02.09.26 Gift Cards: Use Or Lose Them / Big Changes For Home Backup Power - The Clark Howard Podcast Recap
Podcast: The Clark Howard Podcast
Published: 2026-02-09
Duration: 35 minutes
Summary
Clark Howard emphasizes the urgency of using restaurant gift cards due to increasing closures. He also discusses the growing affordability of home battery backup systems as a solution for power outages.
What Happened
Clark Howard highlights the current struggles of the restaurant industry, noting that significant numbers of both chain and independent restaurants are closing due to economic pressures. He advises listeners to use their restaurant gift cards promptly to avoid losing their value if the restaurant closes.
He explains that restaurant closures are often not widely reported unless they involve large chains, but many smaller establishments are silently shutting down. This situation is exacerbated by accumulated financial pressures such as increased labor costs and rents, which many restaurants can't sustain.
In response to a listener's query, Clark suggests using warehouse clubs like Sam's Club and Costco for affordable flower delivery, noting that they offer robust bouquets for around $50, which is significantly cheaper than typical florist prices.
Addressing another listener's concern about the risks associated with using Zelle, Clark advises turning off the service when not in use to mitigate potential fraud risks. He underscores the importance of using separate accounts to minimize exposure.
Clark then shifts to discussing affordable home battery backup systems, which have become more accessible due to advances in battery technology driven by the electric vehicle market. He details how these systems can provide critical power during outages, offering a quieter and more efficient alternative to traditional generators.
Finally, he advises travelers on the necessity of obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for transiting through Heathrow Airport to avoid potential inconveniences if flights are delayed or canceled.
Key Insights
- Restaurant gift cards may lose value if the establishment closes, a risk heightened by economic pressures leading to increased closures of both chain and independent restaurants.
- Warehouse clubs like Sam's Club and Costco offer flower delivery services with bouquets priced around $50, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional florists.
- Advances in battery technology, driven by the electric vehicle market, have made home battery backup systems more affordable, offering a quieter and more efficient solution compared to traditional generators.
- An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is necessary for transit through Heathrow Airport, which can help avoid potential inconveniences in the event of flight delays or cancellations.