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Chris Clark

Chris Clark

Chris Clark

Freelance Writer

Chris Clark is a Kansas City–based freelance journalist covering personal finance, housing and retirement. A former Associated Press editor and reporter, he writes plainspoken stories that help readers make smarter financial decisions.

As a Moneywise contributor, he brings decades of newsroom experience to stories that break down complex financial issues into clear, practical advice for everyday Americans. With 37 years in journalism—including an 18-year tenure at The Associated Press from 1996 to 2014—Chris grounds his reporting in a deep understanding of the economic landscape. He holds a BA from Missouri Southern State University and stays on top of daily market trends by closely following resources like Bloomberg and CNBC.

EXPERIENCE

T

The Associated Press
Reporter & Press Editor 1996–2014

EDUCATION

M

Missouri Southern State University
BA 1991

FIND ME ON

The Associated Press

Numbers tell a story.

37+

Years in American journalism

537

Articles published

51

Financial topics covered

Chris Clark's Expertise

When you've owned a car for years and car repairs start mounting, it may be time to let it go.

Auto • Feb 26

Should you keep fixing up your car or send it to the junkyard? Here's the tipping point

Hall County Sheriff's Office says the alleged car title fraud started in 2019 and netted $1 million.

Auto • Feb 02

9 arrested in alleged $1-million scheme to help unlicensed drivers buy, register and drive cars. Beware of title fraud

Aerial view of rows and rows of vehicles parked in large lot.

Auto • Jan 07

Top executives at subprime auto lender charged with fraud. Here’s how prosecutors say they misled banks to earn billions

Top 10 states with most credit debt

Credit Cards • Aug 24

Which states have the highest credit card debt?

Bipedal robots move containers during a demonstration at an Amazon fulfillment center in Sumner, Washington, Oct. 18, 2023.

Employment • Mar 09

Economists warn 20% of US jobs at risk of automation, and not just white-collar roles. How workers can build resilience

A woman walking away from an office building could be one of many workers navigating a workplace where job loyalty no longer guarantees financial security.

Employment • Feb 26

Woman regrets 'loyalty' after leaving PR firm with debt and no 401(k). How to protect your pay, benefits and future

Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison attends the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards.

Employment • Feb 01

From janitor to CEO: 4 lessons on rising up the corporate ranks, and why they matter for today’s workers

Millions of Americans now pay $1,000 or more monthly for car payments. Learn how to manage high auto loans.

Loans • Feb 17

WA mom dishes out $1,100/month in car payments — and 20% of Americans are in the same boat. How to afford the new normal

A young man in a dicussion with a person in the foreground.

Loans • Jan 26

My mom opened a credit card in my name with my permission but she's run up a balance of $40K. How will this impact me?

An upset daughter sits with her mother.

Loans • Jan 23

Mom stole daughter’s identity to borrow $200,000 to feed gambling addiction. It took daughter a decade to clear her name

Someone else's tax disaster can turn into a red-hot real estate deal.

Real Estate • Apr 16

Homes forfeited over unpaid taxes can be a bargain buy. Just be prepared for what — or who — you might find

Tiny home

Real Estate • Apr 04

How Portland cracked the code on affordable starter homes

Suze Orman speaks at an event.

Real Estate • Apr 02

Suze Orman says older homeowners are leaving money on the table — and most don't even realize it

Older man seen at the side of a grave, with his arm around a woman crying and another girl by his side.

Retirement • Oct 05

My uncle, 85, died with no will. I’m his only family and I want to do right by him — what am I actually taking on?

A man waiting at a bus stop could be one of many Gen Xers who worry they are behind on their retirement savings.

Retirement • Mar 21

Gen X is facing a $400K retirement shortfall. Why they are falling behind on savings — and how anyone can catch up

Retired man sitting outside, feeling distressed about his debt.

Retirement • Feb 07

I’m 64 and want to retire — but with a $185K mortgage, I’m terrified my nest egg won’t last. What to do ASAP

An older woman smiles as she opens a piece of mail in her home.

Taxes • Mar 11

Thousands of seniors in a Florida city are getting property tax rebate checks. What other homeowners can do for relief

A person using a calculator and writing notes on a desk.

Taxes • Jan 19

Americans may be overlooking billions in federal tax credits. Here's what you can claim to bolster your household budget

A custodian walks through tax documents in the staging warehouse at an Internal Revenue Service facility on March 31, 2022 in Ogden, Utah.

Taxes • Mar 03

US taxpayers should prepare for longer waits getting their refunds this year. How to adjust if you’re affected

Captain Emanuele Giudice (C) of the Villa Vie Residences' cruise ship speaks to the media.

