Clark Howard: Save now!

Some devastating figures have surfaced recently regarding Americans and retirement savings. More than half of all workers, 56 percent, say they have less than $25,000 in savings, according to a survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute. On top of that, more than half of all retirees, 54 percent, say they have less than $25,000 saved. That’s a big jump from the 42 percent who were in the same situation in 2006!

Whether caught in recession-related aftermath or the unfortunate consequences of simply not saving enough, the reality is many Americans are approaching retirement with nowhere near the amount of money they’ll need. HLN Money Expert Clark Howard breaks down how much you should be saving, depending on your age, and what it will take for you to be financially prepared when it comes time to retire.

Tune in this Saturday and Sunday @ 6 a.m. ET for plenty of other money saving strategies! Here’s a peek at what else Clark will get into this weekend:

• Smartphone and computer apps do more than just inform and entertain. Clark tells you how they’re helping reboot the economy.
• We love our pets, but care and feeding expenses can really add up! Jennifer Westhoven from Morning Express with Robin Meade has tips to keep Fido and Fluffy happy and healthy for less.
• One caller’s dilemma: he’s been offered work, but it pays less than his unemployment benefits. Clark says there’s one key reason he should take the job.
• Remember that famous YouTube video about a broken guitar? Clark tells you how it’s grown into a website that helps consumers resolve complaints.
• Want to save some money on prescriptions? Clark tells you how your smartphone can help you find the lowest prices.
• Distressed properties provide great opportunities for real estate investors. But how do you know when you’re bidding too much?

Helpful websites mentioned in this weekend’s show:

• AnnualCreditReport.com - Get a free copy of your credit report
• CarsDirect.com - New car pricing
• TrueCar.com - New car pricing
• Overstock.com - New car pricing
• Zag.com - New car price quote
• Edmunds.com - Estimate a used car's value
• NADAguides.com - Car value advice
• Kelley Blue Book - New and used car values
• Gripevine.com - Customer complaints and resolution