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💵 Today’s Top Stories
Guess how many cents the average American is currently saving for every dollar earned. How close are you to the right answer? And are you doing more or less than the average? Read more.
Using free streaming services plus a digital antenna is the true “Clark way” to watch TV on the cheap in 2026. Cutting one or two paid subscriptions in favor of free can save you hundreds of dollars. Read more.
Bundling your insurance policies will save you money. It will also make it harder to switch companies. What does Clark think about it? Read more.
Most cell phone articles focus on family or individual plans. But what if you need a plan for two? We researched 200+ plans to find six of the best, including best value and best unlimited data. Read more.
📦 Near-Instant Delivery Arms Race Kicks Into New Gear
Amazon and Walmart are racing to gobble up market share in the near-instant delivery space.
Amazon Now launched last week in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia and Seattle with plans to expand to dozens more cities this summer.
The 30-minute delivery service provides groceries, household essentials and locally relevant items, Amazon says.
Meanwhile, Walmart still leads the nation in the grocery category thanks in part to more than 5,000 U.S. retail locations (excluding Sam’s Club). But “regular” Walmarts are giant. It’s not efficient for delivery workers (or couriers, if you prefer) to navigate.
Walmart is courting vacant storefronts to leverage as closed-to-the-public, rapid-delivery hubs. They’re smaller and more efficient for delivery drivers. It has opened hubs, named “Walmart Depots,” in Arkansas, New Jersey and Texas. Reportedly, it is exploring New York, Florida and the Pacific Northwest for more.
These types of infrastructure help cut down on the cost-to-speed ratio. Still, convenience often means paying more. Just because 30-minute delivery is set to become more and more available in American cities doesn’t mean that it’s always the smart move financially.
Amazon Prime members currently pay a discounted delivery fee of $3.99 per Amazon Now order. But prices may change over time.
📊 Stat of the Day
💸 3.9%: The estimated Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 per The Senior Citizens League. That would represent an increase of 1.1% over last year’s adjustment (2.8%). It also would increase the average Social Security benefits check by $81.17.
💰 Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
🎙 Podcast
The average American is currently saving just four cents of every dollar they earn, a staggering statistic that leaves the majority of the country living on the edge of a financial cliff. Saving 4% simply isn't enough to provide long-term security or the freedom to retire on your own terms. If you find yourself stuck in this cycle, it is time to embrace the "penny-at-a-time" strategy. Also, as we head into Memorial Day weekend, you’re going to see massive "going out of business" and timely sales at furniture stores. The industry is currently flat on its back due to a frozen housing market, and many retailers are in serious financial distress. If you are planning to take advantage of these sales, you must play the game strategically to avoid losing your money.
☎ 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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