Clark Howard

Are you fed up with price hikes for live TV streaming services?

You may be able to get some of your favorite channels without breaking the bank to start 2026.

Frndly TV, which is a live TV streaming service that features more than 50 channels, is offering its “best discount ever” for a limited time.

As part of a Black Friday promotion, Frndly TV will be offering its subscription for just $0.99 per month for 3 months.

This deal, which will be valid for new customers from November 21 through December 1, represents a significant discount for a service that starts at $8.99 per month when billed monthly (as low as $6.99 per month on annual subscriptions).

Frndly TV is considered a “skinny” live TV streaming service as opposed to the more expensive “full service” offerings from industry leaders YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.

As such, it isn’t a great option for live sports or news. Those channels tend to be some of the more expensive ones for services to acquire.

But it does have some popular entertainment channels, including three Hallmark channels, A&E, History Channel and more.

Let’s take a look at the options to see if it’s a fit for your household.

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What Does Frndly TV Offer as a Live TV Streaming Option?

If you’re not familiar with Frndly TV, you’re probably wondering: Is this service a good fit as an alternative to some of the more expensive live TV streaming services?

That likely depends on the type of content you watch most often.

If you’re a sports fan who is looking to catch the big college football matchup via live TV streaming, you’re likely to be disappointed with this service. It does not come equipped with any of the ESPN channels or local networks.

Likewise, you’re likely to be disappointed if you enjoy news and opinion channels like FOX News or CNN. Frndly TV doesn’t carry those, either.

Instead, Frndly TV focuses on entertainment and movie-oriented channels. For example, you can get Christmas movies and romantic dramas galore with access to three different Hallmark Channels, Lifetime and Great American Family.

And if you’re into classic TV shows, you’ll likely find some of your favorites on channels like MeTV and Ion.

The Weather Channel, Game Show Network, A&E and History Channel are some other recognizable names that may give you some value in this skinny live TV bundle setup.

Here’s a look at the full channel list and service characteristics:

	Frndly TV – Basic	Frndly TV – Classic	Frndly TV – Premium
Monthly Price	$8.99	$10.99	$12.99
Free Trial	7 days	7 days	7 days
Local Channels Included	No	No	No
Simultaneous Streams	1	2	4
Cloud DVR Hours	None	Unlimited	Unlimited

Frndly TV – Basic ($8.99)	Frndly TV – Classic ($10.99)	Frndly TV – Premium ($12.99)
A&E	A&E	A&E
aspireTV	aspireTV	aspireTV
Bounce TV	Bounce TV	Bounce TV
BYUtv	BYUtv	BYUtv
Catchy Comedy	Catchy Comedy	Catchy Comedy
CLEO TV	CLEO TV	CLEO TV
Court TV	Court TV	Court TV
CraftsyTV	CraftsyTV	CraftsyTV
Crime + Investigation	Crime + Investigation	Crime + Investigation
Dabl	Dabl	Dabl
Dove Channel	Dove Channel	Dove Channel
Family Movies	Family Movies	Family Movies
FETV	FETV	FETV
FMC – Family Movies Classic	FMC – Family Movies Classic	FMC – Family Movies Classic
FYI	FYI	FYI
Game Show Network	Game Show Network	Game Show Network
GetTV	GetTV	GetTV
Great American Faith & Living	Great American Faith & Living	Great American Faith & Living
Great American Family	Great American Family	Great American Family
Grit	Grit	Grit
Hallmark Channel	Hallmark Channel	Hallmark Channel
Hallmark Family	Hallmark Family	Hallmark Family
Hallmark Mystery	Hallmark Mystery	Hallmark Mystery
Heroes & Icons	Heroes & Icons	Heroes & Icons
History	History	History
INSP	INSP	INSP
Ion	Ion	Ion
Ion Mystery	Ion Mystery	Ion Mystery
Ion Plus	Ion Plus	Ion Plus
JusticeCentral.TV	JusticeCentral.TV	JusticeCentral.TV
Laff	Laff	Laff
Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime
Lifetime Movie Network	Lifetime Movie Network	Lifetime Movie Network
Local Now	Local Now	Local Now
MeTV	MeTV	MeTV
MeTV Toons	MeTV Toons	MeTV Toons
MeTV+	MeTV+	MeTV+
Military History	Military History	Military History
Movies!	Movies!	Movies!
Outdoor Channel	Outdoor Channel	Outdoor Channel
PixL	PixL	PixL
Pursuit	Pursuit	Pursuit
QVC	QVC	QVC
Recipe.TV	Recipe.TV	Recipe.TV
Reelz	Reelz	Reelz
Spirit of the Heart Land	Spirit of the Heart Land	Spirit of the Heart Land
Start TV	Start TV	Start TV
Story Television	Story Television	Story Television
Tastemade Food and More	Tastemade Food and More	Tastemade Food and More
The Weather Channel	The Weather Channel	The Weather Channel
UPtv	UPtv	UPtv
Vice	Vice	Vice
Western Bound	Western Bound	Western Bound

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Will you be taking advantage of this discount? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the Clark.com community.

The post Budget-friendly Live TV Streaming Service Touts ‘Best Discount Ever’ appeared first on Clark Howard.

With the stock market hitting all-time highs and climbing steadily since 2022, the environment is ripe for one of investing’s frequently used phrases: Buy the dip!

The idea sounds simple: You swoop in when prices fall and profit when they recover. But in practice, buying the dip is rarely as straightforward as it sounds.

What People Mean by a “Dip”

When people talk about “a dip,” they’re not describing a bear market or a full-blown crash. They’re usually talking about a short-term pullback — a few percent, maybe 5% to 10% — that feels uncomfortable but not catastrophic.

A “dip” implies something temporary, not a lasting decline. It’s a pause, not a collapse. Investors expect prices will soon bounce back, and they want to take advantage by buying while things are temporarily cheaper.

That belief that this is just a blip is what makes the phrase so appealing. It feels like getting a discount on something valuable you already wanted. But just because the market is down doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to go right back up.

Here’s the problem: When you “buy the dip,” you’re predicting that it’s just a dip. And that’s market timing, which rarely works the way investors hope.

How To Buy the Dip

For argument’s sake, let’s assume it really is a dip, a short selloff before a return to ongoing growth. How exactly would an investor buy the dip?

If you already have a long-term, fully invested portfolio, there are only two ways:

• Use cash that’s sitting on the sidelines.
• Sell something else to buy more stocks.

