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].
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…
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…
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…
Are Donor-Advised Funds a Good Idea for Charitable Donations?
Donating & Volunteering
February 15th, 2024
As complex as you can make your finances, it comes down to two simple levers: income and spending. It's much…
I’m Facing a Major Home Expense. Should I Fix It Proactively or Wait Until It Breaks?
Homes & Real Estate
February 14th, 2024
If you own a home, you know that your mortgage payment is far from the only expense. You tackle utility…
Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What’s the Difference?
Investing & Retirement
February 14th, 2024
If you're enrolling in your company retirement plan, your company may offer you a choice: a Roth 401(k) or a…
401(k) Match: What Is It, How It Works
Investing & Retirement
February 14th, 2024
If your company offers a 401(k) match, get excited. You have an opportunity to stockpile free money for your retirement.…
I Have $20,000 in Savings and $15,000 on a Car Loan. Should I Pay Off the Loan?
Debt
February 13th, 2024
Resource allocation isn't just something that mega corporations contend with. Most people have assets and debts. In a finite world…
Is an HSA the Best Way To Save for Future Medical Expenses?
Health
February 12th, 2024
The average American underestimates how much it will cost to pay for healthcare in retirement by an enormous sum. According…
What Should I Do With My Pets When Traveling?
Travel
February 9th, 2024
Pets are a huge part of life for millions of Americans. But there are some logistics you have to figure…
Am I Required To Comply When My Credit Card Asks For Updated Income Information?
Credit Cards
February 8th, 2024
Most of us have seen it at some point. You log into your credit card account and BAM! Staring you…
Can I Access My Streaming Service Anywhere in the U.S. and Internationally?
Streaming TV
February 7th, 2024
Streaming services are resembling cable TV more with each passing year. We're talking bundling, comparable prices and more. But at…
Is It Safe To Buy a Home Out of Foreclosure?
Homes & Real Estate
February 6th, 2024
When is the best time to buy a home? That's been one of the most consistent questions listeners have asked…
How Can I Make Freezing a Young Person’s Credit Less Risky?
Money & Credit
February 5th, 2024
Clark Howard often jokes on his podcast that his answer to most of his listener's questions is Costco, Roth IRA…
When Should You Get an Accountant To Do Your Taxes?
Money & Credit
February 5th, 2024
Now that we're approaching the 2024 deadline, you may be thinking about your tax return which is due on April…
Is Borrowing Money With Affordable Payments To Buy Nice Things Really So Bad?
Debt
February 1st, 2024
No one likes the real-life version of the boy who cried wolf. For example, say you're training for a marathon…
Who Should Consider Setting Up a Trust?
Money & Credit
January 31st, 2024
When you prepare for the end of life, you'll probably create a will. But what about a trust? Do you…
I Have $78,000 in Debt and Make $59,000 a Year. Should I Move in With My Parents To Save?
Budgeting & Saving
January 30th, 2024
Making good decisions with money when you're young is much higher stakes than it may seem. Consider compound interest, how…
The Clark-Approved Way To Invest in Real Estate
Homes & Real Estate
January 30th, 2024
Investing in real estate is always a hot topic whether the housing market is booming (like in 2022) or whether…
I Need Plane Tickets for an International Trip. Should I Buy Now or Wait?
Travel
January 29th, 2024
Most of us want the best deal possible on airfare. Especially if you're traveling internationally, a round-trip ticket can sometimes…
What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea?
Banks & Banking
January 22nd, 2024
One of the silver linings of historic inflation and all the Fed interest rate hikes is that for the first…