Secrets credit card companies don’t want to tell you (1 11 24)

Later in this email, Clark reveals the mattress that he sleeps on at home – and where he bought it.

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🛏️ Here’s the Exact Mattress Clark Bought Himself From Costco

Buying a mattress in 2024 can be more complicated than you may imagine.

“Right now we’re in the midst of what’s known as the paradox of choice,” Clark says.

“There are so many mattress manufacturers. A lot truthfully that aren’t doing that well. And so it’s just overwhelming the styles and the brands and all that.”

Clark previously mentioned the mattress he bought without giving specifics. On the Jan. 8 podcast, Bill in Illinois wanted to know the brand of king-size mattress that Clark purchased.

Clark, of course, bought the mattress on sale from Costco for $499.

Want an identical mattress to Clark? It’s listed for $579.

But according to the Costco website, you can purchase the mattress at a Costco location for $80 to $120 off through Jan. 21. It’s cheaper in person because if you order online, Costco delivers the mattress to your home.

The best part? If you buy one at your local Costco, the mattress comes in a compressed box designed to fit into any car.

Plus, Costco offers a generous return policy.

“Just like most everything in the building, you don’t like it, they give you your money back,” Clark says.

“And there’s not a limit on that. Electronics have a 90-day limit. But something like a mattress – and they can’t even resell it. They just have to dispose of it.”

📊 Stat of the Day

✈️ 1.2%: The U.S. flight cancelation rate in 2023. It’s the lowest rate since at least 2013. About 200,000 flights got canceled out of 16.3 million. The holiday cancelation rate also fell from 8.2% in 2022 (thanks to Southwest) to 0.8% this year.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
Amazon
🎙️ Podcast

Costco sold more than $100 million in gold bars recently. Is it a good idea to buy gold at Costco? Clark has a surprising opinion on gold in your portfolio. Also, an easy way to save more money is to dump unused subscriptions. What can you cancel in 2024?

☎️ 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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