Clark Howard

For a limited time, new customers joining Ultra Mobile can save 33% on eligible three-month plans. Options start at $10.67/month for 4GB of high-speed data or as low as $29.33/month for unlimited data. 

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about Ultra Mobile’s latest deal. I’ll include what you’ll get for the price, and how Ultra Mobile compares to other prepaid phone plans.

Save Up to $53 on Ultra Mobile’s Multi-Month Plans

Now through May 31, Ultra Mobile (Team Clark’s Review) is offering a 33% discount on select three-month plans.

With this deal, you can get a prepaid phone plan with 4GB of data per month for $32 upfront. That works out to only $10.67/month! Alternatively, three-month unlimited plans begin at $88 ($29.33/month). For the most savings, Ultra Unlimited+ is available for $35.33/month for the first three months, which is a total discount of $53.

In the table below, you can see each eligible plan along with its discounted rate for new customers, regular rate and total savings. 

PlanDiscounted RateRegular RateSavings

4GB$32 ($10.67/month)$48 ($16/month)$16

8GB$44 ($14.67/month)$66 ($22/month)$22

24GB$70 ($23.33/month)$105 ($35/month)$35

Ultra Unlimited$88 ($29.33/month)$132 ($44/month)$44

Ultra Unlimited+$106 ($35.33/month)$159 ($53/month)$53

To get this deal, visit Ultra Mobile’s website and choose any eligible plan. 

Know that the plan prices do not include taxes and fees. Once your plan expires, you can renew it at regular rates. Ultra Mobile is a prepaid cell phone service provider, and you can cancel your service at any time. 

Ultra Mobile: An Affordable T-Mobile MVNO

If you aren’t familiar with Ultra Mobile, it’s a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that utilizes T-Mobile’s service towers. 

Compared to other T-Mobile MVNOs, Ultra Mobile offers fair prices at regular rates. You’ll find better deals on Ultra Mobile’s multi-month plans, especially if you can grab a new-customer discount (like the current 33% off three-month plans deal). $10.67/month for 4GB of high-speed data or $14.67 for 8GB of high-speed data are great prices for light data users.

To compare, here are a few of our other favorite prepaid phone plans from providers on the same network:

Tello Mobile (Review): For $10/month, Tello Mobile offers 2GB of high-speed data. Other plans include 10GB for $15, 20GB for $20 and 50GB for $25.

Mint Mobile (Review): Light data users can get a 5GB plan for as low as $15/month, 15GB for $20/month, 20GB for $25/month or an unlimited plan for $30/month. New customers can join Mint Mobile and get these rates for a three-month plan. At regular rates, you’ll have to prepay annually to keep the same price.

US Mobile (Review): The Light Plan includes 2GB of high-speed data for $10 monthly. If you prepay annually, you can get the same plan for $96 ($8/month), making it an excellent deal for very light data users. Unlimited plans are available from US Mobile starting at $25/month (70GB of high-speed data on the Light Speed network). The same plan is available annually for $270 ($22.50/month) at regular rates.

Before you switch to Ultra Mobile, check your phone’s compatibility online and make sure you’ll have service in your area by checking the coverage map. Also, be sure to read my full Ultra Mobile review.

For more options, check out our guide on the best cell phone plans and deals available now.

Are you thinking about switching to Ultra Mobile? Let us know in our Clark.com Community!
The post Ultra Mobile Deal: Save 33% on 3-Month Plans appeared first on Clark Howard.

For a limited time, new customers switching to Visible (Team Clark’s Review) can save up to $5/month on any monthly unlimited phone plan. The savings last for 12 months, which means you can save up to $60 with Visible’s current deal! 

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about Visible’s latest deal. I’ll include the discounted price of each plan, how to claim the offer and how Visible compares to other affordable unlimited plans. 

Save $5/Month for a Year With Any Monthly Plan

Now through June 1, you can join Visible as a new customer and use the promo code FRESHSTART to get a limited-time discount on any monthly plan. With the discount, unlimited plans start at $20/month! 

With the FRESHSTART promo code, you’ll get a $5/month discount for up to a year. After 12 months, plan rates will return to normal. 

Here are the three monthly plans that you can choose from when you switch to Visible: 

VisibleVisible+Visible+ Pro

Price (with FRESHSTART)$20/month

Regular Price: $25/month$30/month

Regular Price: $35/month$40/month

Regular Price: $45/month

NetworkUnlimited data on Verizon’s 5G & 4G LTE networks- Unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network
– Unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G & 4G LTE networks- Unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network
– Unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G & 4G LTE networks

Video Quality480 SD1080p HD4K UHD

HotspotUnlimited at 5 MbpsUnlimited at 10 MbpsUnlimited at 15 Mbps

InternationalUnlimited talk & text to Mexico & Canada- Unlimited talk, text and roaming in and between Mexico & Canada
– One Global Pass day per month- Unlimited talk, text and roaming in and between Mexico & Canada
– Calling to 85+ countries & unlimited texting to 200+ countries
– 24 Global Pass days

To be eligible for this deal, join Visible as a new customer before June 1 and choose any monthly plan. Use the promo code FRESHSTART when you purchase your service.

