Why 800 is NOT the best credit score (3 11 24)

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Later in this email, find out why a glut of new vehicle inventory is working in your favor right now.

💵 Today’s Top Stories
High credit score

Here’s where your credit score ranks and the factors that can impact it. Read more.

Auto car mechanic

A good mechanic is one of the most valuable things you can find for your wallet and peace of mind. Here’s how to do it. Read more.

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401K

Assuming your old 401(k) account holds at least $1,000, you have multiple options. Start with the fees and go from there, Clark explains. Read more.

Grocery

This browser extension gives you cash back on groceries and more. Here’s how to use it and how much money you can make. Read more.

🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.88% and 15-year rates are 6.22% as of March 7, 2024. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

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🚘️ Vehicle Supply Means It’s a Good Time To Buy New

If you wanted to buy a new vehicle in the last few years and looked to Clark for advice, you found yourself in a version of Groundhog Day.

Prices will eventually moderate, Clark said. But try to hold off on buying for now.

Well, supply chain issues that threw off typical supply and demand equilibrium are now sorted. The overall auto industry now features an average of 80 days’ supply. That’s the highest number since June 2020.

The upshot: you’ll see more manufacturer’s incentives, rebates, special financing offers and dealers willing to accept you negotiating a price that’s below MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).

Lots that sat empty a few years ago are now jam-packed. It costs dealerships money for every day a vehicle sits on a lot. So they need to move inventory.

Every brand is different. As of February, Toyota (36 days) and Honda (48 days) still held a lot of leverage with potential buyers. But check out this list of brands with at least 100 days’ supply:

  • Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge: 160+

  • Ram: 153

  • Genesis: 126

  • Infiniti: 123

  • Jeep: 119

  • Buick: 119

  • Nissan: 112

  • Audi: 107

  • Ford: 104

  • Volkswagen: 101

📊 Stat of the Day

🍎 13: Number of states that still tax groceries. Mississippi slaps its residents with a 7% tax on essential food items. That’s the highest rate in the nation.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
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🎙️ Podcast

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, there is an exciting trend going on in the U.S. economy right now. American businesses are adapting and becoming more efficient. Clark explains why the productivity is “beyond fantastic!”

☎️ 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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