The Clark Howard Podcast
12.24.24 BEST OF: Retail Membership Considerations / Timeshare Scams Get Worse
Dec 24, 2024
This engaging discussion addresses the growing trend of retail membership models, comparing offerings from major players like Target and Walmart. The conversation shifts to the alarming rise of organized crime in timeshare scams, targeting unsuspecting victims. Listeners gain insights on managing debt, including Parent PLUS loans, and the implications of debt settlements. The episode wraps up with travel tips, focusing on how to save money on hotels and flights, ensuring a festive and financially savvy season.
29:53
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Quick takeaways
- The rise of retail membership services like Walmart Plus requires consumers to critically evaluate their actual savings and value.
- Organized crime is exploiting vulnerable timeshare owners through sophisticated resale scams, emphasizing the need for buyer caution and skepticism.
Deep dives
Understanding Subscription Services
The emergence of subscription-based services has significantly altered consumer purchasing behavior. Retailers like Target and Walmart have introduced membership programs to counter competition from companies like Amazon. For instance, Walmart Plus has reported considerable sales growth by attracting higher-income shoppers who previously avoided Walmart. However, consumers need to assess whether these memberships genuinely offer savings and value, as some have begun to limit their subscription usage or opt for minimum purchase requirements instead.
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