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 June 11, 2026.

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There are plenty of negative financial headlines, including some we’ve discussed here recently (examples: inflation bubbling up again, Americans becoming delinquent on credit card payments in large numbers).

But it’s fun to look at some of the positive trends as well.

One of these? According to a recent Wall Street Journal headline, “Americans Are Keeping Their Cars Longer Than Ever – and Remaking the Auto Industry.”

The average age of vehicles on the road in the United States is about 13 years old, up about 10% from a decade ago.

“Some drivers are squeezing more miles out of their vehicles and eschewing new rides because of sticker shock, high interest rates and economic jitters. Others are hanging on to aging wheels simply because they can.

“Thanks to advancements in engineering, materials and safety technology, today’s cars last longer than vehicles of generations past,” the WSJ story reported.

The WSJ called new-car sales a flagging market that shows no imminent sign of rebounding. The COVID-19 pandemic that temporarily but significantly halted production continues to create long-term ripples in the market in terms of supply (and in turn, price increases).

Automakers are having to shift some resources from making new cars to investing in aftermarket parts, maintenance work and repair shops.

Certified pre-owned business is booming as well.

Even if the trend is partially forced by market conditions, it has to make Clark smile. One of his most frequent pieces of advice to those looking to save money on a car, or prevent a big cash outlay for a new (or new-to-them) vehicle, is to drive their “old” vehicle for longer.

Considering it’s the second-biggest expense for most of us, behind a house or residence, it’s worth considering that you can drive the same car for much longer than you could 20 years ago.

The American retirement system is a confusing alphabet soup of 401(k)s, IRAs, and complex rules, but there is some incredible news hiding in the data. Right now, everyday workers are saving an average of 9.8% of their income, putting us within shouting distance of Clark’s lifetime rule of thumb: saving a dime out of every single dollar you make. When you factor in employer matches, total savings are hitting nearly 15%, which is helping mint a whole new generation of "moderate millionaires." Meanwhile, if you feel like your paycheck isn't going as far as it used to, you aren't imagining things. When you look at what everyday items cost 30 years ago versus today, the math explains exactly why so many hardworking Americans feel completely squeezed. While a handful of items like milk and electronics are actually cheaper today when adjusted for inflation, critical pillars of the American dream have skyrocketed. Check out the link below to calculate your own inflation reality and see how to make your dollars work harder for you!

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.