#1 most loved department store (2 14 24)

Author

Anthony Hazzard
February 14, 2024

Later in this email, we give you a list of financial accounts and records that trusted family members should perhaps have access to as loved ones age.

💵 Today’s Top Stories
Department Store

Clark’s favorite store tied for first in this customer satisfaction survey. Find out which other general merchandise retailer that customers love right now. Read more.

Car Loan

Before you rush into a new auto loan, learn the maximum auto loan term length that Clark says you should accept. Read more.

Money

You may save long-term by waiting until something breaks (although it’s not a guarantee). But there are other reasons why you may want to replace something in your home proactively. Read more.

Plain credit card

This line of credit cards just got a facelift. We’re talking new art. And we’re also talking boosted rewards for select streaming and online grocery purchases. Read more.

Contractor

Contractors often juggle expenses of multiple projects and also travel. Here are our favorite credit cards for contractors, balancing business and personal needs. Read more.

💸 Today’s Top Savings Rates

Check out our updated list of Clark.com-approved high-yield savings accounts with the highest rates. Here are the top five APYs on our list as of February 14, 2024.

Savings Rates as of January 31, 2024
💵 Always Be Prepared: Family and Finances

As we age, some of our parents (or us) will need help managing finances. And although some are trying to live forever, time eventually defeats us all.

Finances are a sticky enough topic without layering in death. But it’s important that families communicate about these things ahead of time. (Hat tip to Beth in Pennsylvania who pointed this out on the Jan. 26 podcast episode.)

Gather relevant account information, including login info and passwords, balances, due dates and whether payments are automated. Here’s a helpful checklist:

  • Bank accounts

  • Credit cards

  • Mortgages

  • Auto loans

  • Personal loans

  • Social Security income

  • Paychecks or pensions

  • Retirement account balances and other investments

  • Monthly bills

  • Insurance policies

  • Tax returns

Clark’s wife keeps an analog, pen-and-paper version of all their financials.

“It’s really good because you can take a glance and see [everything] right away,” Clark says of Beth’s suggestion.

“And it’s really valuable as you mentioned in your circumstance that if you do have to step in for a loved one, that you have the information available at your fingertips. Very good suggestion.”

📊 Stat of the Day

❤️ $185: The expected average per-person Valentine’s Day spending in the U.S. today according to the National Retail Federation. That’s $25.8 billion in total, a 4% increase per person.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
Flowers
Cruise
🎙️ Podcast

How does Clark celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank? He has several tricks to save without sacrificing romance. Plus, he shares some financial infidelity red flags. Also, assumable mortgages can be a great way to make buying a home more affordable. There’s a new resource that can help you find them!

☎️ 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.

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