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].
What Are Fractional Shares and Where Can I Buy Them?
Investing & Retirement
March 7th, 2023
Fractional shares allow investors to create a diversified portfolio of stocks and ETFs without needing much capital. In this article,…
Can You Trust Retirement Calculators?
Investing & Retirement
March 3rd, 2023
The premise of a retirement calculator is fascinating. Based on my income, savings rate and assets today, when will I…
What Fee Level Does Clark Consider Acceptable For a Company 401(k)?
Investing & Retirement
March 2nd, 2023
It's easy to find information about investing fees with the best investment companies. If you'd rather not wade through the…
Which Is More Practical: Financing a Home Addition or Buying a Bigger House?
Homes & Real Estate
February 28th, 2023
Your current home no longer meets all your needs. Should you buy a different house or renovate the one you…
What Do I Do If Someone Stole My Social Security Number To Get a Job?
Scams & Rip-Offs
February 27th, 2023
Data breaches are unfortunately a common part of our modern digital life. However, Hackers grabbing one of your old passwords…
How Long Will Walmart’s Free Curbside Pickup Continue?
Shopping & Retail
February 24th, 2023
If you're not a regular Walmart customer, it sounds like a myth. But it's real and it's spectacular. The retail…
What Is a SEP IRA and Who Is Eligible?
Investing & Retirement
February 23rd, 2023
If you're self-employed, contributing to a SEP IRA may be a great way to fund your retirement. In this article,…
What Is a Solo 401(k) and How Does It Work?
Investing & Retirement
February 23rd, 2023
A solo 401(k) is a retirement plan for the self-employed. If you're a business owner, a solo 401(k) is a…
Should I Borrow Money To Pay for a Wedding?
Money & Credit
February 21st, 2023
Some people plan their wedding for decades. It's often the happiest day of someone's life. And it's certainly a day…
Empower Review: How It Works, Pros & Cons
Investing & Retirement
February 20th, 2023
This retirement-centric company helps you track and optimize your retirement planning with free tools. It also combines automated investing with…
Do My Spouse and I Both Need Life Insurance With a Baby?
Insurance
February 20th, 2023
Do I need life insurance? And if so, how much coverage do I need? Those are basic financial questions that…
What’s the Best Place To Sell a Car in 2023?
Cars
February 17th, 2023
As car prices finally start to moderate, it may be time for you to sell the vehicle you're currently driving…
I Have $60,000, Owe $6,000 in Student Loans and Want To Invest in Real Estate. What Should I Do?
Investing & Retirement
February 16th, 2023
Oh, to be young with a bank account full of money and four decades to go before retirement age. That’s…
What’s the Safest Way To Send Money To Buy a Car Out of State?
Cars
February 15th, 2023
Sometimes the best deal on a car or another major purchase isn't anywhere near where you live. That can present…
What Happens If You Pick Your Travel Destination Based on Airfare and Hotel Options Are Expensive?
Travel
February 14th, 2023
Money expert Clark Howard is a wellspring of knowledge when it comes to financial topics. But the former travel agency…
Will I Get a Better Deal on a Car By Financing or Paying Cash?
Cars
February 10th, 2023
Most prices in the United States are non-negotiable. You can't go to McDonald's and start haggling over the price of…
What’s the Best Savings Account for a Teenager?
Investing & Retirement
February 8th, 2023
It's never too early in life to start saving and investing. I envy today's teenagers who have the opportunity to…
6 Challenges To Consider if You Plan To Retire Before 65
Investing & Retirement
February 8th, 2023
Someone who listens to money expert Clark Howard's podcast asked a question about the challenges of retiring early. Her husband,…
Should I Invest Instead of Paying Extra on My Low-Interest Mortgage?
Investing & Retirement
February 6th, 2023
Buying a home is the biggest purchase many of us will ever make. The thought of owing perhaps hundreds of…
When Is Grinding Out Savings Through Comparison Shopping Not Worth It?
Shopping & Retail
February 3rd, 2023
When is comparison shopping more pain than gain? Money expert Clark Howard is famously (and oftentimes proudly) cheap. Outside of…
Will Collecting Numerous Credit Cards Hurt My Credit Score in the Long Run?
Credit Cards
February 2nd, 2023
How many credit cards should I have? It's a common question. For as long as credit scores have existed, the…
Why Has Tesla’s Reputation Become Negative? Should I Avoid Buying One?
Cars
February 1st, 2023
Tesla's public perception has collapsed in the last eight months. The electric vehicle company, seemingly the stock market and tech…
Can You Avoid Paying Extra for the Convenience of Grocery Delivery?
Shopping & Retail
January 30th, 2023
Shopping. Food. Groceries. You can get almost anything delivered to your doorstep these days. Often inside an hour. That sort…
Do You Need a Separate Checking Account for Your Side Hustle?
Taxes
January 17th, 2023
It's common for people to seek additional income outside of their full-time job. Many times, that's through part-time work as…
We Just Got Married. How Do We Blend Our Finances?
Money & Credit
January 16th, 2023
Research consistently finds that financial compatibility and harmony is one of the biggest predictors of long, happy marriages. So when…
Can I Sell My Life Insurance Policy?
Insurance
January 13th, 2023
If you've listened to money expert Clark Howard for any period of time, you probably know how much he prefers…
Should We Worry About the National Debt and Budget Deficits?
Money & Credit
January 11th, 2023
The United States is a country known for spending money. We're a nation with a culture that encourages buying, even…
Can Married Couples Get Joint Access To Utility, Mortgage and Investment Accounts?
Money & Credit
January 10th, 2023
So you're combining your finances with a spouse or family member. It can be a frustrating and inconvenient process that…
How Do I Use All the Funds on My Virtual Gift Card?
Money & Credit
January 9th, 2023
The holiday season is prime gift-giving time. But many of us are guilty of turning to gift cards for some…
What Should You Think About Home-Buying Companies Willing To Pay Cash for As-Is Properties?
Homes & Real Estate
January 6th, 2023
Mortgage rates are soaring at a time when inflation, a stock market decline and a slowing job market have pressured…