Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Clark Howard Show, where our mission is to serve and empower you to make better financial decisions in your life. Today, Clark hits on a few key basic strategies to have more money in your life: They are:
– SPEND LESS: Need vs. Wants and how to tell the difference
– Clark’s strategy to start saving TODAY for retirement – regardless of your age
– SAVE MORE on transportation
– AVOID GETTING RIPPED OFF by protecting your identity and credit
Segment 1: Behavioral – Back to basics on needs vs. wants
Segment 2; Start saving today for retirement
- Begin with 1%, or up to an employer match if possible and available
- When you get a raise, pretend you didn’t and increase your contribution
Segment 3: Only buy a car you can afford
- If you have to take a loan, 42 months maximum
- Compare loans
- Consider buying used
Segment 4: Protect your identity
- Don’t ever carry checks or your Social Security card
- Your credit is the key to your identity -Freeze your credit!
- Don’t use a debit card
- Use virtual card numbers online
Mentioned on the show:
- Six Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Major Purchase
- Advice | Fear of missing out can keep you broke. Fight the spending temptation.
- Why are sales so hard to resist? It’s your brain, on discounts
- How To Save Money: Spend Less & Build Your Savings / Save Money Archives
- How To Save and Invest the Clark Howard Way
- Avoid the #1 Mistake That Car Buyers Make
- Clark.com – Buying A Used Car / How To Buy A Vehicle
- Should I Ever Buy Extras Car Dealerships Sell in Their F&I Departments?
- How To Prevent, Report and Repair Identity Theft
- Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places
- 7 Items You Should Never Carry in Your Wallet
- Why You Should Never Mail a Check
- How to Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion
- Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card To Pay for Anything
- The Safer Way To Use Your Debit Card
- Virtual Credit Cards: An Online Security Measure Worth Taking?
Clark.com resources
- Episode transcripts
- Community.Clark.com
- Clark.com daily money newsletter
- Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275
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