You can check out the full details of this deal on Visible’s website.

Visible: An Affordable Prepaid Provider on Verizon Wireless’ Network

If you aren’t familiar with Visible, it’s a prepaid cell phone service owned by Verizon Wireless. Customers on Visible’s phone plans have access to Verizon Wireless’ network as the carrier runs on the same towers.

Visible offers only three cell phone plans, but each can be a great option for lowering your phone bill. This is especially true with the current new-customer offer. An unlimited phone plan for $20/month is always a great deal!

To compare, here are a few of our other favorite affordable unlimited plans:

US Mobile (Team Clark’s Review): Unlimited plans start at $25 monthly or $270 annually ($22.50/month) at regular rates. For this price, you can get 70GB of high-speed data and 10GB of mobile hotspot data on US Mobile’s Warp or Light Speed Networks. On the Dark Star network, the same plan includes unlimited high-speed data and 20GB of mobile hotspot data. Unlimited Premium, which includes truly unlimited high-speed data on any network, costs $44 monthly or $390 annually ($32.50/month) at regular rates. 

Mint Mobile (Team Clark’s Review): New customers can get an unlimited plan for $30/month for the first three months of service. After three months, prepay annually to keep the same monthly rate. The plan includes unlimited high-speed data; however, after 50GB/month, speeds may slow during network congestion. It also includes 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month.

Tello Mobile (Team Clark’s Review): For $25/month, customers can get an unlimited data plan that includes 50GB of high-speed data and 10GB of hotspot data. However, after 50GB of data usage, speeds will be throttled (reduced) until the next billing cycle.

In contrast, Verizon Wireless’ postpaid unlimited plans begin at $65 per month for one line with autopay at regular rates. For unlimited premium data, the most affordable Verizon Wireless plan costs $80 for one line with autopay. You can learn more about the differences between Visible and Verizon Wireless here.

Before you switch to Visible, check your phone’s compatibility online and make sure you’ll have service in your area by checking Visible’s coverage map. If you have a compatible phone, you can also sign up for a 15-day free trial of Visible without leaving your current carrier. This is a great way to decide whether or not the service will work for you!

I had a great experience testing out Visible myself, and if Verizon has strong service in your area, Visible could be a great way to access those towers for a fraction of the cost. To read about my experience using Visible, check out our full Visible review.

For more options, be sure to read our guide on the best cell phone plans and deals available now. 

Are you thinking about switching to Visible? Let us know in our Clark.com Community! Also, be sure to check out the latest conversations about cell phones here.
The post Visible Deal: Unlimited Plans From $20/Month Your First Year appeared first on Clark Howard.

For the first time in a while, American Express has introduced a new cash back credit card to the market.

The card_name launched in March 2026, and the hook is pretty simple: It offers a chance to earn unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases (Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout).

For high-volume business spenders, rewards like that can add up pretty quickly!

And if you’re familiar with Team Clark’s cash back credit card advice, you know that unlimited 2% cash back with no categorical restrictions is the prime target for an everyday spender. So American Express has our attention with this one.

But there’s a catch: This card has a $295 annual fee.

We typically advise seeking 2% back on a card with no annual fee, so this one will need to offer benefits that easily exceed the annual fee to be worth it.

Quick Take: Is the Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card Worth It?

If your business spends heavily and values simplicity above all else, this card could be worth it. The unlimited 2% back on all eligible purchases is great.

But most small businesses would actually be better off with the card_name. This no-annual-fee AmEx card awards 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on the first $50,000 spent per year, then 1% (cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement).

If your business spend is modest, it will likely deliver more net value after you factor in the Graphite card’s annual fee.

This Graphite card probably only makes sense for businesses that:

Have a very large monthly purchasing pattern that can be charged to a credit card

Will spend well in excess of $50,000 per year with the card

Regularly utilize the Amex Travel portal for travel booking

Also, if you’re not sure about having a business credit card in your wallet, you should read money expert Clark Howard’s stance on them before proceeding.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what American Express is offering to help you decide if this is the right business credit card for you.

Table of Contents

Card Overview

4 Things to Know

Pros and Cons

Card Overview: Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card

card_name

Annual Fee:

$295

Foreign Transaction Fee:

None

Rewards Program Details:

Earn unlimited 2% cash back in Reward Dollars on all eligible purchases.
Earn 5% cash back on flights and prepaid hotels bookings though American Express Travel® Online
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.

Bonus Offer:

Earn $1,500 Cash Back in the form of Reward Dollars after you spend $50,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Reward Dollars can be redeemed as statement credits and at Amazon.com checkout.

Terms apply.

Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card: 4 Things to Know

Here are four key things to consider about the Graphite Business card:

1. It’s a True No-Category, Unlimited 2% Cash Back Card

The simplicity is the card’s biggest selling point.

