Christopher Smith is a writer who covers investing, banking, insurance, and making extra money. He joined Clark.com in 2020. He has more than 14 years of writing experience. Christopher has always been interested in personal finance. When he was in elementary school, he would read the Sports and Money section of the newspaper at the breakfast table every morning, tracking the prices of his favorite stocks. He joined the investment club at school and even chose to make his fourth-grade presentation about the stock market. When he’s not working, he spends most of his time with his wife, a first-generation Colombian immigrant and a Physician Assistant. He also likes college football, NFTs, rock climbing and good restaurants. You can reach Christopher at
[email protected].
Clark Predicts Traditional 401(k)s, IRAs Will Cease To Exist Within a Decade
Investing & Retirement
March 18th, 2024
Money expert Clark Howard predicts that traditional 401(k) and traditional IRA accounts will go extinct in the next 10 years.…
Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts
Online Banking
March 17th, 2024
The best online banks charge you fewer fees and pay you more interest. If you don't mind doing your banking…
What Currency Is a Good U.S. Dollar Alternative If the Debt Crisis Causes a Problem?
Money & Credit
March 15th, 2024
When it comes to issues such as the future of the U.S. economy, reality often is more nuanced and complex…
10 Best Free Checking Accounts in March 2024
Banks & Banking
March 15th, 2024
The best checking accounts in 2024 are free, and most offer perks to their customers. If you're looking for a…
I Want To Drive My Non-Tesla EV From California to Florida. What Do I Need To Know?
Travel
March 14th, 2024
Not long ago, the idea of driving an electric vehicle across the United States was an unrealistic pipe dream or…
Should I Sell My House on My Own or Through a Real Estate Agent?
Homes & Real Estate
March 13th, 2024
It's easy to understand why you'd consider listing your house as for sale by owner. Even if you've never done…
Target Date Funds: Clark’s Favorite Retirement Investment
Investing & Retirement
March 13th, 2024
Target date funds are the “easy button” for retirement investing. They can take the confusion and research out of investing…
I Recently Graduated From a Secured Credit Card and Need a Credit Limit Increase. What Can I Do?
Credit Cards
March 12th, 2024
Credit limit increases are tricky. Sometimes you get one without asking. At other times, you make a request feeling confident,…
16 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in March 2024
Banks & Banking
March 12th, 2024
The best savings accounts help you grow your money safely. But the interest rate you can earn varies depending on…
What Should I Do With My 401(k) at My Old Company?
Investing & Retirement
March 11th, 2024
You're contributing to a 401(k) account and even getting a company match. As years go by, your balance goes up.…
What’s the Best Way To Send Money Overseas?
Money & Credit
March 8th, 2024
It's pretty easy to transfer money within the United States now. Especially if both parties hold bank accounts. But what…
Where To Put Your Cash When You’re Saving for a Purchase in Less Than 5 Years
Investing & Retirement
March 8th, 2024
You're making a major purchase in the future. Perhaps you're saving to buy a house or a car, pay for…
Should I Put Extra Cash Toward a 6.7% Auto Loan or My Emergency Fund?
Money & Credit
March 7th, 2024
It's tax season. Some will be getting significant tax refunds (and perhaps need to look at adjusting their withholdings). Others…
Should I Withdraw from My Roth IRA or Use My Savings To Pay Off Credit Card Debt?
Debt
March 6th, 2024
Americans now hold a record $1.13 trillion in credit card debt. Probably more considering that was the number at the…
What Should I Know About Renting an Electric Vehicle in Europe?
Travel
March 4th, 2024
Many of us love to try something different when we rent vehicles on vacation. I grabbed a Jeep in Puerto…
Does PayPal Offer the Same Consumer Protections as a Credit Card?
Credit Cards
March 1st, 2024
What's the best method of payment? Well, if you're money expert Clark Howard, it's usually a credit card. In addition…
I Don’t Have Full-Coverage Insurance. What Do I Do if I Rent a Car?
Car Insurance
February 29th, 2024
You drive your rental car out of the gate and head for your first vacation activity. Suddenly, a distracted driver…
Going Is Scaling Back What It Provides To Non-Paying Customers. Should I Find Another Travel Site?
Travel
February 28th, 2024
Money expert Clark Howard and other members of Team Clark use Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) to source the best…
I Want To Sell My Delta SkyMiles. Is That Possible? And How Much Are They Worth?
Travel
February 27th, 2024
Loyalty programs? Try not-so-loyal programs. OK, that attempt at humor to describe the state of rewards programs in 2024 isn't…
Best Term Life Insurance Companies, Plans & Coverage
Life Insurance
February 27th, 2024
If you provide for anyone financially, you may worry about what would happen to them if you died. Buying a…
How Do I Know I’m Getting a Good Deal on Toilet Paper?
Shopping & Retail
February 27th, 2024
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most curious shopping phenomena revolved around toilet paper. Facing potential…
Where Should I Look for a Deal on a Cruise or Resort for a Large Group?
Travel
February 26th, 2024
Booking a vacation as a couple or even solo can take real work. Now imagine booking a trip for not…
Should I Use a Credit Card or Give Up My Bank Account Info To Save 2.3%?
Money & Credit
February 23rd, 2024
Money expert Clark Howard advises against using a debit card to pay for anything. He's also adamant about the perils…
I Paid My Credit Card in Full But Now I Owe More. What’s Residual Interest?
Credit Cards
February 22nd, 2024
Imagine finally paying off your credit card after carrying a balance for a good while. What a feeling, right? Now…
How Should I Safeguard My Passport When I Travel Abroad?
Travel
February 22nd, 2024
Traveling outside of the United States can be an amazing experience. However, any time a passport is involved, you can…
Where Should My Daughter Put Her $15,000 Until She Pays for College?
Investing & Retirement
February 22nd, 2024
Working as a teenager still is a right of passage for many Americans. If you plan to attend college, it…
Should I Contribute to a 529 Plan Only To Roll It Into a Roth IRA Later?
Education
February 20th, 2024
In past years, contributing to a 529 plan presented a clear risk to parents and grandparents. It's always been a…
Here’s Your Estimated 2024 Tax Refund Schedule
Taxes
February 20th, 2024
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the deadlines to file federal tax returns and pay your tax obligations for a few years.…
I Got Approved for a Business Loan at 18%. Is There a Better Option?
Business & Entrepreneurs
February 19th, 2024
Starting a business is exciting. It's also the lifeblood of capitalism and a bedrock of the American economy. Money expert…
Should I Use Schwab As My Mortgage Lender?
Homes & Real Estate
February 16th, 2024
When it comes to investment companies, Charles Schwab is one of Clark Howard's favorites. He considers Fidelity, Schwab and Vanguard…