Each comes with tradeoffs most investors don’t think through.

Using Cash To “Buy the Dip”

If you have uninvested cash, you might see a market drop as a buying opportunity. But that cash has to come from somewhere and using it creates consequences.

There are only two possibilities:

You’re using money you wanted to keep as cash. Maybe it’s part of your emergency fund or short-term savings. Using it to buy stocks might feel smart, but it leaves you exposed if you need that money soon. Money expert Clark Howard warns against this repeatedly: Never risk short-term money in long-term investments.

Or you had more cash than you should have. If you’ve been sitting on a large cash pile waiting for the “right time” to invest, buying during a dip just means you’re finally putting that money to work, which is market timing by another name.

Selling Other Investments To Buy Stocks

The other way people “buy the dip” is by selling something else, usually bonds, cash equivalents, or defensive funds, and moving that money into stocks after a pullback.

This can make sense if you’re rebalancing your portfolio back to your target mix. For example, if your goal is 70% stocks and 30% bonds, and a market decline knocks your stock allocation down to 65%, then shifting a few percentage points from bonds back into stocks is a disciplined form of buying the dip.

But if you sell bonds just because stocks “look cheap,” you’re not rebalancing — you’re gambling on the outcome. Here’s what happens either way:

If you’re right and it was temporary, stocks bounce back, and now you might have 75% of your portfolio in stocks instead of your target 70%. What do you do? If you leave it there, you’re permanently taking more risk than you planned for. If you rebalance back down, you’re selling stocks to buy bonds, which means you just went through all that effort to sell bonds, buy stocks, then turn around and sell stocks to buy bonds back.

If you’re wrong and it’s a bear market, stocks keep falling 20%, 30%, or more. You sold your stabilizing assets (bonds) to buy more of the thing that’s declining. Your portfolio takes a much bigger hit than it would have if you’d stuck to your original plan.

The Bottom Line on Buying the Dip

Here’s the fundamental problem with buying the dip: It’s a three-step process where each step creates its own issue.

First, you have to correctly predict it’s just a dip. You’re betting this is a temporary pullback and not the start of a longer decline. That’s market timing, which rarely works consistently.

Second, you have to disrupt your existing allocation. To buy the dip, you’re either using cash you should have invested already, dipping into money earmarked for other purposes, or selling assets (like bonds) that you have in your portfolio for a reason.

Third, you have to figure out when to rebalance back. If you’re right and stocks recover, you’re now overallocated to stocks. Do you sell them to get back to your target? If so, when?

Why Clark Howard Says It’s Better to Stay the Course

Clark reminds listeners and readers that the best investors don’t try to predict short-term market moves. The people who win with investing aren’t the ones who move in and out — they’re the ones who stay in.

Clark’s approach is simple: Keep investing automatically and consistently. That way, when dips happen — and they always will — you’ll be buying them without needing to make a big decision in the moment.

The post Buy the Dip: It’s Trickier Than You Think appeared first on Clark Howard.

As a self-described travel nut, money expert Clark Howard has several travel credit cards in his wallet.

But the card_name is the one he most often recommends to people who are looking to get into the travel card game.

It offers a modest annual fee ($395) compared to some of its “premium” travel card competitors, while still offering coveted perks like airport lounge access.

And for a limited time, it has an increased welcome bonus offer that could be worth $1,000 in travel if you use your miles to book through the card’s travel portal.

Let’s take a look at the offer and why this card comes up so often in our list of travel credit card recommendations.

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Capital One Launches Limited-Time Welcome Offer for Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you’ve been considering adding this card to your wallet, the timing may be right with this limited-time offer:

Limited-Time Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles (equal to $1,000 towards travel) once you spend $10,000 on purchases within the first 6 months from account opening.

This is a 25,000-mile boost from the 75,000-mile welcome bonus that Capital One previously offered on this card.

That’s a pretty significant jump in value, as it should provide an additional $250 worth of travel if the points are used to book through the Capital One Travel portal.

Clark got in on a slightly better bonus offer when he signed up, taking advantage of a since-expired 125,000-point offer back when the card initially launched.

Note: Before you apply for this card, we suggest that you first read this article to ensure that a premium travel credit card is right for you.

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Why We Like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Card as a Travel Card Option

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card card_name Annual Fee: $395 Card Description: Limited-time Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening, equal to $1,000 in travel Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary

If you’re in the market for a travel credit card, you may find that this card is the right blend of high-end perks and a realistic opportunity to earn your annual fee back each year.

I recently conducted an analysis of this card’s perks and found a path to up to $1,000 in annual benefits that can be enjoyed.

There are 10 perks I think you may enjoy, but there are two that I want to highlight because they make it easy to recoup your $395 annual fee on this card each year.

First, you can qualify for a $300 credit annually for bookings made on Capital One Travel. Your bookings will have to go through the Capital One ecosystem, but this benefit alone can account for more than 75% of the annual fee if you are going to be booking that type of travel. (If you aren’t doing $300 worth of travel each year, you probably should consider a cash back credit card setup instead.)

Next, cardholders will also receive an annual bonus of 10,000 miles every account anniversary. Capital One values these at $100 when applied toward travel in their ecosystem. If you’re able to successfully apply these bonus miles to travel each year, this is how you cover that final 25% of your annual fee with rewards each year. You will begin receiving this bonus on your first-year anniversary, so you’ll have to wait a year to take advantage of this one.

From there, you’re earning the equivalent of 2% back on all of your spending while enjoying airport lounge access and other travel-related perks.

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Do you have this card in your wallet? If not, does this offer have you considering it? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the Clark.com community.

The post One of Clark’s Favorite Credit Cards Has Limited-Time Welcome Bonus Offer appeared first on Clark Howard.

Building wealth isn’t about winning the lottery or landing a six-figure salary right out of college. According to research on millionaires and financially successful individuals, becoming wealthy is more about consistent behaviors than lucky breaks.

As money expert Clark Howard explains:

“What living on less than what I make gives me is CHOICE. It gives me the ability to say what I feel about a company that I’m not happy with and you wonder: ‘How does he say that? He could lose his job!’ So what? You have to be willing to stand up for what you believe and financial independence makes that more possible.”

Here are the seven money habits that separate those who build lasting wealth from those who struggle financially, regardless of income level.

1. They Live Below Their Means (Not At or Above)

Wealthy people don’t just avoid living above their means; they intentionally live below them. This creates what financial experts call a “wealth gap” between earnings and spending.

