# What are the best money-saving tips from Clark Howard? Amelia Palmer · August 5, 2026 > Clark Howard advocates the "50/30/20" budgeting rule - 50% of income for necessities, 30% for discretionary spending, and 20% for savings and debt... Clark Howard advocates the "50/30/20" budgeting rule - 50% of income for necessities, 30% for discretionary spending, and 20% for savings and debt repayment. He recommends setting up automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account to make saving effortless and ensure you're consistently contributing. **Also worth reading:** [What are the best HSA investment strategies for retirees to maximize tax-free growth and cover healthcare costs?](https://in-surely.com/knowledge/what_are_the_best_hsa_investment_strategies_for_retirees_to_maximize_tax-free_growth_and_cover_healthcare_costs.php) · [What are the typical out-of-network maternity costs with Aetna and how can members manage these expenses?](https://in-surely.com/knowledge/what_are_the_typical_out-of-network_maternity_costs_with_aetna_and_how_can_members_manage_these_expenses.php) · [What are the definitive AI insurance regulatory trends for 2027 and how do they impact brokers?](https://in-surely.com/knowledge/what_are_the_definitive_ai_insurance_regulatory_trends_for_2027_and_how_do_they_impact_brokers.php) Clark advises consumers to negotiate bills and recurring expenses like cable, internet, and cell phone plans annually to ensure they're getting the best rates. He's a big proponent of using cash instead of credit cards to better control spending and avoid impulse purchases. Clark encourages exploring generic and store brand alternatives, which can provide significant savings on everyday items without sacrificing quality. He suggests looking into rebates, coupons, and loyalty programs to maximize savings on purchases you were already planning to make. Clark Howard recommends setting a holiday budget and sticking to it to avoid overspending during the festive season. He advocates for buying used cars instead of new ones, as new cars can depreciate rapidly in value. Clark advises consumers to maintain an emergency fund with 3-6 months' worth of living expenses to provide a financial cushion for unexpected events. He emphasizes the importance of comparison shopping, especially for big-ticket items like appliances and electronics, to ensure you're getting the best deal. Clark Howard suggests bundling insurance policies, such as home and auto, to take advantage of potential discounts. He recommends regularly reviewing your credit report and disputing any errors to maintain a healthy credit score and access better interest rates. Clark advises against falling for "limited-time" or "one-time-only" deals, as they are often used to create a sense of urgency and pressure consumers into making purchases. He suggests cutting the cord on expensive cable or satellite TV subscriptions and exploring cheaper streaming alternatives. Clark Howard encourages consumers to negotiate when making major purchases, such as a new car or home, to potentially save thousands of dollars. He recommends reviewing subscriptions and memberships regularly and canceling any that are no longer being used to eliminate unnecessary expenses. Clark advises against borrowing from retirement accounts, as it can have long-term implications for your financial future. He suggests using price comparison websites and browser extensions to ensure you're getting the best prices when shopping online. Clark Howard emphasizes the importance of building credit responsibly, as a good credit score can unlock better interest rates and terms. He recommends exploring alternative modes of transportation, such as carpooling, public transit, or bike-sharing, to save money on fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. Canonical: https://in-surely.com/knowledge/what_are_the_best_money-saving_tips_from_clark_howard.php Markdown: https://in-surely.com/knowledge/what_are_the_best_money-saving_tips_from_clark_howard.php/index.md