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- Clark Biweekly 12 30 24
Clark Biweekly 12 30 24
Anthony Hazzard
December 30, 2024
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The Christmas shopping season may be over, but there are a couple of reasons why it is a great time to head back to the stores. Learn more later in this email.
💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | Being able to return items can boost the value of shopping online. But did you know you can’t return some computers, health products, jewelry and more to Amazon? Read more. |
 | Cooler temperatures might mean you’re cranking up the heat. But will that bust your budget? We offer tips to regulate your home’s temperature and keep you comfortable. Read more. |
 | Don’t make these money mistakes in the new year. Keep your financial life on track with our list. Read more. |
 | Clark shares his decades of wisdom to help you find the very best deal on every hotel room you book. Here are the five steps you should follow. Read more. |
 | The best online banks pay you more interest and charge fewer fees. Here are the top online banks entering the new year. Read more. |
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.85% and 15-year rates are 6.00% as of December 26, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
🛍️ Retail: How To Navigate Post-Christmas Return Season
Christmas shopping season is over. But it’s a great time to head back to the stores for two reasons:
To shop clearance discounts
To return and exchange gifts
According to Consumer Reports, these four tips will maximize your chances at a smooth gift return:
Keep the receipts (or ask the giver for the original if possible).
Check the return policy including store time limits.
Bring your ID.
Don’t open the box if you can (you can be charged a restocking fee or denied altogether for items like software, CDs and DVDs).
Consumer Reports listed 16 of the best companies for flexible post-Christmas returns and eight companies that are no bueno.
Some of the best companies for returns: Amazon, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Target and Walmart.
Some of the worst companies for returns: Apple, Best Buy, Sears and Wayfair.
📊 Stat of the Day
💳️ $6,140: The average credit card debt per U.S. household. Making minimum payments, it would take 17+ years to pay that off. Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Alabama have the longest payout times. Massachusetts, California, Minnesota and New Hampshire have the shortest.
💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
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🎙️ Podcast
Here are this year’s top Clark Stinks segments, where listeners share their feedback, and Clark responds with his usual honesty and humor.
☎️ 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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