Is Amazon Prime worth it? (8 31 26)

💵 Today’s Top Stories

Is Amazon Prime Worth the Money?

Amazon Prime costs a whopping $139, enough to make Clark’s head spin. During Prime Day, the benefits are huge, including some you may not know about. Is Prime worth the sticker shock? Read more.

7 Easy Ways To Lower Your Cell Phone Bill

Are you paying too much for your cell phone service? You may be able to cut your cell phone bill in half by following these tips. (We dare you to try No. 6.) Read more.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

What is and isn’t covered by your homeowners insurance policy? And which of the eight types of homeowners insurance is right for you? Read more.

4 Rules Clark Wants You to Know to Fight Back Against Debt Collectors

Facing relentless calls from past-due medical bills, loans or credit cards can feel overwhelming. But you have agency. Here are the four things Clark says you should do in that situation. Read more.

💸 Ask Clark

Welcome to Ask Clark! Starting today, we’re bringing you a daily segment right here in the newsletter featuring real financial questions from readers and listeners, answered directly by Clark. We hope you enjoy this new section, and please hit reply to let us know your thoughts.

Ask Clark Howard

Podcast | YouTube

On his podcast, Clark Howard answers real reader questions on money, credit, debt, retirement, travel, and more, along with co-host Christa DiBiase.

Today's question

Jane in California asks:

"Clark recommends downloading financial statements. When I'm using an app on my phone, it's much easier to take a screenshot. Is that sufficient proof of account?"

Clark's answer: Jane, taking a screenshot is just fine, provided your phone is properly password-protected. If you lose your phone and don't have it secured with a passcode or biometric protection, a criminal who finds it could see those photos of your account.

While downloading an official PDF statement from your financial institution's app is ideal — and some might argue a screenshot could be questioned or altered — I don't want perfect to be the enemy of good here. The main goal is for you to have some kind of paper trail or digital equivalent of your monthly statements. I want you to have evidence that shows, for instance, what your September statement looked like, just in case a major cyberattack or system failure temporarily wipes out a bank or brokerage firm's records. Once you get the next monthly statement, you can simply delete the prior one, but having that recent proof on hand gives you essential protection.

Submit a question for Clark

🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.66% and 15-year rates are 5.98% as of August 27, 2026. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

Mortgage Refi Calculator

📊 Stat of the Day

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🏠 73%: Share of homeowners ages 65 to 69 who fully own their home (no mortgage). That share rises to 83% at ages 75 to 79 and 92% among those 85 or older. Does Clark say you should pay off your mortgage before you retire?

💰 Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

NFL Sunday Ticket for students is just $119

Get this deal.

The best deals Labor Day deals at REI right now

Get this deal.

See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙 Podcast

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, every time a major technological shift happens, we hear predictions of widespread job destruction—and the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence is driving those fears to a whole new level. Clark breaks down what the AI boom actually means for your paycheck, how tech expansion shifts hidden costs onto consumers, and the concrete steps you can take today to pivot, re-educate, and make your career resilient against technological change.

Watch the Full Episode

☎ 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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