The dangerous investing mistake to avoid, 7 critical credit card rules according to Clark

July 02, 2024 | Read Online

Have you heard of summer pricing? What about bargains? You can learn all about what food franchises are doing to lure customers later in this email.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

The Dangerous Investment Mistake That’s on the Rise

Be careful. Americans owe almost $800 billion due to this increasingly-popular investing strategy that Clark considers the equivalent of gambling. Read more.

Clark Howard: My 7 Rules for Using Credit Cards

Do you have the right number of credit cards? Should you close old cards? And how can you pay as little as possible in interest? Read more.

Is One Medical Membership for Prime Members Better Than a Health Concierge?

Amazon Prime members have access to One Medical for as little as $99 a year. Does it offer similar continuity of care and 24/7 help as much more expensive concierge medicine? Read more.

How To Get Cash for Your Old Electronics From ecoATM

You can get cash for your old electronics such as used cell phones at these kiosks inside Kroger, Walmart and other locations. Here’s how it works. Read more.

📣 Today’s Top News

AT&T Introduces Next Up Anytime: Up to Three Phone Upgrades/Year

🌟 Join the Conversation

What credit card benefit do you use the most?

Credit card issuers are getting creative in ways to hook you into being a customer. Some are offering extended warranties on big purchases. Others are offering insurance on things like cell phones and auto rentals. What’s your favorite credit card benefit? Let us know!

🍔 Bargains Are Back in Style This Summer

The word “bargain” seemingly disappeared during the last few years as everything got more expensive.

But it’s a real part of summer pricing.

For example, the Wall Street Journal published a story yesterday with a headline that read “The Fast-Food Fight Over the $5 Meal Deal.”

Some of the franchises with deals that the WSJ highlighted include:

McDonald’s ($5 value meal)
Burger King ($5 meal bundle)
Starbucks (four beverages for $20)
Applebee’s, Chili’s and Buffalo Wild Wings (unlimited wings, half-price appetizers, $10.99 burger meals)
Taco Bell ($5 Discovery Box)

Amazon Prime Day next week also promises to bring a raft full of retail deals. According to Sherwood Media, 65% of Americans plan to “do more bargain hunting” this year.

Retailers often compete with Amazon by offering rival discounts and deals around Prime Day. But this year may be particularly attractive to shoppers.

Walmart announced a five-day sale next week as “its largest savings event ever.” Target, Best Buy and Walgreens are among other retailers promoting sales. Shein and Temu, Chinese ecomm companies with ultra-cheap offerings, also are gaining market share.

In addition, Target Circle 360 and Walmart+ are membership programs that are cheaper than Prime.

📊 Stat of the Day

🏎️ $535,000: The price tag on Ferrari’s first electric car. That “doesn’t include features and personal touches that typically add 15-20%,” CNBC reported. For context, Porsche’s EV, the Taycan, starts at $107,500.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

Save up to 60% on select items at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Get this deal.

Here are the best early Prime Day deals you can get right now!

Get this deal.

See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Is Costco’s Credit Card Worth It? (Pros & Cons)

Is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi worth it? We break down the card's cash back rewards program, including the boosted rates on gas, travel, dining, and of course, Costco purchases! In this video, we walk you through everything you need to know including the pros, cons, and helpful advice to help you decide if you should add this card to your wallet.

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.