Covering #Nashville sports and the #SEC in some capacity since 2006.
Former bylines: @Tennessean, @SatDownSouth, @SECCountry, @AthlonSports & @247Sports
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Articles by Nick Cole
How To Watch Live News, Weather and Sports Without Paying a Dime
Are you tired of paying streaming services exorbitant prices for access to things like live news, weather and sports? If so, you’re part of a fast-growing group of consumers who are fed up with price increases across both the video streaming service and live TV streaming service industries. Are you ready to take action and reclaim some of that cash?
Americans Say This Is The Best Credit Card in 2026
Do you have a favorite credit card that you believe is the best on the market? Team Clark often tells you about our favorite rewards credit cards, but today we’ll take a closer look at the cards that consumers themselves rated highly. They picked a winner for both the best credit card with no annual fee and the best credit card with an annual fee. The winners from this survey may be a little bit different than the cards you had in mind! Let’s take a look at the results.
6 Things to Know Before You Rely on Free Streaming TV
Freeing yourself from recurring monthly cable or streaming TV bills sounds like a wonderful thing. In fact, it could save you more than $1,200 per year if you’re paying $100 or more per month on services. And, before you say “I’m not paying that much,” be sure to check what you’re paying for those video-on-demand (VOD) services like Netflix or Paramount+. Carrying just a few of those with a live TV service will get you there.
5 Common Credit Card Mistakes To Avoid
But take note: There are some risks associated with using credit cards. In this article, I’m going to highlight some of the most common mistakes that people make with them and provide some common sense solutions to avoid them. It wouldn’t be a proper Team Clark credit card article if I didn’t start with this disclaimer: We only endorse using credit cards as a primary payment method if you’re able to pay your card balance in full by the end of each billing cycle.
5 Free Streaming Services All Cord Cutters Should Have
People who called themselves “cord cutters” when they ditched cable and satellite are now looking for a reprieve from rising streaming subscription costs. And a value-oriented segment of the market is ready to deliver: FREE streaming services. Money expert Clark Howard has been consistent in his messaging that a digital antenna and a few free streaming TV services downloaded to your smart TV are a great way to get entertainment without putting a dent in your monthly budget.
How Does the Capital One-Discover Merger Impact My Credit Mix? Clark Howard Explains
Money expert Clark Howard has fielded several questions about the future of these brands since the acquisition announcement. But now that Capital One wholly owns and fully controls Discover, people are receiving notices that their Discover accounts are migrating to the Capital One platform and that select Capital One cards are moving to the Discover network. And that’s creating more questions.
Why Clark Says You Need To Check Your Internet Bill Now
Are you a creature of habit when it comes to home internet? Money expert Clark Howard says you may need to shake things up! On a recent episode of The Clark Howard Podcast, Clark sounded the alarm on people in “set it and forget it” mode with one of the major home internet providers. “Creatures of habit are getting crushed right now,” Clark said. “… There is a segment of the market that lets inertia rule. And if you are that person, I’m speaking to you right now.
This New Credit Card Could Be a Good Tandem with One of Clark’s Favorites
When a new credit card is released, Team Clark takes a close look to analyze who it may benefit. Sometimes we determine that it will benefit a broad base of our readers, so we alert them immediately. Other times we determine it’s not a card worth talking about at all. The newest travel credit card from Navy Federal Credit Union is a unique case that doesn’t fall into either bucket. It deserves a recommendation for a portion of our readership.
20% Price Increase Coming for This Popular Streaming TV Bundle
Bundling is supposed to save money in today’s streaming TV landscape. But even bundles are susceptible to price hikes. Peacock and Apple TV joined forces in October 2025 to offer both video streaming services as a bundle for as little as $14.99 per month. That deal was one of the best on the market when compared to the full retail price for the services if purchased separately. Unfortunately, that pricing is going away not even a full year later. Let’s look at the details.
