CLARKONOMICS: Americans of all education and income levels are feeling increasingly negative about the economy. The Conference Board finds consumer pessimism is the worst it's been since 1973. What is significant about that year? It marked the first energy crisis our country faced. Clark remembers being a freshman at a Washington, D.C.-area university in 1973. He had no car and took the bus everywhere. That was definitely the year not to have a car; people had to sit in unreal gas lines as the government tried to control the price of gas and the supply suddenly evaporated.

Today we're in the third energy crisis and paying all-time high gas prices, adjusted for inflation. We're also paying the largest chunk of our budgets ever for food, energy and medical care, according to a Merrill Lynch survey. People often want Clark to forecast the future, which is impossible. Things could get worse before they get better. How you respond to negativity is what matters. When the going gets tough, you have to get your own financial house in order. That's the only thing you have any control over at all. Clark predicts there will be a greater call for volunteerism to help out those who have been hit by an economic train-wreck. But be sure to keep your own finances on the track. You may have to cut down on eating out; use coupons at the store; buy store brands; or not fall for the latest clothing trends.