#1 most fuel-efficient car, Are you buying the wrong LED bulbs?

December 14, 2023 | Read Online

Clark has predicted that car prices will moderate over a long period of time since the COVID-19 price spikes. Find out how strong his predictions are looking right now later in this email.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

#1 Most Fuel-Efficient Car in 2023

At 32 miles per gallon, three vehicles offer the best fuel efficiency of any non-hybrid combustion engine in the market. Read more.

My LED Bulbs Are Burning Out. Am I Buying the Wrong Ones?

A listener keeps having to buy new LED bulbs, which can sometimes last decades. What does Clark think the problem is? Read more.

7 Easy Ways To Free Up Storage Space on Your iPhone

Is your iPhone storage always full? Read our story on how to free up space. Read more.

Best Credit Cards for Retirees

Here are the factors that retirees should consider when evaluating credit cards whether you’re traveling the world or living on a small, fixed budget – and some of our favorite cards that fit the bill. Read more.

🚘️ Car Price Normalization Is Real and It’s Spectacular

If you listen to Clark’s podcast or read Clark.com every week, you’ve noticed a monotone piece of advice from the money expert.

Want the best price on buying a vehicle and don’t need one immediately? Wait.

From the COVID-19 supply chain issues that dropped inventory well below demand to stubborn dealerships reacting slowly to free-market forces, Clark has predicted a steady but drowsy moderation.

That’s exactly what has happened – slowly at first, but in a much more real sense toward the end of 2023. (Now if only interest rates fall in ’24, right?)

Here are some numbers that illustrate how Clark’s long-held predictions are coming true (hat tip to Car Dealership Guy):

The average retail price for vehicles fell more than 4% from December 2022 to November 2023.
Incentive spending per vehicle more than doubled during that same time period (now $2,247 on average).
The average loan amount for all vehicles fell $1,359 year over year.
Gross profits per vehicle have fallen for six consecutive quarters for publicly traded auto retailers.
Here’s a look at the vehicles that have fallen the most in price since August.

📊 Stat of the Day

🍎 45%: Apple’s share of the smartwatch market in Q3 of 2023. Apple widened its advantage over No. 2 Samsung, which fell from 24% to 18% market share in the last year. Huawei smartwatches saw a 122% surge thanks to popularity in China and have reached 14% market share.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

The 2023 Travel Hacker Bundle + Rosetta Stone lifetime subscription for $200

Get this deal.

Allbirds: Take 30% off sitewide

Get this deal.

See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Most Expensive Cities for Homes and Drive Thru Fancy Restaurants

It is so expensive to buy a home, especially for first-time home buyers. Clark talks through the most expensive metro areas and gives some advice if you’re in the market right now. Also, many fancy restaurants are doing serious take-out business. Clark shares some examples and tips to save when eating out.

Watch the Full Episode

☎️ 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.