The Daily Money: Plan B demand spikes; July 4th car-buying guide

ALL THE MONEY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Wednesday, June 29

Good morning, Daily Money readers. It's Jayme Deerwester with you on this Wednesday.

After Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas suggested that the high court should reconsider rulings that protect access to contraception, same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage, women are worrying that Plan B may be next.

Plan B is oral contraception that you can take up to five days after unprotected sex (including if your method of birth control failed, such as a ripped condom or missing a birth control pill) to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Though emergency contraception such as the morning-after pill remains legal, retailers said they're experiencing a spike in demand that could lead to supply chain issues. As a precaution, pharmacy chain Rite Aid limited sales to three per customer and Amazon says it's considering a similar plan. CVS did the same initially but says it is removing its limit.

Meanwhile, Facebook and Instagram have begun removing posts that offer abortion pills to women who may not be able to access them following the Supreme Court ruling.

Buying a car this weekend? Read this.

Instead of gearing up for a big Fourth of July hoopla, car dealers face another year with little to sell. Those that have new cars to sell may try to charge $10,000 or more above the sticker price on popular models or take orders for cars that won't be delivered for weeks. Used car prices have eased slightly, but it's still a sellers' market.

Here's how you can still get a good deal:

•	Go with makes and models that have strong residual values. Yes, you may pay more out of pocket initially, but hopefully you'll recoup much of it when trade-in time arrives.
•	Buy a sedan or hatchback. Buyers looking at a popular mid-size SUV are unlikely to get a deal, says Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader/KBB. Instead, he advises considering a mid-size sedan "if you can make that work."
•	Buy off the lot instead of ordering. To the extent you can, be willing to accept colors or options that wouldn't normally be your first choice. Certified pre-owned vehicles are another good choice.
•	Have your financing lined up before you go. Prequalify for a lower-interest loan before going to the dealer to buy a new car in order to lock in the best rate.
•	Consider total cost. A gas guzzler that's expensive to insure and prone to breakdowns or frequent and expensive repairs will drain a bank account faster than just a hefty monthly payment.
•	Just wait. "Given the economic uncertainty, unless someone is really under pressure to buy a vehicle, it would behoove them to wait," says Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst for Bankrate.

🎵 Mood music 🎵

Since things won't be business as usual at car dealerships this holiday weekend, Bruce Springsteen's "Used Cars" feels appropriate.

"My ma's in the backseat sittin' all alone, as my pa steers her slow out of the lot for a test drive down Michigan Avenue. Now my ma, she fingers her wedding band and watches the salesman stare at my old man's hands. He's tellin' us all 'bout the break he'd give us if he could but he just can't."

About The Daily Money

Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer news from USA TODAY. We break down financial news and provide the TLDR version: how decisions by the Federal Reserve, government and companies impact you. It even comes with its own Spotify playlist a listen. It features every song quoted here.

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