Christopher Smith is a writer who covers investing, banking, insurance, and making extra money. He joined Clark.com in 2020. He has more than 14 years of writing experience. Christopher has always been interested in personal finance. When he was in elementary school, he would read the Sports and Money section of the newspaper at the breakfast table every morning, tracking the prices of his favorite stocks. He joined the investment club at school and even chose to make his fourth-grade presentation about the stock market. When he’s not working, he spends most of his time with his wife, a first-generation Colombian immigrant and a Physician Assistant. He also likes college football, NFTs, rock climbing and good restaurants. You can reach Christopher at
[email protected]
Fidelity Investments Review 2023: Pros & Cons
Investing & Retirement
May 26th, 2023
You probably know Fidelity Investments is a giant, popular investment company. Our Fidelity review will help you figure out whether…
What’s the Best Way To Donate to a Charity?
Donating & Volunteering
May 26th, 2023
I want to donate to charity but I'm not sure about the most effective donation method. What's the best way…
Fisher Investments Review: Is Fisher Really a Fiduciary?
Investing & Retirement
May 25th, 2023
Ken Fisher has been one of the most recognizable investment personalities for decades. Outside of the biggest names -- BlackRock,…
What Home Security Camera Does Clark Prefer Ahead of Amazon’s Ring?
Homes & Real Estate
May 24th, 2023
If you own a home, there's a good chance you'll want a home security camera. There are just too many…
Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts
Online Banking
May 23rd, 2023
The best online banks charge you fewer fees and pay you more interest. If you don't mind doing your banking…
7 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in May 2023
Banks & Banking
May 23rd, 2023
The best savings accounts help you grow your money safely. But there are major differences in the interest rates you…
If I Have To Choose Between Paying My Car Loan and My Credit Card Payments, Which Should I Pick?
Debt
May 23rd, 2023
Sometimes we hit financial roadblocks and have to pick the lesser of two evils. What if you have to choose…
How Do I Remove Myself as an Authorized User on a Credit Card?
Credit Cards
May 22nd, 2023
Someone added you to a credit card as an authorized user. Perhaps a parent, a spouse or an ex. But…
Where Would Clark Howard Live if Not in the United States?
Travel
May 19th, 2023
Money expert Clark Howard operated travel agencies early in his career and has spent decades as a prolific international traveler.…
My Parents Haven’t Saved for Retirement. What Should I Do To Help?
Investing & Retirement
May 19th, 2023
Most of the headlines regarding family members helping each other financially deal with parents supporting adult children. However, in many…
Best Investment Companies for Investors in 2023
Investing & Retirement
May 19th, 2023
The best investment companies are good fits for almost every investor, whether you’re a beginner or you’re making exotic trades.…
My 18-Year-Old Son Got a $100,000 Settlement. Should He Use It To Max Out His IRA Every Year?
Investing & Retirement
May 18th, 2023
However it happens, you suddenly get a six-figure sum plopped into your bank account. Great news! Now what do you…
Will More Electric Vehicles Raise Rates on Electricity in the Next Few Years?
Cars
May 17th, 2023
Remember that economics class you took in high school that taught you supply and demand? Typically, if supply is fixed…
How Can I Estimate My Social Security Benefit?
Investing & Retirement
May 16th, 2023
Now that pensions are almost non-existent, many Americans rely on Social Security to sustain them financially in retirement. You can…
The 3 People, Living or Dead, Clark Would Invite to a Costco $1.50 Hot Dog Party
Shopping & Retail
May 15th, 2023
Money expert Clark Howard loves Costco. It's his favorite store. He's never been shy about it. Given how long Clark…
Should I Insure My Cars and Home With the Same Company?
Insurance
May 12th, 2023
At a time when insurance premiums are skyrocketing, especially for home and auto insurance, people are looking for ways to…
Why You Want To Spend Your IRA Money Before You Die
Investing & Retirement
May 11th, 2023
Prior to 2020, passing wealth from generation to generation through an IRA was a straightforward strategy. A family could take…
My Neighbor’s Dead Tree Is About To Fall on My House. What Do I Do?
Homes & Real Estate
May 11th, 2023
Not all damage to a home happens due to a natural disaster. Sometimes these things can be slow-moving and avoidable.…
Charles Schwab Review 2023: Pros & Cons
Investing & Retirement
May 10th, 2023
In some ways, reviewing Charles Schwab isn't much different now than it would have been in the 1970s. Guided by…
How Can I Find Out Why My Credit Score Just Dropped?
Credit
May 10th, 2023
Credit scores can seem like a mysterious black box if you're unfamiliar with how they work. Yet free credit score…
Robinhood Review: Pros, Cons & Who Should Use It
Investing & Retirement
May 9th, 2023
Robinhood has democratized investing, making it accessible and affordable for people of any age and income. It offers commission-free trading…
Vanguard Review 2023: Pros & Cons
Investing & Retirement
May 9th, 2023
Paid non-client promotion. Clark.com receives compensation when a reader clicks "View Details" on this page. Most Vanguard reviews focus on…
What Brokerage Do You Recommend for First-Time Investors or Kids?
Investing & Retirement
May 9th, 2023
Learning about finance and investing from an early age can be life-changing. Many of us have children, family members or…
Is Dollar Flight Club’s Lifetime Membership Fee Worth It?
Travel
May 8th, 2023
Love to travel? You likely spend some amount of time trying to score great deals on airfare. Most people don't…
Is CarMax a Good Place To Buy a Car?
Cars
May 5th, 2023
So you want to buy a car. What make and model do you want? And perhaps a tougher question: where…
Will Mark Cuban’s Prescription Company Really Save You Money?
Deals & Savings
May 4th, 2023
Are you tired of overpaying for prescription medications? Do you want transparent pricing and to avoid dealing with insurance? Mark…
How Do I Avoid the Money in My Bank Disqualifying My Children From Financial Aid for College?
Education
May 4th, 2023
If you've sent kids to college, you've probably heard of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). FAFSA offers federal…
Does It Ever Make Sense To Physically Build Your Own Home To Save Money?
Homes & Real Estate
May 3rd, 2023
There's building a new house and then there's building your own home. Not many people have the skillset to build…
Acorns vs. Robinhood: Which Investing App Is the Best?
Investing & Retirement
May 2nd, 2023
In this comparison of Acorns vs. Robinhood, I hope to show you why this is a wonderful era for investment…
9 Best Free Checking Accounts in May 2023
Banks & Banking
May 2nd, 2023
The best checking accounts in 2023 are free, and most offer perks to their customers. If you're looking for a…