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- Clark Biweekly 5 19 25
Clark Biweekly 5 19 25
Anthony Hazzard
May 19, 2025
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💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | Canceling subscriptions can save you money and feel good at the same time. Here are some subscription categories you can consider slashing. Read more. |
 | Find out how far Costco fell down the list after tying for first last year. Plus, a company that held top billing for multiple years regains its spot. Read more. |
Sponsor | You’ve written quite a story—now let’s make sure the next chapter is your favorite. The Happy Retirement Planner helps you turn your goals and finances into an assessment tailored to your unique needs. |
 | Clark only makes secure payments when he shops online. We have the info you need to protect yourself this coming summer. Read more. |
 | An ICEE maker machine, indoor/outdoor tablecloths and whimsical garden gnomes are just a few limited-quantity items available in Aldi’s middle aisle in May. Read more. |
 | Clark calls “certified pre-owned” a marketing scheme designed to get you to part with more money when you shop used vehicles. Here’s what it actually means. Read more. |
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.81% and 15-year rates are 5.92% as of May 15, 2025. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
🚗 State of the Union: Auto Industry and Tariffs
Team Clark has covered how tariffs have thrown the airline industry and others into chaos in this space already in May.
But the auto industry may have uncertainty covered. The only thing for sure is that short-term, prices are screaming higher.
Some developments:
Every automaker worth its salt has yanked all-important (to the stock price) guidance for the foreseeable future during quarterly earnings calls.
Those same companies are expecting to incur tariff-related costs into the billions of dollars. That includes Toyota, which expected tariffs to cost it $1.2 billion in April and May alone.
It’s unclear how long tariffs will impact automakers. But the industry is like a giant barge in that it doesn’t turn or change quickly. Especially with price trends and supply disruptions. We saw that after the onset of COVID-19 running parallel to higher inflation and disruptions in production and delivery.
Ford is offering an employee price discount to the public on many models – but customers can expect an immediate price hike as soon as the promotion ends in early July.
Many of you recognized the bottom line and rushed to purchase a vehicle before too many of the anticipated price hikes set in.
Some other market changes: leases, used vehicles and smaller, cheaper vehicles are becoming more popular, while SUVs and trucks are becoming less popular. Customers also are holding onto their potential trade-ins for longer.
There’s at least some evidence that the government will be sensitive to letting the auto industry get hurt too badly, but it’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen to tariffs related to these companies in the short- and intermediate-term future.
Following Clark’s rules on auto loan term lengths and buying used vehicles can help you no matter what happens to prices.
📊 Stat of the Day
🚘️ +2.5%: The month-over-month price increase for the average new vehicle in the United States in April (now $48,699). That’s the biggest single-month jump in five years (April 2020).
💰️ 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, the vehicle market is in a tricky spot. Clark discusses how to approach car buying right now if you absolutely need a new vehicle.
☎️ 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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