New stats from the Census Bureau show that Americans are not as mobile as we once were. In a time of economic dislocation, there's been a longstanding tradition in our country to migrate for opportunity. That usually means relocating for a better job. But apparently that's not what's going on right now.

Jobs have steadily migrated to low-tax/low-cost states, which is a smart decision for any business. Think about this in your own life. If you're in a tough job market -- especially like Michigan -- the opportunities are hollowing out. So it might behoove you to move.

Some of us aren't moving because of the housing market and the current difficulties in selling a home. But that's just a small sliver of us. So Clark is rather surprised about these new stats.

The summer is a big time for people moving. Many opt to rent a truck instead of hiring professionals to do the job. There's one company that Clark suggests you avoid if you intend to rent a truck. U-Haul has long had problems with putting allegedly unsafe vehicles on the road. Clark recently saw a Bloomberg report about a man who won an $84 million judgment when his U-Haul ran him over! The jury assessed $21 million in damages and $63 million in punitive damages. U-Haul, of course, feels the damages are excessive and plans to appeal.

Clark thinks this was a case of a jury being furious about company that seems doesn't seem to learn from past mistakes. Go to Google and type in "U-Haul problems" to see for yourself. U-Haul vehicles tend to be old and not properly maintained. The reality is that the company needs to look in the mirror and make some changes, not point fingers at a jury verdict as unfair. Clark invites any U-Haul representative to come on the air and tell him why his view is flawed.

In the 1990’s Congress decided to disband the agency that oversaw moving agencies. Since there was no oversight, organized crime then began to move into the moving industry. Usually the moving company will seem really nice, give you a decent price, and then hold your possessions until you pay a ransom. If you want your possessions back you are basically forced to pay the ransom. How can you get a good mover then? If you work for a big company that has a contract with a mover, use them. Also, go to www.moving.org and hire a mover that is part of the “certified mover program.” Also, when you are talking about how much it will cost, ask for a binding estimate. If the word binding is not there, the estimate means absolutely nothing. So watch your back and follow these steps next time you move.

We’re coming into a time of year when Americans tend to move a lot and real estate activity picks up. Consumers have targets on their backs when it comes to hiring a moving company. The moving industry has been infiltrated by criminals who engage in a series of practices that eat up your wallet in a move. There are several different scams out there, but one of the most common we hear about involves the bait-and-switch of moving quotes. A moving broker or broker’s representative gives you a quote on how much a move is going to cost. Then, when the movers actually get there, you’re told it’s going to cost much more. And, the greatest abuses happen to people with very nice stuff. Typically, these thugs will hold the goods hostage until you pay more. Another variation is that a very polite sounding company shows up at your house, loads up your goods very carefully and then takes off with your goods forever. They usually sell it off or fence it for money. There are legitimate movers out there. But the government has very little power in overseeing the state-to-state moving industry. The FBI has gotten involved and busted several rings in Florida, but it still goes on in great numbers. If you work for a big company, be sure to use the company’s mover. If you don’t work for a big company, be sure to hire a mover from AMSA, the certified mover’s association. AMSA’s Web site, moving.org. And before you start the moving process, check out movingscam.com.The site lists all of the rogue movers that have ripped people off, as well as tips on how to avoid getting ripped off.

If you’re moving anytime soon, please be careful. There is a lot of criminals in this industry that will steal your stuff. An estimator may show up at your home to give you a written estimate. They may be well spoken, kind, dressed well and they may have come highly recommended. But as soon as the truck drives off, it can never be seen again. The FBI recently broke up a criminal ring through a sting operation known as “Operation Stow Biz.” A total of 16 companies were stealing goods or holding items hostage until the owners paid them off. So, remember to hire only legitimate movers. Go to moving.org to find a company in your state.