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💵 Today’s Top Stories
Eyeglasses don’t have to cost hundreds of dollars. Here’s where you’ll find affordable, quality glasses, including a major update on one of Clark’s long-time favorites. Read more.
You should know what your car is worth even if you’re not planning to sell. It has become tougher to figure out with valuations changing so quickly, but Clark has some good tips. Read more.
Choosing the right number of credit cards – and the right specific cards – to take when you travel internationally is important. Avoid these two major characteristics in the credit cards you bring. Read more.
Worried about your job status in a shifting economy with AI playing an increasing role? Or just freshening up your resume to stay current? Here are Team Clark’s favorite free or cheap resume tools. Read more.
💡 Wave of Retail Closings Underscores Recent Clark Advice
Last month, Clark warned us to use all our gift cards as soon as possible.
Clark’s advice looks more prescient every week. Retail stores, including a wave of pizza and fast food places, are shutting down in large numbers.
Nearly 1,500 stores are closing in a wave of new announcements by major brands. Some of the closures include:
Amazon Fresh & Amazon Go: Closing all 70+ locations
Bahama Breeze: Closing or converting all 28 remaining locations by April 5
Carter’s: Closing close to 100 stores by the end of 2026
Francesca’s: Closing all 400+ locations
Kroger: Closing about 60 “unprofitable” locations (started before 2026)
Macy’s: Closing 14 additional U.S. stores in 2026
Papa John’s: Closing approximately 300 locations, including about 200 in 2026
Pizza Hut: Closing about 250 stores in the first half of 2026
Saks Fifth Avenue & Off 5th: Closing a combined 65 stores
Wendy’s: Shutting down about 300 locations in 2026
Yankee Candle: Closing about 20 locations
Don’t wait for stores to announce final closure dates. As Clark said, use any gift cards with balances on them when you can. Don’t risk having that money evaporate.
Also, you may be able to find some liquidation or “closing” sales for deals, especially late in the process. Just be careful not to automatically believe marketing (comparison shop so you know what’s actually a deal).
📊 Stat of the Day
🍔 $6.89-$10.19: The cost of McDonald’s new Big Arch Burger. After recently succeeding with an emphasis on the value menu, McDonald’s rolled out its largest burger yesterday with two quarter-pound beef patties and three slices of white cheddar on a sesame and poppy seed bun. At more than 1,000 calories, it has roughly 500 more calories than a Big Mac.
💰 Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
🎙 Podcast
Wes Moss tackles one of the most paralyzing questions in finance: should you "cannonball" into the market or wade in slowly? While historical data shows that one method wins about two-thirds of the time, Wes explains why participation will always trump perfection. Also, a sobering new study claims the average American has less than $1,000 saved for retirement. However, when you look past the headlines at the actual math, the story changes – and so does the outlook for "Late Start Larry and Lisa." If you’re in your 50s and feel like you’ve missed the boat, this segment is for you. Wes breaks down the 2026 contribution limits and shows how aggressive saving in your final working years can still turn a modest nest egg into a million-dollar retirement.
☎ 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.
