Clark Howard: Top Cheap Sunscreens, Gas Prices, Funeral Insurance & More

Clark Stinks: Listener Feedback and Clark's Responses

• ⛽ Top Tier vs. Regular Gas: Listeners debated the necessity of Top Tier gasoline, with some reporting over 150,000 miles on non-Top Tier gas without issues, while Clark acknowledged the additive differences and differing beliefs on its benefits.
• ⚰️ Funeral Insurance: Clark advised caution regarding funeral insurance sold by funeral homes due to high built-in fees, even though policies may offer portability and copies.
• 📠 Healthcare Practice & Fax Machines: Healthcare professionals defended the use of fax machines and phone triage, arguing that apps and online scheduling don't replace the nuanced assessment of patient needs and that practices operate on thin margins.
• 💸 Student Loans & Family Loans: An oversight was noted regarding advice on student loans, specifically the omission of family loans, with a listener emphasizing the importance of clear repayment terms and communication.
• 📉 Shrinkflation: A listener pointed out that sugar prices may not have returned to normal, but rather the bag size has decreased, a phenomenon known as shrinkflation.
• 🩸 Discounted Blood Work: LifeExtension.com was recommended as a source for discounted blood work through LabCorp, offering significant savings compared to direct lab costs, especially for tests not covered by insurance.

Top Cheap Sunscreens for 2025

• ☀️ Effective Sun Protection: Clark emphasized the importance of sunscreen for health and noted that effective protection doesn't have to be expensive.
• 💯 Consumer Reports' Top Pick: Copper Tone Water Babies Lotion (pink container) received a perfect 100 score from Consumer Reports, costing around $8, and is recommended over sprays for better protection.
• 💰 High-Scoring Alternatives: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Lotion scored a 90 but costs three times as much, while Everyday Humans lotion scored 83 for $15.
• 💨 Spray Sunscreen Recommendations: For sprays, Eucerin Advanced Hydration Spray ($16, score 88) was top-rated, followed by Black Girl Sunscreen Kids ($12, score 77) and Trader Joe's Spray SPF 50 (score 74).
• 🔬 Mineral Sunscreens: One listener shared their preference for mineral sunscreens, citing potential concerns about chemicals in non-mineral options and the importance of reapplication.

Ask Clark: Consumer Questions

• ❓ Tipping for Pickup Orders: Tipping percentages have decreased, and while it's a personal choice, Clark personally tips for carry-out orders, noting that tip distribution varies by establishment.
• 🚗 Deals on Tesla Model 3 Tires: Warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam's, and BJ's Wholesale are recommended for tire purchases due to lower markups. Costco is highlighted for including many services in the tire price. Tire Rack is also a good option for cost-effective tires.
• 🏡 Retirement Communities: Clark favors faith-based, non-profit retirement communities but advises verifying they are operated by the non-profit. He stressed the importance of researching state requirements for buy-in protection (bonds) for continuing care retirement communities to safeguard life savings.