Clark’s secret to getting a great deal on a Disney hotel, Important 2024 tax dates

April 04, 2024 | Read Online

The stock market performed well on the last day of March. How well? Find out later in this email.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

What’s the Best Way To Get a Deal on Disney Hotels and Resorts?

Paying less for lodging at Disney is all about tradeoffs. Here’s what Clark prefers – and his secret weapon for getting the best info. Read more.

When Are Taxes Due? 2024 Due Dates and Free Filing Options

Tax Day is almost here. Here’s the due date – and the new due date if you file an extension. Plus a guide to filing your federal and state taxes for free. Read more.

Reviewing a Pay-Per-Mile Auto Insurance Option

If you drive less than 10,000 miles a year, pay-per-mile auto insurance can give you a flat rate and save you money. Here’s how Metromile’s version of this type of coverage works. Read more.

How To Reach a Real Person at Experian, TransUnion and Equifax

You can reach a real person at the major credit bureaus. We’ve done it ourselves. Here are the phone numbers, the magic buttons to press to get a human and how long we were on hold. Read more.

📈 U.S. Stock Market Performs Well in Q1

Easter Sunday was the last day of March. So the S&P 500 closed for the final time in Q1 on March 29.

The S&P 500 is up 10.8% year to date. That’s close to the historical average annual gain, and it’s only been three months.

With the Fed potentially cutting interest rates at some point in 2024, there’s optimism that the market will continue to perform.

Let’s take a look at some quick figures from Q1:

72.5% of the S&P 500 stocks went up in Q1.
NVIDIA led all S&P 500 stocks by gaining 82% -- 24% better than the next-closest company (Constellation Energy).
Other notable gains included Meta (+40%) and Disney (+34%).
At -28%, Tesla performed worst of any stock in the S&P 500.
Other losers included Boeing (-26%) and Apple (-10%).

Clark typically advocates for long-term investing. That means valuing time in the market over timing the market. It’s easier for some people, though, to stay invested when the market is performing well.

Clark wants you to view investing for retirement as a slow, steady process that includes a diversified portfolio with low fees. He’d love for you to use tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as a 401(k) or IRA as well.

📊 Stat of the Day

💸 940,000: People in the United States that haven’t claimed their 2020 tax refunds. There’s more than $1 billion in unclaimed refunds. And the deadline to submit for those refunds is May 17.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

The best deals of The Home Depot’s Spring Black Friday Sale

Get this deal.

16-night Hawaii cruise from $899

Get this deal.

See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: America's Saving Struggle and How Much Exercise Do You Need?

The latest data shows that the average American is saving $0.03 for every $1 they make. If you’re struggling to save money, Clark has several tips that can help. Also, how much exercise do you really need to make a difference in your health, and ultimately your wallet? The answer may surprise you.

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.