Last September, Clark made a prediction that our nation would have to endure financial difficulties for another 7 to 12 years. That figure is now more like 6 to 11 years since we've moved into 2009.

We borrowed too much money, built too much house and bought too many consumer goods. Just look at the number of storage units around the country for proof of the latter. We have so many belongings that we have to rent extra space. We've been the world's finest example of the "shop 'til you drop" mentality.

It's going to be a lengthy process to work off all the excess. Think about it in your own life, for example, with issues of weight control, exercise or substance abuse. You must do things differently to break the cycle. It means many of us will be buying less for some time.

Interestingly, the Federal Reserve has made its own predictions about the economy. They're saying it will be 5 to 6 years before recovery comes.

This is a hard message to deliver because Clark is not saying we'll have constant gray clouds through 2015 or 2020. Nor does it mean we'll see significant unemployment until 2015 or 2020. (The Federal Reserve is predicting increased unemployment through 2011.)

What it does mean is this: Our economy will grow slower over these next years than it might have otherwise. Once we work off the excess, the fundamentals of America are still fine.

Don't be afraid to go out and buy a house or car, just be sure you do it with money down. Clark doesn't want to instill paralysis in his listeners; rather he's looking to strike a note of cautious optimism.