Full Show: Is the 28% Rule for Housing a Myth? and Save Big by Shopping in Unexpected Places

Clark discusses the famous 28% rule for housing and whether it's realistic in today’s expensive market. He breaks down the actual costs of homeownership and explains why relying on a simple percentage can get you in trouble. Also, Clark reveals the hidden gems in unexpected places — like pawn shops — and shares how he and his wife use thrift stores to save big on everything from furniture to clothing. Whether you're feeling the financial squeeze or just looking for new ways to save, you won't want to miss these money-saving secrets. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 17, 2025, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: https://clark.com/ask 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Is the 28% Rule for Housing a Myth? 06:23 - Ask Clark - Should I get renters insurance for my daughter’s dorm through USAA, or would claims risk raising my auto/home rates? (Lydia in Colorado) 08:06 - Ask Clark - Is now the right time for my college senior to apply for her own student credit card, and what’s the best option for her? (Monica in Pennsylvania) 10:17 - Ask Clark - What’s a safe way to grow my children’s CD ladder savings for a future property purchase, while handling taxes smartly? (Ron in Massachusetts) 13:33 - Why Clark Loves Thrift Stores 19:50 - Ask Clark - I’m receiving $150K in cash plus $150K from a 401(k) in my divorce—should I buy a home, start a business, or both? (Astrid in Utah) 23:55 - And here’s the listener success story: A lifelong listener shares how Clark’s advice helped her escape debt, rebuild credit, retire early, and now live completely debt-free with an 850 credit score. (Kitty in Georgia) 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/