Why You Should Be Careful Taking Credit Card Advice from AI
Have you been using an AI chatbot to give you quick answers for life’s daily tasks? You’re not alone in this time-saving measure, but you should be careful with just how much you trust the answers you receive on certain topics. Take credit cards, for example. AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini, are 5.7 times more likely to recommend a credit card with an annual fee of $400 or more than they are to recommend a no-annual-fee card, according to research by 5W Public Relations.
#1 Credit Card Issuer According to Americans
Which credit card issuer is best in 2026? The answer likely depends on the personal experiences of the people you ask. But if you ask enough people, you’ll start to see some clear trends on which issuers you should consider and which you should avoid. That’s exactly what J.D. Power did. And the consensus winner is: American Express for the seventh consecutive year. Let’s take a look at some of the results and see how they apply to some of Team Clark’s favorite rewards credit cards.
New Study Reveals Which Streaming Service Cord Cutters Prefer
Have you cut the cord recently? By this point in 2026, it feels like most Americans have either already cut the cord from the cable company or at least seriously considered it at one point or another. And during that process, we’ve all faced a similar set of questions before taking the leap: Which streaming services are best? Are they really a cost-effective cable replacement? Which ones will allow me access to my favorite TV shows, movies or sports?
Streaming TV Ads Are Getting Longer and These Services Are the Worst
Has your streaming TV experience been littered with ads in 2026? And do those commercial breaks feel like they’re longer than they used to be? It’s not your brain playing tricks on you. The total “ad minutes per hour” shown by ad-supported tiers of streaming TV services rose 18% from January to August 2026, according to data from entertainment research firm Ampere Analysis shared exclusively with Business Insider. Paramount+, Hulu and Disney+ are among the worst ad-increase offenders in 2026.
Capital One Launches New Welcome Bonus for Popular Travel Credit Card
Are you in the market for a travel credit card with a manageable annual fee? Capital One has a limited-time offer worth considering. The card_name is offering new cardholders a chance to earn the following bonus: Earn more than $1,000 in Travel Bonuses with a limited-time $300 Capital One Travel stays credit, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening — that’s more than $1,000 in travel value.
Southwest Reveals Plans for New Airport Lounges and Premium Credit Card
Southwest Airlines has officially entered its “premium brand” era. The long-time family-friendly airline has already decidedly shifted away from the “free checked bags, open seating and discount pricing” model that had made it a favorite of budget-conscious travelers over recent decades. And now it is poised to take the next major step in its evolution into a full-fare, premium airline. Southwest announced it will construct new airport lounges and launch an accompanying premium credit card in 2027.
A New Book from Nick Cole
I just wanted to take a moment and let you know I have a new book coming out with Walt and the pre-order is live right now! Give it a look and see if it’s your particular cuppa coffee. This is Space Marine fiction and its very much Aliens meets Warhammer 40K. If you are a GE or Strange Company reader, I think you will like this. And there’s a little something very scary to jump outta the dark at ya. This is going to be fun and it’s been booked by Audible Studios as a six books series.
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CTRL ALT Revolt! Bestselling SciFi author Nick Cole and Single White Medusa talk writing, culture, and conspiracy theories. WrongThink and Bad Thoughts abound. A fun last stand against the WokeScolds. Bestselling SciFi author Nick Cole and Single White Medusa talk writing, culture, and conspiracy theories. WrongThink and Bad Thoughts abound. A fun last stand against the WokeScolds.
Streaming TV Returns to PlayStation and This Time It Is Free
Do you remember the “early days” of live streaming TV? You know, back before cord-cutting was the hip thing to do. If so, you probably recall that PlayStation Vue was one of the leading premium pay options. That service, which Sony launched all the way back in 2015, shut down in 2020 as mainstream brands entered the space with better pricing and better smart TV connectivity as cable TV alternatives. But PlayStation hasn’t given up on the dream of being your ultimate entertainment machine.
