A Penny Saved, A Penny Earned

Your guide to financial security. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] [Sponsored by Capital One]( October 12, 2023 Think it's taboo to talk about money? Think again. We're celebrating Capital One's National Savings Day with honest (and essential) conversations about your finances, like [how your savings stack up against the average American's](. Then we'll dive deeper into your relationship with your wallet with a primer on [the new rules of tipping etiquette](, and advice about [the best way to request a raise](. And if thinking about your accounts gives you anxiety, we'll also tell you about [a totally free course]( that Capital One launched in partnership with Khan Academy that'll put you on the right path in no time. Read on!   In the News [Illustration of two hands holding a pile of gold coins]( Shutterstock A Penny Saved, A Penny Earned The last few years have been an economic rollercoaster, and the best way to ride along is by looking to the future. We may not know what'll happen tomorrow, but we do know that we'll need a healthy nest egg to navigate it. That's why we're taking a closer look at [the best savings strategies to keep you secure](. Why does it matter? The key to financial health is "critical preventative care," according to Adam Davis, vice president of financial health, inclusion, and liquidity at Capital One. "We aim to help customers diagnose financial issues and find solutions — especially better ways to save — before they become a bigger problem," he tells us. How do you stack up? The bottom line is that any savings are better than none. But if you're curious about how you're doing, we've got eye-opening stats about [how much the average American has saved at every age](. What can you do? If getting your assets into gear sounds daunting, fear not. [This free financial literacy course from Khan Academy](, launched in partnership with Capital One, offers practical tips and step-by-step guidance on budgeting and saving, dealing with debt, planning your retirement, and much more. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Flifestyle%2Ffinance%2Fhow-much-money-should-you-have-in-savings%2F   More Stories [German Shepherd looking through balcony railings]( Getty Images Battle for the gavel: House Republicans have nominated Majority Leader Steve Scalise for speaker — but it's not certain he'll secure the votes to win an election. Per The Hill, at least seven GOP members plan to vote for someone else, at least six are undecided, and others won't comment. With Democrats expected to rally behind Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Scalise's slim 113-99 victory over Rep. Jim Jordan yesterday doesn't translate to a win on the House floor, where he'll need a 217-vote majority. The House is set to reconvene at noon today — watch this space... War in Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formed an emergency government alongside opposition leader Benny Gantz and pledged to “crush and eliminate” Hamas. At least 300,000 Israeli reservists have been mobilized near the Gaza border as the military says it's preparing troops for "the next stage of the war.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Tel Aviv this morning and plans to meet with Israeli officials imminently. “We have their back today," he said. "Too great" a gap: Negotiations have been suspended between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and the actors union SAG-AFTRA. A major snag appears to have been the union's proposal for a small share in streaming revenue. Studios claim this would cost $800 million a year — but the union says it would cost 60% less, at 57 cents per subscriber per year. New revelations: After years of speculation about their relationship, Jada Pinkett Smith revealed that she and her husband Will Smith have been separated since 2016. Here’s why they kept their decision a secret — and why, despite their seven-year separation, they've still chosen not to divorce](.   Must-Reads [stacks of hundreds sandiwched between hamburger bun]( Grappling With Giving Is 25 the new 20 when it comes to tipping? We explore questions about the ever-changing ethics surrounding gratuities. [Read More »]( [two elderly people figurines standing on top of a roll of $50 bills]( Stepping In It can be tough to tell a parent they need help managing their finances. An expert shares tips for having the conversation. [Read More »]( [Couple dancing under disco ball]( Living the Life The term “DINK” has been making the rounds online lately — but the concept actually predates TikTok by decades. Here’s more. [Read More »](   Get Out of Town [Person dragging yellow wheeled suitcase through airport]( Getty Images Trying to drag suitcases with broken wheels through the airport can really start a vacation off on the wrong foot. A good piece of luggage is well worth the investment, so whether you’re looking for a carry-on or checked bag, a soft or hard cover, a sleek black or an eye-popping color, we’ve got [10 affordable options]( that are ready to go wherever you are. [READ MORE](   Show Me the Money Feeling “financially comfortable” means different things to different people, and factors like your health, the size of your family, and your propensity for buying sports cars all influence whether you’ve got enough to go around. Another huge factor is where you live, and this fascinating data about [how much money it takes to be a top earner in all 50 states]( really proves that. And if those numbers have you feeling like your own salary isn't as high as it should be, fear not: We've got tips from a LinkedIn career expert about [how to request a raise in uncertain economic times]( — and what else you can ask for if a pay bump isn't in the cards.   Autumn Essentials [Green coat, black chelsea boot and blue jeans on purple background]( KCM With the arrival of a new season comes an opportunity to reassess your wardrobe (and, sometimes, discover you hate everything you own). Luckily, we've got a wallet-friendly approach to overhauling your closet — all you need to do is [invest in these 11 staple items]( for unlimited looks. [READ MORE](   One More Thing The latest edition of our LinkedIn newsletter Wake-Up Call at Work is coming in just a few hours! This week we're breaking down the "lazy girl job" trend that's all over TikTok — and what a new study tells us about where women's ambition really stands in the workplace. You don't want to miss it, so [make sure you're subscribed right here](.   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.