It earns unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, with no spending caps or rotating categories. Plus, you can earn 5% cash back on flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel® Online.

And there’s no preset spending limit on this card, either.

American Express says that cash back will be received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout.

2. The Annual Fee Is an Obstacle for Many Small Businesses

While the simplicity is great, the annual fee may wipe out your business’s gains from having the card.

At 2% cash back return on your spending, you’d need an annual spend of $14,750 just to cover the annual fee.

And that’s before the potential additional cost of employee cards. The annual fee on those is $95 per employee card. Up to 99 cards can be issued to employees.

3. There’s a Good Welcome Bonus (With a Pretty Large Spending Requirement)

There’s a chance the welcome offer on this card could be a real difference maker for your small business. It ranks among the best available on the market.

“Earn $1,500 Cash Back in the form of Reward Dollars after you spend $50,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Reward Dollars can be redeemed as statement credits and at Amazon.com checkout.”

However, there’s also a good chance that many businesses will have trouble reaching the spending volume required to achieve it. You’d need either an average of $10,000 per month in spend or perhaps one large bulk purchase that could get you there.

4. Perks Are OK but High-End AmEx Benefits Are Missing

When it comes to American Express credit cards, there is a certain level of premium perks many come to expect with the annual fees (terms apply).

You will get some of the purchase protections AmEx is known for, but you won’t see many of the statement credit offers that add value to cards like card_name.

What You Will Get

No foreign transaction fees

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance (secondary coverage)

Extended Warranty (up to one year extension of manufacturer’s warranty)

Purchase Protection and Return Protection (up to 90 days from date of purchase)

What You WON’T Get

Airport lounge access

Lucrative statement credits for hotel and airline purchases like you might see on the Business Platinum Card

Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card: Pros and Cons

Final Thought: To me, this card stands out as an option for someone in charge of high-volume spending for their business. And that’s probably it. Low-to-medium volume business spenders will be better off with a no annual fee option.

The unlimited 2% cash back with no preset spending limit allows for businesses with significant monthly expenditure churn to rack up rewards without jumping between multiple business credit cards. There’s extra value if your business also books travel via the Amex Travel portal.

If you have a business like this, you can likely rationalize the annual fee as a relatively small expenditure compared to the upside of the rewards you can earn.

Is this business card something you’d consider adding to your wallet? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the Clark.com community.

To see the rates and fees for the American Express cards featured, please visit the following links: Business Platinum Card® from American Express: See Rates and Fees; The American Express Blue Business Cash Card: See Rates and Fees; Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card: See Rates and Fees.
The post Is This Highly Anticipated American Express Card Any Good? appeared first on Clark Howard.

Three months into 2026, the scorecard looks almost nothing like it did at the end of last year. Last year’s biggest winners have stumbled. Two major forces — a U.S.-Iran war that sent oil prices sharply higher, and a reversal of the AI trade that punished tech-heavy portfolios — have played a pivotal role in reshuffling nearly every asset class.

Here’s how the major asset classes have performed so far in 2026.

U.S. Stock Market

The S&P 500 is down about 5% through the end of March — a rough start after three consecutive years of double-digit gains, including +17.9% in 2025.

One way to understand what’s happening beneath the surface: In 2025, every single S&P 500 sector finished the year positive. The worst performer was Consumer Discretionary at +6%. Even Energy, which had a difficult year across the broader asset class, gained 8.7%. It was about as broad-based a rally as you’ll see.

2026 is the mirror image so far. Five of eleven sectors are in the red, and the ones that are working are almost entirely driven by either the war in the Middle East or a flight to defensive, yield-oriented names:

Energy’s +35.7% gain stands out from the rest, driven by the Iran conflict disrupting oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. Strip that out, and the market picture is uniformly cautious — investors rotating into utilities, staples, and materials while selling the growth-heavy sectors that led in 2024 and 2025.

The Magnificent Seven (Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Tesla) span Information Technology, Communication Services, and Consumer Discretionary, which are three of the four worst-performing sectors this quarter. That explains why the MAGS ETF is down 16% while the Information Technology sector as a whole is down “only” 8.6%. The biggest names inside those sectors are getting hit harder than the sectors themselves.

The value vs. growth split tells the same story. Large-cap value is up about 3% while large-cap growth is down 10% — a 13-percentage-point gap in a single quarter.

If you want to put this quarter’s numbers in a longer context, the S&P 500 return calculator shows what the market has historically returned over multi-year periods. Short-term drawdowns like this are a normal part of investing.

International Stocks

International stocks are roughly flat on the year after a standout 2025, when developed markets gained 31.9% and emerging markets gained 33.6%. Emerging markets have a slight edge in 2026 at +1.3%, while developed international is essentially flat at -0.3%.

Both are outperforming the S&P 500 for the second consecutive year — though at much tighter margins than last year.

Bonds and Cash

Bonds have given back a small amount this year after delivering +7.3% in 2025. The Fed held rates steady in March, signaling only one cut in 2026, which has kept upward pressure on yields and modest downward pressure on bond prices. Cash is earning about 0.3% for the quarter in T-bills — modest, but the rate environment still favors high-yield savings accounts and money market funds.

