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]
Where Should I Look for a Great Deal on a Cruise in 2023?
Travel
January 18th, 2023
Now that the holidays are over, many people are thinking about travel plans for 2023. Feel like hitting the seas…
Do You Need a Separate Checking Account for Your Side Hustle?
Taxes
January 17th, 2023
It's common for people to seek additional income outside of their full-time job. Many times, that's through part-time work as…
We Just Got Married. How Do We Blend Our Finances?
Money & Credit
January 16th, 2023
Research consistently finds that financial compatibility and harmony is one of the biggest predictors of long, happy marriages. So when…
I Can’t Afford My Variable Life Insurance Policy. Can I Sell It?
Insurance
January 13th, 2023
If you've listened to money expert Clark Howard for any period of time, you probably know how much he prefers…
Should I Invest a Lump Sum at Once or Through Dollar-Cost Averaging?
Investing & Retirement
January 12th, 2023
Most of us have dreamed about suddenly receiving a large pile of money. But, if you're financially responsible, you may…
Should We Worry About the National Debt and Budget Deficits?
Money & Credit
January 11th, 2023
The United States is a country known for spending money. We're a nation with a culture that encourages buying, even…
Can Married Couples Get Joint Access To Utility, Mortgage and Investment Accounts?
Money & Credit
January 10th, 2023
So you're combining your finances with a spouse or family member. It can be a frustrating and inconvenient process that…
How Do I Use All the Funds on My Virtual Gift Card?
Money & Credit
January 9th, 2023
The holiday season is prime gift-giving time. But many of us are guilty of turning to gift cards for some…
What Should You Think About Home-Buying Companies Willing To Pay Cash for As-Is Properties?
Homes & Real Estate
January 6th, 2023
Mortgage rates are soaring at a time when inflation, a stock market decline and a slowing job market have pressured…
Should I Buy Insurance for Nice Sunglasses?
Insurance
January 5th, 2023
If you've gone on vacation in a sunny place, you drive often when the sun is rising or setting or…
When Is the Best Time of Year To Buy Tires?
Cars
January 4th, 2023
No one wants to be stuck driving a worn-out set of tires and putting anyone in danger. If you need…
Are Swimming Pools Becoming Affordable Again?
Homes & Real Estate
January 3rd, 2023
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States in 2020 caused a massive shift in culture, business and…
What Is a CD Ladder and When Is It a Good Idea?
Banks & Banking
January 2nd, 2023
One of the silver linings of historic inflation and all the Fed interest rate hikes is that for the first…
Should I Refinance My Student Loans? And Does It Matter If I Want To Buy a House Soon?
Loans
December 23rd, 2022
Interest rates are as high as we've seen since 2007. Combined with the velocity at which the Fed has raised…
Which Organization Offers Better Benefits, AARP or AAA?
Travel
December 22nd, 2022
Money expert Clark Howard, Team Clark and our audience all love discounts. Whether it's a membership to Costco, Clark's favorite…
Should I Buy Additional Insurance From a Rental Car Company?
Travel
December 21st, 2022
You know that if you own a car, you need car insurance to protect yourself and comply with state law.…
Will I Lose Out on Interest If I Move Money Between Savings Accounts Multiple Times Per Month?
Banks & Banking
December 20th, 2022
Back in the dark ages of savings accounts, a scant 11 months ago, the Federal interest rate was effectively zero.…
Can I Invest Through My HSA While Still Remaining Liquid?
Investing & Retirement
December 19th, 2022
An HSA, or a Health Savings Account, can be one of the most exciting financial tools if you know how…
When Should I Book My Flight From Atlanta to Europe?
Travel
December 7th, 2022
Money expert Clark Howard owned, operated and sold travel agencies early in his career. To this day, he's a frequent…
Should I Invest or Pay Off My Student Loans?
Debt
December 6th, 2022
Compound interest is one of the most exciting, powerful and remarkable forces in finance. Given enough time, a modest amount…
What Is the Best International Cell Phone Plan?
Cell Phones
December 5th, 2022
At Clark.com, we study cell phone plans every day. We've written about the best cell phone plans for every budget,…
What Do You Do if Your Short-Term Rental Isn’t As Advertised or Has a Problem?
Travel
December 2nd, 2022
If you stay in a hotel room and something is wrong, you can march to the lobby and usually get…
How Much Liability Coverage Do I Need on My Car Insurance Policy?
Car Insurance
December 2nd, 2022
Nearly every state requires a minimum amount of liability coverage on your vehicle insurance. Those of us who love saving…
How Much Should Your 401(k) Account Cost You All-In?
Investing & Retirement
December 1st, 2022
The easiest decision in retirement planning is contributing to your company 401(k) account up to the company match. You can…
How Do You Prepare for the Likelihood of Long-Term Care Costs?
Life Insurance
November 29th, 2022
Planning for the potential for expensive healthcare at the end of our lives is one of the least exciting parts…
A Hacker Tried and Failed To Get Into My Account. Now What?
Protect Your Identity
November 18th, 2022
Whether you received an alert that your passwords are available on the dark web or you just want to practice…
Why Are Credit Card Interest Rates So High?
Credit Cards
November 16th, 2022
Americans are doing a historically poor job of saving money and are racking up credit card bills -- just as…
Where Would Clark Howard Live if Not in the United States?
Travel
November 15th, 2022
Money expert Clark Howard operated travel agencies early in his career and has spent decades as a prolific international traveler.…
Tax-Loss Harvesting: How To Use a Bear Market To Lower Your Tax Bill
Investing & Retirement
November 4th, 2022
It's been a rough year for U.S. equities. Due to a combination of historic inflation and aggressive interest rate hikes…
IRS Announces Record 401(k) Contribution Limit Increase for 2023
Investing & Retirement
October 25th, 2022
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a record increase in 401(k) contribution limits for 2023, raising the standard amount from…