10 best new Costco products, Why you should never use a debit card

January 07, 2025 | Read Online

The U.S. DOT is cracking down on chronically delayed flights. Later in this email, find out what is happening at one airline and what it means for you.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

10 Best New Products at Costco in January

From a gigantic Connect 4 set to a chai tea sampler to a smart bird feeder, Costco rolled out some gems this month (with pictures). Read more.

Why You Should Never Use a Debit Card According to Clark

Did you know that using debit cards can be financially dangerous? Clark explains why you should really think about following this rule. Read more.

Fubo and Hulu + Live TV Merge in Streaming Deal With Big Implications

In a blockbuster move, Disney acquires Fubo, but Fubo’s team will manage the merged product. The move seems to open a path for ESPN, FOX, TNT, TBS and TruTV to launch Venu Sports. Read more.

5 Keys To Be a Successful Investor

Retirement and investing expert Wes Moss explains his five fundamentals for being a successful investor. How many do you embody? Read more.

13 New Cell Phone Deals in January

New year, new chance to save on cell phone service. There are many deals to be had, but the 50% per line discount on Team Clark favorite Google Fi Wireless ends today at 12:59pm EST so act fast. Read more.

💻️ Tech Tip From Kim Komando

🚨 Banking app scam alert: A phishing attack is tricking people into installing an “updated” (read: bogus) banking app. Scammers contact you via email, SMS or voice call. Download their app, log in, and now they have your password. Stay safe: Only update apps via the App Store or Google Play. If you need your bank’s app, go to their website for a direct link. Join 575K people who get tech smart with my friend Kim Komando’s free newsletter, The Current.

💵 The U.S. DOT Fines an Airline for Delays For the First Time

The U.S. Department of Transportation never has fined an airline for delayed flights … until now.

JetBlue Airways faces a $2 million fine over delayed flights. JetBlue customers will get $1 million of that money.

DOT considers a flight “chronically delayed” if it flies 10+ times per month and arrives more than 30 minutes late at least half the time. Cancellations count toward that number.

According to the DOT, JetBlue “operated four chronically delayed flights at least 145 times between June 2022 through Nov. 2023, with each flight delayed for five months in a row or more.”

Despite breaking historic ground with the fine, the DOT also said it is actively investigating other airlines for “unrealistic flight schedules.” JetBlue passengers were on time for 71.3% of flights – just ahead of Frontier Airlines (67.6%) and just behind Spirit Airlines (72.3%).

📊 Stat of the Day

✈️ 83.5%: Share of Delta Air Lines flights in 2024 that arrived on time. That’s good for best in the U.S. and third-best of any airline in the world. United Airlines (80.9%) finished second in the U.S. and 10th in the world overall. Aeromexico (86.7%) took first place globally.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Why Vacation Clubs Are Worse Than Timeshares and Are Allowances Still Relevant in 2025?

Clark has always said that timeshares are a defective product. But the industry has created an even worse product: vacation clubs. Find out why Clark thinks these are “empty promises” you should avoid at all costs. Also, teaching kids the value of money is important, but are allowances still effective in 2025? Clark shares his take and the crucial step parents should follow to make a true impact.

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.