REITs

Real estate investment trusts are essentially flat on the year. REITs gained just 2.3% in all of 2025, and the “higher for longer” rate environment continues to weigh on the asset class.

Precious Metals

Gold is the strongest performer among the core asset classes tracked here, up about 6.8% year-to-date after its historic 66% gain in 2025. The story in 2026 has been volatile: gold surged above $5,600 per ounce in late January before pulling back sharply in March, returning to the low $4,400s. Investors who held since January 1 are up nearly 7%.

Silver had an even wilder ride. It hit a nominal all-time high of $121.67 per ounce on January 29 — nearly double where it started the year — before crashing more than 40% in a matter of days as exchanges raised margin requirements and speculative positions unwound. It has since stabilized around $71-73 per ounce, leaving it up roughly 4-5% for the year.

For context on gold’s longer-term track record, the gold investment returns calculator shows historical performance going back decades.

Cryptocurrency

After finishing 2025 in the red, crypto has continued to struggle. Bitcoin entered 2026 around $87,000-$89,000 and is trading near $67,000-$68,000 — down roughly 25%. Ethereum has fallen back below $2,000 after starting the year at ~$3,200. Solana is down approximately 50%.

The “Bitcoin as digital gold” comparison took a beating in 2025, when gold surged 66% while Bitcoin fell 6%. In 2026, gold is up 7% while the major cryptocurrencies are deep in the red.

Commodities

Oil is the year’s biggest numerical gainer. WTI crude started the year at around $57 per barrel and is now trading above $100, driven almost entirely by the U.S.-Iran conflict, which has restricted flow through the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil was 2025’s biggest loser at -20%, and it’s 2026’s biggest gainer so far — not because of anything an investor could have anticipated, but because of an unpredictable geopolitical event. The asset class quilt illustrates this pattern going back decades. Last year’s worst performers frequently become next year’s leaders, for reasons that have nothing to do with picking the right asset class at the right time.

The Full Picture

Key Takeaways

Every sector was up in 2025. Most are down in 2026. Last year was one of the broadest rallies in recent memory — not a single S&P 500 sector finished negative. This year, five of eleven are in the red, with gains concentrated almost entirely in energy and defensive sectors.

The AI trade has reversed, at least for now. After driving enormous returns in 2024 and 2025, the Magnificent Seven are this year’s worst-performing major U.S. equity group. The sectors where they live — IT, Communication Services, Consumer Discretionary — are all down 6-10%.

Gold is the strongest core asset class this quarter. After a 66% gain in 2025, it’s up another 6.8% in the first three months of 2026 — though that headline number hides a wild January spike and a painful March correction.

Diversification worked this quarter. A broadly diversified investor was largely insulated from both the tech selloff and crypto losses, while capturing some gains in gold and defensive sectors. The range from +44% oil to -50% Solana shows just how much it matters not to concentrate in any single asset class.

Last year’s winners are rarely this year’s winners. The asset class quilt makes this point visually across more than two decades of data. Predicting which asset class will lead in any given year is extraordinarily difficult.

Final Thoughts

The start of 2026 is a good reminder of how quickly the script can flip. Last year’s winners are lagging, and the biggest gains are coming from places few people were betting on.

That’s exactly why trying to time markets rarely works. A diversified portfolio didn’t avoid volatility this quarter, but it helped soften the extremes.

The main takeaway: Stay diversified, keep costs low and focus on the long term. Short-term surprises are inevitable, but a disciplined approach is what carries you through them.

Note: All returns are approximate and based on data available as of March 31, 2026. S&P 500, sector, Small Cap, International, Emerging Markets, REITs, Bonds, Cash, and Gold figures are based on index data. Value/growth, Nasdaq-100, MAGS, and cryptocurrency figures reflect ETF and spot price returns. Oil reflects WTI spot price. Returns include dividends where applicable.
The post Best Investments (And The Worst) So Far In 2026 appeared first on Clark Howard.

For a limited time, new customers joining Consumer Cellular (Team Clark’s Review) can get a second month of service free. This deal is available on all plans with up to four lines. 

In this article, I’ll share the details of Consumer Cellular’s latest new customer offer, including how much you could save and what you’ll get for the price.

Switch to Consumer Cellular and Save Up to $120

Now through May 15, Consumer Cellular is offering a second month free to new customers joining on any plan. To get this deal, use the promo code 2NDFREE when you sign up. 

Here’s how it works: You’ll pay for your first month of service as normal, but you won’t be charged for any lines in your second month. After the second month of service, plan rates will return to normal.

You can choose any plan when you join Consumer Cellular with up to four lines. Single-line plans range from $20/month for 1GB of high-speed data to $60/month for 35GB of high-speed data. While these prices already include an autopay discount, multiline discounts bring the prices down even further. 

