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- Why it’s the best week to file your taxes (1 26 26)
Why it’s the best week to file your taxes (1 26 26)
Sally McDonald
January 26, 2026
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💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | In some years, the IRS struggles to process millions of tax returns in a timely manner. That makes it even more critical to file at the right time. Here’s why that time is now. Read more. |
 | Living on a cruise ship works well for some people. But the realities of permanent life at sea can be harsh, as Clark explains. Read more. |
Sponsor | Your ideal retirement is about more than money—it’s about how you live. Take our quick Money & Happiness Quiz to uncover insights that help bring your goals and lifestyle together. |
 | The condo market is in free fall for four specific reasons, as Clark explains. If you’re looking to buy, your eyes should be wide open right now, he says. If you’re a seller, be patient if you can. Read more. |
 | Whether you’re getting stock dividend checks, capturing credit card rewards or advertising on your car, there are plenty of angles to make passive income. Read more. |
 | You open your mail and find you’re eligible for a class-action lawsuit. Sometimes the notice cites a giant dollar figure. How much money can you really expect if you join? Read more. |
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.09% and 15-year rates are 5.44% as of January 22, 2026. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
🚘️ 10 Cheapest Newer Vehicles To Insure
The hidden costs of owning a home or a car can add up fast.
Interest rates matter. Property taxes matter. Fuel costs matter. But when most people talk about “hidden costs,” they’re often talking about insurance.
After years of hockey-stick increases (which are finally starting to cool), auto insurance has become a serious budget killer. Insuring a two-car household can easily cost you an arm and a leg.
To put it in perspective: the average 2024 or 2025 vehicle costs $2,823 per year to insure.
Want to pay less? You might want to start at a Subaru dealership.
Subaru Outback: $1,988
Hyundai Santa Cruz: $2,068
Subaru Forester: $2,077
Subaru Ascent: $2,086
Subaru Legacy: $2,188
Subaru Crosstrek: $2,208
Nissan Murano: $2,209
Honda Passport: $2,239
Acura RDX: $2,294
Ford Maverick: $2,295
📊 Stat of the Day
🍔 $0.76: Average tip on a DoorDash or Uber Eats food delivery in New York City. That’s down from $3.66 just two years ago, largely due to changes in the apps’ interfaces. “The design tricks have resulted in a $554 million decrease in Uber Eats and DoorDash workers’ tip earnings since they were implemented. The current loss to workers is approximately $5,800 per year,” one study found.
💰️ 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 landscape of real estate investing has shifted dramatically, leaving many "mom-and-pop" landlords in a difficult position. While big private equity firms continue to buy up single-family homes, Clark explains why individual investors should exercise extreme caution. For the last three years, we have seen a massive disconnect in the market: while home prices soared, rents only grew gradually and have now begun to stall or even fall. This creates a "hazardous" environment for new investors who are trying to enter the market at today's high prices while facing diminishing rental returns. To determine if a property is a viable investment, Clark breaks down the classic 1% rule.
☎️ 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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