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💵 Today’s Top Stories
From taking advantage of the right savings account to applying for a great rewards credit card, here are some things you can do right now to “find” free money. Read more.
It’s important to protect your skin, especially in summer when you spend extra time in the sun. Here are the best sunscreen lotions and sprays according to Consumer Reports. Read more.
You may be paying top dollar for fast internet. But are you actually getting those speeds? Find out by testing your internet speed and checking your bill. Read more.
Do you book hotel rooms through third-party websites rather than directly through the hotel chain? You should still avoid prepaying for your room – with one major exception. Read more.
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.43% and 15-year rates are 5.79% as of July 2, 2026. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
✈ Trick to Earning an Upgrade to First-Class Seats on Flights
The internet is full of travel hacks and “insider secrets” that supposedly unlock benefits like flight upgrades.
Most of them aren’t worth a hill of beans.
However, a recent article claims to know the secret to unlocking access to upgraded seats on flights. It may be worth considering because it sourced flight attendants.
First, availability “represents the most fundamental factor. Airlines can’t upgrade passengers to seats that don’t exist. If premium cabins are fully booked, no amount of asking or hoping will create additional space. Flights with empty first class seats offer opportunities that sold-out aircraft simply cannot.”
The big secret: ask, and be willing to pay for an upgrade. Once boarding is complete, if there are unoccupied seats in premium cabins – and you make it clear you’re willing to pay for business or first class – airlines may offer you the opportunity.
Upgrading once aboard “often represents one of the cheapest options for accessing premium cabins. … This creates a win-win situation. Passengers get premium experiences at reduced prices compared to booking first class initially. Airlines generate revenue from inventory that would otherwise produce nothing.”
Strategies that don’t work:
Dressing nicely in a suit or dress. Flying has become much less formal. This is outdated thinking in 2026.
Giving gifts to the flight crew. It may result in slightly more attentive service. But spontaneous upgrades via personal discretion exceed the authority of the cabin crew.
Mentioning special occasions. This very, very rarely results in an upgrade unless it’s a rare, extreme occasion.
The other frequent upgrade “trick?” Loyalty status.
Clark wants you to be a free agent when it comes to making purchases. But he does advise you to always sign up for reward points when you can. If you collect enough of them, you could get ushered to the front of the line for available upgrades.
📊 Stat of the Day
🚘 $24,950: The sticker price for Slate Auto’s base model electric truck. Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the truck includes hand-crank windows, no radio, no built-in navigation screen and a gray exterior color. But it’s much more affordable than the typical new truck, which averages about $66,000.
💰 Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
🎙 Podcast
Want to save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off? Subscribe to Clark Howard’s YouTube channel for daily, actionable advice that puts hard-earned cash back in your pocket. Never miss a smart money-saving tip or crucial consumer warning!
☎ 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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