As Clark emphasizes: “I want you to really think through the fact that the key to having financial security in your life is living on less than what you make.”

This doesn’t mean living like a pauper. It means making conscious choices about which expenses truly add value to your life and eliminating the rest. A person earning $60,000 who lives on $45,000 will build more wealth than someone earning $100,000 who spends $105,000.

One of the biggest wealth-killers is lifestyle inflation, or the tendency to increase spending whenever income increases. Wealthy people resist this by maintaining modest lifestyles even as their income grows, funneling raises and bonuses into investments instead of bigger houses and fancier cars.

2. They Pay Themselves First

Wealthy people treat savings like a non-negotiable bill. Rather than saving whatever’s left at the end of the month (which is usually nothing), they automate transfers to savings and investment accounts as soon as their paycheck hits.

So how do you start? Set up automatic transfers to occur on payday. Even if you can only start with $25 per paycheck, the automation removes the temptation to spend that money elsewhere. As your income grows, increase the amount but never decrease the automation.

This habit works because it removes decision fatigue. You’re not relying on willpower or discipline each month; you’re making the choice once and letting automation handle the rest.

3. They Avoid Consumer Debt Like the Plague

People who build wealth understand the mathematical reality of high-interest debt: It’s nearly impossible to get ahead when you’re paying 18-25% interest on credit card balances.

Wealthy people use debt strategically (like a mortgage on an appreciating asset) but avoid it for things that lose value quickly. Credit card debt for vacations, meals, and consumer goods is a wealth-killer they steer clear of.

What about significant life purchases like a car? Most people do need to finance a vehicle at some point, and that’s okay — if done wisely. Clark recommends keeping car loans to 42 months or less. The problem isn’t necessarily the car loan itself. Instead, it’s the 72- or 84-month loans that keep people in debt for six or seven years on a depreciating asset. By the time those loans are paid off, the car often needs major repairs or replacement, trapping people in a cycle of permanent car debt.

4. They Invest Early and Consistently

Time is the secret ingredient in wealth building, and wealthy people start investing as early as possible — even with small amounts — to harness the power of compound growth.

Consider this: Someone who invests $300 per month starting at age 25 will have approximately $1.1 million by age 65 (assuming a 10% average annual return). Someone who waits until 35 to start would need to invest $700 per month to reach the same goal. That 10-year delay more than doubles the required monthly investment.

Wealthy people typically use low-cost index funds and avoid the trap of trying to time the market or pick individual stocks. They invest consistently through market ups and downs, understanding that time in the market beats timing the market.

5. They Continuously Increase Their Financial Education

Wealthy people never stop learning about money. They read books about investing, listen to personal finance podcasts, understand tax strategies, and stay informed about economic trends that might affect their finances.

This doesn’t mean they’re glued to CNBC or obsessing over every market fluctuation. It means they invest time in understanding:

• How different investment vehicles work
• Tax-advantaged strategies to keep more of their money
• Ways to increase their income through skills development
• How to protect their wealth through insurance and estate planning

Every financial principle you learn can save or earn you thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Wealthy people view financial education as one of their highest-return investments.

6. They Think Long-Term

Perhaps the most significant difference between those who build wealth and those who don’t is the time horizon. Wealthy people make decisions based on long-term outcomes rather than short-term gratification.

This manifests in countless ways:

• They invest in appreciating assets rather than depreciating ones
• They choose careers with growth potential rather than just the highest starting salary
• They maintain emergency funds to avoid derailing long-term plans for short-term crises
• They focus on building skills and relationships that will compound over decades

Research shows that the ability to delay gratification is one of the strongest predictors of financial success. Wealthy people have developed this muscle through consistent practice of thinking long-term.

7. Build Multiple Income Streams (Optional)

This habit isn’t essential. You can absolutely become wealthy by simply living below your means and investing consistently over time. However, many people who build significant wealth do something else: they find ways to increase their income.

The math is simple. If you earn $60,000 and save $10,000 annually, you’re saving 16.7% of your income. But if you increase your income to $80,000 while keeping your lifestyle the same, you can now save $30,000 annually, which triples your wealth-building rate without cutting a single expense.

This income growth can come from many sources:

• Investment income from stocks, bonds, and real estate
• Side businesses or freelance work
• Rental income
• Royalties or passive income streams

The key is that you’re not trading more time for money in a linear way. As Clark says about investment real estate: “That’s a way you can make money over time. Not all at once, but you can get rich slowly.”

Beyond acceleration, multiple income streams provide protection. If one income source disappears, others remain. This reduces financial anxiety and creates more options in life. But remember, this is the accelerator, not the engine. Master the six core habits first, then consider adding income streams to speed your journey.

Building Wealth Is Simple, But Not Easy

Notice what’s not on this list: winning the lottery, day trading, cryptocurrency speculation, or inheriting a fortune. While these things can create wealth (or more often, destroy it), they’re not reliable paths for most people.

The real path to wealth is straightforward but requires discipline: spend less than you earn, invest the difference consistently, avoid bad debt, keep learning, and give your money time to grow. There’s no secret formula or get-rich-quick scheme, just smart, consistent choices over a long period of time.

The concepts are simple. But executing them consistently over decades? That’s where the challenge lies. It requires saying no to immediate gratification, maintaining discipline when friends are upgrading their lifestyles, and staying the course when the market drops. Simple to understand, but not easy to do.

Wealth building is a marathon, not a sprint. The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today. The goal of these habits, if you follow them, is for you to have financial security in your life.

The post The 7 Money Habits of People Who Become Wealthy appeared first on Clark Howard.

If you like saving money on groceries, Aldi is the place to shop. This discount grocer features rock-bottom prices on the most popular grocery items as well as organic meats, milk and specialty cheese.

In addition to its fantastic prices on all your favorite grocery items, Aldi features special deals each week in its Aldi Finds ad. This week’s ad features deals on kitchen items, cozy pajamas and more.

These items are available in limited quantities while supplies last, so you’ll want to shop early to get the best selection! If you’re an Instacart+ member, you qualify for free curbside pickup and delivery on orders of $35 or more. This includes Aldi’s middle aisle items!

Note that start dates of the ad may vary slightly by location, but you can input your zip code here to find the exact date these items will be available at your store. See all the deals at Aldi this week here!

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Save With the Best Deals From “Aldi Finds” Available Right Now

Merry Moments children’s holiday pajamas for $7.99

Find adorable Christmas pajamas for the kids! There are matching styles for women from $13. Compare to a similar set for $23.99 at Old Navy.

