Cheapest way to replace vehicle key fob, Tips to stop spam texts

There is a shakeup happening for sports broadcasting on both TV and on streaming. Find out all the details later in this email.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

What’s the Cheapest Way To Replace a Lost Vehicle Key Fob?

Losing your key fob can put you in a bad spot. Especially if it’s for your daily driver. Here’s how to get a good deal and avoid getting ripped off. Read more.

How To Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages

Tired of getting spam text messages on your phone? Follow our tips to stop them for good. Read more.

Move Over ESPN+: ‘Real’ ESPN Streaming Service Coming Soon

ESPN finally announced its new, all-encompassing streaming service. Here’s what it means for ESPN+ customers and linear TV customers and how much it costs. Read more.

Is a 401(k) Loan a Good Idea? Almost Never

Borrowing from your 401(k) has become common early in 2025. But it should be the last option, Clark says, and not a piggybank. Here are the rare times it makes sense. Read more.

Is This Unlimited 2% Cash Back Credit Card Worth It?

If you can get past the company backing it, this credit card offers 2% cash back, cell phone protection, a welcome bonus and an intro period with 0% APR. Read more.

📺️ Major Shakeup Continues for Sports Broadcasting on TV, Streaming

If you took a two-year nap and you’re a huge sports fan, you may be mightily confused heading into 2026. Here are just some of the changes:

1. Major sports switch TV partners

MLB and ESPN ended a 35-year relationship.
NBA and TNT divorced after 35 years as well. NBC will broadcast the NBA for the first time since 2002.
Formula One, which grew in America after a popular Netflix docuseries, and ESPN have yet to reach an agreement beyond this season.

2. Streamers enter the picture

Amazon, which holds NBA and NFL rights, will put on a combined tripleheader on Black Friday this year, using the whole thing as a major advertisement for e-commerce.
Netflix claimed the most-streamed NFL games in history with a Christmas doubleheader in 2024 as it considers sports as a potential future growth area.
YouTube – not YouTube TV – will stream a Week 1 NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for free.

3. Huge movement in streaming platforms

Venu Sports, a combined venture between ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery, died before ever debuting.
FuboTV sued over Venu Sports, which was the final nail in the coffin. Disney then acquired a 70% stake in Fubo, triggering DOJ scrutiny.
ESPN (“ESPN,” $29.99/month) and Fox (“Fox One”, pricing TBD) are launching new direct-to-consumer streaming platforms

📊 Stat of the Day

🏘️ 223: U.S. cities where a “typical starter home” costs $1 million or more. That’s up from 85 cities just five years ago and far surpasses the nationwide starter home average price tag of $192,514. California claims 113 of the 223 cities.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Breaking Down ETFs/Index Funds/Mutual Funds and Retirement vs. Brokerage Accounts

Confused about ETFs, index funds, and mutual funds? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss breaks down these "cousins" of investing – including when to use them. Also, retirement accounts vs. brokerage accounts – what’s the difference and what’s the best option for you? Wes explains everything you need to know!

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.