19 ways to save at The Home Depot, Clark’s favorite retirement fund

March 13, 2024 | Read Online

Clark has warned consumers about the pratfalls of certain gym membership contracts for years. But there’s a new warning on an industry aiming for your wallet. Keep scrolling to learn more.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

19 Ways To Save at The Home Depot

Looking for ways to get your next home improvement project done for less? Use these tips to stretch your dollars. Read more.

Target Date Funds: Clark’s Favorite Retirement Investment

Here’s why Clark loves target date funds, the easy button for retirement investing. Read more.

Should I Sell My House on My Own or Through a Real Estate Agent?

You’ll typically give up 6% of the sale price if you work with a real estate agent. Here’s all the work you’ll need to do (and what you’ll need to pay for) if you do it yourself instead. Read more.

Best Credit Cards for Consultants in 2024

Consultants are in a unique position. Is it better to get a business or personal credit card? And should you look to maximize travel rewards or something else? Read more.

💸 Today’s Top Savings Rates

Check out our updated list of Clark.com-approved high-yield savings accounts with the highest rates. Here are the top five APYs on our list as of March 13, 2024.

See All Rates | High Yield Savings Accounts Calculator

🚘️ Be Wary of the New Car Wash Subscription Fad

Clark has warned consumers about the pratfalls of certain gym membership contracts for years.

There’s an entire cottage industry around helping you find and cancel subscriptions that you’re not actually using. Many shopping, streaming, music, cloud storage and media companies thrive on customers paying for but not actually using the product.

Can you guess the latest insidious subscription model that’s counting on you to not use what you’re paying for? It’s car washes. There are now 60,000 locations as expanding companies find the subscription model profitable.

“They’re trying to get you into a subscription,” Clark says. “They’re opening and expanding like crazy just to sell subscriptions. Some cities are limiting or banning more car washes because they’re unsightly.”

Clark’s wife and son each subscribed to one of these car wash programs, although his son canceled. They often charge $20 a month, perhaps after a short promotional period. And a basic car wash often sells for $10.

Do the math and know yourself. But unless you’re an anomaly, chances are your local car wash will see dollar signs if you do what they want and sign up for these subscriptions.

📊 Stat of the Day

🧑‍🦳 4.1 million: The number of Americans turning 65 years old in 2024, a new record. Softening the drag on the economy is the fact that 19% of Americans 65+ were working in ’23. That’s “nearly double the share of those who were working 35 years ago.”

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

Save up to $60 extra on clothing & shoes at Costco

Get this deal.

Here are the best Walmart deals happening now!

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See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Will 401k Plans Disappear? and Skyrocketing Baggage Fees

Have you read the headlines that traditional 401(k) plans may go away? There’s more truth to it than you may think. Clark has everything you need to know. Also, baggage fees are sky high! Luckily, there are several things you can do to save money and keep your bags safe.

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.