News • Oct 29

Owner of 3-year cruise that shut down and left passengers stranded in Cambodia asked ship residents for emergency loans

An older gentleman has a supportive conversation with a younger man about a nondescript topic.

News • Jun 02

Economists say we're in a G-shaped economy. What does that mean, and how is it different from a K-shaped one?

Ford F 150 Raptor entering an intersection

News • May 26

Police say a Texas accountant covertly stole $3 million from her bosses — then splurged on cars, trips and a Swiss watch

Caucasian senior man with protective face mask sitting in waiting room at the hospital

Research • Oct 02

Study: Americans ‘live the sickest lives’

Top 10 states with most credit debt

Credit Cards • Aug 24

Which states have the highest credit card debt?

Neighborhood in Belmont, North Carolina

Real Estate • Apr 02

Japan quietly built a massive stake in American homebuilding. Here’s what that means for your next purchase

"It’s going to get messy real quick.”

Mortgages • Jan 07

Caller plans to buy a house with girlfriend's mom as a cosigner. Why The Ramsey Show says this is 'next-level stupid'

"People pay far more in interest over time and die before they ever pay off their home."

Mortgages • Nov 29

Republicans are hating on Trump's 50-year mortgage idea. Here's why some think it will 'ultimately reward the banks'

Mark Cuban

Investing • Jun 16

Mark Cuban says your 401(k) is why billionaires get 'insanely rich' — and argues their wealth is building yours too

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins speaks alongside Gov. Greg Abbott, ranchers, and health officials during a press conference about New World screwworm.

Investing • Jun 10

Resurgence of flesh-eating New World screwworm in Texas could take a bite out of consumer stocks

Jason Briner, with the University of Buffalo, Department of Geology, looks at a sample of granite.

Investing • Jun 04

China controls 90% of rare-earth processing — now a $204 million U.S. investment in France aims to change that

Two young women online shopping on a smartphone, one of them is holding cash.

Banking • Jan 25

84% of Americans are opposed to the US becoming cashless

Maximize your investment returns by using tax-sheltered accounts. Learn about 5 accounts that help you save more and keep more of your money from taxes.

Banking • Sep 25

Boost returns with 5 tax-sheltered accounts

blonde woman keeping smile on her face while having pleasant conversation

Banking • Sep 17

Bank bonuses: What to know before you switch

People in protective suits dig through the rubble of a home destroyed in the LA wildfires in 2025.

Insurance • Jan 14

A year after LA wildfires destroyed thousands of homes, fewer than a dozen are rebuilt. Here what's slowing recovery

A child is examined by a doctor.

Insurance • Oct 20

Over 1M Texas kids lose Medicaid and CHIP in 2 years. Here's what US families can do amid post-pandemic purge

Man inspecting scratch on a car.

Insurance • Oct 07

A woman recently blamed me for dinging her car in a parking lot — and she’s even got insurance involved. What do I do?

Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze

Managing Money • Jun 12

Indiana dad racked up $75,000 in secret debt and his wife is heading for the door — but Ramsey says don't split

A couple reviews bills together at the kitchen table.

Managing Money • Jun 09

When a loved one dies, here are the bills you should pay ASAP, which can wait, and the ones you may never have to touch

Tony Robbins argues that tithing has helped him build his wealth.

Managing Money • May 01

Billionaire Tony Robbins says donating to charity for 15 years has actually fueled his 'insane' wealth

A close up of Dan Simpson smiling while talking about how his stop for a customer's Diet Coke resulted in over $70K of donations for his retirement.

Life • Apr 07

Domino’s driver, 68, bought a Diet Coke for a customer — and ended up with $77K from strangers

The Ramsey Show cohosts react to caller's financial predicament.

Life • Mar 15

LA father charges daughter rent but she claims it’s theft. Why The Ramsey Show says it’s time for a hard conversation

A family enjoys each other's company during a camping trip.

Life • Mar 07

With the cost of travel up 26% since 2019, some people are ditching their vacation plans. How to keep travel costs down

More articles from Chris Clark

Chris's favorite resources

1

Bloomberg

2

CNBC

3

Reuters

4

The New York Times

5

The Wall Street Journal

6

The Associated Press

More from Chris Clark

LATEST

Captain Emanuele Giudice (C) of the Villa Vie Residences' cruise ship speaks to the media.

News • Oct 29

Owner of 3-year cruise that shut down and left passengers stranded in Cambodia asked ship residents for emergency loans

Mikael Petterson, founder of Villa Vie Residences, says the stranded passengers are now “counting on me to make the decisions here, and there’s nothing else I’m focused on.”

