Full Show: Clark Stinks! and The ONLY Reason To Get a HELOC

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, banks are aggressively pushing Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans, tempting you to tap into your housing wealth. But Clark warns: Don't fall for the trap! There’s only one reason you should do it. All this and more on the October 17, 2025, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: https://clark.com/clarkstinks/ https://clark.com/ask/ https://clark.com/about-consumer-acti... 00:00 - Intro 01:21 - Clark Stinks - I know you often say extended warranties are a waste of money on new electronics, but I’ve had great experiences with SquareTrade warranties on used or refurbished items from eBay. Shouldn’t that be an exception to your rule? (Joe – Florida) 03:23 - Clark Stinks - You mentioned a listener’s life insurance policy but didn’t note that whole life policies often require ongoing premiums beyond the initial years, sometimes even funded by loans against the cash value. That’s an important warning to share. (Irene – Florida) 05:24 - Clark Stinks - I disagree that Zelle is unsafe — I’ve used it for years without any issues. Isn’t it just as secure as other digital payment apps when used carefully? (JP – Connecticut) 07:27 - Clark Stinks - Clark undersells HSAs by calling them “triple tax advantaged” — employer contributions avoid FICA taxes, making them quadruple tax advantaged! Also, employees can open a second HSA at Fidelity to get better investment options while keeping payroll contributions at work. (Zach – Kansas) 10:23 - Clark Stinks - When discussing U.S. healthcare costs, Clark doesn’t mention that hospitals and doctors here pay U.S.-level prices for real estate, supplies, and staff — unlike clinics in cheaper countries. That affects what patients pay, too. (Brandon – Texas) 11:59 - Clark Stinks - Clark stinks worse than our goat in mating season! We have plenty of guaranteed income and don’t need our retirement funds for living expenses. That’s why I keep my IRA in 2040 and 2050 target-date funds — even though I’m 72. They’re less conservative and fit my goals better. (Lucy – Wisconsin) 13:36 - Clark Stinks - You forgot to mention defined maturity ETFs (target maturity bond ETFs) as an alternative to individual bonds — they offer diversification and a set maturity date. (Lynn – Delaware) 14:44 - Clark Stinks - Clark, you missed an opportunity to tell those parents their college-bound kid could buy a cheap used car, keep some cash in reserve, and resell or fly instead of driving cross-country. (Rick – Arizona) 16:27 - Clark Stinks - Clark stinks when he’s too hard on himself! You’re doing yoga for you, and that makes you one of the “best in class.” (Leigh – Connecticut) 18:29 - The ONLY Reason To Get a HELOC 23:32 - After cancelling a home purchase due to major inspection issues, is there any way to get earnest money refundedwhen the contract says it’s nonrefundable? (Jeff – Texas) 26:53 - Should online retailers be required to disclose potential tariff or import fees before checkout? I was surprised with a $55 FedEx bill after buying from Quince. (Judith – Virginia) 29:27 - Should I sell my small crypto investment and move the money into my Fidelity brokerage account to strengthen my rainy day fund and focus on long-term growth? (Brock – Florida) Clark.com: Advice You Can Trust: SUBSCRIBE:    / clark   Listen To The Clark Howard Podcast: https://clark.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lrwhe2... iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/8-the-... Follow Us for More Money Tips: Website: https://clark.com/ Podcast: https://clark.com/podcasts/ Newsletter: https://clark.com/newsletters/ Instagram:   / theclarkdotcom   Facebook:   / clarkhoward   Need Consumer Advice? The Consumer Action Center is a free resource for advice on money and consumer issues. Call 636-49C-LARK (636-492-5275) and a member of Team Clark will assist you as soon as possible. The Consumer Action Center is available Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. If you found this video valuable, give it a like. If you know someone who needs to see it, share it. Leave a comment below with your thoughts. Add it to a playlist if you want to watch it later. Our Promise to You: At Clark.com and ClarkDeals.com, we do not get paid for endorsements or reviews of any product or service, nor do we allow advertisers to place paid content on our sites. More information: https://clark.com/ad-disclosure/