Fairfield-Echo.com

August 22, 2008

Callers often ask Clark if they should settle out of court or wait for a trial judgment in the case of a dispute. Though he isn't a lawyer, Clark believes it's often better to try to make a deal out of court.

Now the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies confirms that belief. About two-thirds of time, you'll get less money going to court than you would by taking a settlement offer.

Going to court involves too many variables. If you're ruled against, you might even be required to pay your legal fees plus the other side's legal fees. So be careful not to let emotions get the best of you.

And what if you're the defendant who's being sued? Should you take it all the way to court? Well, only 15% of the time does that make sense, according to JELS. Rarely does it make sense to go to war -- even as a defendant.

For his part, Clark believes states that require mandatory alternative dispute resolution before trial are on the right track.

August 12, 2008

The rise in food prices is affecting everyone from consumers to business owners. In the latest twist, McDonald's is contemplating changing the double cheeseburger to a double hamburger with a single slice of cheese because the cost of cheese has skyrocketed!

Dollar stores are feeling pinched too. The 99¢ only chain doesn't know what to do as their margins get squeezed. Will they have to become the $1.29 store or the $1.99 store?

Clark recently bought orange juice for his kids and didn't notice the container went from 64 ozs. to 56 ozs. The packaging hadn't really changed, so it was more of a hidden price increase. Everywhere we turn -- whether we're business owners or consumers -- we all have to cut corners. Christa's favorite fish sandwich now only has a half-slice of cheese.

The takeaway is that you have to work overtime to be a better shopper in this new economic climate.

August 7, 2008

Have you ever gotten curious about the people you associate with everyday at work or school? Wouldn't you like to know if they had a run-in with the law? Or what about your daughter's new boyfriend -- is he for real? ... More

August 6, 2008

Many of us are drowning in e-waste with so many electronics in our lives. There's a new website called VenJuvo.com that may help you de-clutter your life and possibly earn a little extra cash. ... More

August 5, 2008

New rules governing the safety of children's toys, cribs and more are set to go into effect by Christmas 2009. While parents won't get the benefit of the legislation immediately, there are a couple of free-market solutions that will cover upcoming holiday season purchases later this year. Read on for further details. ... More