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New, clean burning diesel cars are coming our way. That probably seems impossible to people who owned or rode in diesels back in the 70s or 80s. But the new “clean diesel” is coming to the States very soon. They’ve been around Europe for years, and they get about 30 to 40 percent better fuel efficiency than gas cars. Volkswagen already sells diesels in the States, but more companies are getting in the business. It’s imperative that Americans drive more fuel efficient cars. It helps our wallets and ensures our national security because we’re not as dependent on foreign energy and oil. To remain the world power that we are, we need to stop doing business with countries that want to harm us.

Joni shares stories with Clark from time to time that blow his mind. She recently ordered a bottle of wine at a restaurant that cost about $80. The server at the restaurant recommended the bottle and she figured it would cost about the same as the others. Clark thinks servers should be more up front about prices on specials or wine, so people don’t feel pressured into buying things or embarrassed to ask. What happens when someone else orders an expensive bottle and everyone else is expected to pay? It can get touchy.

When people are out of shape or overweight, they usually think they’ll have to dig into their pockets to see results. Whether it’s a special class, health club membership or expensive workout equipment, people usually dish it out first. But you don’t necessarily have to spend money to get in shape. The average Bally’s member works out one half of one time per week. So many people aren’t getting their money’s worth. And it’s not necessary. You can tape Denise Austin workouts on the Lifetime channel for free, or you can watch music shows and dance on a makeshift dance floor. If you must buy exercise equipment, but it used. Play It Again Sports has used equipment and craigslist.org has equipment listed for great prices. Swimming is another great exercise that costs you nearly nothing at the local public pool. Another affordable great way to get fit is to do your own yard work. It would save you money and help you get in shape.

Whole Foods is trying to change its image. The company is incredibly successful, has great quality products and his lovely to shop in. But people think it is too expensive. Some folks are willing to spend the money and Whole Foods has been doing quite well serving that demo. But other food stores are starting to offer organic, quality foods at better prices and people aren’t as loyal to Whole Foods. As a result, Whole Foods has started a campaign called “More of the Good Stuff for Less.” The company says it is competitively priced but doesn’t do a good job of marketing it. So, Whole Foods is going to start featuring their private label and store brands. Clark thinks they company is going to have a hard time shaking its expensive image, but we’ll see.

Dell is the company that changed the modern computer world as we know it. Dell set out to make computers more affordable for everyone and it worked. The company moved with the times one out of every three computers in the U.S. is a Dell. But Dell is having trouble these days. Dell can’t hit its financial numbers and its customers aren’t happy. The company has let its customer service get worse and worse, and customers have started losing faith. Dell finally seems to realize it has a problem and says it is hiring more customer service representatives. But, news reports state that the 400 new employees the company has hired in Oklahoma City are for corporate clients only. That’s just not smart. Until Dell puts the focus on the customer, you buy one of its computers at your peril.

Would you believe that half of all teachers quit in the first five years of employment? It happens because teachers aren’t paid enough and because they burn out. But it also happens because teacher’s unions are ripping off their own members in their retirement plans, according to the LA Times. Teachers receive a special retirement fund called a 403b plan. And teacher’s unions are asking insurance companies for kickbacks in return for designating those companies as the teachers’ 403b company. One company mentioned in the article was ING. That in itself is shameful. But the teachers are the ones paying for it with huge management fees. Above board companies such as T. Rowe Price get 0.35 percent for management fees from teachers. On the other hand, companies that are in the union deals are charging teachers ten times that amount. In one union deal in California, teachers are paying 25 times that amount. Teachers can get out of these ripoff plans by doing a 1035 Exchange. Think about going with one of the lowest commission companies such as TIAA-CREF, Vanguard or T. Rowe Price. It will save you a ton down the road.