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].
Do You Need an Emergency Fund for a Rental Property?
Homes & Real Estate
January 9th, 2024
Unexpected expenses are a part of life. That's why emergency funds exist. Normally, money expert Clark Howard recommends that you…
3 Big Retirement Account Changes You Haven’t Heard About
Investing & Retirement
January 9th, 2024
It's hard enough to learn all the retirement account laws and rules. Keeping up with retirement account changes from year…
Should I Prepay for a Hotel Reservation To Avoid Losing My Room?
Travel
January 5th, 2024
Hotels want your money as soon as possible. Sometimes they even offer you an incentive to prepay for a reservation.…
If Everyone Acted As Frugal as Clark, Would the American Economy Collapse?
Money & Credit
January 4th, 2024
Money expert Clark Howard fields questions from his podcast listeners every episode. Most of the questions are practical and concrete.…
Why Clark Howard Is Obsessed With Roth for Retirement Savings
Investing & Retirement
January 3rd, 2024
Money expert Clark Howard radiates enthusiasm whenever he talks about Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s as retirement options. "I have…
Can a Family Member Serve As My Mortgage Lender?
Homes & Real Estate
December 27th, 2023
It's not a good time to buy a home in most of the United States. Home prices are much higher…
Is It Worth Buying a House as a Rental Property Right Now?
Homes & Real Estate
December 26th, 2023
A rental property is an attractive option for many. If it works out, the value of the property goes up…
Should I Buy a Tire Protection Plan?
Cars
December 22nd, 2023
You stroll into a tire center and get a set of four new tires for your vehicle. There are some…
We’re Driving To Florida. Should We Rent Two Minivans or Drive Our Own SUVs?
Cars
December 21st, 2023
Officials expect record-setting numbers in airports across the country this holiday season. Not everyone wants to fly, as it can…
What Is the Best Platform To Sell My Car?
Cars
December 20th, 2023
Buying and selling vehicles without getting ripped off is important. Outside of a house, it's often the biggest purchase any…
How To Sell Gift Cards Online for Cash
Make Money
December 20th, 2023
Do you want to sell gift cards that you aren't using? Or are you hoping to buy a gift card…
What Type of Medical Alert Device Should I Buy for My Husband?
Health
December 19th, 2023
Sometimes it's fun to watch old commercials. If you watched "The Price Is Right" back in the 2000s there were…
Should You Ensure You Get Your 401(k) Company Match Even if It Means Bankruptcy?
Investing & Retirement
December 18th, 2023
Becoming a full-time employee at a company with benefits gives you something worth more than your salary. That's especially true…
Are Money Market Accounts As Safe as High-Yield Savings Accounts?
Banks & Banking
December 15th, 2023
Natural savers emerged from the dark ages of late to revel in annual yields often higher than 5%. Not long…
Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2024
Investing & Retirement
December 14th, 2023
The best investment companies are good fits for almost every investor whether you’re a beginner or you’re making exotic trades.…
My LED Bulbs Are Burning Out Too Fast. Am I Buying Them at the Wrong Store?
Homes & Real Estate
December 14th, 2023
If you're like me, you don't think much about lightbulbs until they burn out. But if you buy LED bulbs,…
I Disputed a Fraudulent $500 Charge With My Credit Card Company and They Aren’t Responding. What Should I Do?
Credit Cards
December 13th, 2023
If you've listened to money expert Clark Howard for any period, you probably know he loves for you to make…
My Wife and I Make $300K+ a Year With Two $1 Million Life Insurance Policies. Is This Too Much Insurance?
Insurance
December 12th, 2023
For most people, insurance is a reluctant necessity that protects your assets and your family's financial future. If you own…
Should I Take My Car to a Dealership for Oil Changes and Maintenance or Find Cheaper Prices Elsewhere?
Cars
December 11th, 2023
Vehicle maintenance is a tricky thing for most people. You know that you need to take good care of your…
Required Minimum Distributions: How To Calculate, Rules
Investing & Retirement
December 11th, 2023
Once you turn 73, the IRS expects you to take annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts. But…
Can You Withdraw Money From Retirement Accounts at Will?
Investing & Retirement
December 7th, 2023
Most financial literature related to 401(k) accounts or IRAs focuses on contributions. But what about when you retire? Yes, there…
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Offers New, Convenient Rewards Method
Credit Cards
December 7th, 2023
Stacking benefits is one of life's simple pleasures. If you're a Costco member and frequent shopper, that's precisely what you…
What Should You Do About Phone Data on an International Trip?
Travel
December 7th, 2023
So you want to leave the United States and go on an adventure. Traveling and experiencing different cultures is one…
Is There a Free or Cheap Way To Back Up My Photos?
Deals & Savings
December 7th, 2023
I've got a lot of photos to store, but I don't want to spend extra money on it. Where can…
Buying on Margin: The Investment Mistake You Need To Avoid
Investing & Retirement
December 7th, 2023
American investors owed nearly $650 billion in margin debt entering November after the number peaked near $1 trillion at one…
I’m in a 1-Car Household. Should I Lease or Buy a Tesla?
Cars
December 6th, 2023
Evaluating whether to buy an electric car such as a Tesla has become a dynamic decision. It forces you to…
What’s the Best Way To Donate to a Charity?
Donating & Volunteering
December 5th, 2023
I want to donate to charity but I'm not sure about the most effective donation method. What's the best way…
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Costco Car Buying Program?
Cars
December 5th, 2023
To rephrase a quote from President John F. Kennedy, ask not what you can buy from Costco -- ask what…
3 Places You Should Never Invest Your Money
Banks & Banking
December 5th, 2023
With great power comes great responsibility. Whether you've read about the Sword of Damocles or simply watched Spiderman, you've probably…
I’m Living in Hawaii for 4 Months. Renting a Car Is Expensive and I Can’t Find Leases. What Should I Do?
Cars
December 4th, 2023
Picture this: It's winter. You live somewhere snowy. But instead, you fly to Hawaii and spend four months soaking up…