Create a merry welcome at your front door with this holiday mat. Find a similar mat at Target for $25.

Merry Moments 4′ Christmas inflatable gnome, snowman, penguin or Santa for $12.99

Decorate outside at an affordable price! Compare to a similar item at Walmart for $17.97.

Licensed children’s character puffer jacket for $14.99

Keep your kiddos warm with a fun coat. Compare to a similar jacket at the Gap Factory for $35.99. 

Heart to Tail pet puffer coat for $12.99

Keep Fido warm, too, with this adorable puffer coat. Compare to a similar jacket for $25.49 at Petco.

Merry Moments Holiday wood board for $9.99

This is perfect for a holiday charcuterie board! Compare to a similar board at Michael’s for $24.49!

Merry Moments Holiday decorative pillow for $9.99

Find a variety of whimsical pillows. Target offers holiday pillows for the same price.

Merry Moments 2-Quart Holiday cast iron dutch oven or 2.2-quart cast iron braiser for $22.99

Cook up some holiday spirit! Compare to a similar item at Walmart for $34.34.

Merry Moments Holiday reversible porch sign for $12.99

Welcome friends and family for the holidays! Compare to $27.08 at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Merry Moments 4-pack Swedish dishcloths for $4.99

Clean up for a great price! Compare to $14.99 for a Christmas set at Amazon.

For even more great deals and discounts, sign up for the Clark Deals daily newsletter!

The post The Best Deals of Aldi’s Middle Aisle in November appeared first on Clark Howard.

Do you love racking up credit card rewards like money expert Clark Howard?

You may want to keep an eye on the fallout of a recently announced settlement that Visa and Mastercard reached with merchants.

This agreement, which will reportedly save merchants upwards of $38 billion in swipe fees (also known as interchange fees) over the next five years, has been two decades in the making and has the potential to change the way the rewards credit card industry works.

The settlement could be a game-changer for things like earning rewards on your purchases, credit card usage fees charged to you at the point of sale by merchants, and even their acceptance of your credit card in the years to come.

Here are five things that you need to know moving forward.

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1. The Settlement Will Control the Cost of “Swipe Fees” for Merchants

One of the key pieces of this settlement agreement, which seeks to end 20 years’ worth of legal battles on the matter, is establishing a cap on how much companies like Visa and Mastercard can charge merchants for these interchange fees.

According to Reuters, “The settlement calls for Visa and Mastercard to lower swipe fees, which averaged 2.35% in 2024 and typically range from 2% to 2.5%, by 0.1 percentage point for five years.”

In total, this could save merchants up to $38 billion by 2031, with reforms potentially unlocking $224 billion long-term through increased competition based on existing spending data and economist projections.

You may not have considered this as a consumer, but one of the key expenses your local merchant endures on day-to-day transactions is the interchange fee caused by your credit card swipe on a transaction.

The merchant is responsible for paying this fee, which is typically between 2% and 2.5% of your purchase. The proceeds go primarily to your card issuer (e.g, Chase or Citibank), but the card network (e.g., Visa or Mastercard) and payment processor (e.g., Square or Stripe) also get a portion of that fee.

And these fees are not equal. The cost for merchants can vary based on the type of credit card that you swipe. Typically, the more expensive rewards credit cards carry a higher swipe fee to offset the cost of perks provided by the issuer.

Capping these fees may reduce the revenue issuers use to fund rewards, potentially leading to fewer points, higher annual fees or scaled-back perks on premium cards.

But that’s just the beginning for potential changes to the credit card market.

2. Merchants Will Have the Power to Pick and Choose Which Cards They Accept

One of the biggest issues that merchants were complaining about before this settlement was that they were subject to policies that required them to accept “all or none” of credit cards on a particular network.

For example, if an establishment wanted to accept Visa in its store, it needed to be willing to accept all Visa-branded credit cards regardless of the interchange fee attached.

According to the Wall Street Journal, “the settlement could change that practice by allowing merchants to pick and choose which categories of cards to accept within a network.”

Reports indicate that credit cards will be dropped into three major buckets for card categories. Merchants would be able to determine whether they want to accept all three, or pick and choose between the ones that have terms they deem favorable.

This could ultimately lead to some smaller merchants deciding that it may not be worth paying the swipe fees on one of the buckets that includes some of the major rewards credit cards.

Banks will add visual markers, like icons or colors, to cards to help cashiers identify tiers at checkout.

We don’t yet know which cards would fall into which buckets, but the WSJ reports that analyst sources believe most major retailers will likely choose to accept tiers of all cards. At least initially.

It’s worth noting that this settlement will not have an impact on the acceptance of debit cards on these card networks.

3. Merchants Have the Ability to Pass Credit Card Fees to Customers

This was true prior to the announced settlement, as many Clark readers have reported an increase in merchants tacking on a fee for paying with a credit card as opposed to cash.

But the terms of the settlement may embolden some merchants to implement this strategy further.

According to Reuters, “merchants would get more options to impose surcharges when people pay by card, including the ability to charge up to 4% in some cases, and steer customers toward cheaper options like cash or debit.”

Some of the reports indicate we may also see an increase in this practice, with a twist of matching the cost of the fee they charge to the type of card used to pay.

According to the WSJ, the settlement “could usher in a new era of tiered pricing at the register, giving businesses more power to charge fees depending on the credit card you use.”

For example, if you swipe one of those expensive travel credit cards at the register, a tiered pricing model could charge you more than using cash or a more practical cash back credit card.

4. Credit Card Rewards Programs Could Be Impacted

The behavior of merchants is not the only thing that could change as a result of this settlement.

Since card issuers use revenue from swipe fees to defray the cost of benefits offers on credit card rewards programs, it’s reasonable to expect that some issuers will opt to curtail or eliminate some rewards as a reaction to the capping of interchange fee revenue.

This could lead to actions like:

• Lowering cash back or points earning multipliers
• Eliminating some rewards or perks altogether
• Reducing sign-up bonuses
• Increasing annual fees
• Weakening airline perks like lounge access

Team Clark will be keeping a watch for cards that attempt these actions in the months ahead.

If you have a card with an annual fee that announces some reductions in cardholder benefits, you may need to consider downgrading to a low or no-annual-fee version of that card.

5. There’s Still Time to Adjust for Consumers

While this settlement was announced on November 10, 2025, there is still time before these new policies will impact you directly as a consumer.

