Clark Howard

Want to know what to get a Starbucks' fan for the holidays? How about a gift card made of steel?!

Starbucks trumpets mega-gift card, new stores

If you've got a Starbucks fan on your holiday shopping list, the coffee titan has the perfect gift -- as long as that person is really special, and you're flush with cash.

Starbucks is rolling out a $450 gift card. Yes, you read that right: $450. At least, that's what it will cost the giver. The receiver will find the card is loaded with a mere $400. You see, it's made of steel, and Starbucks is passing along the $50 it costs to manufacture each one. There will only be 5,000 made.

When is the price not really the price?

When is the price not really the price?

The holiday shopping season, Cyber Monday in particular, has brought into focus something that's true all year long -- we love to shop online.

And what's not to love? The convenience of not having to leave your house, no sales tax (although that's slowly coming to an end) and, quite possibly, better prices than you'd get at a brick-and-mortar store.

Now is the time to score a good deal on holiday travel.

Still need airfare for Christmas? Book today!

Good news for all you holiday travel procrastinators -- today could be your day to score a deal on airfare.

According to a recent survey from travel website Kayak, the best time to book domestic airline tickets is 21 days before you want to leave. On average, Kayak found travelers saved $28 per round-trip ticket if they booked three weeks out, as opposed to six months.

Consumers' favorite car is...electric???

Consumers' favorite car is...electric???

If you are looking for a new car, wouldn’t you like one that people love?

Well, the vehicle that people love the most, according to Consumer Reports, is the Chevy Volt. It’s the second year in a row the Volt is at the top of the list.

Best cell phone move? No contract!

Best cell phone move? No contract!

If you’re trying to decide whether you should sign a new contract with a cell phone company, there’s new data from Consumer Reports that will help you make the best choice possible.

Let me tell you what they found. The best thing of all to do is not sign a contract! They found that the best-rated company to go with is Straight Talk. It’s a non-contract company, $45 a month for unlimited calling, texting and web.

#GivingTuesday: Be careful with your money

#GivingTuesday: Be careful with your money

The holiday season is the biggest time of year for Americans to donate to charity. But there hasn't been a kickoff event, official or unofficial, until now. Black Friday and Cyber Monday, meet #GivingTuesday.

Conceived by New York's 92nd St. Y as a way to encourage people to support charities, the event which kicks off today includes hundreds of partners among corporations, non-profits and social media, as the hashtag indicates.

Used cars and Sandy

Used cars and Sandy

A word of caution about buying a used car.

Here's what to look out for:

Is homeownership on the way back?

Is homeownership on the way back?

The latest signs of recovery in the housing market could offer a clear signal if you’re on the fence about whether to buy or rent.

According to the latest reading from the closely-watched S&P/Case-Shiller Index, home prices increased 3.6 percent in the third quarter, the biggest gain in more than two years.

Must-see TV: Prices fall even more

Must-see TV: Prices fall even more

It's the holiday season, which means the two things most of us wish we had more of -- time and money -- are in short supply.

Now, spending time with family and friends is important. But, let's face it: between classic movies and college football, this is a great time of year to watch TV. And as surely as your neighbor will leave his Christmas lights up until mid-February, there are screaming deals on TVs right about now.

Joseph A. Bank lawsuit

Joseph A. Bank lawsuit

Why you should think twice before chasing a big sale.

For more shopping tips from Clark, click here. 

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