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- Clark Biweekly 8 11 25
Clark Biweekly 8 11 25
Sally McDonald
August 11, 2025
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💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | Without this policy, you have “no line of defense,” Clark says. It’s not required, but Clark thinks everyone should buy it. Read more. |
 | Cut the oppressive summer heat with cooling towels, snuggle up to a huggable plush toy and keep your lunches hot or cold with an insulated food container – all on deals this month at ALDI. Read more. |
 | Clark says you need at least one 2% cash back credit card. We just removed an option from the list. Here are the cards we currently recommend. Read more. |
 | Team Clark considers Consumer Cellular the best cell phone provider for seniors. New customers (up to four lines) can get a second month for free for a limited time. Read more. |
 | There’s a lot of consternation and hand-wringing – often unnecessarily so – around our credit scores. Also, let’s dispel some interesting myths about things that impact your score. Read more. |
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.63% and 15-year rates are 5.75% as of August 7, 2025. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
✈️ Google Flights Data Offers Money-Saving Hints
Negative headlines about AI helping airlines squeeze every penny out of you and about how loyalists could get penalized are permeating the news.
But there’s a flip side to all the accessible data. The black box that is airline pricing is becoming more opaque by the year.
1. Flying Days
Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly, followed by Monday and Wednesday.
Flying on those days is 13-20% cheaper than flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Sunday is the most expensive day to fly.
2. Direct vs. Layover Savings
Flights with layovers are 25% cheaper on average than direct flights. So on a $500 flight you’ll save $125.
3. Days To Book
Book your flights on Tuesdays for the cheapest prices. But don’t expect huge savings. Booking on Tuesdays is only 1.3% cheaper than Sundays, the most expensive day.
4. How Far in Advance?
“According to Google, it’s better to book your travel far in advance, especially if you need to fly on a specific day or time. There are some patterns you can analyze to decide whether it’s better to wait for lower prices or book now.”
Domestic flights: 38 days out is the cheapest on average. Try to book 21 to 52 days ahead of time.
International flights: 50 to 101 days out is best. Prices don’t drop meaningfully but do start to go up within 50 days of departure.
The article also gives advice for max savings on holidays, to specific destinations and more.
📊 Stat of the Day
🔄 21: Years since the United States trade gap with China was this low (narrowed by $22.2 billion over five months; currently $9.5 billion). June also represented our lowest trade gap with the world since September 2023 (currently $60.2 billion). “The diminished trade deficit contributed heavily to the rebound in U.S. domestic product during the second quarter,” Reuters said.
💰️ 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, are you a loyal Delta flyer? You could be paying more for your tickets! Clark reveals how airlines are using AI to predict what you'll pay, and how your loyalty might be costing you. Learn why "being disloyal pays" and get Clark's top tips to beat the system.
☎️ 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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