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- Clark’s ‘half-tank’ strategy to save on gas (3 23 26)
Clark’s ‘half-tank’ strategy to save on gas (3 23 26)
Sally McDonald
March 23, 2026
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💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | If you wait until your gas tank is empty to fill up, you’re beholden to whatever price the nearest station offers on gas. Top off much earlier and you can comparison shop along your normal route. Read more. |
 | Think you need a membership to save money at Costco Pharmacy? This little-known perk, plus a few others, could slash your prescription costs even if you’ve never paid a dime to join. Read more. |
 | Fuel prices are up sharply with the conflict in Iran and the Middle East. Airline prices are up as much as 16% already. Clark offers four tips to protect your wallet and fight back when you buy airline tickets. Read more. |
 | Here’s where your credit score ranks and the factors that can impact it. Read more. |
 | Looking for ways to get your next home improvement project done for less? Use these tips to stretch your dollars. Read more. |
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.22% and 15-year rates are 5.54% as of March 19, 2026. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
⚡️ Interest in EVs Spikes With Gas Prices
When Stellantis announced it would take a $26 billion short-term hit to scale back its EV ambitions, the size of the move grabbed headlines. But it also reflected the broader mood heading into 2026.
Federal policies aimed at accelerating EV adoption have been rolled back, and much of the early-adopter market is already saturated. At the same time, several headwinds slowed momentum:
Recent end of federal tax credits (up to $7,500 for new EVs or $4,000 for used EVs)
Battery replacement cost
Limited overall range of many models
Falling gas prices
It turns out that all the EV industry needed was an old-fashioned surge in gas prices.
According to CarMax, searches for EVs and hybrids jumped 9.3% this month, echoing a similar surge in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent oil prices higher.
During the week of March 9–15, 23.8% of vehicle shoppers considered an EV — the highest level of 2026 so far and a 22.4% increase from the previous week.
Of course, increased “consideration” doesn’t always translate into immediate sales.
As GM CFO Paul Jacobson put it: “Usually it takes four to six months of sustained high oil prices before people start to think, ‘Maybe I should go for less mileage, or maybe I should buy down.’”
📊 Stat of the Day
🤖 15: The number of reported accidents reported by Tesla's Robotaxi platform. Waymo, which operates more than five times as many driverless vehicles, has reported 60 crashes. While they are far from perfect, Clark still thinks autonomous vehicles will continue to help regulate auto insurance rates in 2026.
💰️ 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, airfares are going up, up and away since hostilities began in Iran, and with jet fuel prices surging, the airlines are feeling the squeeze. Clark breaks down exactly how the conflict in the Middle East is impacting your wallet and what it means for your spring and summer travel plans, including strategies to book for less.
☎️ 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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