7 subscriptions you can cancel now (12 30 24)

The Christmas shopping season may be over, but there are a couple of reasons why it is a great time to head back to the stores. Learn more later in this email. 

💵 Today’s Top Stories
Cancel Subscription

Canceling subscriptions can save you money and feel good at the same time. Here are some subscription categories you can consider slashing. Read more.

Cell phone

There’s a 15-digit number attached to your specific phone. Here’s why it matters and how to find it. Read more.

Bank

The best online banks pay you more interest and charge fewer fees. Here are the top online banks entering the new year. Read more.

Insurance

Clark rarely ever recommends a narrow insurance policy. But is travel insurance an exception to the rule? And if so, how should you shape your policy? Read more.

🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.85% and 15-year rates are 6.00% as of December 26, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

🛍️ Retail: How To Navigate Post-Christmas Return Season

Christmas shopping season is over. But it’s a great time to head back to the stores for two reasons:

  1. To shop clearance discounts

  2. To return and exchange gifts

According to Consumer Reports, these four tips will maximize your chances at a smooth gift return:

  • Keep the receipts (or ask the giver for the original if possible).

  • Check the return policy including store time limits.

  • Bring your ID.

  • Don’t open the box if you can (you can be charged a restocking fee or denied altogether for items like software, CDs and DVDs).

Consumer Reports listed 16 of the best companies for flexible post-Christmas returns and eight companies that are no bueno.

Some of the best companies for returns: Amazon, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Target and Walmart.

Some of the worst companies for returns: Apple, Best Buy, Sears and Wayfair.

📊 Stat of the Day

💳️ $6,140: The average credit card debt per U.S. household. Making minimum payments, it would take 17+ years to pay that off. Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Alabama have the longest payout times. Massachusetts, California, Minnesota and New Hampshire have the shortest.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
2025
Costco
Japan
🎙️ Podcast

Here are this year’s top Clark Stinks segments, where listeners share their feedback, and Clark responds with his usual honesty and humor.

☎️ 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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