Clark Biweekly 7 8 24

Author

Anthony Hazzard
July 08, 2024

💵 Today’s Top Stories
Costco Gas

You can save big bucks buying gas from Costco. But it’s not a usual experience. Here’s why you should not block the middle lane and other Costco-specific tips. Read more.

Retirement sign

This report on the best and worst states to retire prioritizes affordability, quality of life and healthcare. Where does your state rank? Read more.

Flip Phone

Do you miss flip phones? You can still use one to save money, simplify your life and better protect your screen. Here are the pros and cons – and some opinions from the Clark community. Read more.

Online Banking

One bank account isn’t enough according to Clark Howard. If you’re a couple, two isn’t enough either. Here’s why – and how many accounts you should have. Read more.

Amazon

Searching for the lowest price? “Amazon ain’t it most of the time,” Clark says. But it’s so convenient. These money-saving tricks bend Amazon’s prices toward the reasonable. Read more.

🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.95% and 15-year rates are 6.25% as of July 3, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

💰️ Survey Responses: What Area Do You Have the Toughest Time Spending Less and Saving More?

Last week, we asked you what expense you struggle to reduce. Here are a few responses:

Betty in Georgia: “Hobby Lobby is my kryptonite. The more I stay away, the more money I get saved.”

Alma in California: “Anything for my cats.”

Jean in Illinois: “Buying for other people like my family and friends. I know I have to keep a budget. Yet it is so nice to give!”

Dave in Georgia: “Dining out! Although my wife and I have a generous amount allotted in our budget each month for dining out, we invariably go over budget. Obviously it’s a matter of self-discipline. But we cannot seem to break our ‘bad’ habits!”

Jill in Kentucky: “Deals at the grocery store. I’m a sucker for a good sale and I find myself spending more than I planned to stock up when I find a good deal.”

📊 Stat of the Day

🚦 $70.4 billion: The cost of traffic congestion to Americans in 2023. New York City was the worst for the average motorist in the world with the typical motorist losing 101 hours in traffic. Los Angeles and Boston also made the global top 10.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
Apple AirTags
Target store
🎙️ Podcast

Costco is a great place to get deals on food, clothing, gas, prescriptions, and more. But should you buy your car insurance through Costco? And how does it work? Team Clark member Michael Carvell walks you through everything you need to know, including the coverage, perks, discounts, and helpful advice to help you decide if buying auto insurance through Costco makes sense for you.

☎️ 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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