The Latest Breaking News from Clever Dude

7 Driving Mistakes That Could Cost You Much More Over Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend can transform an ordinary drive into an endurance event. Highways fill with vacation traffic, drivers hurry to reach the lake house before dinner, and somebody inevitably decides the speed limit looks more like a friendly suggestion. Those choices can cost far more than a few extra minutes…

Clever Dude · Sep 3

8 Car Expenses That Can Turn a “Cheap” Used Car Into an Expensive Mistake

A used car with a wonderfully low price tag can feel like a financial victory right up until the first repair bill lands. That bargain suddenly feels a lot less clever when it needs tires, brakes, suspension work, and a battery before it can reliably handle the daily commute.

Clever Dude · Sep 2

Ford Recalls Nearly 149,000 Mustangs That Can Lose Drive Power or Headlights

Ford is recalling nearly 149,000 Mustangs because electrical ground connections can fracture, potentially causing drivers to lose drive power, headlights or other important vehicle functions. The recall covers an estimated 148,663 certain 2024 through 2026 Ford Mustang vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA assigned the recall…

Clever Dude · Sep 2

Your $50 Oil Change Just Became $450: Question These 5 Common Upsells

A $50 oil change can take a sharp turn when the service advisor returns with a list of “urgent” recommendations that suddenly push the bill toward $450. Some of those recommendations may genuinely protect the vehicle, while others may simply belong on a maintenance schedule that gives the driver plenty…

Clever Dude · Sep 1

Lucid Recalls 27,185 Air EVs Over Fire Risk, Tells Owners to Park Outside

Lucid is recalling more than 27,000 Air electric vehicles because an electrical problem involving the exterior lighting system can cause a circuit to overheat, creating a fire risk.

Clever Dude · Sep 1

6 Hidden Travel Fees the FTC Says Consumers Should Watch Before Booking a Trip

A cheap hotel room can become considerably less cheap once the booking screen starts adding extras. The Federal Trade Commission now requires businesses offering short-term lodging to show the total price upfront, including mandatory fees they know about, but travelers still need to know which charges deserve a closer look.

Clever Dude · Sep 1

Your Bank Can Close Your Account and Legally Refuse to Tell You Why

The first sign of trouble is rarely a letter. It’s the embarrassment of a declined debit card at the grocery store, then a notice on your banking app that the account is closed. No accusation. No phone call. Often no reason you can use.

Clever Dude · Sep 1

Houston Man Gets Nearly 8 Years for Laundering $3.1 Million in Scam Proceeds Through Car Shipments

A Houston man has been sentenced to nearly eight years in federal prison for leading a conspiracy that laundered more than $3.1 million stolen through business email compromise, romance scams and unemployment insurance fraud.

Clever Dude · Aug 31

Who’s Working Harder on Dating Apps? Men or Women?

Dating apps have created a strange little marketplace where one person can stare at a screen wondering why nobody is messaging, while another person wonders why the phone will not stop buzzing. So, who is actually working harder on dating apps, men or women? The honest answer depends on what…

Clever Dude · Aug 31

Bills Most People Can No Longer Pay On One Income Alone

Some household bills have gotten so large that one paycheck can disappear before the grocery bags even hit the kitchen counter. Housing, child care, transportation, insurance, and other everyday expenses can turn the old one-income household model into a financial juggling act with very little room for a dropped ball.

Clever Dude · Aug 31