Clark Biweekly 11 18 24

Author

Anthony Hazzard
November 18, 2024

Amazon is now offering a broad selection of products at amazing prices—most under $10! Read all about it later in this email. 

💵 Today’s Top Stories
Used

You know a new car depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot. But do you buy smart on all nine of these things? Read more.

Medicare

Here’s how Medicare works, how much it costs and what it covers. Clark details his (negative) opinion on Medicare Advantage as well. Read more.

Rule of 72

The Rule of 72 sounds complicated. But this simple math tells you how long it will take for your money to double. Read more.

Luggage

It’s hard to find durable luggage at a low price. But Clark believes he’s nailed that combo with this recommendation. Read more.

Groceries in trunk

Order your groceries online and you’ll avoid crowds and save time. Team Clark took a close look at some of the most popular services and put together this list of the best options. Read more.

🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.78% and 15-year rates are 5.99% as of November 14, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

📦️ Amazon Gets Defensive on Cheap Goods

Clark knows that comparing Walmart+ to Amazon Prime isn’t exactly apples to apples. But he does really like Walmart’s price advantages.

Now, however, Amazon is facing even more competition for cheap goods shipped directly to consumers, especially from Chinese multinational companies Shein and Temu.

The pair of challengers known for slower shipping, lower quality and ultra-cheap goods have exploded in popularity, especially since 2020 (Shein) and ’22 (Temu).

Still, those two claim about 2% of the U.S. e-commerce market vs. about 41% for Amazon. Originally a book-selling company, Jeff Bezos’ former business isn’t known for resting on its laurels.

It just rolled out Amazon Haul, “a broad selection of products $20 or less, with most under $10.” Touting delivery times of one to two weeks, a far cry from the same-day delivery push in recent years, the mobile-only storefront offers more than 300 million bargain-priced products shipped directly from Chinese warehouses.

It also offers shipping and overall discounts on larger orders.

📊 Stat of the Day

🏠️ 6.78%: The U.S. 30-year mortgage rate as of the end of last week. It’s down from 7.4% year over year but higher than some hoped it would be with the Fed making back-to-back interest rate cuts.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
Kohls
AirPods
🎙️ Podcast

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, scams are everywhere! There are three common scams that consistently trick people out of their money – and they all have something in common. Clark explains the red flags and how to prevent becoming a victim.

☎️ 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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