According to Yahoo! Finance, “the proposed deal follows a previous $30 billion settlement offer that was rejected in June last year by US District Judge Margo Brodie, who found it insufficient. Approval from Brodie is required for the new agreement to take effect.”

As of November 11, merchant groups like the National Retail Federation are opposing the deal. They argue it doesn’t cut fees enough, which could lead to appeals and delays beyond the expected early 2026 hearing.

There is no set deadline for Brodie to issue approval, so you still have time to assess what’s in your wallet and how it may be impacted by the settlement.

Ultimately, much of the potential impact on you at the consumer level will be determined by the following:

• Do you have a premium credit card that may be subject to higher fees or potential non-acceptance?
• Do the merchants you shop with most often plan to change their acceptance policy?
• Will the merchants you shop with most often levy new card processing charges on customers?
• Will your card issuer adjust rewards or fees in response to merchant changes?

It seems unlikely that no-annual-fee, flat-rate cash back credit cards will be meaningfully impacted by this settlement. So, if you don’t already have one, consider following Team Clark’s advice of adding one that gives 2% back on all purchases.

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Will any of this impact the way you use credit cards moving forward? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the Clark.com community.

The post 5 Things to Know About New Settlement That Could Change Credit Card Rewards appeared first on Clark Howard.

Are you an Amazon Prime subscriber?

If you’re doing any volume of shopping via the subscription service, Team Clark believes you should strongly consider adding the card_name to your wallet.

And now might be a great time to consider it.

For a limited time, Amazon has increased the value of the gift card it offers as a welcome bonus for new Prime Visa cardholders.

And, unlike most other cards offering welcome bonuses, it comes with no spending requirement!

That means you could grab this offer and put the elevated bonus immediately to work on your holiday shopping.

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Prime Visa’s Limited-Time Welcome Bonus Offer

If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, you can apply for the Prime Visa card that offers 5% cash back on purchases made via Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and Chase Travel.

And, for a limited time, Amazon has the following offer for approved applicants:

Limited-time offer: Get a $250 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.

This offer is higher than the typical gift card offer, which previously was sitting at $150 in October 2025.

You also may have noticed that there is no spending requirement to earn this offer. While most other cards would require that you meet some sort of spending threshold, such as “$2,000 in the first three months,” this card is one of the few that requires you to spend nothing at all.

In fact, you’ll have that Amazon gift card ready to use on your Prime account almost immediately after your successful application.

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Why We Like the Prime Visa for Amazon Shoppers

You may be wondering if the Prime Visa is a good fit for your wallet.

I have a full article on why we believe it is an ideal fit for people who are already Amazon Prime subscribers.

But here’s the quick pitch on why I think you may want to consider this card:

It has no annual fee, and you’ll be able to earn an unlimited 5% cash back on all of your purchases at the following:

• Amazon.com
• Amazon Fresh
• Whole Foods Market
• Chase Travel

This can add up over time for Amazon Prime subscribers. Every dollar you spend at either retailer will earn you an additional 3% back on the purchases with the Amazon card versus a 2% card.

That extra 3% cash back you’d get from this card equates to an extra $30 back in your pocket for every $1,000 you spend via Amazon. And if you’re only getting 1% back (or none at all!), that net cash back profit from using this card can extend to $40 or $50 per $1,000.

Here’s a quick rundown of what this card looks like beyond the welcome bonus:

Rewards Program

Prime Visa card_name Annual Fee: $0.00 Rewards Program Details: Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of products and categories at Amazon.com Earn unlimited 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases. Bonus Offer: For a limited time, get a $250 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.

You’ll receive your cash back in the form of rewards points. These will be available to use as soon as the next day after a purchase clears.

You can use your accumulated points to pay for Amazon purchases directly, as credit card statement credits via Chase, or you can request a deposit of the cash back to a bank account you attach to your credit card account.

Top Cardholder Benefits

• 10% or more off select Amazon products: Cardholders will gain access to discount opportunities on select Amazon products. These are limited-time offers, may have some restrictions and must be purchased with the credit card to receive the big discount.
• Gift card freebie upon approval: This credit card does not have a traditional welcome bonus that offers a cash reward for a certain threshold of spending. Instead, it offers an instant gift card that is added to your Amazon account upon application approval. The amount on the gift card can vary.
• Extended warranty on many purchases: If you use this card to make a purchase on an eligible warrantied product, it will extend the time period for the manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year. The manufacturer’s warranty has to be three years or less to qualify.
• Auto rental insurance: Amazon says, to get this coverage, you simply decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your Amazon card. The coverage is secondary to your personal auto insurance, but it can still save you money.
• Zero-liability fraud protection: If your credit card is lost or stolen, you’re not going to be held liable for any fraudulent charges made with your card.

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Do you have the Prime Visa in your wallet? We’d love to hear how it’s working out for you in the Clark.com community.

The post Prime Visa Increases Welcome Bonus in Time for Amazon Holiday Shopping appeared first on Clark Howard.

It is no secret that money expert Clark Howard loves shopping at warehouse clubs to save money. His love of Costco is widely known — he even named one of his dogs Kirkland Signature after their store brand. However, he is also a huge fan of Sam’s Club. In fact, there are several reasons that Clark believes Sam’s Club is superior to his beloved Costco, including their membership cost, Scan & Go^TM technology, and excellent customer service.

As a superfan of Sam’s Club myself, I love using the website to discover new products every month. Although the nearest Sam’s Club is 35 miles from my home, that doesn’t stop me from getting deals. I enjoy the in-person shopping experience at Sam’s, but I typically order online and use my Plus Membership to get free shipping on qualifying orders of $50 or more.

New Products at Sam’s Club This Month

Each month, I will take a look at the newest Sam’s Club products. Similar to my monthly Costco roundup, most items will be under $100. However, if I find a particularly good deal or hot find, I will let you know. 

Remember: Sam’s Club products are not guaranteed to be there from month to month, so if you discover a new product that you can’t live without, be sure to snag it.

Homedics Heated travel Cushion With Vibration Massage, 2-Pack, Black

Why I chose this:

Have you done the math on how much a new car really costs? One piece of that equation is how much add-ons, like heated seats, add to the price. I recently purchased a new truck, and if I had selected heated seats, it would have increased my cost by roughly $1,000 by jumping up a trim level. Sam’s Club is selling these vibration massage seats as a two-pack for a fraction of the price. Not only do you get the heat on your back, but also on the bottom cushion for both you and a second person in the vehicle.

