Clark Howard

7 ways to avoid unexpected medical bills

7 ways to avoid unexpected medical bills

Have you ever left the hospital or doctor’s office with a really good understanding of what you just paid for and why you paid that much? A lot of people would say no, and that’s a big problem.

Most Americans would be very surprised to find out just how much health care costs can vary, even within the same network. What you pay may have absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the service provided, and it’s possible you could have gotten the same service for 90% less than what you paid, but no one told you how. That seems fair, right?

Fly cheap to Hawaii

Fly cheap to Hawaii

Clarks explains how a Hawaiian vacation could soon fit into your budget.

No contract, no problem!

No contract, no problem!

Clark explains why more and more people are ditching their cell phone contract.

It'll cost HOW much for my family to fly??

It'll cost HOW much for my family to fly??

Between removing your shoes, putting liquids in a zip-top bag and submitting to random bag searches, the entire flying experience is more stressful than it used to be. And for the typical American family, it’s about to get worse.

In another effort to boost revenue, many airlines now are reserving more and more window and aisle seats for passengers willing to pay extra, making it harder for families to sit together. For travelers already struggling to afford plane tickets this summer, sitting next to their children or spouse may now be impossible.

Home prices at 10-year low

Home prices at 10-year low

If you're in the market for a house, there's good news. If you're trying to sell one, the news isn't so good.

Home prices are at their lowest level since 2002, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller index, which tracks prices in 20 major markets.

Fuel-efficient payback

Fuel-efficient payback

Clark explains why the added cost of fuel-efficient technology is turning average drivers away from hybrids.

Memorial Day savings are here!

Memorial Day savings are here!

While many holiday sales turn out to be disappointing, Memorial Day can be a great time to find deals. And for shoppers who are looking for some real bargains, it’s time to de-winterize the wallet.

For the past two years, 50% of Memorial Day branded discounts were the best seen since February or earlier, according to the deal aggregator site dealnews. At the top of those “best of the year” offers were sales from apparel retailers and home goods stores. Memorial Day is a great time to shop for clothes, since spring apparel is already starting to see discounts.

Pay less for unlimited!

Pay less for unlimited!

Clark tells you how to get an unlimited cell phone plan for only $25 a month!

Need a new ride? Buy on Memorial Day!

Need a new ride? Buy on Memorial Day!

Holiday sales can get overhyped and often, the deals don’t seem to turn out as great as you expected. But when it comes to seasonal savings, Memorial Day weekend can be about as good as it gets, especially when it comes to cars.

For people considering a new set of wheels, Memorial Day weekend is a great time to buy. Not only are dealers trying to meet their end-of-the-month sales quota, which means they’re even more eager than usual to push cars off the lot, but on a holiday weekend they’re also throwing additional incentives into the equation, putting car buyers in a great position to do some negotiating.

Why you need a will

Why you need a will

Clark explains why it's so important for you to have a will.

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