Captain Emanuele Giudice (C) of the Villa Vie Residences' cruise ship speaks to the media.

News • Oct 29

Owner of 3-year cruise that shut down and left passengers stranded in Cambodia asked ship residents for emergency loans

Mikael Petterson, founder of Villa Vie Residences, says the stranded passengers are now “counting on me to make the decisions here, and there’s nothing else I’m focused on.”

Older man seen at the side of a grave, with his arm around a woman crying and another girl by his side.

Retirement • Oct 05

My uncle, 85, died with no will. I’m his only family and I want to do right by him — what am I actually taking on?

Without a plan in place, families can be left fumbling in the dark.

Older man seen at the side of a grave, with his arm around a woman crying and another girl by his side.

Retirement • Oct 05

My uncle, 85, died with no will. I’m his only family and I want to do right by him — what am I actually taking on?

Without a plan in place, families can be left fumbling in the dark.

Mark Cuban

Investing • Jun 16

Mark Cuban says your 401(k) is why billionaires get 'insanely rich' — and argues their wealth is building yours too

Cuban says 150 million Americans help create billionaire wealth through stock ownership. Here’s why his argument matters.

Mark Cuban

Investing • Jun 16

Mark Cuban says your 401(k) is why billionaires get 'insanely rich' — and argues their wealth is building yours too

Cuban says 150 million Americans help create billionaire wealth through stock ownership. Here’s why his argument matters.

Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze

Managing Money • Jun 12

Indiana dad racked up $75,000 in secret debt and his wife is heading for the door — but Ramsey says don't split

The father of a 6-year-old called The Ramsey Show thinking he needed to file for bankruptcy after racking up $75,000 in credit card, car and HVAC debt — much of it hidden from his wife.

Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze

Managing Money • Jun 12

Indiana dad racked up $75,000 in secret debt and his wife is heading for the door — but Ramsey says don't split

The father of a 6-year-old called The Ramsey Show thinking he needed to file for bankruptcy after racking up $75,000 in credit card, car and HVAC debt — much of it hidden from his wife.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins speaks alongside Gov. Greg Abbott, ranchers, and health officials during a press conference about New World screwworm.

Investing • Jun 10

Resurgence of flesh-eating New World screwworm in Texas could take a bite out of consumer stocks

Beef prices could surge while your portfolio plunges. Here’s what to know about the agricultural pest that reared its ugly head north of the border.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins speaks alongside Gov. Greg Abbott, ranchers, and health officials during a press conference about New World screwworm.

Investing • Jun 10

Resurgence of flesh-eating New World screwworm in Texas could take a bite out of consumer stocks

Beef prices could surge while your portfolio plunges. Here’s what to know about the agricultural pest that reared its ugly head north of the border.

A couple reviews bills together at the kitchen table.

Managing Money • Jun 09

When a loved one dies, here are the bills you should pay ASAP, which can wait, and the ones you may never have to touch

Creditors may contact families quickly after a death, but experts say slowing down and understanding the estate can prevent costly mistakes.

A couple reviews bills together at the kitchen table.

Managing Money • Jun 09

When a loved one dies, here are the bills you should pay ASAP, which can wait, and the ones you may never have to touch

Creditors may contact families quickly after a death, but experts say slowing down and understanding the estate can prevent costly mistakes.

Jason Briner, with the University of Buffalo, Department of Geology, looks at a sample of granite.

Investing • Jun 04

China controls 90% of rare-earth processing — now a $204 million U.S. investment in France aims to change that

As governments race to secure critical minerals, investors may have another way to diversify.

Jason Briner, with the University of Buffalo, Department of Geology, looks at a sample of granite.

Investing • Jun 04

China controls 90% of rare-earth processing — now a $204 million U.S. investment in France aims to change that

As governments race to secure critical minerals, investors may have another way to diversify.

An older gentleman has a supportive conversation with a younger man about a nondescript topic.

News • Jun 02

Economists say we're in a G-shaped economy. What does that mean, and how is it different from a K-shaped one?

Talking about the new generation: Households are still worried about groceries, housing and other essentials.

An older gentleman has a supportive conversation with a younger man about a nondescript topic.

News • Jun 02

Economists say we're in a G-shaped economy. What does that mean, and how is it different from a K-shaped one?

Talking about the new generation: Households are still worried about groceries, housing and other essentials.

A collection of Mastercard credit cards.

Investing • May 30

Mastercard stock has climbed nearly 12,000% since its IPO in 2006 — and the company says cards are just the beginning

A $10,000 bet on Mastercard's 2006 IPO would be worth nearly $1.2 million today.

