- Clark.com Daily Newsletter
- Posts
- 5 things most Americans don’t know about Social Security (10 7 24)
5 things most Americans don’t know about Social Security (10 7 24)
Sally McDonald
October 07, 2024
Today’s Sponsor
💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | Social Security is a huge part of financial life for most retired Americans. But only 4% can identify the five factors that determine your maximum benefit. Read more. |
 | Get a Yankee Candle six-pack just in time for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plus, check out these Igloo coolers with built-in speakers, a Disney animated holiday village with music and more. Read more. |
Sponsor | Input accurate details about your current finances, desired lifestyle, and future aspirations and we'll share an assessment tailored to your unique needs. |
 | Your dollars don’t go as far as they did even a few years ago. But you can fight back. Here’s a guide to saving money on everyday bills and expenses. Read more. |
 | The IRS will open Direct File to at least 12 more states, and tens of millions of Americans, in 2025. What is Direct File, and why should you consider it? Team Clark explains. Read more. |
 | This prepaid cell phone provider on Verizon’s network just doubled the data you get on all of its plans – without changing the price. Here’s how it compares to other MVNOs. Read more. |
 | This prepaid cell phone company now offers much more data with each annual plan, in addition to a “buy 11 months, get one month free” offer. Read more. |
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.12% and 15-year rates are 5.25% as of October 3, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
🏬 Costco Gets Deeper Into Precious Metal Sales
Costco is fascinating not just for cheap bulk goods, but also for the treasure hunt element.
Some of that emanates from the in-store items. Costco rolls out enough surprises and oddities that you can find something new and unexpected every week. It’s to the point that Team Clark publishes a monthly article highlighting about 10 new items we like.
Other parts of the Costco treasure hunt are category-based. We’re talking engagement rings, furniture, travel and more. Not long ago, Costco added to that list by selling gold bars. It now makes up to $200 million a month selling those bars.
Perhaps in light of that success, Costco just added platinum bars on its website** for $1,089.99**. Right now, sales are limited to one transaction and five units per membership.
While gold has appreciated more than 40% in the last year, platinum is up more than 15% in that same time frame. Here’s what Clark says about buying gold.
📊 Stat of the Day
🌮 4 minutes, 26 seconds: Total time drive-thru customers spent at Taco Bell in the last year, fastest of any major chain. KFC was a close second. Chick-fil-A, slowest at almost 8 minutes, tied with McDonald’s for most accurate (93%) and won for overall satisfaction.
💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
 |
 |
🎙️ Podcast
It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, Clark has long talked about self-driving vehicles. Are they safe? Are they better than human drivers?
☎️ 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.
Sponsor
Did You Enjoy Today’s Newsletter?Let us know what you think so we can better serve you! |