#1 reason to remodel your home, What to do when an airline loses your luggage

April 17, 2024 | Read Online

Later in this email, find out just how much Americans are struggling to save for retirement vs. even one year ago. And what Clark says you should do about it.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

The Only Reason To Make an Improvement to Your Home

The harsh truth about home renovations is that you’re not going to recoup your costs. There’s one reason and one reason only to consider doing it, Clark says. Read more.

What Is the Process When Your Luggage Is Stolen or Lost?

Your flight lands and you finally make it to the luggage carousel, only to realize it never showed up. Here’s what to do in that moment of chaos. Read more.

Visible Announces New Phone Plans

You could potentially save up to $145 with these new plans! Read more.

5 Steps To Buy a New Car the Clark Howard Way

New cars are down 3.5% in price since last year. Clark says it’s a much better time to buy one. Follow Clark’s five steps to nail your purchase. Read more.

Should Seniors Buy Life Insurance?

Life insurance is pretty accessible into your 70s. But do you need it at that age? And how much does it cost? Read more.

💸 Today’s Top Savings Rates

Check out our updated list of Clark.com-approved high-yield savings accounts with the highest rates. Here are the top five APYs on our list as of April 17, 2024.

See All Rates | High Yield Savings Accounts Calculator

💵 Americans Struggling To Save for Retirement

Retirement is becoming a more challenging goal for Americans according to the latest data.

Northwestern Mutual’s annual survey asks how much Americans believe they need to retire comfortably. The figure increased 15% to nearly $1.5 million this year.

Five years ago, Americans thought they could retire comfortably with about $950,000. So the number increased more than 10% per year since 2020.

At the same time, the average among that Americans have saved for retirement fell to $88,400 this year, down from a peak of $98,800 in 2021.

Americans currently are facing record credit card debt and extremely low savings rates.

Saving for retirement should be your No. 1 investing goal, Clark says. And it’s a journey that takes most people decades.

Fortunately, it’s not overly complex. Clark offers tips on how to pay off credit card debt and how he recommends that you save and invest.

📊 Stat of the Day

💸 46%: The share of U.S. workers that prefer in-person work over hybrid (29%) or remote (23%). The latest jobs survey also found that 44% of U.S. workers say they use AI at work.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

Save big during the Woot Garage Sale

Get this deal.

Save $40 with a new Costco membership

Get this deal.

See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Is Donating at Checkout Legit? and Hospital Facility Fee Ripoffs

We’re often asked at the supermarket or other checkout lines if we’d like to make a donation to a charity. But is this legitimate and does your money really go to the organization? Also, facility fees are a mean trend in healthcare. Clark explains how we’re cheated and how to avoid this dirty game.

Watch the Full Episode

☎️ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.