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].
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…
My Vehicle Is Approaching 200,000 Miles. Should I Drive It Until It Dies Or Sell It Before It Breaks Down?
Cars
November 30th, 2023
Driving an older vehicle until it no longer runs is cool. No, really. Among people who excel at saving money…
Should I Participate in Costco’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan or Open a Roth IRA?
Investing & Retirement
November 22nd, 2023
Costco is money expert Clark Howard's favorite store. As such, we've written plenty about whether a Costco membership is worth…
I May Make Too Much Money To Be Eligible To Contribute To a Roth IRA in 2024. What Do I Do?
Investing & Retirement
November 20th, 2023
Outside of a workplace 401(k) plan that offers a company match, a Roth IRA is money expert Clark Howard's favorite…
Should I Buy an AirTag for My Checked Airport Luggage?
Travel
November 17th, 2023
If you've traveled enough, you've experienced a horror story with lost or misplaced luggage. Money expert Clark Howard has suggested…
It’s Open Enrollment at My Company. Should I Consider Supplemental Insurance?
Insurance
November 16th, 2023
Everything is expensive these days. Mortgage rates are sky-high, at least compared to recent years. The same goes for auto…
Facet Wealth Review: Is Facet a Fiduciary and How Much Does It Cost?
Investing & Retirement
November 8th, 2023
By industry standards, Facet Wealth is a young company. But it has become a recognizable investment company in the United…
Vanguard Personal Advisor Review
Investing & Retirement
November 8th, 2023
Vanguard Personal Advisor offers the personal touch and level of service of a traditional financial advisor at the price of…
IRS Announces New 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Investing & Retirement
November 3rd, 2023
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced increases to the 401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2024. 401(k) and Roth Contribution…
9 Easy Ways To Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums
Homeowners Insurance
November 3rd, 2023
Inflation was a prominent discussion point in 2022 and early in 2023. Some consumer goods reached historically high price points.…
My Daughter Will Be Traveling in Europe. Are Hostels Still a Thing? Should I Worry?
Travel
November 2nd, 2023
Here's a scenario for you. Your daughter is studying abroad. She'll be traveling in Europe with other young people, potentially…
I’m Getting Insurance Money. Should I Accept Direct Deposit or Wait for a Paper Check?
Car Insurance
November 1st, 2023
You're smart to hold a healthy skepticism of insurance companies, especially when you need one to process a claim. Whether…
Is Going’s $199 Elite Membership Worth It for Once-a-Year International Travel?
Travel
October 31st, 2023
Flights are one of the most expensive parts of travel. Getting a good deal on flights, especially for your entire…
Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna: Which Van Should I Buy?
Cars
October 31st, 2023
Money-conscious buyers sitting on the sidelines and waiting for the car market to correct are beginning to get their way.…
What Brokerage Do You Recommend for First-Time Investors or Kids?
Investing & Retirement
October 31st, 2023
Learning about finance and investing from an early age can be life changing. Many of us have children, family members…
Where Would Clark Howard Live if Not in the United States?
Travel
October 30th, 2023
Money expert Clark Howard operated travel agencies early in his career and has spent decades as a prolific international traveler.…
Should I Avoid Callable CDs?
Banks & Banking
October 30th, 2023
Traditional Certificates of Deposit (CDs) typically pay more interest than savings accounts at the same bank because you're locking your…
We Have Enough Money To Retire. Can We Cancel These Insurance Policies and Use the Money for Fun?
Investing & Retirement
October 30th, 2023
If you don't have enough money saved for retirement, it's easy to know what to do. At least in broad…
Should I Pay Off Debt, Save Money or Invest?
Investing & Retirement
October 30th, 2023
You've got some cash and you're facing a financial decision: Should you invest, pay off debt or save that money…
What’s the Cheapest Way To Replace a Lost Vehicle Key Fob?
Cars
October 30th, 2023
Raise your hand if you've ever lost something. If both of your hands are still down, I'm assuming you're lying…
Should I Insure My Cars and Home With the Same Company?
Insurance
October 30th, 2023
At a time when insurance premiums are skyrocketing, especially for home and auto insurance, people are looking for ways to…
Why Are Retailers Adding an Additional $1 Charge on My Credit Card?
Credit Cards
October 27th, 2023
It's a great idea to review your credit card statements at least once a month. It's the one bill that…
I Have $1 Million in Real Estate. Should I Sell and Invest It Instead?
Homes & Real Estate
October 25th, 2023
When it comes to investing for retirement, money expert Clark Howard often recommends stashing your money in a target date…
Should I Get Auto Insurance From Tesla?
Car Insurance
October 24th, 2023
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Tesla? For me, it's an electric vehicle.…
How Many Financial Accounts and Companies Are Too Many?
Banks & Banking
October 23rd, 2023
"Mo Money Mo Problems" is a 1997 song by The Notorious B.I.G. The chorus includes this line: "It's like the…
How Does Clark Suggest You Overcome the Fear of Flying?
Travel
October 20th, 2023
Fear is an emotion. As such, it doesn't follow logic or statistics. Sharks kill about 10 people per year. Mosquitos…
How Do I Find Out the Exact Discount for Bundling Home and Auto Insurance?
Insurance
October 19th, 2023
If you haven't paid close attention to your auto and homeowners insurance premiums in the past, you probably are now.…
What Are Clark’s Sports Stadium Cost Savings Tips?
Shopping & Retail
October 12th, 2023
Just a few years ago, COVID-19 took some favorite American activities and brought them to a screeching halt. Cruises. Flights.…
Clark Howard’s Advice on Buying Gold
Investing & Retirement
October 11th, 2023
Gold is one of the most popular investments in the world. In fact, according to the data-driven visual content site…
My Lawn Mower Broke. What Does Clark Think About Self-Mowing vs. Hiring a Lawn Service?
Homes & Real Estate
October 10th, 2023
Deciding whether to mow your own grass or to hire a service to do it for you is one of…