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Hey! We are back and ready to talk. We go into Nick’s publishing schedule for the near future and talk about an exciting new development for Forgotten Ruin. Also… if you want to order SIGNED books for yourself, a Christman Present, someone special’s Birthday… then now is the time especially with Amazon shipping involved. If you want it for the Holidays then order now so I can make sure I get it, and… I can hold it and ship it on a specific date if you prefer.
Fidelity Announces Perk Changes for Popular Rewards Credit Card
Fidelity recently notified existing cardholders that it will swap two existing benefits for two new perks. Let’s take a quick look to see whether it changes your view of using the card going forward. We’ll start with the good news. Cardholders will receive a new car rental benefit to complement the existing auto rental damage waiver coverage. They will also receive new emergency medical and dental coverage on travel that is booked with the card.
These 2 Popular Streaming Services Increased Prices as Football Begins
Do you have your streaming TV situation settled for the 2026 football season? If not, you may be surprised to find things are a bit more expensive than last season. Major sports streamers ESPN Unlimited and NBC’s Peacock have announced price increases in the weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL and college football season. This will soon impact “full-time” subscribers of these products.
Scammers Are Targeting Your ‘Expiring’ Rewards Points
According to the Federal Trade Commission, a common scam circulating in 2026 uses deceptive text messages regarding expiring points from various rewards programs. Scammers try to leverage your attachment to your points or miles as a pressure point, pushing you to take hasty “protective” action that could put your account and identity at risk.
Walmart, Sam’s Club Make Major Announcement on New Payment Method
The nation’s largest retailer and its wholesale club made a major announcement: Tap to Pay is coming soon to a Walmart and Sam’s Club near you! Beginning August 24, 2026, you’ll be able to use your phone’s digital wallet (Apple Pay and Google Wallet) or simply tap your credit card chip at the register at select stores. The announcement said that the goal was to convert in-store payment portals at all US.-based Walmart and Sam’s Club locations to accept Tap to Pay by the end of 2026.
Why Clark’s Advice to a Man With 25 Credit Cards Is Relevant to Your Wallet
How many credit cards do you have in your wallet? And while there’s no “perfect” answer to that, rarely do you come across someone who has as many as Richard in New Jersey. Richard, who is a frequent traveler, opened more than 25 credit cards for various bonuses, rewards and perks. He recently wrote to money expert Clark Howard seeking advice on trimming some of those cards from his wallet now that he doesn’t travel as frequently.
These 4 Streaming TV Services Sit Atop 2026 Customer Satisfaction Rankings
Are you having a hard time finding a streaming TV service that makes you “happy” in 2026? Between perpetual price hikes and changing content offerings, finding a video streaming service that makes everyone in your home satisfied seems increasingly difficult. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) just revealed its annual findings on the streaming TV industry.
Data Breaches Are Explosive in 2026: Why You Must Freeze Your Credit Now
Did you know that there were more than 1,800 data breaches in the first six months of 2026 alone? More than 471 million victim notices were issued between January and June, according to a recent report from the Identity Theft Resource Center. That is well above the 297.5 million that were issued in all of 2025. The growing sophistication of artificial intelligence is helping thieves gain access to information at companies of all sizes.
Is Elon Musk’s New ‘X Money’ Platform Too Good To Be True?
You probably know about Twitter being called X these days. But have you heard about the social media platform’s new X Money platform? Elon Musk is known now for electric cars, rocket ships and social media takeovers, but he got started in the online payment space as one of the key innovators and investors at PayPal around the turn of the century. Musk is going back to his roots as he tries to turn his X social media platform into an “everything app” with the introduction of X Money.
Your Discover Card Is Migrating to Capital One: What to Expect
Well, it’s finally happening. Capital One is migrating Discover customers over to its platform. After the merger was finalized in 2025, Capital One began transitioning Discover customers in 2026 and is expected to complete the process sometime in 2027. That means many Discover credit card holders have begun receiving notifications about the impending removal of their access to the Discover app and website. And with that comes the removal of some popular Discover perks.