A collection of Mastercard credit cards.

Investing • May 30

Mastercard stock has climbed nearly 12,000% since its IPO in 2006 — and the company says cards are just the beginning

A $10,000 bet on Mastercard's 2006 IPO would be worth nearly $1.2 million today.

Ford F 150 Raptor entering an intersection

News • May 26

Police say a Texas accountant covertly stole $3 million from her bosses — then splurged on cars, trips and a Swiss watch

You'd never expect a financial controller to lose control.

Ford F 150 Raptor entering an intersection

News • May 26

Police say a Texas accountant covertly stole $3 million from her bosses — then splurged on cars, trips and a Swiss watch

You'd never expect a financial controller to lose control.

Rachel Cruze and George Camel take a call on the Ramsey Show

News • May 22

'You want my parents dead': Utah wife paid half for a home she doesn't legally own after 30 years on the farm

When mixing family and finances, you have to leave the ‘family’ mindset out of it.

Rachel Cruze and George Camel take a call on the Ramsey Show

News • May 22

'You want my parents dead': Utah wife paid half for a home she doesn't legally own after 30 years on the farm

When mixing family and finances, you have to leave the ‘family’ mindset out of it.

Eric Schmidt speaks at Chainlink's SmartCon 2022 Web3 Conference.

News • May 21

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is one of the latest graduation speakers to be booed for praising AI in his speech

Artificial intelligence has entered the commencement chat, and a lot of graduating seniors aren’t having it.

Eric Schmidt speaks at Chainlink's SmartCon 2022 Web3 Conference.

News • May 21

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is one of the latest graduation speakers to be booed for praising AI in his speech

Artificial intelligence has entered the commencement chat, and a lot of graduating seniors aren’t having it.

Coworkers gather together in a meeting room.

News • May 15

'Everybody and their mother is using these things': AI note-takers are creating a legal time bomb in boardrooms

The AI bot that's quietly recording your Zoom or Teams meeting could be dangerous if users don't understand the risks.

Coworkers gather together in a meeting room.

News • May 15

'Everybody and their mother is using these things': AI note-takers are creating a legal time bomb in boardrooms

The AI bot that's quietly recording your Zoom or Teams meeting could be dangerous if users don't understand the risks.

Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence send cargo to the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock

News • May 14

The US is so desperate for mariners that new grads are being offered $170,000 salaries — plus $54,000 signing bonuses

Students training for these jobs often complete grueling schedules involving up to 24 credit hours per semester alongside mandatory sea training.

Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence send cargo to the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock

News • May 14

The US is so desperate for mariners that new grads are being offered $170,000 salaries — plus $54,000 signing bonuses

Students training for these jobs often complete grueling schedules involving up to 24 credit hours per semester alongside mandatory sea training.

Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer of Digital Realty, looks at active servers in the Digital Realty Innovation Lab (DRIL) data center in Ashburn, Virginia.

News • May 13

‘AI is going to gut white-collar employment’: What a ‘compute tax’ is and why the idea is now gaining traction

As fears grow over AI job losses, some economists want to tax AI computing power. Here’s how the tax would work and who’d be on the hook.

Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer of Digital Realty, looks at active servers in the Digital Realty Innovation Lab (DRIL) data center in Ashburn, Virginia.

News • May 13

‘AI is going to gut white-collar employment’: What a ‘compute tax’ is and why the idea is now gaining traction

As fears grow over AI job losses, some economists want to tax AI computing power. Here’s how the tax would work and who’d be on the hook.

L: Man on TikTok holds up burrito from Chipotle, R: Exterior of Chipotle restaurant

News • May 08

Chipotle CEO promises ‘no team member’ will say no if you ask for more food — but hungry customers aren’t convinced

Even beans and rice are subject to price hikes.

L: Man on TikTok holds up burrito from Chipotle, R: Exterior of Chipotle restaurant

News • May 08

Chipotle CEO promises ‘no team member’ will say no if you ask for more food — but hungry customers aren’t convinced

Even beans and rice are subject to price hikes.

Bill Ackman says New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani risks alienating wealthy taxpayers.

News • May 07

Billionaire Bill Ackman says Mamdani shouldn't ‘drive out the Ken Griffins of the world' if he wants New York to prosper

The top 1% of New Yorkers pay up to 40% of all tax revenues, including the city’s, he says.

Bill Ackman says New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani risks alienating wealthy taxpayers.

News • May 07

Billionaire Bill Ackman says Mamdani shouldn't ‘drive out the Ken Griffins of the world' if he wants New York to prosper

The top 1% of New Yorkers pay up to 40% of all tax revenues, including the city’s, he says.

