01.26.26 Regular Retail Vs Costco / The Newly Expanded ABLE Account

The Clark Howard Podcast

Clark Howard

Investing, Entrepreneurship, Business

4.6 • 5.2K Ratings

🗓️ 26 January 2026

⏱️ 32 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Today - A tale of two retail experiences. Merchants are getting eaten up by the cost of returns and stiff new policies are reflecting that, with strict deadlines and fees as high as $45 to process mailed items. By contrast, Costco continues to lead with customer-friendly policies, including a little-known "price drop" perk. Also - The ABLE (529A) program has undergone significant expansion, with millions more people now eligible. Clark breaks down everything you need to know, including a NEVER NEVER rule to protect your wallet. Many Unhappy Returns: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 The Updated 529A: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Costco Home Insurance: 5 Things To Know Before You Buy It Costco Car Insurance: 5 Things To Know Before You Get a Policy Travel Alert: New Requirement for UK Travelers European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) What Is an ABLE Account? 10 Clark Howard 'Never, Not Ever' Rules To Protect Your Money 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: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Vanta.
0:03.0	Security and compliance done wrong is a headache.
0:06.0	Done right, you build trust and grow faster.
0:08.0	That's Vanta.
0:09.0	For startups, Vanta acts as your first security hire,
0:13.0	using AI to get you compliant fast.
0:15.0	For enterprises, it's your AI-powered hub for compliance,
0:18.0	risk and automating workflows.
0:20.0	From startups like Cursor to enterprises like Snowflake,
0:22.6	top companies choose Vantor.
0:24.6	Do security and compliance right.
0:26.6	Get started today at Vanta.com.
0:29.6	Hear that?
0:30.6	It's your big McDonald's hunger calling,
0:32.6	because the Big Arch is back,
0:34.6	and this time it's here to stay
0:36.6	with juicy beef, cheddar cheese and that Big Arch sauce. Hung and this time it's here to stay with juicy beef,
0:39.6	cheddar cheese and that Big Arch sauce.
0:41.3	Hungry, you are now.
0:43.2	Order delivery on the McDonald's app.
0:47.8	Serve from 11am, upcharges and fees apply to delivery orders. Subjects availability, price and participation may vary.
1:07.2	I'm so glad you're with us on the Clark Howard Show where our mission is to serve you with advice and information that empowers you so you make better financial decisions in your life.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Clark Howard, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Clark Howard and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.