Americans are borrowing money at a decreasing rate, according to a new stat from the Federal Reserve. The amount of borrowing plunged in March 2009 by the fastest level since 18 years ago. In fact, that's the greatest reduction in borrowing dating back to World War II, if you go by real dollars and ignore inflation.

Americans are making individual decisions to not spend money they don't have. That's so unbelievably healthy for the long term. Cynics, of course, say this is a temporary phenomenon. But Clark begs to differ.

Back in 1976, the average American saved roughly 15 cents on every dollar. In recent years, however, most Americans saved zero or even negative $1.03 for every dollar they made. How do spend negative $1.03 on a dollar? By borrowing!

Today, thankfully, we're saving almost a nickel on a dollar!

Some people argue that saving more and spending less equates to a lower standard of living. Is not having closets full of clothes you never wear a lower standard of living? If the average car on the road is 6 months older than it used to be, does that equate to a lower standard of living? How about if you live in a smaller house?

Clark looks at your net worth, which is your assets minus your debts.

For too long, the double barn door metaphor could have described our spending. As one side of the barn opens wider, so too does the door on the other side. So we as a nation were always spending whatever extra we made over time. In economic terms, it's called marginal propensity to consume.

The alternative is to learn to be more careful with what you spend and pay yourself first.