In the table below, you can see all of Consumer Cellular’s monthly phone plans along with single-line pricing and multiline discounts. Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll save the same amount with your second month free.

Plan1 Line2 Lines3 Lines4 Lines

1GB$20$35$50$65

5GB$25$40$55$70

10GB$35$50$65$80

20GB$45$60$75$90

Unlimited
For AARP (50+)Not available$55$75$90

Unlimited
For customers 50+$35
(35GB high-speed data)$60
(50GB high-speed data)$80
(50GB high-speed data)$100
(50GB high-speed data)

Unlimited
For customers 18+$60
(35GB high-speed data)$80
(50GB high-speed data)$100
(50GB high-speed data)$120
(50GB high-speed data)

It’s worth noting that select plans are only available to customers over the age of 50 or AARP members. AARP members are eligible for a 5% discount on any monthly plan. 

Consumer Cellular: The Best Cell Phone Service Provider for Seniors

If you aren’t familiar with Consumer Cellular, it’s a postpaid cell phone service provider that partners with AT&T to provide coverage to its customers.

Plans begin as low as $20/month for unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data. The unlimited plan costs $35-$60 per line and includes 35GB of high-speed data before reduced speeds; however, the $35 price is only available to customers ages 50+. Other affordable cell phone service providers that run on AT&T’s network also offer competitively-priced plans; however, Consumer Cellular stands out for its excellent customer service.

According to the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Wireless Carrier Satisfaction Study, Consumer Cellular ranks higher than all other phone service providers. Similarly, Consumer Reports ranks it higher than nearly all other providers. Out of 21 service providers, Consumer Cellular earned the second-highest scores, outranked only by US Mobile (Team Clark’s Review).

The American Customer Satisfaction Index tells the same story, reporting that “Consumer Cellular, a value MVNO, is the wireless service carrier with the highest satisfaction in the industry. Consumer Cellular customers’ strong perceptions of value and quality keep satisfaction high.” You can see how its customer service compares to other phone service providers here.

Excellent customer service, partnered with affordable plan prices, is why Consumer Cellular earned the best cell phone plan for seniors award on Clark.com.

I tested Consumer Cellular myself by trying out its most affordable phone plan for 30 days, and I had a great experience. To learn more before you decide to switch, read my full Consumer Cellular review.

Will you be switching to one of Consumer Cellular’s new plans? Let us know in our Clark.com Community!
The post Consumer Cellular Deal: Get Your Second Month Free appeared first on Clark Howard.

Surprise! Netflix has raised subscription prices again in 2026.

In what is starting to feel like an annual tradition, the popular video streaming service quietly moved forward with price increases in late March. Netflix made a similar adjustment in the first quarter of 2025, as well.

Standard, Standard with ads, and Premium customers will all be impacted by this new price increase.

The new pricing model is effective immediately for new customers. Existing customers are likely to experience the increase during their next monthly billing cycle.

With the price of Netflix now reaching as much as $324 per year, it’s time for some consumers to start asking tough questions:

Should I downgrade my subscription tier?

Should I cancel my subscription altogether?

What are some cost-saving alternatives?

In this article, I’ll walk you through the new Netflix pricing to help you determine whether you’re paying for the right tier of service for your household.

And if you’re teetering on leaving the service behind, I’ll present you with a few cheaper alternatives to consider.

Netflix in 2026: Pricing and Subscription Tiers

There’s no avoiding the latest round of price hikes from Netflix.

The March 2026 price increases will hit all three tiers of subscriptions, with the minimum resulting in a $1 per month increase. The more expensive packages will see a $2 per month increase.

Here’s a look at the pricing changes that are now active on Netflix’s app and website:

These changes in isolation may not seem like a huge deal, especially if you’re on the cheapest option that only receives a dollar increase.

But when you zoom out a bit, the last few years have been littered with price increases and password-sharing crackdowns. The cost of carrying a Netflix subscription has jumped fairly dramatically for most people.

If you’re an existing customer, I think now is a good time to take stock of what you’re getting from your tier of membership.

Below is a detailed chart from Netflix that explains what each tier offers:

Chart via Netflix

Are you paying for the right subscription tier to support your household’s needs? Or is it possible to downgrade your subscription package and save some money?

There’s also the chance that you reviewed this chart and decided that even the cheapest ad-supported tier was no longer worth your money.

If so, keep reading, and I’ll introduce you to some alternative streaming TV options.

Alternative Cheap Streaming TV Options in 2026

If you’ve decided that “enough is enough” after this latest price increase, I don’t blame you.

Netflix and other streaming services are in a seemingly perpetual cycle of price increases that makes many of us wonder whether we’re really better off now than we were when we paid the cable company a single monthly price to receive everything.

My first suggestion for those of you who want to save money on Netflix (and any other video streaming services) is to opt into the ad-supported tier.

This is a simple way to save more than $120 per year if you’re an ad-free subscriber.

My second suggestion is to cancel paid streaming altogether and opt for FREE STREAMING TV instead. This is one of money expert Clark Howard’s favorite suggestions for people who are looking to save on their streaming bills.

