Our guest on the podcast today is consumer advocate and personal finance expert Clark Howard. Clark has been hosting the nationally syndicated radio show and podcast The Clark Howard Show since 1989. He's also the author of 10 books, three of which have been New York Times best-sellers. He also sponsors the Consumer Action Center, which is a free resource for advice on money and consumer issues. He received his B.A. in urban government from American University, and his MBA from Central Michigan University. BackgroundBioClark.comThe Clark Howard PodcastBooks by Clark Howard Home Ownership, Debt, and Investing“Should I Pay Off Debt, Save Money or Invest?” by Christopher Smith, clark.com, Feb. 18, 2021.“How to Pay Off Debt and Save Money on a Fixed Income,” by clark.com staff, clark.com, Nov. 25, 2020.“Key Rules for First-Time Homebuyers and Investors in Real Estate,” by Clark Howard, clark.com, March 22, 2017.“Clark Howard Has Advice if You’re Looking to Buy a Home Amid the Pandemic,” by Sarah Thompson, wokv.com, Sept. 29, 2020.“86% of Renters Can’t Afford to Buy a Home: Here’s How You Can Prepare,” by Charis Brown, clark.com, April 17, 2017.“Should I Buy a House in This Crazy Real Estate Market?” by Craig Johnson, clark.com, Feb. 21, 2022.“Clark Howard’s Special Rule for Refinancing Your Mortgage,” by Nick Cole, clark.com, Aug. 28, 2020.“How Old Is Too Old to Take Out a Mortgage?” by Craig Johnson, clark.com, Nov. 1, 2021.“When Is It OK to Have a Mortgage in Retirement?” by Clark Howard, clark.com, March 22, 2017.“Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Before I Retire?” by Wes Moss, clark.com, Feb. 20, 2019.“What Is a Reverse Mortgage and Is It Right For Me?” by clark.com staff, clark.com, June 19, 2020.Cars“3 Things to Know Before You Lease a Car,” by John Cress, clark.com, July 20, 2020.“New vs. Used Cars: Which Should You Buy?” by Dallas Cox, clark.com, Jan. 24, 2022.“New Report: These 2022 Vehicles Are the Best for the Money,” by Craig Johnson, clark.com, Jan. 21, 2022.“Are You Following Clark’s Maximum Auto Loan Length Rule?” by clark.com staff, clark.com, April 27, 2021.Saving Money“Free Budget Worksheet: The Clark Method to Create a Monthly Budget,” by clark.com staff, clark.com, Feb. 18, 2021.“How to Save and Invest the Clark Howard Way,” by Christopher Smith, clark.com, Jan. 25, 2021.“15 Financial New Year’s Resolutions for 2022,” by clark.com staff, clark.com, Dec. 17, 2021.“8 Spending Habits People Are Changing After Coronavirus,” by Craig Johnson, clark.com, June 19, 2020.Investing and Retirement“How to Start Investing and Saving for Retirement,” by clark.com staff, clark.com, May 20, 2021.“How Retirees Can Combat Inflation,” by Christopher Smith, clark.com, Dec. 1, 2021.“What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink?” by Christopher Smith and Clark Howard, ajc.com, May 27, 2021.“Why Clark Howard Is Obsessed With Roth for Retirement Savings,” by Christopher Smith, clark.com, Feb. 23, 2022.Finding an Advisor“How to Find and Choose a Financial Advisor,” by Christopher Smith, clark.com, March 25, 2021.“How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?” by Christopher Smith, clark.com, Feb. 24, 2021.Travel“Follow Clark Howard’s #1 Rule to Travel Cheap,” by clark.com staff, clark.com, Jan. 28, 2022.“How to Plan a Trip: Clark’s Best Travel Tips to Save Money,” by clark.com staff, clark.com, June 10, 2021.