The real cost of air duct cleanings, The cell phone secret major carriers don’t tell you

June 10, 2024 | Read Online

There is a company really impressing investors and it may not be one that you think. Find out who they are later in this email.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

Air Duct Cleaning: Do You Need It and What Should It Cost?

You need to clean your air ducts every seven to 10 years to get the best out of your A/C. But the industry is ripe with scams. Here’s how to do it right. Read more.

Cell Phone Secret: Buy Unlocked Phones and Save Hundreds

Some phones cost four figures only to lock you into a specific network. Team Clark explains what an unlocked phone is and where to buy one. Read more.

Turn $100 a Week Into $1 Million With This Money Magic Trick

Turn a small amount of money into seven figures of cash with a little discipline and a lot of time. Here’s a look at the incredible math. Read more.

Is It Safe To Write My Account Number on My Credit Card Payment?

Clark doesn’t recommend mailing a check to pay for bills such as credit cards. But if you do, definitely avoid this risky move that plays right into the hands of criminals. Read more.

🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.99% and 15-year rates are 6.29% as of June 6, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

Refi Info | Mortgage Refi Calculator

🖥️ Chip Maker Nvidia Continues To Impress Investors

Move aside, Tesla. The new stock market darling has been and continues to be Nvidia. The company makes some of the most sought-after graphics cards for gaming, AI and more.

The stock price has increased nearly 225% in the last year and more than 3,200% (!) in the last five years.

Nvidia boasts a market cap of roughly $3 trillion. It surpassed Apple last week to become the second-most valuable publicly-traded company.

Considering the company employs 29,600 people, its per-employee market cap is off the charts. It’s more than five times higher than Apple and Meta, two of the closest competitors.

Chartr recently compiled a list of some of the biggest companies based on per-employee market cap.

Nvidia: $102 million
Apple: $19 million
Meta: $19 million
Microsoft: $14 million
Alphabet: $12 million
Tesla: $4 million
JPMorgan: $1.8 Million
Amazon: $1.2 million
Walmart: $300,000

Just as a reminder, Clark discourages you from investing in individual stocks, especially with any sizable percentage of your portfolio.

📊 Stat of the Day

📷️ 35%: Share of retailers who say they’re considering body cams for employees to battle shoplifters. TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls stores now require associates to wear the cameras.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

20+ great Father’s Day gifts for $35 or less

Get this deal.

13-night fall Caribbean cruise from New York starting at $1,299

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 How To Have a Happy Retirement

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, most of us dream about the day we get to retire. Unfortunately, many people become melancholy, sluggish and depressed after retiring. Why? Clark references research from Wes Moss to help explain what happens and what we need to do to best position ourselves for happiness in retirement.

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.