Tax & Insurance Writer
David Clarke covers taxes and insurance for WealthWire Daily, the parts of personal finance that are easy to overlook and expensive to get wrong. His work focuses on helping readers understand IRS rules, filing deadlines, and how to evaluate insurance coverage without the industry jargon.
Coverage Areas
Most people pay their medical bills in full without realizing the listed price is a starting point, not a final number. Hospitals routinely accept 40–60 cents on the dollar - and even insured patients can negotiate. Here's exactly how to do it.
The S corp vs. LLC question is one of the most Googled tax topics for self-employed people - and one of the most poorly explained. The key insight most articles miss: an S corp is a tax election, not a separate business structure. Here's the full breakdown of what each costs, where the savings are, and when the math actually works.
April CPI showed medical care costs up from a year ago even as the monthly index dipped. Here is how to plan for premiums, prescriptions, deductibles, and surprise cash flow.
The IRS withholding tool now reflects major 2026 tax changes. Here is who should run a paycheck checkup now and when to update Form W-4.
NFIB's April small-business survey shows owners still dealing with inflation, weaker sales expectations, labor issues, and higher borrowing costs. Freelancers can use the same signals to price work more carefully.
The IRS says some buyers can deduct up to $10,000 of qualified car loan interest. Here is who may qualify and why the deduction should not make you overborrow.
The IRS says eligible taxpayers age 65 or older may claim an additional senior deduction for tax years 2025 through 2028. Here is who qualifies, where the income phaseout starts, and how retirees should plan.
Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, and many flood policies have a 30-day waiting period. Here is how to check your risk before hurricane season.
IRS underpayment interest is 6% for the second quarter of 2026 and compounds daily. Here is what taxpayers with balances, extensions, or estimated tax gaps should do next.
The second 2026 estimated tax payment is due June 15. Here is how freelancers, investors, landlords, and side hustlers can avoid an underpayment penalty.
Community Bank and Trust - West Georgia became the second U.S. bank failure of 2026. Here is how FDIC insurance works, where the $250,000 limit applies, and what to check if your deposits are spread across accounts.
Home Depot's latest guidance points to a still-cautious housing and renovation market. Homeowners should plan repairs carefully, avoid high-interest financing, and separate necessary maintenance from upgrades.
HSA contribution limits are higher in 2026, and new IRS guidance expands who can qualify. Here is how the triple tax break works, who should use it, and who should be careful.
March inflation jumped as gasoline surged 21.2% in a single month. Here is how households can adjust their budget without wrecking debt payoff, savings, or essential spending.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.30% as of April 24, 2026 - the lowest in three spring homebuying seasons. Searches for 'current mortgage rates' are up 700% today. Here's what's moving rates, whether a refinance makes sense, and how to think about buying in this environment.
Silver just hit $77 per ounce - a historic high - as a five-year supply deficit meets surging industrial demand from solar panels, EVs, and AI data centers. Here's what's actually driving the rally, who benefits, and whether silver belongs in your portfolio.
The average 2026 tax refund is $3,676 - up 10.6% from last year thanks to new deductions. Before you spend it, here's the priority order that will make the biggest financial difference in your life.
Freelancers and gig workers face a tax system that's fundamentally different from W-2 employment. Here's exactly how self-employment taxes work, what you can deduct, and how to avoid the most expensive mistakes.
Drowning in credit card debt? This proven payoff plan using the avalanche method can get you debt-free in 2 years or less, even on an average American income.
Homeowners insurance premiums are projected to rise 8% nationally in 2026, with some states seeing 16 to 20%+ increases. Here's why it's happening and the concrete steps that can actually reduce your premium.
The 2026 tax season introduced major new deductions - including no federal income tax on tips and overtime pay for eligible workers. Here's exactly who qualifies, what to claim, and how to make sure you're not leaving money behind.
The IRS won't remind you about these deductions. Here are 7 overlooked write-offs verified against IRS publications that could save you hundreds, or thousands, this filing season.
70% of Americans believe they need life insurance but half don't have it. Of those who do, many are paying too much for the wrong kind. Here's the clear-eyed guide to figuring out your actual number.