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- Can you guess the highest credit score? (4 30 24)
Can you guess the highest credit score? (4 30 24)
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Do people still go to physical bank locations? Find out why there is a decline in branch locations later on in this email.
💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | Just 1.7% of Americans have earned the highest possible score. Do you know what it is? And what’s the “magic number” to benefit the most? Read more. |
 | Do you know what “pretexting” scams are? They’re everywhere in 2024. Here’s how to spot them and how to avoid these clever tricks that prey on our busy lives. Read more. |
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 | A Roth IRA is the obvious answer. But Clark has a creative solution if you’ll have access to a 401(k) within a few years. Read more. |
 | Are you a Peacock subscriber? You’ll soon have to pay more to watch it. Here’s everything you need to know, including when prices will go up. Read more. |
 | Get 5% cash back on the category where you spend the most with Citi’s unique new rewards credit card. Find out how it works and whether Team Clark recommends it. Read more. |
🏦 Putting a Number to the Decline in Physical Bank Locations
When was the last time you went inside a bank branch?
That’s the litmus test Clark usually throws out to skeptics who aren’t sure if it’s wise to go to an online-only bank.
Banks that don’t have to worry about the overhead of physical locations tend to offer better interest rates, fewer fees and other perks to customers. But now the data exists to back Clark’s assertions.
Per FDIC data, 12,968 fewer bank branches existed in 2023 vs. the all-time peak in 2012. That’s a 15.6% decline in little more than a decade.
The decline did slow the last two years. And Chase Bank shirked the recent trend by announcing 500 new branches.
Still, banking and other financial businesses are fast becoming online-first.
Want to consider making a switch or re-shopping your bank? Check out Team Clark’s articles on the best online checking and savings accounts right now.
📊 Stat of the Day
💸 41%: The share of near-retirees (55 to 65 years old) who failed a recent Mass Mutal true/false quiz about Social Security. Another 37% scored a D on the quiz. Just 38% realized Social Security money is subject to income tax and 65% of people did not have a will in place.
💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
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🎙️ Podcast
Changing jobs frequently often labeled you as a “job hopper” – and it wasn’t a compliment on your resume. But things have really changed in the job market over the last few years. Should you leave a job after a short period of time to get better pay? And will it hurt your career? Clark explains his perspective. Also, Home Depot will start selling tiny homes soon! Clark shares several reasons why this is a pro for your wallet and our housing market.
☎️ 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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