Never pay for travel with a debit card (9 9 25)

Author

Sally McDonald
September 09, 2025

💵 Today’s Top Stories
Paying for travel bookings

Spirit Airlines recently filed for a second bankruptcy, and there’s other instability. Be very careful about paying with a method that doesn’t offer consumer protections. Read more.

Scam caller

You can’t fall for a phone scam if you don’t … well, let’s ask Clark to finish that sentence. Clark explains how to avoid common phone scams with one simple rule. Read more.

Financial advisor

Yes, Clark is right. When it comes to financial advisors, it starts and ends with fee-only fiduciaries. But you may not even need a financial advisor. Read more.

Contact lens case

Clark says price-fixing is to blame for skyrocketing contact lens prices in recent years. But comparison shopping can still save you big-time. We’ve done the leg work for you. Read more.

Cell phone

Google Fi Wireless is offering a huge discount for a limited time, slashing the price of its popular unlimited plans by 50% for new customers. Find out how you can save on your cell phone bill and which plan is right for you. Read more.

🩺 10 Industries Expecting the Most Job Growth

Most job-related headlines right now are short-term as people speculate on the impact of employment data on upcoming interest rate decisions.

But Clark often talks about which career paths have the most security and longevity for the future.

To that end, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has given us an idea about which industries will present the most job growth in the next decade.

It’s also an interesting dataset to consider if you’re wondering what impact artificial intelligence will have on the job market:

  1. Healthcare (support): +12.4%

  2. Computer and math: +10.1%

  3. Healthcare (practitioners): +7.2%

  4. Social service: +6.6%

  5. Management: +6.1%

  6. Architecture and engineering: 5.3%

  7. Construction: +5.2%

  8. Business and finance: +5.2%

  9. Science: +5.0%

  10. Installation, maintenance and repair: +4.6%

📊 Stat of the Day

🥤 7.97%: Pepsi’s market share in the soft drink industry. It has fallen for four consecutive years and has slumped from No. 2 behind Coca-Cola to No. 4 behind Dr. Pepper and Sprite. An activist hedge fund even revealed a $4 billion position.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
Clark Howard travel advice
Alaska whale
Hawaii
🎙️ Podcast

Are you worried about working until you're physically unable to? You're not alone. Retirement programs are helping millions of workers save for their future, but Clark warns that many Americans are still at risk. Learn how to set up your own automatic savings plan, even if your employer doesn't offer one, and make sure your retirement is a choice, not a necessity. Also, Clark challenges you to take control of your finances by tackling "subscription creep." He shares shocking statistics on how much money Americans are wasting on forgotten subscriptions and gives you a step-by-step plan to audit your monthly statements.

☎️ 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.

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