What Kroger Customers Should Do Now That the Grocer’s Credit Card Is Gone
Do you grocery shop at Kroger regularly? If so, you were likely aware that Kroger had one of the best co-branded grocery credit cards on the market, offering up to 5% on your purchases with the grocer. Unfortunately, that is soon to be a thing of the past. U.S. Bank will no longer issue this Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard U.S. Bank, the card issuer, stopped taking new applications for the card in May 2026.
Should You Product-Change Your Credit Card Instead of Applying for a New One?
Do you have a credit card that just doesn’t fit in your life anymore? You may have a credit card with an annual fee that is too high, or you may think you’ve outgrown your “basic” credit card and are ready for one with a better menu of benefits. Whether you’re looking to move up or down the credit card ladder, you may be a candidate for a product change request.
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Overlooked Credit Card Benefits That Can Save You Hundreds
Many consumers carry cards in their wallets with overlooked benefits that could save them hundreds of dollars if used properly. And I’m not just talking about the people who carry high-end travel cards with big-time annual fees. Many of these benefits are attached to low or no-annual-fee credit cards! Let’s take a look at some of the most useful benefits that you may have overlooked. Each credit card has its own unique set of benefits.
American Express Puts the Squeeze on This Popular Perk
If so, you’re probably well aware of the $300 Digital Entertainment Credit that gets you up to $25 in statement credits each month if you enroll and pay for eligible streaming services with your card. For most cardholders, this is an easy way to claw back some value from the premium travel credit card that carries an $895 annual fee. But there are some changes coming to that perk that you may want to note.
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Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -39:10 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Hey we are back after our vacation and have some things to talk about on the podcast. Please enjoy! Call of Duty meets Diablo in this fast-paced, action-packed cyberpunk dark future thriller from the co-creator of Galaxy’s Edge universe.
What Does This New Peacock-YouTube Partnership Actually Mean?
Are you tired of juggling multiple streaming bills that keep creeping higher? You’re not alone. We have watched the “streaming wars” turn into a “wallet war” for consumers in recent years. But the latest move from NBCUniversal and YouTube might actually deliver some price relief to select customers. The announced deal also extends NBCUniversal’s carriage agreement with YouTube TV and will put a selection of live sports on the free NBC Sports YouTube channel.
Why Your Credit Card May Be at Risk of Cancellation
Many consumers believe they’re safe from having their credit card canceled as long as they make their payments on time. But paying consistently is only part of the equation when it comes to a credit card issuer’s evaluation of you as a customer. There are some factors that you may not be considering that could lead to either a reduction of your available credit or an outright cancellation of your credit card.
Is There a Safe Way to Use Your Debit Card?
So … you want to swipe your debit card for that purchase? Money expert Clark Howard has — for many years — warned consumers about the dangers of using a debit card for daily spending. His concerns are primarily tied to the flimsy consumer protections you receive if a bad actor gains control of your debit card versus the more sturdy protections you’d get by using a credit card. And, if a bad actor gains control of your debit card, that puts real cash in your checking account at risk.
Intuit’s New 2% Credit Card Comes with Unique Benefits
If so, the small-business product suite conglomerate is hoping that you’ll consider its new rewards credit card. The card touts an unlimited 2% back on all purchases and carries no annual fee. That meets the parameters set by money expert Clark Howard for a worthwhile everyday spender. It also leverages the Intuit brands mentioned above to offer additional cash back opportunities as well as a way to seamlessly sync your small business spending into their accounting ecosystem.
Why These 5% Back Credit Cards Are So Controversial
Earning 5% cash back with a no-annual-fee credit card sounds awesome. And there are a few cards on the market that promise it. But do these rewards programs have real substance that will stack cash in your wallet? Or is it a marketing gimmick that will leave you disappointed? The answer is largely dependent on the dedication of the person doing the swiping.
‘Middle Class’ Credit Cards: Hidden Gems or Waste of Money?
