Clark Biweekly 7 31 25

Author

Sally McDonald
July 31, 2025

💵 Today’s Top Stories

Willing to be a free agent for where you live? Get up to $17,000 to relocate to one of these places. Here’s how it works. Read more.

IRA

Sometimes the key to early retirement is navigating the penalty-filled code of retirement account withdrawals. Here’s a little-known addendum that can power your early retirement penalty-free. Read more.

Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses don’t have to cost hundreds of dollars. Here’s where you’ll find affordable, quality glasses, including a major update on Clark’s long-time favorite option. Read more.

Credit card on wallet with cash

The ever-more-expensive premium travel rewards credit cards are promising more and more perks in exchange for price increases. What’s the real-world total value for this popular option? Read more.

Your internet provider probably doesn’t want you to know you can buy this piece of equipment instead of renting it from them. Read more.

🚘️ Dealerships Cut Incentives To Avoid Price Hikes (for Now)

When the federal government announced Liberation Day tariffs on April 2, the auto industry garnered some of the most attention.

Almost everyone, it seemed like, expected auto prices to rise – and probably fast. Especially vehicle brands that import to the United States, or even brands that import parts to make their vehicles here.

After an initial rush of vehicle purchases by those attempting to beat the price hikes, the reality has been relatively quiet (exception: all the billions that car companies say they’re going to lose this year due to tariffs during corporate earnings calls).

However, prices have not (yet) changed in a meaningful way. But the news isn’t as good as the sticker prices would have you believe.

In an auto version of shrinkflation, in May, 0% interest finance deals made up less than 1% of loans for new vehicles, which is the lowest since 2004.

Also, “VW, Mazda, Land Rover, Volvo and BMW all chopped incentives by 10%+” in May while “Chrysler, Jeep, Ram followed with notable cuts” according to Car Dealership Guy.

That’s also bucking a seasonal trend, as dealers often offer more incentives during summer.

Also according to Car Dealership Guy’s reporting, dealerships feel they’re competing for market share and don’t want to be the first to blink. But the number of days’ supply on dealership lots, a key metric, keeps increasing.

“Big picture: Incentives will likely stay suppressed through summer, but by Q4, the math stops working,” Car Dealership Guy wrote.

In other words, expect the tariff-fueled price hikes to come after all.

📊 Stat of the Day

🪙 +34.3%: Increase in the price of gold in the last year as of late yesterday (up $838.70 to $3,287.60). Compare that to the S&P 500 (+17.0%) and Nasdaq (+23.2%). Here’s Clark’s position on buying gold.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
Costco Wholesale warehouse
Piggy Bank
🎙️ Podcast

A new J.D. Power study reveals that drivers are fed up with massive premium increases and are finally shopping around – and a LendingTree survey shows almost 100% of shoppers are saving big! Clark breaks down why prices are skyrocketing and shares actionable tips to lower your premiums. Also, the U.S. is a major leader in global energy production. Clark explains how America's diverse energy portfolio is helping to find affordable and reliable solutions.

☎️ 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.

Did You Enjoy Today’s Newsletter?

Let us know what you think so we can better serve you!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.