Clark has a special tip and warning concerning the many retailer failures that we'll likely have from now until mid February. That means you can expect a wave of going out of business (GOB) sales advertising anywhere from 20% to 90% off!

But beware, things aren't always what they seem. A failing business will put their assets up for bid and contract with the third-party liquidation firm that comes in with the highest bid. The GOB liquidator gets the right to operate under the name of the previous business for a specified period. They buy the existing inventory for so many cents on the dollar, plus bring in goods that were never in the store.

That's right, they bring in "fake" merchandise that is marked up just so it can be marked down. The GOB liquidator typically also offers retention bonuses for the old workers to stay on or they simply bring in new employees.

Even as they discount, they make huge margins by pretending the merchandise was worth much more upfront. You think you're getting a deal, but you're really getting rooked.

Clark thinks states should require a 2-color price tag system: One for original stocked merchandise and a second color for "fake" goods. Of course, he doesn't see this happening -- especially considering the powerful retail lobby at the state level.

One final warning: With more retailer failures coming, do not buy gift cards! A gift card is going to be Confederate money. So what should you give? Try cold hard cash.