10 things on deep discount in July, 3 safer ways to send money

Did you know that Walmart operates "dark stores"? Have you ever heard that term before? Can you and I shop there? Find out more later in this email.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

10 Things on Deep Discount in July

Love to shop but hear Clark’s voice in your ear telling you to spend carefully? July is the month for you. Target, Walmart and others offer sales to compete with Amazon Prime Day. Read more.

3 Safer Ways To Send Money

Sending checks in the mail is outdated. But not all newer methods are safe. Here are the Clark-approved ways to send money – and ones he never, ever wants you to touch. Read more.

Here’s How Much Car Insurance You Need

Where you live determines the minimum coverage you need by law. Here’s how much you actually need based on your finances. Read more.

5 Best Credit Card Bonuses and Recommendations in July

One of our favorite travel rewards credit cards just increased its annual fee to a hefty $795 – but also offers a fat welcome bonus for early spenders. Read more.

💻️ Tech Tip From Kim Komando

Turning off alerts from your video doorbell is a mistake: Instead, set up custom motion zones. On a Ring doorbell, open the Ring app and select your device. Go to Motion Settings > Edit Motion Settings. To go into full don’t-bug-me mode, choose People Only. Join 575K people who get tech smart with my friend Kim Komando’s free newsletter, The Current.

🏬 Walmart Tests ‘Dark Stores’

Walmart now operates physical, brick-and-mortar locations that are not open to the public.

These so-called “dark stores” should look the same or nearly the same as a typical Walmart location from the street. But the public isn’t allowed inside.

This is currently a test that Walmart is running in Dallas (and soon in Bentonville, Arkansas).

Dark stores are designed to carry some of the store’s best-selling products. The hope is that these locations will streamline Walmart’s fulfillment of online orders.

Walmart has become an innovator in e-commerce and in some ways is emulating Amazon, cutting down shipping times and getting more efficient. It has also started using drones to deliver products in certain locations.

Is it possible that one day in the future, most or all retail stores will simply be e-commerce fulfillment centers? It’s hard to say.

In the meantime, if it improves the customer experience in speed and perhaps on cost savings, it’s a good thing.

📊 Stat of the Day

📈 $592.5 billion: The amount of charitable donations in the United States last year. That’s the second-most (inflation-adjusted) of all-time (2021). Warren Buffet also just announced $6 billion in new donations.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Why Flying Alone Just Got WAY More Expensive and Major Credit Card Issuer Devalues Points

A new, sneaky pricing tactic from the big airlines could charge solo travelers up to 70% more per ticket. Clark shares why this is happening and a clever trick to potentially avoid these solo traveler surcharges. Also, Clark tackles the latest devaluation of credit card points, with Citi ThankYou points taking a 25% hit. Find out why hoarding points can be risky and what types of general travel rewards cards offer better protection against devaluations for your future travel plans. Don't let your hard-earned points lose value!

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.