Clark Howard

Tickets

"What stop sign?" And other traffic excuses

In 1970, Canada's Five Man Electrical Band famously sang, "Do this! Don't do that! Can't you read the signs?" More than four decades later, the answer is "no" for drivers trying to get out of traffic tickets.

According to a new survey from Insurance.com, people use "I couldn't see the sign" more than any other excuse when they're pulled over. Other popular attempts to wriggle off the hook include being lost or unfamiliar with the roads; not knowing a headlight or taillight was out; being distracted by a minor emergency in the car; and missing a turn or exit.

Internet tax

Clark's week in review: Cybertax, airfare wars

The free ride for online shoppers may be close to hitting a dead end. Legislation moving through Congress would allow most states to demand Internet retailers collect sales tax on purchases.

That's just one of the things on HLN money expert Clark Howard's radar heading into the weekend. Plus, Clark has a spring cleaning tip for your wallet!

Take Charge, Your Career

Career crossroads: Retired & looking for work

The retirement game has changed considerably over the past few years. With retirement accounts hit by the recession and life expectancy increasing, many older workers find themselves having to stay on the job past retirement age.

A recent survey found just 23% of workers expect to retire before age 65, and 7% don't expect to retire at all.

Illegal Media Downloads

Illegal downloads: What can happen to you?

The Supreme Court has developed a new rule to prevent people from downloading copyrighted media. It's called the Six-Strikes system. HLN's money expert Clark Howard explains how it works and how violators can be affected.  

Saving

New txt msg: Rmbr 2 sv $$

Here are two things that aren't exactly secrets: Americans don't save enough money, and they love text messaging. And a consumer advocacy group is betting on the latter to help solve the former.

America Saves has launched a free service that will send you text-message reminders to save money. You simply go to the website, fill out a pledge to increase your savings, and choose a goal for the money. You'll receive text messages based on your goal, including tips on finding ways to save. It should be noted, standard text messaging rates apply.

Fast Food Deals

The price is right: Fast food meals and deals

A growing number of fast food restaurants are selling low-priced items to attract price-conscious customers. HLN's money expert Clark Howard mentions some of the most recent deals that can save you big bucks.

Boston charity

Scam warning: Bogus Boston Marathon charities

As police and the FBI try to find the people responsible for Monday's bombings at the Boston Marathon, consumer watchdog groups are warning of a potential secondary attack: bogus charities looking to steal your money.

Scammers have been known to set up fake charity websites after tragic events and natural disasters, most recently Superstorm Sandy and the Newtown school shootings. Already, more than 100 domain names related to the Boston Marathon attack have been registered, including several that look like charities. A bogus Twitter account soliciting donations has already been shut down.

Tax time

Get a handle on next year's taxes -- now!

Good news! It's April 16th. You can breathe again. The tax-filing deadline has passed. No more dealing with the IRS, or even thinking about taxes, until next year.

Right?

Tax

Haven't filed taxes yet? Read this first

It’s coming down to the wire if you haven’t filed your tax returns yet. The deadline is Monday. But there are still some things you can do to improve your tax situation and protect yourself from fraud.

Reduce your taxable income. You have until April 15 to make contributions to an IRA for 2012. The annual limit is $5,000 for individuals, $6,000 if you’re age 50 or older, subject to income restrictions.

Rewards

Do you know where your airline miles are?

Ever have trouble remembering your wedding anniversary or a friend's birthday? Then it's a safe bet you might not know how many frequent-flyer miles or credit card rewards points you have. And you wouldn't be alone.

According to a new survey from The Points Guy, 73% of Americans who have miles or points don't know how many they have. Younger people are least likely to keep track; 80% of 18 to 29 year-olds are unaware of the balance in their airline miles or rewards points account.

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