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- 3 places you should never invest (11 17 25)
3 places you should never invest (11 17 25)
Sally McDonald
November 17, 2025
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💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | Clark’s blood boils when he thinks about the deception and greed-driven fees that are common at these institutions. He implores you to never invest here. Read more. |
 | Team Clark knows a thing or two about Costco. We’re here to reveal new ways for you to save money at Clark’s favorite store. Read more. |
Sponsor | Our 2025 study found that happy retirees are twice as likely to have a written retirement plan. Taking just an hour to put your plan on paper could double your chances of happiness in retirement. Take the first step toward your happiest retirement. |
 | Smart TVs contain a lot of frequently-used, internet-connected apps that we trust. They’re also a new, target-rich environment for scammers. Here’s what’s happening and how to avoid it. Read more. |
 | Whether it’s holiday spirit, capturing tax deductions or simply wrapping up the year of finances, we tend to give most in November and December. Here’s how to make your charity really count. Read more. |
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.24% and 15-year rates are 5.49% as of November 13, 2025. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
💰️ Are Taxes Driving Interstate Migration?
According to Census and IRS data, New York lost more than $500 billion in resident income from 2013 to 2022.
That’s just ahead of California (-$370 billion) and Illinois (-$315 billion) among the biggest losers, though New Jersey (-$170 billion) wasn’t far behind.
New York and New Jersey lost nearly 2.5 million residents.
The culprit? Well, it’s hard to say for certain. But Florida (+$1 trillion) and Texas (+$290 billion), the two big winners during that period, do not charge state income tax and offer friendlier tax codes in general, including to businesses.
Correlation doesn’t always prove causality. But there’s reason to believe that taxes have at least something to do with some of the movement.
Our national debt and aging population are jeopardizing the future of our biggest government programs in Social Security and Medicare.
Clark has said in the past that no matter what the solution, he expects it’s inevitable that taxes will rise in the long-term future.
If the federal government needs more of our money to keep things running, how individual states handle taxes could be an even bigger factor in where people choose to live.
📊 Stat of the Day
🪙 $56 million: The amount the United States will save now that it no longer is minting new pennies at a loss of nearly 4 cents per coin. Wednesday marked the final minted U.S. penny with a historic ceremony after more than 230 years.
💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
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🎙️ Podcast
Toy manufacturers are making major design changes – like nixing included batteries – to manage costs due to tariffs and pricing pressure. This is a form of shrinkflation, where you pay the same or more but get less. Clark's Money-Saving Tip: NEVER buy brand-name batteries at full price from drugstores or big-box retailers! Clark reveals the best place to buy batteries (hint: it's the same great quality for less). Also, more young adults than ever are living with their parents, often because rent and housing are simply unaffordable in many cities. While it can be a loving arrangement, many parents feel stressed or "put upon" when their adult child treats their house like a hotel. Clark covers the non-negotiable guidelines you must discuss.
☎️ 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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