Alert: Costco raising membership fees, Clark’s take on Vanguard’s savings equivalent

July 11, 2024 | Read Online

Although many inflation headlines have been negative these past few years, there are some positives when it comes to the gas pump in certain locations. Find out more later in this email.

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Costco Is Raising Membership Fees in September

Costco is increasing membership fees for the first time since 2017! Here's everything you need to know. Read more.

What Clark Howard Thinks About Vanguard’s Cash Deposit Account

Vanguard’s Cash Deposit Account is similar to interest-paying cash management accounts at Fidelity and Schwab. How do the interest rates compare? Read more.

10 Common Job Search Scams

Job scams are trending with fake postings designed to steal your personal info and take your money. Here’s how to spot the real from the fake when looking at job openings. Read more.

Get a Free Credit Score and More Financial Tools From Credit Sesame

Credit Sesame is a free credit monitoring option that Clark recommends just like Credit Karma. But what else does Credit Sesame offer? A Team Clark member answers that question. Read more.

⛽️ 5 States With the Cheapest and Most Expensive Gas

Inflation headlines have mostly been negative during the last several years. But there are some positives springing up this year.

For instance, gas prices have moderated. According to AAA data, gas prices have been much lower than they were in 2022 and have even dipped under 2023 prices of late.

With record travel around July 4 and oil at a local peak, gas prices have ticked higher. And they’re still considerably more than they were in 2021. But moderation and relative price stability are decent positives.

Let’s look at the five states with the cheapest and most expensive average gallon of gas at present.

5 States Offering the Cheapest Gas

Mississippi: $2.987
Louisiana: $3.061
Arkansas: $3.074
Texas: $3.099
Kansas: $3.113

Just Missed: Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee.

5 States Offering the Most Expensive Gas

California: $4.790
Hawaii: $4.695
Washington: $4.296
Nevada: $4.046
Oregon: $4.039

Just Missed: Alaska, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York.

📊 Stat of the Day

📺️ 50.4 million: The number of canceled streaming accounts in the first three months of this year. That’s up more than 80% vs. Q1 in 2022. New subscriptions beat out cancelations by just 4.8 million in the quarter. And 56% of new subscriptions went toward ad-supported streaming tiers.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Warning: Apps Are Selling Your Data and Clark’s Essential Tip to Protect Your Credit

Clark recently talked about General Motors spying on drivers and selling information to insurers. Now, certain apps on our phones are doing the same thing. Clark lists the companies you need to be aware of before you get in your car. Also, many people don’t check their credit report even though it’s free. Clark explains why credit reports are so important – especially if you discover an error.

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.