered theft, and should consumers report it to the state Attorney General or District Attorney? (Susan, California)
02:43 - Clark stinks - Do Solo 401(k)s at major brokerages need third-party administrators to ensure proper plan documentation and compliance? (Mike, Florida)
04:00 - Clark stinks - Why didn’t you mention the Affordable Care Act as a viable healthcare solution for people retiring before 65 if they manage their income properly? (Gluke, North Carolina)
05:58 - Clark stinks - Are 0% interest purchase deals safe if you use automatic payments and deliberately overpay slightly to avoid a leftover balance? (Ed, Oklahoma)
07:50 - Clark stinks - What’s the safest way to handle emergencies when a dog swallows something dangerous, and is hydrogen peroxide really a smart first step? (Jim, Oklahoma)
09:11 - Clark stinks - Why didn’t you mention that HSA withdrawals in retirement can be reimbursed for medical expenses from prior years if you saved the receipts? (Phil Margolis, Connecticut)
10:48 - Clark stinks - Does having a credit score above 800 still matter if it can qualify you for slightly better mortgage rates than a 760 score? (John, North Carolina)
12:39 - Clark stinks - Is living in Australia really more expensive than the U.S., or does it depend on avoiding tourist areas and living like a local? (Andrew, Idaho)
12:39 - Clark stinks - Why is Australia your favorite country, and can you explain what makes it stand out compared to everywhere else you’ve traveled? (Bob, Oregon)
15:57 - Home Renovation
20:20 - Ask Clark - What’s the best place to save money for major home improvement projects planned within five years — high-yield savings, money market, or something else? (Patrick, New York)
22:24 - Ask Clark - How can homeowners know if their insurance coverage is enough to fully rebuild their home at today’s higher construction costs? (Steven, Ohio)
25:40 - Ask Clark - Are there insurance companies that specialize in covering homes with cedar shake roofs, especially in hail-prone areas like Minnesota? (Alex, Minnesota)


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