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- Clark Biweekly 2 24 25
Clark Biweekly 2 24 25
Sally McDonald
February 24, 2025
Today’s Sponsor
💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | Paying unnecessary fees can be death by 1,000 paper cuts to your wallet. This list teaches you which ones to reject. Read more. |
 | Four-year degrees can be brutally expensive. Fortunately, these jobs pay $80,000 or more and don’t require one. Dental hygienist, elevator repair and air traffic controller are just a few options. Read more. |
Sponsor | Start mapping out a happier, more fulfilling future with our Happy Retirement Planner! This interactive tool compares your current lifestyle and financial habits to your retirement goals, providing an assessment tailored to your unique needs. |
 | Don’t let a slick car salesperson stick you with a long loan payoff by getting you to agree to an affordable monthly payment via the “Four Square” method. Read more. |
 | Here are the states that don’t collect income tax, along with a general idea of how much money you’d save living in those locations. Read more. |
 | Home Title Lock monitors your home to keep identity thieves from stealing your equity – a problem that’s been in the news lately. But there’s a better way to protect your home. Read more. |
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.85% and 15-year rates are 6.04% as of February 20, 2025. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
🛻 Ford F-150 Loses Sales Crown After 42 Years
For decades, the Ford F-150 led vehicle sales in the United States.
That streak ended in 2024. The Toyota RAV4 toppled the Ford F-150 from the top, where it had remained perched since the early 1980s.
F-150 sales fell 5% year-over-year to nearly 461,000 units. RAV4 sales increased 9% to more than 475,000 units.
Wrote MSN.com: “The RAV4’s rise to the top is attributed in part to its hybrid powertrain, which has become a major draw for consumers seeking fuel efficiency and eco-friendly options …
“Researchers believe the vehicle’s combination of practicality and sustainability has made it a favorite among American drivers, particularly as the demand for hybrid and electric vehicles continues to grow.”
📊 Stat of the Day
🏡 73,000: The approximate number of home listings pulled off the market in December after failing to find a buyer. It’s a common occurrence in winter when fewer buyers are entering the market. But it’s also a 64% increase from December 2023 as the previously-owned housing market continues to languish.
💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
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🎙️ Podcast
It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, Amazon is providing customer no-service! Many sellers offer different return policies and it can be really confusing to shoppers. Clark shares a personal Amazon return story you don’t want to miss.
☎️ 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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