Full Show: Clark’s Big Phone Service Switch and Retail Trick That Can Sabotage Your Finances

Clark was a T-Mobile customer for almost two decades, but it was time for a change. Clark explains why he decided to leave T-Mobile and which provider he selected for his cell phone service. Also, have you ever heard of “spaving?” It’s the idea that you spend more to save more. But really it’s a trick to leak more money out of your wallet. Clark walks you through the trend and the red flags to help you avoid unnecessary spending.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 9, 2024, episode of The Clark Howard Show.

00:00 - Intro
01:22 - Clark’s Big Phone Service Switch
11:48 - Ask Clark - Are iPhone Phone Plans Worth It?
12:48 - Ask Clark - Purchasing New Business
15:40 - Ask Clark - Security Breach and Children’s Identity
18:05 - Retail Trick That Can Sabotage Your Finances
23:24 - Ask Clark - Informed Delivery for Seniors
26:06 - Ask Clark - Inherited IRA
31:48 - Ask Clark - New Interest Rate on I Savings Bond

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Our Promise to You:

[brownro]

Deutsche Telecom has been the largest shareholder of T-Mobile since 2001.

[charlessommers]

Great show as always. Thank You guys 😊

[JC-nfti]

I switched two weeks ago after TM decided that a lifetime price guarantee means they can raise prices 20%. Happy with the switch. New phones, same price per month and no out-of-pocket costs. BUT... banks can now tell that I switched phone service (not number) and need to reconfirm my number. CIT BANK went 10 steps further... cannot get a wire to settle escrow due to the phone change. No wire transfers for 6 MONTHS. Told this was policy. So I closed the bank account and got the funds that way. Makes absolutely no sense and fortunately I have spare time to close escrow.

[cathim.]

I've had informed delivery for a couple of years and it is great! I check it everyday.

[kennixox]

When it comes to dishwashing machine detergent, use the cheapest powder that you can find such as the Target brand or Walmart's own brand. Pods are not only expensive, they simply do not work the way a dishwasher is designed. There are one or two videos on Youtube that goes into great detail. Dump the pods and find the discount powders.

[DrewCartwright]

We were a Republic Wireless customer for over 10 years per Clark’s advise many years ago. Boost Mobile recently acquired Republic and we were grandfathered into their “fold” for $30.00 per month, total, for two lines and unlimited data.

[kudzu]

In central Florida, I’ve been very happy with Spectrum’s internet service. Very reliable and good customer service.

[retired]

This is the reason to shop at Walmart, or anyplace that doesn't play the dumb games.

[jenniferjohnson]

We got pixel phones and went with Google last year. Saving $40.00 a month.

[Crazyferretlady-insd]

Christa sure is quick witted “mathlete” 😂awesome 😎 💜

[johnurban]

Some of these you have to pay for 3 months or a year at a time. So make sure you like it because they won’t refund you

[timleland]

I can vouch for consumer cellular customer service excellence. I have been .with them for about 7 years

[Jason-omif]

Switched my parents from Verizon to Visible. They said they can't notice any difference in coverage.

[frankl]

Yeah, T-Mobile has always been a Gernan company. I'm not sure what he is talking about here. Agree with the premise though which is that companies depend on complacency and will squeeze you if you don't know your options.

[mrswhite]

17:32 The VA still uses SSN to provide services for those who are a part of CHAMPVA. I contacted my US Senator to complain about it. The response from the VA was they are migrating to a newer system and will no longer use SSN, but that isn’t fully operational until Spring 2025!
My kids and I both use CHAMPVA. We must give our SSN to every provider we visit if we are to receive coverage. 😡

[YCPWang]

T mobile also has free international roaming. How much does google WiFi cost you?

[bshef]

SAMS CLUB "Tap to Pay" - ( FYI) - Tires Department 4th July Sale - (We're recently new Sam's members) - showed up for our appointment Saturday and we're sadly informed -
"Sam's club does NOT accept any "Tap to Pay" Service - (sad trombone horns - Wah Wah Wah) ☹📯 - Super disappointing because I no longer carry any plastic because "tap to pay" seems pretty ubiquitous everywhere I shop - (note: Home Depot is another retail giant that Does NOT accept tap to pay). I chatted with Sam's customer service and they issued us a $30 Sam's gift card for our trouble.

[IrnBruNYC]

When the emailer mentioned buying a "boutique, " I was envisioning a pottery boutique, which would integrate with her existing business. Was that wrong? Clark immediately assumed she meant a clothing retailer, which seems like a leap?

[makeyourlifeeasier]

Love your advice Clark, but where I draw the line is arguing with Krista over dish detergent😅 😂

[bbizzle]

visible is cheap and good coverage but ended up losing my phone number very hard to bring over.