Clark Biweekly 10 7 24

Author

Sally McDonald
October 07, 2024

Today’s Sponsor
💵 Today’s Top Stories

Used EVs (-25%), hybrids (-6%) and gas-powered engines (-4%) have fallen year-over-year, according to this study. Here are 10 specific cars with big price drops. Read more.

You reach into your pocket and realize your phone is gone. You can’t find it. Panic sets in. Your entire life is on that thing. What do you do to protect yourself if it’s lost or stolen? Read more.

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Input accurate details about your current finances, desired lifestyle, and future aspirations and we'll share an assessment tailored to your unique needs.

A Clark listener inherited almost a quarter-million and wants to improve her home and save for a down payment on another home. Plus, Clark wants her saving for retirement. How should she prioritize? Read more.

You can expect money market funds and savings accounts to give you less yield as Fed interest rate cuts potentially continue. Clark says you should lock in rates now with this savings tool. Read more.

The IRS will open Direct File to at least 12 more states, and tens of millions of Americans, in 2025. What is Direct File, and why should you consider it? Team Clark explains. Read more.

🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.12% and 15-year rates are 5.25% as of October 3, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

🏬 Costco Gets Deeper Into Precious Metal Sales

Costco is fascinating not just for cheap bulk goods, but also for the treasure hunt element.

Some of that emanates from the in-store items. Costco rolls out enough surprises and oddities that you can find something new and unexpected every week. It’s to the point that Team Clark publishes a monthly article highlighting about 10 new items we like.

Other parts of the Costco treasure hunt are category-based. We’re talking engagement rings, furniture, travel and more. Not long ago, Costco added to that list by selling gold bars. It now makes up to $200 million a month selling those bars.

Perhaps in light of that success, Costco just added platinum bars on its website** for $1,089.99**. Right now, sales are limited to one transaction and five units per membership.

While gold has appreciated more than 40% in the last year, platinum is up more than 15% in that same time frame. Here’s what Clark says about buying gold.

📊 Stat of the Day

🌮 4 minutes, 26 seconds: Total time drive-thru customers spent at Taco Bell in the last year, fastest of any major chain. KFC was a close second. Chick-fil-A, slowest at almost 8 minutes, tied with McDonald’s for most accurate (93%) and won for overall satisfaction.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
Home Depot
Target store
🎙️ Podcast

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, Clark has long talked about self-driving vehicles. Are they safe? Are they better than human drivers?

☎️ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

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