America’s #1 computer brand, 5 reasons your credit score drops

November 17, 2023 | Read Online

Do you get frustrated if you book a flight only to watch the prices get much cheaper from there? Later in this email, we’ll explain how you can avoid missing out on the best rates.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

#1 Computer Brand for Customer Satisfaction

Which computer brand makes its customers the happiest? There’s a tie for best-in-class, and you can probably guess one. What about the other? Read more.

5 Reasons Your Credit Score Can Drop Unexpectedly

You’re happy with your credit score. Suddenly: BAM! It drops 30 points. What gives? Here are some less-than-obvious things that can drop your score. Read more.

Best Credit Cards for Seniors Right Now

Team Clark researched the best credit card rewards programs in popular senior spending categories. Here are our favorites and why we like them for seniors. Read more.

A Cheaper Way To Access Verizon’s Cell Phone Network

“Total by Verizon” taps into Verizon’s cell tower network to offer monthly plans between $30 and $60 a month. Here’s what you get from each plan. Read more.

✈️ How To Hedge Your Bets on Airline Ticket Prices

Landing your airline tickets at exactly the cheapest price is an inexact science.

You can subscribe to Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), check rates daily, learn historical patterns and listen to data from giant companies such as Google Flights.

Still, airfares can be unpredictable.

Based on predictive data from Google Flights, Clark recently gave advice on the best time to buy flights for this year’s holidays.

A listener wrote into Clark Stinks after passing up what turned out to be cheaper airfare while waiting for the window that Clark (via Google Flights) recommended. (You can hear the Clark Stinks at the 5:23 mark here.)

When trying to chase the exact date to book the cheapest possible flight, you’re not going to succeed 100% of the time. The good news? You can book a flight early. And then continue to watch for cheaper rates.

“If you travel somewhat frequently, when you see a fare you’re happy with, buy it,” Clark says. “But keep shopping. Because there’s no penalty now for change or cancelation.

“You don’t get your money back. But you have basically gift certificate money moving forward. And so when you see a fare that you’re comfortable with, buy that fare. And then later if a cheaper fare comes along, you get a credit for that.”

📊 Stat of the Day

🫒 $9,145: The price of olive oil per metric ton according to the International Monetary Fund. That’s up nearly seven times from the price in December 2020. Spain, the world’s largest producer of olive oil (nearly 50% in average years), has experienced a drought leading to a poor crop.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

Black Friday

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Save up to 51% on a Going membership for a limited time

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See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Joint Bank Accounts and New USPS Address Changes

Is it better to keep your money separate or combine accounts as a married couple? Data shows that joint accounts can actually make your relationship stronger. Clark explains his favorite financial formula. Also, the United States Postal Service is implementing a new process to change your address. Ideally, it’ll make your information more secure and prevent criminals from routing your mail to their own pockets. Clark also shares some red flags to spot a mail scam.

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.