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The most recent edition of Reader’s Digest explores identity theft and the latest target for thieves: medical records. Most people write their social security number every time they visit the doctor or other medical facility. You should ask for a good reason why these facilities need the number before you give it. In other ID theft news, roughly half of these crimes turn out to be perpetrated by friends or family members. Someone who knows us well is just as likely to steal our identity as a stranger. If a family member steals your identity and there is a chance of pressing charges, Clark wants you to consider it strongly. You are doing no benefit to your relative if you let him or her get away with it.

The U.S. is one of only four countries in the world that requires airline pilots to retire at age 60. The other three are France, Pakistan and Columbia. So, why do you think that is? Pilots are measured based on hours in a cockpit, and it goes without saying that experience makes you better at your job. Well, unions are concerned about salaries and money. So, by forcing pilots to retire, it creates a false shortage and gives them more leeway to negotiate. Clark disagrees with this law completely. Yes, pilots should go through a full health screening and should be tested regularly after a certain age. But given a choice between a young, inexperienced pilot and a seasoned vet, Clark would go with the vet any day. So far, Southwest Airlines pilots are the only ones speaking out to raise the retirement age. What do you think? Tell us in our pilot poll.

All around the country, banks have been steadily losing market share. Today, banks have only about 20 percent of the personal assets out there. That’s because banks are good for checking accounts, and that’s about it. So, the banks have been pushing investment products as a way to make money. In fact, banks are setting up “investment areas” inside their branches where commissioned salespeople try to sell investments. When customers come in, tellers direct them to these areas to open investments. The bank then creates a fee income by selling high-commissioned products that are not so good for your wallet. In addition, the products are not insured by the FDIC. You may think that because you’re buying an investment in a bank, the investment is secure. But it’s not. Not to mention the fact that you could lose money on the investment. If you’re going to do business with a bank, just keep it to a checking account. And remember that hometown, community banks offer better fees and better customer service than any of the mega banks out there.

Clark got a call last week from a frustrated listener who lived in a rural area and could not get high-speed Internet. People who live in urban and suburban areas take for granted the opportunity to get high-speed service through phone and cable companies. But many people who live in remote areas have no access at all – not even dial-up. There is a solution, though. It’s now possible for satellites to deliver mid-speed service through Wild Blue, Hughes.com and another obscure company called SpaceNet. So, if you have to work in a rural area and you need service, it is possible. The start-up costs may be pricey. But if may be worth it to you.