Sam’s Club is selling these for $39.98 both in-club and online. 

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Pyrex Simply Store 28-Piece Glass Food Storage Set

Why I chose this:

I am all about glass storage containers vs plastic ones. Not only are they clear and stackable, but you also don’t have to worry about plastic leeching into the food. Pyrex is selling this set at Sam’s, which includes three 1-cup, six 2-cup, three 4-cup, and two 7-cup containers. The lids are BPA-free, and this is dishwasher safe.

Sam’s Club is selling this set for $23.98 in-club and online, and the price reflects a $6 off promo that ends on November 30. Amazon was recently selling the same one for $69.99 at a cost difference of $46.01. You could nearly renew your membership for another year just on the savings with this product alone. 

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Jovial Organic Brown Rice Gluten Free Pasta, Fusilli, 24oz.

Why I chose this:

Being an Italian-American, there is one thing I know… good Italian food and, chief among them, pasta. I admit, when I saw this recently at my club, I didn’t know much about it, and I have heard horror stories about gluten-free pasta not tasting so great. When I did the research, I learned that this fusilli is made from just one ingredient, holds its shape, and is made in Italy! The reviews seem very favorable as well. 

Sam’s Club is selling this 24oz. box for $6.88 in-club and online. This is a pound and a half, and traditional pasta would cost a fraction of the price, but it is entirely gluten-free. Based on the reviews, I would give this a try.

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McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning, 10.12 oz.

Why I chose this:

While browsing the new items for November, this relatively inexpensive item caught my eye. Take your salads, pasta salads, and meals to the next level. It is a blend of paprika, red pepper, Romano cheese, sesame seeds, and garlic. Think everything bagel seasoning, but more salad-friendly. 

Sam’s is selling this for $6.98 both in-club and online.

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Member’s Mark 4-Piece Acacia Wood Cutting Board Set

Why I chose this:

Doing a little digging, I noticed this was a highlighted new Member’s Mark item for November, and for good reason. You will receive three cutting boards in different sizes, along with a holder to make storage easy. One side of the cutting board is grooved to collect juices and crumbs, and the other side doubles as a serving board. Think charcuterie! 

I did not see this on a recent visit to my club, but the online price is $34.98.

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Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash with Pump 30.6 fl. oz., 2 ct. 

Why I chose this:

You receive two bottles of 30.6 fl oz each, with a gentle, clean, and deep moisturizing action that lasts for 24 hours. This is a new product for both Dove and Sam’s Club and contains plant-based ingredients. This is sulfate-free and paraben-free. 

This is sold both in-club and online for $13.48, making the unit price just $6.74 per bottle. Meanwhile, Amazon sells one bottle for $10.97, making the 2-pack from Sam’s Club the better deal.

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Member’s Mark Sweet Potato Fries Dog Treats, 32 oz.

Why I chose this:

I mean, who doesn’t love sweet potato fries? Am I right? Well, now Sam’s Club makes them under its house brand, Member’s Mark, but they aren’t for you. They are for your loveable pooch! These contain no added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

This 32 oz. bag sells in-club and online for $16.98. 

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Eddie Bauer Boys Polar Fleece Jacket

Why I chose this:

I wanted to showcase this as we approach the colder months, as it’s an inexpensive way to upgrade your child’s wardrobe and ensure they are winter-ready without breaking the bank. Sam’s is selling this Eddie Bauer fleece jacket in three colors and several sizes. This jacket has a nylon shell that protects against rain, wind, and snow, and also features a quick-drying fleece lining. 

This is sold both in-club and online for $14.98. My local club did not have them yet, but I was assured that they are on the way. 

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The Little Blue Box of Bright and Early Board Books by Dr. Seuss, Board Book

Why I chose this: 

With the holidays approaching fast, this is a timeless gift set of 4 classic Dr. Seuss beginner board books. The recommended age range is 0-3 years old, and the titles include: “Hop on Pop,” “The Things You Can Think!,” “Ten Apples Up On Top!,” and “The Shape of Me and Other Stuff.” With the convenient carry handle, you can take these books with you when visiting Grandma and then back home again with ease. 

Sam’s Club sells this book set both in-club and online for $8.98. 

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Bestway 22” King Air Mattress w/Pump and Antimicrobial Coat

Why I chose this:

You have family visiting for the holidays, but you just remembered that you are slightly short on sleeping space. Sam’s is selling this king-size air mattress with a pump to make setting up a breeze. Not only is it easy to set up, but it is easy to take down and comes with a carry bag so you can take it with you or hang it effortlessly in a closet. 

This is sold online and in-club for $69.98.

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Final Thoughts

This is just the tip of the iceberg for November. Thousands of new items are available online at Sam’s, and the list is updated daily. 

Be sure to check back every month as we update this list with our new favorite finds. 

Can’t wait until next month? You can find even more great Sam’s Club deals at Clark Deals right now.

The post 10 Best New Products at Sam’s Club in November appeared first on Clark Howard.

If you’ve been spending any time in investing circles lately, whether that’s on social media, in investment forums, or even chatting with coworkers, you’ve probably heard about covered calls. This options strategy has been getting a lot of buzz, with some financial influencers touting it as a way to generate “passive income” from stocks you already own.

Before you jump into selling covered calls on your portfolio, let’s break down what this strategy actually is, why it’s suddenly everywhere, and whether it makes sense for your situation.

What Is a Covered Call?

A covered call is an options strategy where you sell someone else the right to buy your stock at a specific price (called the “strike price”) by a specific date. In exchange for giving them this right, you collect a payment upfront called a “premium.”

Here’s a simple example: Let’s say you own 100 shares of Apple stock currently trading at $80 per share. You could sell a covered call with a strike price of $85 that expires in one month. Someone might pay you $2 per share for this option (the premium), which is $200 total for your 100-share contract.

To summarize, with this contract, you have sold someone the right to buy your shares within the next month at $85. For this right, they have paid you $200.

Now one of two things will happen:

• Scenario 1: Apple stays below $85. The option expires worthless, and you keep your shares and the $200 premium. You can sell another covered call next month if you want.
• Scenario 2: Apple shoots up to $100. Here’s the catch: your shares get “called away” at $85 per share. You miss out on that run from $80 to $100. You still made money (your shares went from $80 to $85 before you were forced to sell them, plus you collected the $200 premium), but you gave up the extra $15 per share in gains above $85.

