A neat credit card trick to maximize rewards, 10 best new products at Costco

December 09, 2024 | Read Online

Are you ready to make a difference this holiday season? Later in this email, learn how you can help bring smiles to deserving kids through Clark's Christmas Kids!

💵 Today’s Top Stories

Max Out Your Credit Card Rewards with This Simple Trick

Clark picked up this brilliant credit card rewards trick by talking to a shopper at Costco. Read our story to decide if you want to start using it too. Read more.

10 Best New Products at Costco in December

A large griddle with a warming tray, a Kirkland Signature pet bed, a microwave-safe set of glass “meal prep” containers and more are new and in stock at your favorite Costco. Read more.

How Often You Should Re-Shop Auto and Homeowners Insurance

Did you know people that switch auto insurance save nearly $500 a year on average? Clark gives specific recommendations on how often you should reshop auto and homeowners coverage. Read more.

Should You Trust Airline Ticket Consolidators To Save Money on International Flights?

Clark loves saving money and will spend hours to save a few bucks on a flight. But he refuses to book with airline consolidators. Find out why. Read more.

🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.69% and 15-year rates are 5.96% as of December 5, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

Refi Info | Mortgage Refi Calculator

💵 Consider Donating To Clark’s Christmas Kids Program this December

Clark is proud to work with the Georgia foster care system and Walmart on the 34th-annual Clark’s Christmas Kids.

The mission: Ensure every foster care child gets at least one Christmas present.

“These kids are not with their families. They have not done anything wrong. But the adults in their lives have not been able to take care of them for whatever reason,” Clark said last year.

“Christmas is just such a time of joy and in some sense predictability. These kids have no predictability. They move from foster home to foster home with a black plastic trash bag. I mean, imagine that.

“I want these kids to know somebody loves them. Somebody cares about them.”

Get involved, or learn more about what Clark does, by visiting clarkschristmaskids.com.

Things to know:

Donate cash or shop virtually for a specific kid.
View each child’s name, age, gender and see a list of up to three items he or she wants for Christmas (prices included).
Donations are tax-deductible.

“A lot of these kids in foster care get nothing Christmas morning except for you stepping forward and being a generous soul,” Clark says.

📊 Stat of the Day

🥕 61%: Share of Americans surveyed who would rather pay higher menu prices and support better wages than tip. Also, the share of people who tipped 10% or less rose from 19% in 2022 and ’23 to 30% in ’24.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Clark Stinks! and New "Super Catch Up" Retirement Rule

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, there’s a new “super catch-up” rule that can help you make a big difference in your nest egg. Clark explains.

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.