These aren’t ready-made Netflix replacements, but they are much-improved streaming options with some pretty snappy apps that show popular TV shows and movies that you’ll recognize. At no charge to you.

You’re not required to provide credit card information and many don’t even require that you set up an account to watch. You simply download the app to your TV and go. They make their money on the commercials you’ll see.

I’ve reviewed a bunch of these services for Team Clark. You can check out my review of the Best Free Streaming Services in 2026.

A few of my favorite recommendations include:

Pluto TV

Tubi TV

The Roku Channel

Sling Freestream

Are you frustrated by this price hike? Have some ideas to help others save money on streaming TV? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the Clark.com community.
The post What Netflix’s Latest Price Increase Could Mean for Streamers appeared first on Clark Howard.

I have picked on Equifax a lot over the years. But I have to tell you, according to recent research from ProPublica, Equifax is actually doing a significantly better job of handling customer complaints than its competitors.

Now, don’t get me wrong — they aren’t doing an outstanding job. But compared to the other two major credit bureaus, the difference is night and day.

The Disaster at the Credit Bureaus

A recent deep-dive study by ProPublica examined how Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian handle the skyrocketing number of consumer complaints about inaccuracies on credit reports. Over the last two years, the number of people finding errors in their files and filing complaints has absolutely exploded.

The question is: How are these companies dealing with those complaints?

Equifax

In a typical month, Equifax receives about 160,000 complaints from consumers who have spotted errors in their credit files. Out of those, they solve about 100,000. For an industry that has historically treated consumers like a total bother, that is actually better than I would expect.

TransUnion

If you think Equifax’s numbers are mediocre, let’s talk about TransUnion. The latest data shows they are only resolving about a third of the complaints filed. It’s as if they are looking at consumers and saying, “Who? Us? What?”

Experian

Then there is Experian. The data here is beyond pathetic—it is truly shocking. Experian’s success rate in dealing with consumer complaints is less than 1%. That’s right; fewer than one in a hundred people who contact Experian with a legitimate problem get it resolved.

Why These Errors Matter

This is beyond outrageous because an error on your credit report isn’t just a typo; it has real-world consequences. An error can lead to:

Denial of a loan or mortgage.

Credit card companies closing your accounts.

Losing out on a job because an employer thinks you aren’t “responsible.”

Insurers denying you coverage or charging you much higher premiums.

How To Protect Yourself

In this environment, what you don’t know can hurt you. Here is the two-step plan to make sure your credit is accurate:

Check your reports regularly: When was the last time you looked at what the bureaus have on you? You can see your actual reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Ignore all the “fluff” and products; just look at the data. You can also sign up for Credit Karma to monitor your information at two of the three bureaus for free whenever you want.

Know the odds: If you find a mistake and challenge it, know your odds. Based on ProPublica’s research, you have a decent shot of getting it fixed with Equifax. With TransUnion, you have a one-in-three shot. And with Experian? You have a less than 1% chance of success through their standard channels.

What To Do When They Ignore You

In the past, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was much more effective at forcing these companies to do their jobs. Unfortunately, that success rate has dropped.

So, what power do you have left? You might be surprised, but your most effective tool is Small Claims Court.

If a credit bureau is putting inaccurate information in your file and refusing to fix it, you can sue them. The filing fees are low, and you don’t need a lawyer.

The moment you file that suit, the credit bureau usually hands your file to someone who actually has the authority to look at your complaint and fix the error. Why should it have to be this way? It shouldn’t. But if a severe error is impacting your ability to get a job, keep your insurance, or buy a home, you have to use the law to protect yourself.

The law requires these bureaus to provide accurate information. If they won’t follow the law voluntarily, you have to hold them accountable.
The post Report: Worst Credit Bureau for Resolving Errors (and How To Fight Back) appeared first on Clark Howard.

Your bill at the supermarket may feel like it’s going up, up, and away, but have you ever wondered how much of your struggle is simply due to where you live? A study from GOBankingRates reveals a staggering gap in grocery purchasing power across the U.S.

While $100 buys you $108 worth of goods in Arkansas, that same amount only gets you about $77 of groceries in Hawaii. Before you head out for your next shopping trip, see how your state stacks up — and why it’s more important than ever to use smart shopping strategies to save money on groceries.

Top 5 Most Affordable States for Groceries

Top 5 Least Affordable States for Groceries

Read the full report from GOBanking rates.

Final Thoughts

Where you live can drive up your grocery costs, but it doesn’t have to control them. The biggest savings come from changing how you shop, not just where you shop.

Start with the basics:

Switch stores when it makes sense (think: Aldi and warehouse clubs)

Buy store brands

Check unit prices.

Then level up by making a list and sticking to it, planning meals around what’s on sale, and learning your store’s sales cycle so you can stock up at the right time. Don’t forget to take advantage of weekly loss leaders — those deep discounts are where the real wins happen.

