• freedomabovefortune.com - Joe Bannister's Web site
• savingforcollege.com - help with 529 plans
• danielsmith.com - pricing question

Clark talked recently on the show about our constitutional responsibility as citizens to pay our income taxes. This time of year, protestors come out of the woodwork to tell us that we don’t have to pay our taxes because they believe it is either unlawful or unconstitutional. Clark mentioned one of these protestors in particular on the show about a week ago. His name is Joe Banister. Banister was on the show today to state his case about why people should not pay income tax. Listen to the interview for yourself:
• Interview - Part I
• Interview - Part I
• Interview - Part II
• Interview - Part III
• Interview - Part IV
• Interview - Part V

Clark continued to discuss the topic of paying income tax, after having on the show Joe Bannister, a former IRS employee and CPA who suggests that people not pay taxes. Clark’s position is very different and he feels very strongly about it. Even if you don’t like the IRS or paying taxes, you still owe them. Clark is in favor of a traditional flat tax, which would eliminate a lot of corruption and cynicism. And he thinks we need to look into that instead of breaking the law by not paying taxes. Interestingly, he opened the phone lines after his discussion with Bannister and every caller was opposed to paying income taxes.

When people see something they consider a “deal,” they pull out their plastic and buy without hesitation. We don’t make a connection as to whether or not we can actually afford that item. But when the credit card bill comes, we may not be able to pay it. Clark saw a story from MapInfo about how we spend money, and how often we spend it on things we can’t afford. Turns out that people in the Southeast are willing to spend more money than they have. There is no explanation for it. It just is. And, two other places where people spend money like crazy on credit are Alaska and Hawaii. But bad habits with credit can happen anywhere. And 60 percent of us are using credit in the wrong way. Traditionally, people bought things when they could pay for them. Today, we have no qualms about charging when we have no money in our account. Clark likes the idea of using something similar to a check registry with credit cards. If you don’t have money in your “account” you don’t charge. Roughly one-third of us are struggling to hit the minimum payment. If you just keep paying the minimum, it will take about 40 years to wipe out the balance. Slight lifestyle changes will get you out of debt quicker than you think. Putting yourself on an allowance for "walking around money" is one way.

Valentines Day is approaching, and buying roses for your sweetheart is traditional. Some people see V-Day as a Hallmark holiday that exists solely to boost the pocketbooks of retailers. The cost of roses skyrockets on Valentine’s Day – even at places like Costco Wholesale where prices are normally very cheap. Costco roses are usually $12.95 for two dozen. On Valentines Day, it’s about $25 for a dozen. So, why not give roses on days other than Valentines Day and give something different that day. It’s a thought. But if you’re set on giving roses to your loved one, many nurseries offer good deals on roses that you pick yourself. Supermarkets also have great deals on roses. Non-flower stores typically charge $20 to $30 a dozen. Buying from florists costs a lot more! They range in price from about $35 to more than $100. Clark has never understood the idea of having a stranger coming to the office to deliver you flowers. Wouldn’t it be nicer if your loved one delivers them himself or herself. It’s half the money and you get a visit! But do something for your sweetheart.

Clark has often talked about buying prescription medicines in Canada. It’s become increasingly controversial as more and more people buy meds from across the border. It’s legal in the United States to import prescription medicines from Canada, as long as the pharmacy you are using has been certified as safe by the FDA. Yet, in a complete lack of act in good faith, the FDA refuses to verify that drugs from Canada are safe to use. But they are. And now, the FDA is going after a company that has been helping the citizens of Montgomery, Alabama save thousands of dollars. One community has saved $30,000 a month by purchasing meds from Canada. It’s just one of many communities around the country setting up such programs. The commissioner of the FDA is totally mixed up on this. His job is to serve the American people, yet he’s representing the U.S. pharmaceutical companies instead. Do not be intimidated by this miscarriage of justice. Clark has offered the FDA a chance to come on the air and talk about why the U.S. is “clamping down” on this trend. But he hasn’t gotten any response. There is nothing wrong with bringing in a 90-day supply of medicine to the United States. And the FDA cannot shut this down.

Clark doesn’t care about buying clothes, which is probably obvious from his appearance. The hassle of trying of clothes drives him crazy, especially with the limits on the items you can try on. But there may be an alternative. Have you ever heard of using imaging technology to get you the perfect fit on clothing? There are a number of stores measuring people electronically that then have clothes made for you electronically. And, the cousin to that is a project being spearheaded by Toshiba. It’s called “virtual fitting.” According to the BBC, you stand in front of what looks like a mirror and the clothes you want to “try on” will appear like you’re wearing them. You are able to see how it fits without ever trying it on. For retailers, this is tremendous. It would eliminate theft problems, return problems and staff shortages. There would be no need to staff fitting rooms to prevent theft and the like. And you would be able to try on many more outfits. It’s already in limited use in Japan. Let’s hope it arrives in the States soon!