The key word is “covered.” You actually own the shares you’re writing the option on. This is very different from a “naked call,” where you’d sell call options on stock you don’t own, exposing yourself to unlimited risk.

Why Would Anyone Do This?

At first glance, this might seem odd. Why would someone pay you for the right to buy your stock later instead of just buying it now? And why would you limit your upside for a relatively small premium? Let’s look at both sides.

Why the buyer wants this deal:

The option buyer is making a leveraged bet. Instead of spending $8,000 to buy 100 shares of Apple at $80, they can spend just $200 for the right to buy those shares at $85. If Apple shoots up to $100, they can exercise their option, buy the shares at $85, and immediately have a profit (minus the premium they paid). Their $200 turned into a significant gain, whereas buying the stock outright would have required much more capital.

If they’re wrong and Apple never gets to $85, they’re only out the $200 premium instead of being stuck holding shares that might have gone down. It’s a way to get upside exposure without tying up as much money.

Why you, the seller, may want this deal:

You collect immediate income on shares you already own. Maybe you think Apple is fairly valued and likely to trade sideways for a while. That $200 premium is yours to keep, no matter what happens (as long as you don’t buy back the option). If you were planning to sell at $85 anyway, you’re essentially getting paid to place a limit sell order.

Plus, if the option expires worthless, you can turn around and sell another covered call the next month, creating an ongoing income stream from shares you’re holding long term.

The catch, of course, is that you’re giving up the big gains if the stock really takes off. That’s the trade-off: income now versus unlimited upside later.

Why Are Covered Calls Trending Right Now?

Several factors have pushed covered calls into the spotlight.

The Search for Income

With interest rates coming down from their recent peaks and many retirees or near-retirees looking for income, covered calls have been marketed as a way to squeeze extra cash from stocks you already own. Instead of just waiting for dividends, you can generate income by selling these options monthly or quarterly.

Social Media and Influencer Culture

Financial influencers have discovered that covered calls make for compelling content. It’s easy to show a screenshot of “I made $500 this week selling covered calls!” What’s harder to show is the opportunity cost of the big gains they missed when stocks rallied past their strike prices.

Volatility Creates Opportunity

Higher market volatility means option premiums are generally higher. When stocks are bouncing around more, buyers are willing to pay more for options, which makes covered calls more attractive to sellers.

Technology Makes It Easier

Modern brokerage apps have made options trading more accessible than ever. What used to require calling a broker and significant expertise can now be done with a few taps on your phone. This ease of access has democratized options trading, for better or worse.

What Covered Calls Are

Let’s be clear about what this strategy actually offers.

• A way to generate income from stocks you own. If you’re holding shares long term anyway, covered calls can produce extra cash flow.
• A strategy to add modest returns in sideways markets. When stocks aren’t going anywhere fast, those premiums can add up.
• A way to sell at your target price while getting paid to wait. If you were planning to sell at $190 anyway, why not collect a premium while you wait for it to get there?
• More conservative than owning stocks alone. The premium you collect provides a small cushion against losses. If that stock drops $2 but you collected $2 in premium, you’re roughly break-even.

What Covered Calls Are Not

This is where the marketing often diverges from reality.

• Not free money or passive income. You’re taking on real risk and making a real trade-off. You’re capping your upside in exchange for immediate income.
• Not appropriate for your best growth stocks. If you believe a stock could double, why would you cap your gains at 5% above the current price? Covered calls work best on stocks you expect to move sideways or slightly up.
• Not a substitute for a diversified portfolio. Some people get so excited about covered call premiums that they over-concentrate in a few stocks just to run this strategy. Bad idea.
• Not as simple as it sounds. There are tax implications, timing considerations, and decisions to make every time an option expires. This isn’t truly “set it and forget it.”
• Not risk-free. You still own the stock, which can go down. The premium provides only a tiny buffer against losses.

Final Thoughts

Covered calls are a real strategy used by sophisticated investors, but they’re also being oversimplified and oversold to everyday investors who might not understand what they’re giving up.

Before you start selling covered calls:

• Make sure you understand options fundamentals. Don’t learn with real money.
• Run the numbers. Calculate what you’d make in different scenarios, including if the stock surges.
• Consider the tax hit. Option premiums are usually taxed as short-term capital gains.
• Ask yourself why you own the stock. If it’s for growth potential, covered calls might work against that goal.
• Start small if you start at all. Try it with a small position to see if you actually enjoy the management and decision-making.

Remember, in investing, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Covered calls offer income today in exchange for limited upside tomorrow. Whether that trade-off makes sense depends entirely on your goals, timeline, and the specific stocks involved.

Clark Howard’s Take: This isn’t a strategy Clark would recommend for the average investor. It’s complex, carries tax consequences, and can quietly chip away at your long-term growth. Clark’s advice remains the same as always: Stick with the tried and true basics, a diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds, automatic contributions, and a long-term mindset. Those simple steps have a far better track record than any short-term trading strategy that sounds clever in the moment.

The post Covered Calls: What They Are and Why Everyone’s Talking About Them appeared first on Clark Howard.

Retirement often brings visions of financial freedom and reduced expenses. After all, you’re no longer commuting to work, buying professional wardrobes, or contributing to retirement accounts. But while some costs do decrease, others may surprise you by going up — sometimes significantly.

Understanding which expenses tend to increase in retirement helps you plan more accurately and avoid budget shortfalls during your golden years. Here are six categories where retirees commonly spend more than they anticipated.

1. Healthcare and Medical Expenses

Healthcare is often the biggest expense shock for new retirees. Even with Medicare starting at age 65, out-of-pocket medical costs typically increase substantially.

Why it costs more: Medicare Part B requires monthly premiums (deducted from Social Security), and it only covers about 80% of outpatient services. You’ll need to cover the remaining 20% plus deductibles. Prescription drugs require separate Part D coverage with its own premiums and copays. Many retirees also purchase Medigap supplemental insurance to fill coverage gaps, adding another monthly expense.

According to Fidelity’s annual estimates, a 65-year-old couple retiring today should expect to spend over $345,000 on healthcare throughout retirement, and that’s just for Medicare premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket costs. It doesn’t include long-term care.

Clark’s take: Don’t assume Medicare covers everything. Budget for supplemental insurance premiums, higher prescription costs as you age, dental and vision care (which Medicare doesn’t cover), and potential long-term care needs. Consider a Health Savings Account (HSA) while you’re still working to build a tax-advantaged medical expense fund.

