Lions, tigers and Bear Stearns! Oh my!
The Federal Reserve came up with yet another bailout by helping to finance the Bear Stearns buyout and dropping the interest rate at which it lends to financial institutions. But the Fed's moves have paradoxically been both not enough and too much. More


The advantage of tax-free money funds
Normally, tax-free money funds pay lower rates than their taxable counterpoints. But right now the oddball financial climate has flipped that scenario on its head. More


Opportunity in a financial slump
At this time of mass bailouts, there will be great opportunity for individuals and families who have kept their own financial houses in order. More


Employment forecast looking up
Everyday during these Clarkonomics segments, Clark brings you all kinds of woeful news about the economy. So it's nice to be able to finally bring some good news. More


First-time homebuyers win in a tight market
All the ups and downs of the market mean that there will be both winners and losers. The big winners are first-time homebuyers and some investors who can steal a deal from builders or on REO (real-estate owned) property. More


Consumer recession is upon us
President Bush may take offense to the talk of recession, but Clark begs to differ: We are in a consumer recession. Consumers are on a strike of sorts and the economy is weakening. More


Behind the rising personal bankruptcy trend
It's a new day, and you can no longer borrow so freely from HELOCs and credit cards. "Fresh start" bankruptcies should still be your last resort. More


Federal Reserve cuts rates, mortgages take a hike
The Fed's decision to flood the market with money and lower interest rates is not having the desired effect, especially if you're looking to refinance a mortgage. But there is a silver lining here for economy watchers. More


Clark accused of not knowing Jack about the economy?!
Clark took a challenge from a caller named Jack who said the radio host does not focus enough on what makes an economy grow or shrink. More


Housing slump, inflation spike are double trouble
The things we own have gone down in value, while the things we buy are going up in price. That's why people feel ill at ease, even if they're relatively comfortable in their own lives. More


FDIC hiring retirees to deal with bank failures
They're the only ones who have any experience with how to handle the coming failures! Note that Clark said "coming," not "expected." More


Debt as a way of life
The total debt level of consumers has doubled in just 10 years -- and that's after being adjusted for inflation and not counting mortgage debt. More


Top foreclosure markets in the country
While Detroit is tops, Clark looks back to the "dot.bomb" era to give you some perspective on how deep the housing hurt will run. More


Natural gas oversupply = lower prices
This domestically produced energy source will save you big if you use it to heat your home or run your car. More


Spend your government rebate the Clark Smart way
The politicians want you to take your check, blow it to get that endorphin high and then vote them back into office. But not Clark! More


The real motive behind foreclosure relief
This is not charity -- the lenders just don't want the expense of foreclosed homes! More


Good deals coming as retail slows down
Mid-priced and high-end retailers have been reporting terrible January sales figures, which means the time may be right for you to steal a deal. More


Can a candidate fix your wallet?
We give presidents too much credit and too much blame for what goes on in our daily economic lives. More


How the Fed's moves affect stocks
Clark discusses the impact that the Federal Reserve's continuing interest rate cuts have had on the stock market. More


New homes a better deal than used ones?
The current housing market is turning some of Clark's long-standing advice about real estate on its head. More


Behind the Fed's initial interest rate cut
Did the Fed make its initial rate cut to protect big-money interests in banking or was the long-term strength of the country in mind? More


An investor's angle on the market slump
Should the possibility of recession matter to how you create long-term security? More


Examining the flip side of the housing crunch
At some point, people will lose confidence in owning real estate. They'll have to double up, move in with family or become renters. That's when the excess housing supply will be a real deal. More


Recession 101
It is, perhaps, one of the most overused words in the English language. Clark explains exactly what the term "recession" means. More