According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.55% and 15-year rates are 5.93% as of July 16, 2026. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

Mortgage Refi Calculator

Retirement planning is tough because of just how many variables go into it. Some of which are unknowable (future inflation, how long you’ll live, the exact long-term performance of the stock market).

Still, it’s good to plan a target and work toward it. Some details can change as years go by. But by planning and monitoring, you should know whether you’re doing well, need to step it up or are at risk.

That’s the idea behind the JPMorgan retirement prep guide. Based on your household income, the investment bank lists how much you need saved when you’re 50, 55, 60 and 65.

For example, if your household income is $150,000, your target savings by age are:

The bank’s chart ranges from a household income of $80,000 to $300,000.

(Again, the numbers it provides are benchmarks to see whether you’re doing well, fair or poorly rather than exact figures that will work for you.)

If you’re 50 to 55, “now is the time to start thinking about the retirement you envision for yourself,” Kiplinger’s report on the chart says. Take stock of your savings and make adjustments to your plan if needed. Increase your savings as much as you can.

If you’re 55 to 60, establish your ideal retirement age and what you’ll do after you retire. Use catch-up contributions as much as possible.

At 60 to 65, the Kiplinger article suggests that you go over your Medicare plan and estate plan. Make sure you have a refined financial plan for your life post-retirement. Think about who will make your health decisions and take care of your finances if you become incapacitated.

“The good news is that whether you are 50 or 65, there are moves you can make to set yourself up for the retirement you envisioned,” Kiplinger writes.

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, the new car market is in one of the weirdest places we’ve ever seen, with automakers behaving like pack animals. Instead of fighting for market share or offering affordable options, manufacturers have decided they are perfectly happy selling fewer vehicles if it means keeping prices sky-high and maximizing margins. If you're wondering whether to buy or hold, Clark shares his rule of thumb.

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.