Top 8 banks in March, 12 unexpected public library finds

March 25, 2024 | Read Online

💵 Today’s Top Stories

Best Online Banks in March 2024

The best online banks pay you more interest and charge fewer fees. Here’s how the top online banks stack up. Read more.

12 Things You Never Knew You Could Get From Your Local Library

Libraries aren’t just for books. You can learn a second language, prepare for the ACT, craft your resume and more. Read more.

The Best Time and Place To Buy a Mesh Router

A mesh router is Clark’s secret to getting the best WiFi signal at home. Here’s when and where to land the best deal to boost your own internet. Read more.

Target Rebrands Its Credit Card Program

Target is following Walmart (with its Walmart+ program) and introducing Target Circle rewards. It’s revamping its Target RedCard credit cards as a result. Here’s what is and isn’t changing. Read more.

Should I End My Vehicle Lease If I’m Going To Exceed My Mileage?

Your lease stipulates how much per mile you’ll pay extra if you go over your allowed mileage. But Clark says you should not end your lease early to avoid those charges. Read more.

🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.87% and 15-year rates are 6.21% as of March 21, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

Refi Info | Mortgage Refi Calculator

🏘️ Survey Responses: What’s Your Current Mortgage Rate? And What Rate Would You Need To Switch Houses?

Last week, we asked you to tell us your current mortgage rate. The Clark email newsletter audience currently carries an average mortgage interest rate of 3.7%.

A full 21.6% of you hold mortgages at 2.5% or less.

We also asked what rate you’d have to get on a new mortgage to switch houses.

Here are a few responses:

Richard in Georgia: “2.5% on a 15-year mortgage. We refinanced at the beginning of COVID from a 4% 30-year. Our payment now is lower than on the 30-year and we’ll be paid off in about a decade. I don’t think you could get me to switch houses given how much prices have gone up in the last 15 years.”

Ed in Georgia: “Current rate is 2%. In order to switch, I might go as high as 4% depending on how much I love the new house.”

Ben in Florida: “I own my house free and clear. Lower interest rates will make it easier to sell my house but harder to buy a new one.”

Eric in South Carolina: “Current rate 4.25%. Current mortgage payment is $728 not including tax and insurance. New rate would need to be 5% or less to buy a new house. Makes absolutely no sense, common or financial, for me to sell and buy a new house right now.”

Brian in Wisconsin: “Current is 4%. I am retiring soon and need to downsize. I suspect 6% is my threshold of pain.”

Haig in California: “My current rate is 2.625%. We are thinking about moving, but the rate would have to be less than 4%. I also know rates fluctuate and will likely go down to lower rates in the future, but I’m not convinced that will occur in the next five years.”

📊 Stat of the Day

🚘️ 20%: Percentage of monthly income that American drivers spend on their vehicles on average. That includes auto loan payments, insurance, repairs and maintenance. Almost 40% can’t afford repairs, topped by Volvo (55%) and Mercedes-Benz (50%) owners. The top solution? DIY.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

The best deals of the Lowe’s Spring Fest Sale so far

Get this deal.

Bamboo Luxury sheet sets from $18 at Woot

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 #1 Way To Pay for Travel

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, if you like to travel, there’s only one payment method that Clark wants you to use to book a trip.

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.