The Clark Howard Podcast

09.23.26 How To Shop Home Internet / College Savings Strategies

The Clark Howard Podcast

Show Notes

Is Your Internet Provider Ripping You Off? & How Clark Finished College Fast To Save Money

Are you still paying the "inertia tax" on your home internet? As giant cable megamergers reshape the market, big providers are steadily jacking up prices on customers who stay on autopilot – just like old landline companies did decades ago. Clark reveals how to break free from the cable monster.

Plus, with student loan interest rates soaring and college costs out of control, Clark breaks down the growing trend of 3-year bachelor's degree programs. Drawing on his personal experience of rushing through undergrad to save cash, Clark explains how accelerated and reduced-credit degree options are helping students bypass massive debt, slash room-and-board expenses, and keep their financial futures on track.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the September 23, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

Clark Smart Home Internet: Segment 1

Ask Clark: Segment 2

Save On College: Segment 3

Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Clark Howard's Tips To Save Money on Home Internet in 2026

Report: The #1 Internet Provider in America - Clark Howard

Fixed Wireless Internet: Using Your Cellular Service Provider for Home Internet

Internet Archives - Clark Howard

Mint Mobile Deal: Unlimited Plan & Home Internet for $45/Mo.

Your Discover Card Is Migrating to Capital One: What to Expect

What's Going on With Federal Student Loans? | NEA

The number of colleges getting rid of student debt is growing

Home Equity Loan Calculator - Clark Howard

When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use a 529 Plan - Clark Howard

Best 529 College Savings Plans By State

Clark.com resources:

Episode transcripts

Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark

Clark.com daily money newsletter

Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More from The Clark Howard Podcast

Oct 23, 2026

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also, - how do we teach our kids and young adults about money? Managing money was simple just a few decades ago: cash was king, consumer choices were limited, and savings accounts earned fixed interest rates. Today, we live in the most over-stored country in the world, surrounded by endless retail options, online shopping, and digital payment methods like Venmo and Cash App. Money has become frictionless and abstract, making it easier than ever for young people to fall into financial traps like recurring subscriptions and impulse spending. Because the modern financial world is vastly more complex, parents can no longer rely on kids picking up smart money habits by osmosis – active teaching while they are still under your roof is essential, as Clark explains.

Oct 21, 2026

Winter heating bills won’t be pretty, especially in markets that rely on oil for heat. What can you do now to prepare? Taking control of monthly expenses comes down to knowing where the real price traps are hiding. Clark unpacks the latest updates on winter heating trends and shifting food prices to help you make smarter financial decisions.

Oct 20, 2026

Rapid Fire Q&A: Roth Conversion Traps, RMD Spending Rules, & Switching Careers To Finance

Oct 19, 2026

Artificial intelligence is creating unprecedented risks for your retirement savings, with AI-driven fraud causing massive financial losses across the country. Deepfakes and voice-cloning technology have become so advanced that scammers can effortlessly mimic real people, leaving brokerage firms and financial institutions vulnerable to fraudulent transfer instructions. Clark has recommendations to help secure your life savings.

Oct 16, 2026

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.

See all episodes →