HELP ME CLARK
From HLN's Money Expert Clark Howard

Having trouble managing money? Do your money goals seem impossible? Clark Howard wants to help you!

We're looking for families or individuals who are willing to be profiled on HLN. Those chosen will get money advice and information from Clark Howard.

Filed under: Auto • Clark Howard • Credit • Help Me Clark • Living

Clark Behind The Headlines

From HLN's Money Expert Clark Howard

 Are you ready for the wounds that come with a birthday or Christmas?

 Recently I got my 11 year old for her birthday an updated version of the Nintendo DS game machine. And it came with an accessory pack in some kind of indescribable plastic that I then needed to hire an army battalion to blast open because it was impossible to get into. It’s absolutely insane, the packaging manufacturers use. And as a consumer, how in the world do you get into these things?

 Think about how often you've been cut by the various plastic stuff that's wrapped around goods just to keep you from stealing them. And if you still buy DVDs, trying to get into those packages.. are they kidding? There are so many things on them to try to keep you from stealing them in the store.

 As someone who is not a shoplifter - and most people aren't - this is a giant hassle. But what if the manufacturers and the retailers didn't do that to us anymore?

 Well, there's this big fight going on that I've seen a number of reports about. Amazon has been at war with the electronics industry, trying to get the manufacturers to reform themselves and stop with all the idiotic packaging.

 Now, Amazon's in a different position. Any stealing that happens to them is known as shrinkage - internal employee theft. Because you don't go to an Amazon retail store, you order on the web and the stuff comes to you. And the last thing you want when it gets to your house is to have World War III with the package that you just paid money to get.

 There's obviously a better answer than what I went through with my daughter’s game system. And Amazon is really onto a great idea. There are companies already coming up with better packaging that doesn't make it impossible for you to open the item. And I think it's just a matter of time.

 Why punish 97% of your customers for the maybe 3% who have sticky fingers? Remember the customer.

Filed under: Behind the Headlines • Clark Howard • Commerce • Living

MONEY COACH
From HLN's Money Expert Clark Howard

Having trouble managing money? Do your money goals seem impossible? Clark Howard wants to help you!

We're looking for families or individuals who are willing to be profiled on HLN. Those chosen will get money advice and information from Clark Howard.

This week’s question comes from Ken Nieves of San Antonio, Texas.

Filed under: Children • Clark Howard • Economy • Investing • Living • Money Coach

HELP ME CLARK
From HLN's Money Expert Clark Howard

Having trouble managing money? Do your money goals seem impossible? Clark Howard wants to help you!

We're looking for families or individuals who are willing to be profiled on HLN. Those chosen will get money advice and information from Clark Howard.

Filed under: Clark Howard • Help Me Clark • Living • Retirement