America’s #1 computer brand, Should you make a claim on a cracked windshield?

November 25, 2024 | Read Online

Credit card debt is at an all-time high. But what about delinquencies? Find out more later in this email.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

The #1 Computer Brand for Customer Satisfaction

Which computer brand makes its customers the happiest? There’s a clear best-in-class, and you can probably guess it. Read more.

Should I Make a Claim on My Car Windshield?

Your windshield is cracked and needs replacing. That’s what insurance is for. Right? Well … whenever you make a claim, you risk paying higher premiums going forward. What gives? Read more.

The Best Place To Order Checks Online

Ordering personal checks from a big bank is almost always a rip-off. Here’s where you can turn to buy cheap checks online. Read more.

Why Costco and Target Allow Cell Phone Salespeople in Stores

Get approached by a cell phone salesperson while browsing for free samples and loading your cart? Here’s why – and why you shouldn’t listen to their promises. Read more.

📣 Today’s Top News

🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.84% and 15-year rates are 6.02% as of November 21, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

Refi Info | Mortgage Refi Calculator

💳️ America’s Credit Card Debt Keeps Shooting Higher

Just 15 months after the United States reached a record $1 trillion in credit card debt, that number climbed 8.1%.

The news comes just in time for the holidays with travel, food and presents taxing budgets.

Total household debt jumped $147 billion in the last three months, up to nearly $18 trillion. Those numbers are almost incomprehensible.

At least the delinquency rate on Visa and Mastercard payments fell to 8.8% in the third quarter. And Americans are growing our income faster than we’re adding debt.

“But let’s not do a happy dance,” Washington Post reporter Michelle Singletary wrote. “These numbers still signal a troubling trend. Paying on time doesn’t mean the debt isn’t a financial stress for families.”

Clark knows high-interest credit card debt can be daunting. But he wants you to feel empowered and in control. Here’s Clark’s credit card debt elimination strategy.

“I know your situation may feel like it’s never gonna get better,” Clark says. “But it’s all about attitude and direction. And taking it on knowing the solution is not instant. [The] solution takes time, but you can do it!”

📊 Stat of the Day

🏘️ 77,000+: Manufactured homes shipped in the U.S. this year through September. That’s up 16% year over year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. You can even order these homes on Amazon or Facebook. Clark loves that this option exists.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

The best Black Friday deals at Clark Deals

Get this deal.

The best travel deals at Clark Deals

Get this deal.

See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Clark Stinks! and Will Restaurant Kiosks Really Kill Jobs

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, everyone said the touch-ordering systems at places like McDonald's were going to cost jobs, but did they? Clark has an interesting perspective – it’s more optimistic than you may think!

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.