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].
Should I Invest a Lump Sum at Once or Through Dollar-Cost Averaging?
Investing & Retirement
July 20th, 2023
Most of us have dreamed about suddenly receiving a large pile of money. But, if you're financially responsible, you may…
Do I Need To Change the Oil in My Rental Car If I Drive It Enough?
Cars
July 19th, 2023
Perhaps you're taking a cross-country road trip. Maybe you're on a long vacation. Or perhaps you got into a wreck…
When Should I Buy Airline Tickets To Visit the Grand Canyon? And Should I Take a Bus From Vegas?
Travel
July 18th, 2023
Visiting the Grand Canyon is a dream trip for many. Since money expert Clark Howard is such a travel expert,…
Amazon Discontinued Health & Fitness App Halo. What Replacement Does Clark Recommend?
Health
July 17th, 2023
Money expert Clark Howard is a fitness fanatic. In addition to exercising regularly, he obsessively tracks his health and fitness.…
What’s Clark’s Opinion on the Greenlight Prepaid Debit Card for Kids?
Money & Credit
July 14th, 2023
Decades ago, finances for children were simpler. Perhaps you put up a chore chart on the back of a door…
My 92-Year-Old Father-in-Law Is Surrendering His Car Keys. How Should I Handle the Auto Insurance?
Car Insurance
July 13th, 2023
Time and the tide wait for no man, as the saying goes. It's just as true as it was in…
The Rule of 55: What Is It, How It Works
Investing & Retirement
July 13th, 2023
If you're thinking about early retirement, it may be important for you to understand the Rule of 55 for 401(k)…
What Does Clark Howard Think About Vanguard’s New Cash Deposit Feature?
Investing & Retirement
July 13th, 2023
Vanguard slowly rolled out Cash Deposit in 2022, an FDIC-insured interest-bearing account for its customers. The massive discount broker, known…
What Is Long-Term Care Insurance Cost & Coverage
Insurance
July 13th, 2023
The list of things I want to do when I retire includes traveling, logging some quality family time and eating…
My Financial Advisor Just Became a Fiduciary But I’m Getting Charged More in Fees. Should I Switch?
Investing & Retirement
July 12th, 2023
If you listen to money expert Clark Howard, you've heard that you need a fee-only fiduciary as your financial advisor.…
How Do You Tell Your Long-Time Spouse You Want To Split Your Finances 50/50?
Money & Credit
July 11th, 2023
When you're young and just starting your career, you may imagine a worst-case scenario of never making enough money. You…
What Is a Roth 401(k) and How Does It Work?
Investing & Retirement
July 9th, 2023
If you agree with money expert Clark Howard’s investment philosophy and the term “Roth 401(k)” doesn't already make you smile,…
Should I Buy a Home in a 55+ Community?
Homes & Real Estate
July 7th, 2023
Whether you're renting or you own a home, peering toward retirement can make you reimagine your life. Where do you…
Why You Should Always Ask Your Pharmacist the Price of Your Prescription Without Insurance
Health Insurance
July 6th, 2023
Budget-conscious people tend to try hard to save money on cell phone plans, streaming (or cable) and groceries. But there's…
I’m Saving for a Home I Intend To Buy Years from Now. Where Should I Keep the Money?
Homes & Real Estate
June 29th, 2023
You want to buy a house. But you know the market is tough right now with a lack of supply…
How Should I Handle Car Insurance for My Teenage Driver?
Car Insurance
June 28th, 2023
Handing your car keys to your teenage son or daughter, driver's license in hand, and watching them drive away alone…
My Husband Bought an Individual Stock in His IRA. Will You Tell Him This Is an Awful Idea?
Investing & Retirement
June 27th, 2023
If you've listened to money expert Clark Howard over the years, you've likely heard him explain his investing strategy. Clark…
Businesses Are Making Me Pay the Credit Card Processing Fee. Should I Pay Another Way?
Credit Cards
June 26th, 2023
Have you ever been to a convenience store and seen a handwritten note attached to the credit card processor that…
Should I Buy a Rebuilt Total Loss Car To Save Money?
Cars
June 23rd, 2023
The new and used car markets are starting to moderate after a few years when prices went off the rails.…
When Is the Best Time of Year To Buy Tires?
Cars
June 23rd, 2023
No one wants to be stuck driving a worn-out set of tires and putting anyone in danger. If you need…
Where Should I Look for a Great Deal on a Cruise in 2023?
Travel
June 23rd, 2023
Travel is in full swing as it's now summer. School's out, the sun is shining and it's prime vacation time.…
PayPal Offers 4.30% APY on Savings. Should I Transfer My Savings From My Bank?
Online Banking
June 22nd, 2023
The Fed has raised interest rates at a historic pace since March 2022. As a result, the best high-yield savings…
How Can I Afford a Nice House on a Nice Plot of Land in This Housing Market?
Homes & Real Estate
June 21st, 2023
The housing market has proven challenging for potential buyers in the last few years. First, home prices soared with historically…
Should I Ever Pay for Life Insurance From My Employer?
Life Insurance
June 20th, 2023
Life insurance can be a minefield of poor options designed to enrich insurance companies and generate high commissions for salespeople.…
Medical Facilities Far From Hospitals Are Charging Hospital Rates As ‘Satellites.’ What Gives?
Health
June 19th, 2023
No one likes to go to the doctor and get an unexpected surprise when the bill comes. Yet it seems…
Do Banks Delay Processing Deposits and Transfers To Make Extra Money?
Banks & Banking
June 16th, 2023
Banks have given consumers plenty of reasons for cynicism in the 21st century. From the Great Recession (2007-09) to billion-dollar…
My Financial Advisor Isn’t a Fiduciary. Should I Switch Advisors?
Investing & Retirement
June 15th, 2023
Choosing the right financial advisor is a challenge. Typically, a good financial advisor charges around 1% of your total portfolio…
Are Meal Services Better Value Than Eating Out or Shopping at the Grocery Store?
Food & Restaurants
June 14th, 2023
The price of food has dominated headlines during the last two years with inflation hammering groceries such as eggs and…
How Often Should I Appraise a Wedding Ring for Insurance, and Who Should Appraise It?
Insurance
June 13th, 2023
Most wedding ring discussion centers around the engagement. How are you going to propose? How much money should you spend…
The Home Service Clark Says You Should Actually Pre-Pay
Homes & Real Estate
June 12th, 2023
Any time you need to hire a contractor or a skilled tradesperson to work on your home, you have a…