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💵 Today’s Top Stories
There’s a huge gap between the best and worst airlines in the U.S., according to customers. Where does your favorite rank? Read more.
You’re earning a great living but still feeling stressed about money. Why? Clark explains the difference between allowing lifestyle creep vs. building real security. Read more.
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Big changes are coming for select Capital One cardholders, including a new payment network and some updated cash-back perks. Here’s everything you need to know. Read more.
Why would a real company post a fake job? There are a few reasons, Clark explains. But worse, sometimes con artists post these jobs. Here’s how to protect yourself when applying for employment. Read more.
🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates
According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.23% and 15-year rates are 5.58% as of April 23, 2026. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.
⚽ Eye-Popping World Cup Tickets, Hotel Prices, Public Transportation
In 45 days, the World Cup will open in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
A record 48 teams will play 104 matches starting June 11 in Mexico City and Guadalajara with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
It’s a major travel event in North America, with many cities expecting an economic impact (restaurants, hotels, public transportation) even if you aren’t traveling or attending.
However, some of the financial figures are causing controversy, consternation and heartburn.
Check out some of the figures highlighted by The Athletic and The Associated Press as the event draws closer:
$2.3 million: List price for four tickets to the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on FIFA’s official resale site last week.
$10,923.85: Lowest-priced tickets for the final as of Thursday.
$150: Roughly the cost of a round-trip rail ticket from New York’s Pennsylvania Station to MetLife Stadium for FIFA World Cup games. Tickets ordinarily cost $12.90.
$0: What Philadelphia will charge fans exiting Lincoln Financial Field and using SEPTA, the city’s transit system, after the six World Cup games at the venue.
-$578: The average per-night drop in price at six randomly selected tourist hotels in Atlanta for mid-June dates in four months (from $968 in December to $390 in April). That’s the steepest decline, though other host cities have seen 50% declines as well.
$1,120: The cheapest tickets FIFA is selling for United States vs. Paraguay, the Americans’ World Cup opener on June 12 at 9 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Going to a World Cup game would be an amazing experience. But it sure is making sitting on the couch and watching from home on FOX and FS1 for the price of your streaming or cable package seem quite appealing.
📊 Stat of the Day
💸 $303,418: National average cost of raising a child from birth to age 18. That includes housing, food, daycare, transportation and health insurance. Hawaii ($412,661) and New Hampshire ($201,963) are the most expensive and cheapest states, respectively.
💰 Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
🎙 Podcast
It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, prom has officially turned into a high-pressure, "red-carpet" event driven more by social media likes than actual memories, with some families spending an eye-popping $25,000 on a single night. Between designer dresses, expensive tuxedos, and luxury limousines, the costs are spiraling out of control, but Clark is here to tell you that you don't have to go into debt to have a great time. Clark discusses how to push back against "social media spending" by finding high-quality used formal wear, skipping the thousand-dollar limo in favor of a safe and affordable rideshare, and focusing on the experience rather than the price tag.
☎ 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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