Trump holding a meeting in the East Room of the White House.

News • May 05

‘Drill, baby, drill’: Trump says US oil boom just getting started as America outpumps Saudi Arabia, Russia combined

American oil production has reached historic highs, with crude output hitting 13.6 million barrels per day.

Trump holding a meeting in the East Room of the White House.

News • May 05

‘Drill, baby, drill’: Trump says US oil boom just getting started as America outpumps Saudi Arabia, Russia combined

American oil production has reached historic highs, with crude output hitting 13.6 million barrels per day.

Tony Robbins argues that tithing has helped him build his wealth.

Managing Money • May 01

Billionaire Tony Robbins says donating to charity for 15 years has actually fueled his 'insane' wealth

Here are 3 ways generosity could boost your finances — and how to start.

Tony Robbins argues that tithing has helped him build his wealth.

Managing Money • May 01

Billionaire Tony Robbins says donating to charity for 15 years has actually fueled his 'insane' wealth

Here are 3 ways generosity could boost your finances — and how to start.

Ray Dalio speaks at the Fortune Global Forum Riyadh 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Investing • Apr 30

‘You want to come out of this with a win’: Ray Dalio says gold should be 5-15% of your portfolio in wake of Iran war

The hedge fund founder also believes America has entered a period of stagflation — a challenging mix of persistent inflation and slowing growth.

Ray Dalio speaks at the Fortune Global Forum Riyadh 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Investing • Apr 30

‘You want to come out of this with a win’: Ray Dalio says gold should be 5-15% of your portfolio in wake of Iran war

The hedge fund founder also believes America has entered a period of stagflation — a challenging mix of persistent inflation and slowing growth.

President Donald Trump, seen here speaking to press in Miami, designated the U.S. electric grid as “essential to the national defense.”

Investing • Apr 28

Trump just made the power grid a national defense issue — how to invest with $1 trillion in upgrades looming

The move could signal a significant investment opportunity, with industry already poised to spend more than $1 trillion on grid upgrades over the next five years.

President Donald Trump, seen here speaking to press in Miami, designated the U.S. electric grid as “essential to the national defense.”

Investing • Apr 28

Trump just made the power grid a national defense issue — how to invest with $1 trillion in upgrades looming

The move could signal a significant investment opportunity, with industry already poised to spend more than $1 trillion on grid upgrades over the next five years.

adult man in a suit, his brow furrowed in apparent thought. His hair is light and his facial hair is short and groomed. He is resting his chin on his hand.

Managing Money • Apr 26

A 50-year-old has $400K after years of overspending — and 10 years to turn it into a retirement plan

You're ahead of the median but behind on your goal. Here's how to close the gap.

adult man in a suit, his brow furrowed in apparent thought. His hair is light and his facial hair is short and groomed. He is resting his chin on his hand.

Managing Money • Apr 26

A 50-year-old has $400K after years of overspending — and 10 years to turn it into a retirement plan

You're ahead of the median but behind on your goal. Here's how to close the gap.

Older couple smiling on their couch, drinking coffee

Managing Money • Apr 23

She retired with $780K and moved into her partner's home — now she pays half the mortgage but owns nothing

She’s paying 50% of the household bills, but her name isn’t on the home. Here’s the risk she may be missing.

Older couple smiling on their couch, drinking coffee

Managing Money • Apr 23

She retired with $780K and moved into her partner's home — now she pays half the mortgage but owns nothing

She’s paying 50% of the household bills, but her name isn’t on the home. Here’s the risk she may be missing.

Trump smiles in the White House while looking at his golden ballroom

News • Apr 23

Trump literally can’t go 3 days without bringing up his $400 million ballroom, data reveals

Mentions of the ballroom are on par with, or in some cases ahead of, mentions of major issues like healthcare affordability and prescription drug pricing.

Trump smiles in the White House while looking at his golden ballroom

News • Apr 23

Trump literally can’t go 3 days without bringing up his $400 million ballroom, data reveals

Mentions of the ballroom are on par with, or in some cases ahead of, mentions of major issues like healthcare affordability and prescription drug pricing.

Young man looking stressed while monitoring stocks

Investing • Apr 23

Stablecoin volume has quadrupled in under 3 years — and JPMorgan says the $300 billion market is just warming up

Stablecoin is the newly coveted cryptocurrency.

Young man looking stressed while monitoring stocks

Investing • Apr 23

Stablecoin volume has quadrupled in under 3 years — and JPMorgan says the $300 billion market is just warming up

Stablecoin is the newly coveted cryptocurrency.

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