Clark Howard: Top Stolen Cars, Credit Card Surcharges, and HSA Contributions

"Clark Stinks!" Segment Highlights

• ✈️ A listener defends Southwest Airlines, highlighting benefits like the companion pass, free checked bags, and no seat selection fees, arguing they are competitive with other major carriers.
• 💳 Regarding Delta's partnership with American Express, a listener clarifies that the $10 billion figure is projected revenue, not profit, with an estimated profit closer to $1.3 billion.
• 🚗 A Tesla owner defends the car's subscription model, stating that most functions work offline and that the subscription is for convenience, not essential features.
• 🏗️ A civil engineer corrects the notion that the U.S. lacks a national building code, explaining that the International Building Code (IBC) exists, but local codes are necessary for safety due to regional differences.
• 🛒 A listener reports an increase in spam calls after applying for the Walmart OnePay card, questioning if the cashback benefits are worth the annoyance.
• 🛂 Clarification on passport renewals indicates that a passport must be expiring within one year or have expired less than five years ago for renewal, contrary to a previous statement.
• 💰 An important detail about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) is shared: unreimbursed medical expenses from up to 10 years prior can be reimbursed if receipts are kept, offering flexibility beyond retirement.

Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles and Auto Theft Prevention

• 📉 Vehicle thefts in the U.S. have decreased, with some states seeing drops of 20% or more.
• 🚗 The top 10 most stolen vehicles are Hyundai Elantre, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Chevy Silverado, Kia Soul, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Ford F-150, and Kia Sportage.
• 🔑 Older Hyundai and Kia models are targeted due to a vulnerability in their ignition systems, while trucks like the Silverado and F-150, and sedans like the Accord and Civic, are often stolen for chop shops and parts.
• ⚠️ The most common cause of vehicle theft is leaving a car running with the key or fob inside, a crime of opportunity that police strongly advise against.
• 💎 Leaving visible valuables in a vehicle, even if the car isn't stolen, can lead to break-ins and smashed windows.

Financial Management and Mortgage Escrow

• 🧑‍🎓 A 17-year-old with $300 cash and limited bank account access is advised to explore credit unions offered on college campuses for managing money.
• 🏡 A listener questions whether to manage property taxes and insurance outside of their mortgage escrow account to earn interest, but is cautioned that mortgage contracts may require escrow and removing it could lead to a higher interest rate.
• 🏦 An obscure but valuable provision allows a one-time contribution from a traditional IRA or 401(k) directly into an HSA to fund that year's contributions, provided the HSA funds are used for medical expenses.