08.24.26 The U.S. Savings Rate / Home Buyer Warning

The latest financial data shows the U.S. savings rate has dropped to an alarming rate. While many households are struggling just to cover the basics, many middle and upper-middle-class families are falling into the lifestyle trap. Find out what the new rate is and what you should aim for instead. Also today, new commission structures for home buyer agents are proving problematic. Recent lawsuit settlements were supposed to make agent commissions more transparent and negotiable for home buyers. Instead, the law of unintended consequences has created a nightmare for consumers. If you are shopping for a home, know what to watch out for. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the August 24, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your opinions or questions: Ask Clark. Automatic Saving Gets It Done: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Home Buyer Warning: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: America’s Savings Rate Has Dropped to an Alarming Low How To Save Money: Spend Less & Build Your Savings Do You Save More Than the Average American? - Clark Howard How Much of Each Paycheck You Should Save or Invest Why You Need To Lock Your Brokerage Account Today 7 Ways To Invest In Real Estate - Clark Howard Should You Pay Extra for Postal Insurance When Mailing Valuable Items? She tried to fire her real estate agent. It turned into a nightmare. New Real Estate Trap: How a Signed Paperwork Loophole Can Cost You Thousands How to Find a Geriatric Care Manager - Clark Howard What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? Long-Term Care Insurance Is Getting Harder To Buy. Here’s Why You Might Not Need It Anyway Unclaimed Money: How To Find and Claim Missing Funds for Free Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices