💵 Today’s Top Stories

Auto insurers are better than ever at avoiding payouts. In the past, insurance would cover you if a friend or relative got into a fender bender driving your car. Don’t assume that anymore, Clark explains. Read more.

Did you know you can go through airport security even if you’re not flying? Lots of U.S. airports offer free visitor pass programs. Here’s how it works, your two main options and where you can do it. Read more.

The number of errors on credit reports has exploded. Equifax is mediocre at resolving mistakes, but the other two are downright awful. This one, Clark calls “beyond pathetic — truly shocking.” Read more.

Old cell phones

That old phone collecting dust in a drawer could become cash, and one site may offer a surprisingly good payout. But before you send it in, there’s an important catch to know. Read more.

💸 Ask Clark
Clark Howard
Ask Clark Howard

On his podcast, Clark Howard answers real reader questions on money, credit, debt, retirement, travel, and more, along with co-host Christa DiBiase.

 
Today's question
   
John in Wisconsin asks:
"In past shows, Clark has talked about when a person is mortgage debt-free, they should still set aside money for future home repair and other upgrades. What is that amount or percentage?"

Clark's answer: There is a lot of debate in research circles about how much you should set aside. I’ve seen recommendations ranging anywhere from 1% to 4% of your home's value each year for maintenance and repairs. That’s a pretty wide gap, but a good rule of thumb is that 1% applies to a brand-new house, while 4% is more realistic for an older home. Since experts land all over the map, aiming right down the middle at 2.5% of your home's value each year is a great target to build up that reserve.

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📊 Stat of the Day

🎟 11,338: The number of Better Business Bureau complaints StubHub has received over the last three years, according to an investigation by The Wall Street Journal.

💰 Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
🎙 Podcast

Forget the myth that you have to work on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley to build massive wealth. Wes reveals the power of the "Everywhere Millionaires" — the 3 million Americans who have accumulated a collective $65 trillion by building unglamorous, low-tech, and non-tech businesses. Discover why tactile, essential industries are producing some of the richest entrepreneurs in the country (including a former hot dog stand owner who sold his business for $1 billion).

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.

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