• recalls.gov - info on recalled cars, toys, make-up, etc.

A couple months ago, Clark talked about smoking bans that were taking place around the country in bars restaurants and sometimes in public places. Statistics have showed that smoking bans have not hurt restaurant sales in Florida and New York, but several people have commented vehemently anyway. Clark’s message boards were filled with complaints about how patrons should be able to smoke if they want to. Other people set out to prove that the statistics were wrong. One woman researched the topic and found that many restaurants had to close because they lost between 25 and 30 percent in sales. She called into the show to protest the bans because her bar is losing business. Clark tried to assure her that sometimes bars just go out of business; it’s a natural evolution. We’ll continue to see what happens with this dramatic change.

Are you a cruiser? If you are experienced with cruises, the main cruise lines have implemented a policy you may want to know about. Cruise sellers, meaning companies that sell cruises for the cruise lines, will not be able to advertise unofficial prices on cruises. They can advertise sale prices, but they can’t offer deals that are better than the sale prices. For example, the brochure price for a cruise is $1,000 and the cruise is having a sale for $600. High volume cruise sellers will try to sell it for $499. But cruise lines are worried that they are losing control of their product. So, they have warned cruise sellers that they will lose their “co-op” money if they undercut the cruise lines. It’s basically a kick back, and it’s really important to people who sell cruises. So, what does it mean to you? You will have to call agencies that has offered you bargains in the past and ask for deals. They will not be able to advertise the deals, but you can still get it. You just have to ask.

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Big cruise lines are also offering "subscription clubs" for cruisers. If you like to cruise more than twice a year, your cruise seller may offer one of these clubs. You want to join. You may get access to great deals. Cruise lines are also experimenting with using cell phones on cruises. It's going on Europe right now, but will probably reach the States soon. Not so good for your fellow passengers, but the cruise lines make money off the price per minute. Get ready to hear yapping on cruise lines!

Clark talked several months ago about the expectations people have regarding their stock market returns, and how unrealistic they are. People think they should be making more than 20 percent on their investments, and that it just happens automatically. The averages that happen over time make us think that the same thing happens in a short period of time. But that’s not the way it works. The stock market behaves very erratically in the short term. Yet people continue to invest, thinking they will make a certain amount. The consequences of believing that things work that way can be devastating, especially to older folks. You should be thinking about investing in the stock market long term. Clark likes you to be in it for 10 years or more. And you must diversify your money. Consider bonds, CDs and mutual funds in addition to stocks. And erase the idea that there is a guaranteed return in the stock market.

Clark has a Honda Civic Hybrid and he loves it. It’s not as hot as the Prius, the hybrid for which people are bidding on eBay. Clark thinks that’s because it looks so futuristic. People like the different look it has, and Clark’s Civic frankly looks pretty plain. There is also a trend of “vegan” car owners. If they own a hybrid, they don’t want leather seats or any kind of animal-related products in the car. So, automakers are designing cars with the environmentally-conscious in mind.

Clark has hoped for a long time that the traditional real estate industry ceases to exist. He doesn't think people should have just two choices when it comes to buying or selling a home: getting a fully-commissioned real estate agent or doing it yoursel. There has been no in between for many, many years despite efforts of forward thinking companies. The good news is that there are people in the real estate industry who want things to change, too. Daniel Ruben, an agent, deducts two-thirds of his commission to customers who choose limited services from him instead of the full deal. He's basically a broker for agents who are willing to take a reduced commission in exchange for providing fewer services. Similar efforts have been made in New York City where Foxton's, a British company, has blossomed. Agents get about two percent commission compared to the regular 6 or 7 percent. Customers basically get to choose what level of service they want, and Clark loves it.

One-third of people who have gotten recall notices about their cars do not take them in for repair, according to Consumer Reports. It could be a serious safety issue, not to mention that these are free repairs. Apparently, the same is true of toys and other products. Consumer Reports said that more than half of all toys recalled are never replaced. Car seats are the same. Would you believe that three-quarters of the time, parents don't bring their car seats in for repair or replacement? We're talking about our children's lives. Cosmetics is another product that can damage your health if not carefully selected. You can find out about all of these items at recalls.gov. If you want to find out about your vehicle, just enter the cars section and enter the type of car you have. Use the resources available to you to protect yourself and your loved ones.