10 states paying higher property taxes, Should you sign the back of your credit card?

February 15, 2024 | Read Online

Later in this email, find out what every major cell phone carrier offers you on international trips (data, texts, minutes) – and why you may want to consider alternate options.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

10 States With the Highest and Lowest Property Taxes

This state charges 0.29% in annual property taxes and this other state charges 2.47%. That’s a difference of nearly $5,400 a year on a home that’s worth less than $250,000. Read more.

Is It Wise To Sign My Credit Card on the Back?

Don’t ignore this crucial step when you get a new credit card. Clark explains why it’s a mistake to miss this. Read more.

Are Donor-Advised Funds a Good Idea for Charitable Donations?

So you want to make a tax-deductible charitable contribution and you have some investments that have appreciated in value. Here’s why you should consider a donor-advised fund. Read more.

This Internet Company Offers Cell Phone Service at Rock Bottom Prices

If you’re a Spectrum internet customer with a physical store nearby, check out this Verizon network alternative for as low as $20 per month. Read more.

☎️ International Phone Plans For 3 Major Carriers, Other Options

We’ve all come home from a major vacation and felt a tinge of consternation when we check our financial accounts.

But getting an unexpected bill for hundreds of dollars (or more) in international phone charges can be especially stunning.

Clark strongly recommends using Google Fi Wireless or purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM when you arrive at your destination. Here’s our analysis of the best international phone plans.

Just in case, here’s a quick look at the standard international data plans for the major cell phone providers.

AT&T

Pay-per-use rates listed here. Example: $4/min for calls to or from Australia.
International Day Pass: $10/day for unlimited talk and text, plus your normal high-speed data plan.

T-Mobile

5GB of high-speed data.
Additional blocks of data for 24 hours ($5 for 512MB), 10 days ($35 for 5GB) or 30 days ($50 for 15GB). Packages come with unlimited calling.

Verizon

Pay as You Go (pay per minute, per text and per MB of data used) unless you pre-buy a travel plan. Pay as You Go example: $1.79/min and $2.05 per MB in Australia.
TravelPass: $10/day outside of Canada and Mexico. Use your plan’s normal talk, text and data allowances.
$100 International Monthly Plan: Unlimited data and texts, 20GB of high-speed data and 250 minutes.
$20 International Monthly Plan: 50MB of data for select cruise ships and airplanes.

📊 Stat of the Day

💸 +13%: Year-over-year change in visits made to music piracy sites (more than 17 billion in 2023). That reverses a seven-year decline due to Spotify, Apple Music and others. Research suggests “in some cases it’s a matter of people not being able to afford music streaming services.”

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

Zenni Optical: Prescription glasses from $7

Get this deal.

Kohl’s: Take up to 70% off clearance items

Get this deal.

See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Mail Delivery Issues and Retail Price Wars

There are a lot of issues with our mail lately. Postal service employees are working so hard, and we’re still seeing delays. What’s going on? Also, Amazon is in a market share war, and we’re the winners as consumers! Be on the lookout for deals on clothing and more.

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.