2. Travel and Leisure Activities

For many people, retirement is when they finally have time to see the world and pursue bucket-list adventures. That newfound freedom often comes with a hefty price tag.

Why it costs more: During your working years, vacation time was limited. Now you have 365 days a year of potential travel time. Many retirees plan multiple trips annually, like visiting grandchildren, exploring national parks, taking cruises, or traveling internationally. These experiences are wonderful and fulfilling, but they add up quickly.

Clark’s take: Build travel into your retirement budget realistically. If you’re dreaming of extensive travel in early retirement, plan for it financially rather than being caught off guard. Consider strategies like traveling during shoulder seasons, using travel rewards credit cards strategically, and looking for senior discounts. But most importantly, make sure your travel dreams align with your retirement savings.

3. Dining Out and Entertainment

With more free time and a desire to stay socially active, many retirees find their restaurant and entertainment budgets creeping upward.

Why it costs more: When you’re working, busy weeknights often mean quick meals at home. In retirement, every day can feel like the weekend. Meeting friends for lunch, trying new restaurants, attending matinee movies, going to concerts, or joining social clubs all become more frequent. These small expenditures multiply quickly when you’re no longer bound by a work schedule.

Clark’s take: There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your retirement socially — that’s part of what you saved for! Just be honest about this spending category in your budget. Look for senior discounts, early-bird specials, and free or low-cost entertainment options in your community. Many museums, parks, and cultural venues offer senior rates or free admission days.

4. Home Maintenance and Repairs

As both you and your home age, maintenance costs often increase, and your ability or desire to do the work yourself may decrease.

Why it costs more: Tasks you once handled yourself, like lawn care, gutter cleaning, heavy lifting, and home repairs, may require hiring professionals. Major systems like HVAC, roofing, and appliances don’t last forever, and replacement costs add up. Additionally, you might want to modify your home for aging-in-place, adding grab bars, improving lighting, or even remodeling for accessibility.

Clark’s take: Budget for both routine maintenance and major repairs. Consider setting aside 1-2% of your home’s value annually for maintenance and repairs. If you plan to age in place, factor in potential modifications. Alternatively, some retirees downsize or move to communities with included maintenance, which shifts costs but doesn’t eliminate them.

5. Gifts and Financial Help for Family

Grandchildren, adult children needing assistance, and a generous spirit can lead to increased spending on family.

Why it costs more: Retirement often coincides with having grandchildren, and many grandparents love showering them with gifts, experiences, and financial help with education. You might also find yourself in a position to help adult children with down payments, emergencies, or other financial needs. During working years, these gifts might have been more limited by cash flow.

Clark’s take: Generosity is wonderful, but remember the airplane oxygen mask rule and secure your own financial future first. Make sure your own retirement is fully funded before providing significant financial assistance to others. Consider setting clear boundaries and annual limits on family gifts to avoid derailing your retirement security.

6. Taxes

Many retirees are shocked to discover their tax bill doesn’t disappear when their paycheck does, and in some cases, it might even be higher than expected.

Why it costs more: If most of your retirement savings are in traditional 401(k)s or IRAs, you’ll pay ordinary income tax on every dollar you withdraw. Once you reach age 73, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) force you to withdraw — and pay taxes on — a certain percentage of your retirement accounts annually, whether you need the money or not. These RMDs can push you into a higher tax bracket and increase the taxation of your Social Security benefits.

Speaking of Social Security, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable at the federal level, depending on your combined income. Many new retirees don’t realize this and are caught off guard by the tax hit. Additionally, if you have pension income, investment income from taxable accounts, or take on part-time work, all of these add to your taxable income.

State taxes also matter. Some states don’t tax retirement income at all, while others tax everything, including Social Security. If you’re in a state with high income taxes, your retirement tax burden might be significant.

Property taxes deserve special attention. Even if you’ve paid off your mortgage, property taxes never go away, and they typically increase every year. In many areas, property tax assessments have skyrocketed in recent years as home values have surged. What was a manageable $3,000 annual property tax bill during your working years might balloon to $6,000, $8,000, or even $10,000+ in high-tax areas. Unlike your working years when salary increases might have kept pace with rising property taxes, retirement income is often fixed or grows more slowly. This makes property tax increases particularly painful for retirees on fixed incomes.

Some states offer property tax relief programs, exemptions, or freezes for seniors, but these vary widely and often have income limits. Many retirees find themselves “house rich, cash poor” — owning valuable homes they can barely afford to keep due to escalating property taxes.

Clark’s take: Tax planning is crucial for retirement. If you’re still working, consider contributing to Roth accounts now to create tax-free income later. Roth conversions during lower-income years can also reduce future RMDs and taxes. Consider strategic withdrawal strategies that minimize your lifetime tax bill. For example, living on taxable account withdrawals in early retirement while doing Roth conversions, then switching to tax-deferred accounts later.

Location matters too. Clark has frequently discussed the benefits of retiring in tax-friendly states like Florida, Nevada, or Tennessee, which have no state income tax. But remember to look at the full picture — property taxes, sales taxes, and overall cost of living matter just as much as income tax rates.

Don’t overlook property taxes in your retirement planning. Budget for steady increases (3-5% annually is common in many areas, though some locations see even steeper rises). Research senior property tax exemptions, freezes, or relief programs in your state or county. Some areas allow seniors to defer property taxes until the home is sold or the owner passes away. If property taxes are becoming unaffordable, downsizing or relocating might be necessary, even if it’s not your first choice.

Working with a tax professional or fee-only financial planner who understands retirement tax strategies can save you tens of thousands of dollars over your retirement years.

Planning for Reality

The key to a comfortable retirement isn’t pretending you’ll spend less on everything; it’s being realistic about where your money will actually go. Many financial advisors suggest that you’ll need 70-80% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your lifestyle, but for many people pursuing active, healthy retirements, that percentage might be higher, especially in the early years.

What You Need To Do Now

Create a detailed retirement budget that accounts for both decreased expenses (commuting, work clothes, payroll taxes) and increased ones (the six categories above). Review and adjust your budget regularly as your retirement evolves. Your spending patterns will likely change over time, with more discretionary spending in early, active retirement years and more healthcare spending in later years.

The goal isn’t to deprive yourself in retirement — you worked hard and saved for this! The goal is to spend intentionally, knowing where your money goes and ensuring it lasts throughout your retirement years.

The post 6 Things You’ll Probably Spend More on Than You Think in Retirement appeared first on Clark Howard.