You may not be able to change your state, but if you follow Team Clark’s proven ways to save on groceries, you can take control of your grocery bill — starting with your very next trip.
The post Report: Most and Least Affordable States for Groceries appeared first on Clark Howard.

If you’ve ever come across a chart saying you should have 3x your salary saved by 40 or 6x by 50, you’ve likely seen the retirement savings benchmarks that Fidelity and T. Rowe Price publish. Here’s where those numbers come from — and how to tell if you’re on track.

The Benchmarks

Fidelity (targeting retirement at 67):

Age 30: 1x salary

Age 40: 3x

Age 50: 6x

Age 60: 8x

Age 67: 10x

T. Rowe Price (targeting retirement at 65):

Age 35: 1–1.5x

Age 45: 3x

Age 50: 3.5–5.5x

Age 55: 7x

Age 60: 6–11x

Age 65: 7.5–13.5x

Vanguard takes a different approach — rather than publishing age-based multipliers, they focus on savings rate, recommending 12–15% of income annually.

Where These Numbers Come From

Start with the standard income replacement target: Most retirement planners suggest you’ll need about 70–80% of your pre-retirement income each year in retirement. On a $100,000 salary, that’s $70,000–$80,000 per year. Your expenses change in retirement — no more payroll taxes, no more retirement contributions, typically less commuting and work-related spending.

Social Security covers a significant piece of that (roughly 35–40% of pre-retirement income for a typical middle-income earner). That brings the share of your savings actually needed down to around 45%.

The standard framework most retirement planners use is the 4% rule: withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one, adjust for inflation each year, and you have a high probability of not running out of money over a 30-year retirement. At that rate, generating $45,000 per year requires a portfolio of about $1.125 million, about 10–11 times a $100,000 salary.

That’s where the 10x figure comes from. T. Rowe Price uses a range rather than a single number because Social Security doesn’t replace the same percentage of income for everyone. The program replaces a higher percentage share of income for lower earners and a lower share for higher earners. If you made $60,000 a year, Social Security might replace 40% or more of that. If you made $200,000, it might replace 20% or less. At age 65, T. Rowe Price estimates someone at the lower end of the income range needs around 7.5x their salary saved, while someone at the higher end needs closer to 13.5x. Fidelity’s 10x is a reasonable middle-ground figure for average earners.

Things That Shift Your Number

Retirement age. The 10x target assumes you retire at 67 (Fidelity) or 65 (T. Rowe Price). Retiring earlier changes the math in two ways: more years of withdrawals and a smaller Social Security benefit. Fidelity estimates someone retiring at 65 needs about 12x income, and more for earlier retirement.

A pension. If you have a defined benefit pension, it functions like Social Security — a guaranteed monthly income that reduces how much your portfolio needs to generate. Depending on how large your pension is, your savings multiple could be substantially lower than the standard benchmarks.

Expected spending in retirement. All these benchmarks assume you’ll spend roughly the same as you do now, minus work-related costs. If you plan to downsize, relocate somewhere cheaper, or live more modestly, you need less. If you’re carrying a mortgage into retirement or planning to travel extensively, you need more.

Longevity. The models typically plan through age 90–93. If longevity runs in your family, plan a few years beyond that.

Where Do You Stand?

Divide your current retirement savings by your current annual salary. If that number is below the benchmark for your age, you have some catching up to do. If it’s above, you’re a little ahead. Either way, the benchmarks assume you keep saving consistently and stay invested. For a more personalized picture, our retirement calculator can give you a better sense of where you stand based on your unique situation.
The post Retirement Savings by Age: Are You on Track? appeared first on Clark Howard.

Retirement is supposed to feel like freedom, but a high cost of living can make it feel like anything but. The good news: There are plenty of places across the country where your money goes further without sacrificing the things that make retirement worth looking forward to — good healthcare, walkable neighborhoods, cultural amenities, and a strong sense of community.

We pulled the best options from three of the most respected retirement destination rankings: U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Retire 2026, Kiplinger’s Cheapest Places to Retire in the U.S., and AARP’s 10 Great and Affordable Places for Older People to Live. (Rankings, home prices, and cost-of-living data can change over time and may vary within metro areas.)

From U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places To Retire 2026

U.S. News expanded its 2026 rankings to evaluate more than 850 U.S. cities, publishing 250 top places to retire — up from 150. The rankings weigh quality of life, affordability, healthcare, retiree taxes, job market, and, for the first time, population and migration patterns for residents 55 and older.

1. Midland, Michigan

Midland is the seat of Dow Chemical’s world headquarters and offers an abundance of natural beauty, including a 110-acre botanical garden, the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail, and 80 small parks. It scored high in affordability and retiree taxes, which helped it land the top spot in the 2026 rankings.

2. Weirton, West Virginia

Weirton came in at No. 2 due to strong scores in quality of life, happiness, affordability, and retiree taxes. The area remains affordable with a recent median home list price of just $179,750, and homes have been spending less time on the market — a sign of solid demand without the price pressure of larger metros.

