Is your credit score above average?, Why you should never mail a check

A shopping giant is laser-focused on modernization and expansion. Here's a hint: It is not Costco. Find out who it is further down this email.

💵 Today’s Top Stories

The Average Credit Score in America

The average credit score in the U.S. may surprise you. Find out that number – plus the credit score that Clark says makes the biggest difference. Read more.

Why You Should Never Mail a Check

Putting a small check in the mail for Christmas, a birthday present or a graduation gift seems harmless. But did you know thieves can take much more money than the amount of the check? Read more.

6 Pharmacies Offering $4 Prescriptions

Stop wasting so much of your paycheck on medication. These half-dozen pharmacies fill some prescriptions for less than $5. Read more.

How To Do a Credit Card Balance Transfer the Right Way

Balance transfers can at least temporarily lower the interest rate you’re paying on the money you owe. But it can backfire and make your finances worse if you do it wrong. Read more.

💵 Walmart Gets Aggressive About Modernizing, Expanding Sam’s Club

Look out, Costco. Competitor warehouse membership giant Sam’s Club is getting aggressive.

Here’s what the Walmart subsidiary is planning:

Double its membership numbers within eight to 10 years.
More than double its sales and profit in the same period.
Remodel all 600 existing locations.
Open about 15 new locations per year.

CEO Chris Nicholas may need a shoulder massage for patting himself on the back so hard: “This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today,” he said.

Don’t conflate that bravado with a lack of substance, though. Its in-store Scan & Go app feature and its online shop have been huge hits with customers, including Clark Howard. It has excelled at leveraging new tech.

In turn, customers reportedly are spending more, shopping more often and renewing memberships at a 10% higher clip.

Currently, the way Sam’s Club leverages tech is a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

💸 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 April 23, 2025.

See All Rates | High Yield Savings Accounts Calculator

📊 Stat of the Day

🏘️ 47: Average number of days that U.S. homes sat on the market in March before getting sold. That’s more than double the time during peak demand at the onset of COVID-19. It’s the longest period for any March since 2019.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals

The Big One solid bath towels for $3 at Kohl’s

Get this deal.

The best deals at Walmart this week

Get this deal.

See All of the Best Deals Today

🎙️ Podcast

YouTube video by Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

Full Show: Scared to Spend? Don't Cancel Plans and #1 Investment Benchmark

Worried about the market and your upcoming vacation? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss explains why you shouldn't cancel your beach trip due to market volatility. Learn a rational approach to navigating bear markets and protecting your life plans. Also, Wes reveals the surprising investment benchmark everyone is really watching (and why it might be misleading you!).

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.