We've all heard reports about how even those people who are financially secure are trimming down their spending. The economic tenor of our country is causing a lot of us to take a hard look at our wallets.

But is it possible to save too much and spend too little at a time like this? Clark thinks so. If you are financially secure, the risk here is that you'll miss some great deals on travel, vehicles, real estate and stocks.

Kiplinger's has a 4-point test that you can use to assess your financial situation. It should help you gauge if you should be loosening up your purse strings. Ask yourself these important questions:

• Do I have the same (or more) household income than in recent years?
• Is my job reasonably secure?
• Are my financial obligations still manageable and roughly where they were last year?
• Am I saving a minimum of a dime on each dollar?

If you pass the Kiplinger's test, get out there and look for the deals!

For example, Clark is obsessed with travel. The deals available right now are the best they've been since 2002. Fares to Europe from the East Coast are as low as $400 round-trip in some markets. And on the domestic front, there's a summer airfare war between Southwest Airlines and AirTrain Airways.

The only market with lousy airfares right now is Hawaii, but that's because of a unique set of market conditions.

Finally, remember, if you're under 40, you have absolutely got to consider the stock market. There's real money to be made in the long run. Don't be paralyzed with fear!