Top 10 most stolen cars, Check if your streaming bill is more expensive than average

March 07, 2024 | Read Online

Later in this email, find out how far TV prices have fallen since 2000.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

10 Most Stolen Vehicles

Can you guess the two most stolen vehicles in the U.S. (by far)? Does the car you drive make the top 10 most stolen list? And how do you stop would-be car thieves? Read more.

Is Your Streaming TV Bill More Expensive Than the U.S. Average?

If you pay for streaming, odds are your bill increased in the last year or two. But how does it compare to what the average American spends? Read more.

Should I Put Extra Cash Toward a 6.7% Auto Loan or My Emergency Fund?

A Clark listener is growing an emergency fund but has just one month of expenses saved. He also holds an auto loan at 6.7%. Where should he allocate his tax refund? Read more.

Here’s Who Should Take a Personal Loan According to Clark Howard

Personal loans often offer much lower interest rates than credit cards. Should you leverage one of these loans to replace your credit card debt? Read more.

📺️ Price of TVs, College Going Opposite Directions Since 2000

Clark geeked out about big-screen TV sales around the Super Bowl in February, which we reported here in the newsletter.

As it turns out, there’s a strong historical basis for Clark’s excitement.

Chartr, a data storytelling newsletter company, recently reviewed the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data on components of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The federal government uses CPI as a proxy for our nation’s inflation rate.

Here are percentage changes from some of those elements since 2000. Note that TV prices have fallen nearly 100% since the start of the 21st century(!). But good luck if you’re going to pay for a child’s college.

College tuition and fees: +185%
Medical care: +133%
Housing: +97%
New vehicles: +25%
Phone services: -6%
Computer software: -74%
TVs: -98%

📊 Stat of the Day

🐶 $53.2 billion: The amount of money that Americans spent on pet food in 2023. Dog food ($36.7 billion) makes up nearly 70% of that total.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

Prime members: Fab Totes 6-pack fabric storage containers for $13

Get this deal.

Select generators and power stations from $160 at Woot

Get this deal.

See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Benefits of Investing Early and Target's New Brand

Great news: Younger generations are investing more and more. Clark is excited to see investing become so approachable. It’s a great way to build wealth! Also, Target just introduced a new, affordable brand. The bargains just keep getting better!

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.