4 things you must pack in your carry-on (11 12 26)

💵 Today’s Top Stories

4 Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-On

Whether you’re headed for a cruise, business trip or vacation, here are four things you should always, always put in your carry-on. (And why Clark never checks a bag on a flight.) Read more.

Wi-Fi Dead Zones at Home? This Can Help

If your Wi-Fi works fine near the router but cuts out upstairs or across the house, a mesh system can help extend the signal to those rooms. Here’s how it works and how to tell if it’s worth buying. Read more.

Millions Could Get Up to $280 From Equifax Settlement: Here’s Who Qualifies

The credit bureau agreed to a $100 million settlement over allegations it reported inaccurate information to lenders in the spring of 2022. Here’s who qualifies and how to file a claim. Read more.

Big Changes Coming for Paramount+ and HBO Max in 2027

The newly-formed Skydance will release a bundle with Paramount+ and HBO Max. Team Clark’s streaming expert predicts the price range – and makes a bigger prediction about their long-term futures. Read more.

💸 Ask Clark

Ask Clark Howard

Podcast | YouTube

On his podcast, Clark Howard answers real reader questions on money, credit, debt, retirement, travel, and more, along with co-host Christa DiBiase.

Today's question

Mark in Florida asks:

"You travel quite frequently. How much of that travel is for pleasure and family versus work or medical appointments?"

Clark's answer: In some months, I probably have been on 10 airplanes, but consistently I travel somewhere roughly every three weeks — so around 17 trips a year. Overwhelmingly, those trips are for fun. I do some work travel and some volunteer travel for Habitat for Humanity, but pleasure travel is what I truly enjoy. Everybody is different, but I love having the opportunity to get out, explore, see new things, and interact with people.

This has been a lifelong passion for me, not anything new. I started out as a social worker for several years, and then I went into the travel agency business back when there was no internet and you had to visit a travel agent to book a trip. I've simply always loved travel.

As far as my medical situation, I think I'm doing pretty well. I'm not under any medical restrictions for travel. I do travel occasionally for medical visits, but that's really just an annex to my life rather than the main reason I'm on the road.

Submit a question for Clark

📊 Stat of the Day

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💵 20: Number of states, along with the Federal Trade Commission, that have filed a joint lawsuit against Dollar General, alleging the discount retailer systematically overcharges checkout customers across its network of more than 21,000 stores. According to the complaint, the chain routinely rings up items at the cash register for higher amounts than the prices posted on shelf tags and advertisements, extracting millions in unlawful charges from consumers.

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🎙 Podcast

Clark dives into the double-edged sword of social media personal finance, highlighting how young people sharing their debt-payoff journeys online is creating a powerful force for accountability, while cautioning viewers against the fact that a shocking 98% of popular "finfluencers" lack any formal qualifications to give financial advice. Clark breaks down how to navigate online advice safely, points you toward truly trustworthy resources, and reveals why peer motivation can be a great tool if paired with the right guidance. Plus, Clark sounds the alarm on a deceptive postcard targeting veterans.

Watch the Full Episode

☎ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.