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- Why it’s a bad idea to buy a rental car (10 14 25)
Why it’s a bad idea to buy a rental car (10 14 25)
Sally McDonald
October 14, 2025
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💵 Today’s Top Stories
 | If you’re looking to save money on a vehicle, you may consider buying from a rental car company. That idea is worse than ever, Clark says. Read more. |
 | Save on your cell phone bill by switching to an MVNO on AT&T’s network for as little as $8 per month. Read more. |
 | Scammers are mass sending PayPal invoices hoping that some of them get paid. Here’s what to look out for – and what to do if you’re targeted, as a member of Team Clark was recently. Read more. |
 | Managing your own investments (as opposed to using a robo-advisor or financial advisor) will save you money. But it also creates work and risk. Is it right for you? Read more. |
💵 Calculator of the Week: Coast FIRE Calculator
 | Want to reach financial independence faster? See how the Coast FIRE strategy can let you stop contributing to your retirement savings years before you retire. |
🔌 EV Companies To Offer Cheaper Models After Tax Credit Expires
It’s hard to tell if it’s a consensus. But a lot of respected media outlets seemed to think the end of the $7,500 federal tax subsidy on electric vehicles would crater sales, at least short-term.
And companies like Tesla seemed to benefit in September from juiced sales as people pushed forward their purchases to meet the deadline.
However, prices may not jump $7,500 for prospective EV buyers now that the deadline has passed.
Tesla is a good approximation for the American EV market. And it is releasing Model 3 “Standard” sedans for $37,000 (at the new, lowest trim model). And Model Y “Standard” SUVs that start near $40,000.
Drivers will get fewer features, giving up full self-driving, Autosteer, leather seats and radio, for example. But these models are $5,000 to $5,500 cheaper. They’ll reportedly be available in November.
With the move, Tesla now offers a few models that are close to rivaling the Nissan Leaf, “which starts at just $30,000 [and] remains America’s cheapest EV with a range comparable to Tesla’s.”
The initial wave of EVs were full of high-end models. But the current trend points to a proliferation of more affordable options with fewer frills.
📊 Stat of the Day
💻️ 800 million: The number of weekly users that OpenAI cited for ChatGPT as of early October. Perhaps the most culturally visible AI product “became the most valuable privately held company in the world [in early October] after a private stock sale of $6.6 billion in shares valued the company at $500 billion.”
💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
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🎙️ Podcast
Are you wasting money on a service that isn't worth it? New research says streaming is a top "essential," but companies like Disney are hiking prices again. Clark breaks down the new, confusing ad-supported vs. no-ad streaming tiers and shares his simple strategy to save money, including why you should consider FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV). Also, beware before you buy: Clark tackles the messy business of Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. What started as a great consumer protection program is now being corrupted by some dealerships who skip the crucial inspection process. Find out the one thing you must do before buying to protect your money and avoid a nightmare!
☎️ 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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