Clark Biweekly 5 1 25

Author

Anthony Hazzard
May 01, 2025

Are you planning to catch a flight soon? The REAL ID deadline is approaching fast. Further down this email will explain what you need for compliance. 

💵 Today’s Top Stories
Tax

This state charges 2.2% in annual property taxes. That’s more than $6,500 a year on a home that’s worth about $300,000. Read more.

Casket

When you think “casket,” these may not be the first retailers that come to mind. But you stand to save a lot of money buying from these options. Read more.

Social Security cash money

Data predicts the year that both Social Security and Medicare benefits will stop being able to pay 100% of the benefits, and it’s sooner than you may think. Clark shares his solution to fix the problem. Read more.

Money

One in seven people have money sitting in a database waiting to be claimed. Here are free ways to check if any of these billions belong in your bank account. Read more.

Scam Alert

Travelers are a target-rich environment for scammers. “Be really, really cautious and careful when you do any kind of search for travel deals,” Clark says. Here’s how to protect yourself. Read more.

🪪 REAL ID Deadline Looms Next Wednesday

Most of us use our driver’s license as identification when we fly domestically.

This is the final stage of the Real ID Act, signed into law in 2005 on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

A compliant REAL ID typically features a star in the top right corner, which can look different state-by-state. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) goes into detail on which licenses (and stars) are in compliance.

If you’re not in compliance and you attempt to use your driver’s license to fly, starting one week from today, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents will turn you away at the security checkpoint.

Visit your local DMV’s website or go to a physical location near you if you still need to update your license.

📊 Stat of the Day

🚘️ $589: The average monthly lease payment for vehicles in Q1. That’s $150 less than the average new loan payment (and $9 cheaper than leases cost last year). Here’s what Clark thinks about leasing cars.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
Mothers Day
🎙️ Podcast

From flea markets to Goodwill to boutique stores to now high-end resale markets, now is the time to start shopping secondhand! Clark explains why it’s a great way to stretch every dollar. Also, many Americans are seeing higher power bills. Clark shares two ways we can use solar to lower our bills, and a few evergreen tips to help us save more on utilities.

☎️ 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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