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- How to avoid ATM fees (9 8 25)
How to avoid ATM fees (9 8 25)
Sally McDonald
September 08, 2025
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💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | Running to the nearest ATM without much thought is costing Americans big-time. The average ATM fee is near $5. Here’s how to pre-plan to avoid ATM fees altogether. Read more. |
 | It’s remarkably easy in some cases for even a stranger to petition the court to “guardianize” another person – and almost impossible to escape. Here’s how to protect yourself. Read more. |
 | How does your internet connection compare to the top networks? Here are the typical speeds for different providers as well as how to test your internet speed today. Read more. |
 | Metal credit cards can be cool to use but aren’t as easy to destroy. Team Clark gives you nine ways you can destroy or dispose of metal cards. Read more. |
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.50% and 15-year rates are 5.60% as of September 4, 2025. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
💵 Could a September Rate Cut Finally Shake Loose the Housing Market?
It seems like the housing market has been frozen for ages.
Not long ago, home buyers enjoyed historically low mortgage rates (with Fed rates at near-zero levels).
An unexpected bout of sustained, intense inflation – and Fed rate hikes – led to a spike in mortgage rates.
That “froze” many homeowners who are now reluctant to move and start a new mortgage with much worse terms. It also made homes less affordable for borrowers right after a jolt upward in valuations.
Those valuations have jogged in place a bit in the last few years. But the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.5% following Labor Day weekend, the lowest since October 2024.
With weakening labor statistics seeming like the last bit of evidence that nearly guarantees a rate cut this month, mortgage rates could fall even more.
Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison said such a rate cut, if it “coincides with mortgage rates dropping below 6%, it will likely have a psychological effect on would-be buyers and spur movement in the housing market.”
Home Depot also reaffirmed its full-year guidance even after missing on revenue in the first two quarters, “essentially betting a housing turnaround in the second half of the year would spur more business.”
If you’ve been waiting to buy a house, now may be the time to perk up. And if not, it’s still a potentially good step for the American economy.
📊 Stat of the Day
💰️ $113 billion+: The amount of money Americans spent on lotteries in 2024. The lottery grabbed headlines late last week as the Powerball jackpot rose to $1.4 billion. Consider investing for your retirement instead, or limiting your lotto buys to small amounts.
💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
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🎙️ Podcast
Investors are losing billions on meme stocks and crypto thanks to a scam with a long history. Clark explains how "pump and dump" schemes work, why they're so dangerous, and how you can protect yourself from becoming the next victim. Also, if you're planning on flying anytime soon, you need to hear this. As some airlines face financial turmoil, Clark shares his simple rule for how to pay for your travel to avoid losing your money if a company goes bust. He also celebrates a new feature on Google Flights that will save you from a miserable travel experience.
☎️ 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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