On one side, you have the value of a no-annual-fee cash back credit card bringing you steady returns of cash on all of your spending. On the other side, there is the luxury of travel perks, lounge access and statement credits galore that come with a high-annual-fee travel credit card. But what about the space between? Is there value in the “middle class” of the credit card market? In this article, I’m going to focus on the middle tier of credit cards that carry a manageable $95 annual fee.
What We Say When People Ask: ‘What is the Best Credit Card?’
“What is the best credit card?” It seems like a simple, straightforward question. But the answer can actually be fairly nuanced and highly personal. As Team Clark’s credit card content writer, I can’t count how many times I’ve been asked this question over the years.
Chase Makes 2 Major Benefit Changes To Popular Rewards Credit Card
If you have the Chase Freedom Flex® Card in your wallet, be ready for some changes in the months ahead. On July 15, Chase sent a notification to cardholders explaining the following benefit adjustments to the cash back card: Cell Phone Protection will cover eligible losses incurred through September 19th, 2026, and will be discontinued on September 20th, 2026. The card will have no foreign transaction fees starting September 20th, 2026.
Your Credit Card Rewards Are Probably Worth Less Than You Think
It’s easy to watch a commercial for one and envision easy value with promises of flashy perks like big sign-up bonuses, miles multipliers, points you can transfer to airlines, hotel upgrades and lounge access. But the reality is often different for infrequent travelers. Once you factor in annual fees, how points are actually redeemed in the card ecosystem, and the risk of point devaluation, many people end up with less value than they expected. Sometimes a lot less.
Is Your Credit Card Working Against You in 2026?
Credit cards can be a financial tool or a financial burden. And, unfortunately, many consumers are experiencing the latter in 2026. Between high APR interest and ever-evolving rewards programs, many people find their cards are working harder against them than for them. The good news is that you can flip that script with a quick checkup on the cards in your wallet.
Stop Paying for a Credit Card You Barely Use
And those can be really great … if you actually use them. Team Clark believes that travel cards can be a fantastic tool for frequent travelers. Benefits like status upgrades with hotels and airlines, airport lounge access, travel protections, and bonus rewards for travel spending can be well worth the annual fee if you travel multiple times per month.
Limited-Time Offer for One of Clark’s Favorite Credit Cards
Money expert Clark Howard recommends that all credit card rewards chasers have one of these no-annual-fee options as a solid base of return on all types of spending. Knowing you can swipe one card in any situation and earn 2% back is huge. (Assuming you pay your bill in full each month to avoid interest charges.) And if you want to join him in that card membership, now might be a good time to do your research on the card.
Why Clark Howard Has Ditched Bill Pay and What He’s Doing Instead
Do you use your bank or credit union’s “bill pay” function to pay your bills each month? You may want to consider changing this strategy. Using bill pay, especially when a paper check is involved, exposes your payment to a few different risk factors: Potential delayed delivery of your payment. Inability to track the status of your payment. Checks lost or stolen in the mailing process. Payments lost or misapplied by the recipient.
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We are back with a podcast and its asking a question. Again, Thank You so much for supporting the podcast. Have a great week! Hey, follow my writing channel over on YouTube if you want to know more about how I write books. It’s fun and in my down time I play video games and talk. You can ask my any questions you want. FOLLOW LIKE SUBSCRIBE Nick’s YOUTUBE Channel Love, Nick and the Medusa
This Credit Card Tip Could Save You Big Money on Subscriptions
Is “subscription creep” sneaking into your life? More and more Americans are falling victim to the modern financial pitfall thanks to a combination of the requirement to “subscribe” to so many everyday services and the ease with which these services let you “set it and forget it” with automatic payments. This is particularly easy to do with “small fee” services like video streaming services.
3 Major Banks Stop Issuing These Cash Back Credit Cards
There are definitely changes to the credit card menus from major banks this summer. Wells Fargo, Citi and U.S. Bank have recently stopped taking applications for select cash back credit cards that pay 4-5% back on popular spending categories. Is this the signal of the beginning of the end for credit cards that offer that type of categorical cash back? Or simply a part of the business cycle for rewards cards?
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