10 investing myths costing you money (7 31 25)

Author

Sally McDonald
July 31, 2025

💵 Today’s Top Stories
Myths

Our investing expert peels back the curtain on myths you need to get past to maximize your effectiveness and reach your investing goals. Read more.

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Grocery Delivery

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🚘️ Dealerships Cut Incentives To Avoid Price Hikes (for Now)

When the federal government announced Liberation Day tariffs on April 2, the auto industry garnered some of the most attention.

Almost everyone, it seemed like, expected auto prices to rise – and probably fast. Especially vehicle brands that import to the United States, or even brands that import parts to make their vehicles here.

After an initial rush of vehicle purchases by those attempting to beat the price hikes, the reality has been relatively quiet (exception: all the billions that car companies say they’re going to lose this year due to tariffs during corporate earnings calls).

However, prices have not (yet) changed in a meaningful way. But the news isn’t as good as the sticker prices would have you believe.

In an auto version of shrinkflation, in May, 0% interest finance deals made up less than 1% of loans for new vehicles, which is the lowest since 2004.

Also, “VW, Mazda, Land Rover, Volvo and BMW all chopped incentives by 10%+” in May while “Chrysler, Jeep, Ram followed with notable cuts” according to Car Dealership Guy.

That’s also bucking a seasonal trend, as dealers often offer more incentives during summer.

Also according to Car Dealership Guy’s reporting, dealerships feel they’re competing for market share and don’t want to be the first to blink. But the number of days’ supply on dealership lots, a key metric, keeps increasing.

“Big picture: Incentives will likely stay suppressed through summer, but by Q4, the math stops working,” Car Dealership Guy wrote.

In other words, expect the tariff-fueled price hikes to come after all.

📊 Stat of the Day

🪙 +34.3%: Increase in the price of gold in the last year as of late yesterday (up $838.70 to $3,287.60). Compare that to the S&P 500 (+17.0%) and Nasdaq (+23.2%). Here’s Clark’s position on buying gold.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
Costco Wholesale warehouse
Piggy bank on cash
🎙️ Podcast

A new J.D. Power study reveals that drivers are fed up with massive premium increases and are finally shopping around – and a LendingTree survey shows almost 100% of shoppers are saving big! Clark breaks down why prices are skyrocketing and shares actionable tips to lower your premiums. Also, the U.S. is a major leader in global energy production. Clark explains how America's diverse energy portfolio is helping to find affordable and reliable solutions.

☎️ 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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