You should apply for Global Entry right now, Why car memberships often aren’t worth it

September 12, 2024 | Read Online

💵 Today’s Top Stories

Why You Should Consider Applying for Global Entry Right Now

Have you been considering applying for a Global Entry membership? You may want to apply sooner than you think. Here’s everything you need to know. Read more.

Are Car Wash Memberships Worth It?

This apparently lucrative car wash business model is exploding. Here’s why you should be skeptical about signing up. Read more.

What Happens When a Target Date Fund Reaches Maturity?

When you reach the year listed on your target date fund, are you no longer invested in the stock market? Here’s what happens to your portfolio in that fund once you reach the magic year. Read more.

What Is Disability Insurance and Should I Buy It?

Death isn’t the only thing that can impact your family’s income and finances during your working years. Here’s what short- and long-term disability insurance covers and if Clark thinks you need it. Read more.

💵 Team Clark Survey Results

This week, we asked you to share what you bought with your first paycheck. Here are a few of the responses we received:

Susan in North Carolina: “I was 16 and my mother told me to treat myself to something special because I’d always remember it. So I bought myself a (very cool) tan corduroy bomber type jacket with maroon corduroy around the cuffs and neck. It was the 70’s! My mom was right~almost 50 years later and you’ve got me remembering how happy that made me!”
Ginny in Georgia: “A ‘portable’ CD player, mini speakers, and 3 CDs! It was 1988 and this was top tech joy!”
Mike in California: “My first bonus check as a commission sales rep fresh out of college was $1.89 (after taxes). I framed it & hung it at my desk.”
Jeff in Georgia: “Saved it at age 14. Used it toward down payment on house 10 years later.”

📊 Stat of the Day

🎓️ -7.8%: The number of people who graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting in the most recent year with available numbers (2021-22). That marks six consecutive years of decline. Master’s degree graduates have fallen 21% in the last four years as well. America is facing an accounting shortage with a disproportionate number of practitioners approaching retirement.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: 5+ Things on Deep Discount Right Now and Sports Gambling Warning

We’ve gone from significant shortages on items to a full-out production of too many goods. Prices will normalize eventually, but Clark is seeing deals on several things like furniture, appliances, vacuum cleaners, TVs, and more right now. Also, it’s officially football season. If you or someone you know likes to bet on games, Clark has an important warning to help ensure you don’t lose it all.

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.