3. Homosassa Springs, Florida

Homosassa Springs placed No. 3 thanks to high performance in affordability, quality of life, retiree taxes, and strong growth in the 55-plus population. Located about an hour north of Tampa, it’s well off the typical Florida retirement radar — which is exactly why it stays affordable. The area is known for its natural springs, manatee encounters, and a relaxed, outdoor-focused pace of life.

4. The Woodlands, Texas

The Woodlands ranked No. 4 nationally, placing ahead of many larger and more expensive metro areas, thanks to its balance of affordability, access to healthcare, and overall quality of life. Retirees enjoy access to world-class healthcare, high-end shopping, and cultural offerings, as well as a thoughtfully developed community with extensive trail systems. Texas charges no state income tax, which helps offset housing costs that run somewhat above the national average. About 15% of the city’s population is already over 65, so the infrastructure and community for retirees is well-established.

From Kiplinger’s Cheapest Places to Retire in the U.S.

Kiplinger identified the best places to retire that offer below-average living costs for retirees, factoring in crime rates and overall safety, median incomes and poverty rates for retirement-age residents, residents’ sense of well-being, and the availability of recreational and healthcare facilities.

5. Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo’s cost of living runs 9.4% below the national average, with particularly low housing costs — the current median home price sits around $309,000. North Dakota State University, along with several other area colleges, brings sporting events, theater performances, and cultural attractions. The state’s tax situation is considered tax-friendly for retirees. Fair warning: The average January low is 0 degrees and the city gets about 47 inches of snow a year.

6. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City’s cost of living for retirees runs 11.6% below the national average. The metro area straddles two states and offers a wide range of affordable attractions, including a vibrant music and arts scene — it was home to jazz legend Charlie Parker — as well as the American Jazz Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. For foodies, authentic barbecue is a way of life.

7. Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville’s cost of living runs 5.8% below the national average, and it’s considered tax-friendly for retirees. Home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, and the University of Alabama’s Huntsville campus, the city supports a robust economy and a highly educated population. Cultural attractions include a sculpture trail and a symphony orchestra, and bass fishing is a popular outdoor pursuit.

8. Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington’s cost of living for retirees is 9.2% below the national average, and Kentucky ranks among the most tax-friendly states for retirees. The city has more than 100 parks, five public golf courses, and a 734-acre nature preserve with over 10 miles of hiking trails. The University of Kentucky’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers courses and events for people 50 and older, and Kentucky residents 65 and older can take university classes for free through the Donovan Scholarship program.

9. Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville’s cost of living runs 8.2% below the national average, and Tennessee is considered tax-friendly for retirees. The city is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and home to the University of Tennessee, with housing particularly affordable. The median home value is around $360,000, compared with $426,000 in Nashville.

From AARP’s Great and Affordable Places to Live 2026

AARP used its Livability Index, which scores communities across housing, transportation, health, the environment, and more, and filtered it by housing affordability. Every community on the list has a livability score above 50 and an average monthly housing cost under $1,500. AARP’s state offices also contributed nominations based on firsthand knowledge of the communities they serve.

10. Tucson, Arizona

For a sun-soaked community, Tucson is relatively affordable. The median sold home price is around $350,000 — considerably lower than Phoenix’s $465,000, and well below San Diego and Los Angeles. Major hospitals include the Tucson Medical Center and Banner-University Medical Center, both among the country’s top regional hospitals. The University of Arizona brings cultural depth and strong healthcare infrastructure, and the desert landscape offers year-round outdoor recreation.

11. Sheridan, Wyoming

Sheridan sits in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, with trail systems for running and hiking at high altitude. Housing options range from Victorian homes near downtown to country-club living around the Powder Horn golf course. Rental prices remain low — a two-bedroom can sometimes be found for under $1,000 a month. Sheridan Memorial Hospital, minutes from downtown, offers oncology and advanced cardiology care.

12. Savannah, Georgia

One of the friendliest cities in the U.S., Savannah has a cost of living below the national average and was voted the sixth-friendliest city in America by Conde Nast Traveler readers in 2024. The city’s 22 historic squares, expansive Forsyth Park, and waterfront along the Savannah River give you plenty to explore without spending much. Rich in history, natural beauty, and genuine Southern hospitality, it’s the kind of place that tends to stick.

Clark Howard’s Tip: Rent Before You Buy

Before you commit to any new city, money expert Clark Howard has a clear rule: Rent first.

“One of my key rules is you should always rent first for six months, a year or even two years if you’re thinking about relocating for retirement. If it turns out that you don’t like it, at least you’re not all-in owning a home that you’ve now got to get rid of.”

Renting gives you time to experience all four seasons, understand real costs and traffic patterns, and get a genuine feel for the community — things you’d never pick up on during a vacation visit.

Final Thoughts

The best retirement location is different for everyone. Some of these places get cold — very cold. Others are small. A few may not offer the exact tax advantages you’re looking for. But each one offers something many expensive retirement markets can’t: more financial breathing room without giving up quality of life.
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