Why allow the farm to be in trouble?

[TheObiJuan]

Clark has the ability to mine gold with ease, he can dive into the ocean and retrieve gold bars, if he wishes. He can enter into triathalons or arm wrestling comps to get money to keep the farm afloat when things get tuff, but he doesn't.

I understand not wanting the powers for personal gain, that can lead down a bad path, however when you are in need, use your resources. A person gifted with the ability to dunk and play ball will not refuse it, or a person that can swing a golf club like no other will not hold back. Clark should use his gifts to help out, pay for college, whatever.
Turn some coal into diamonds with the squeeze of a hand. He has excellent judgement and would not take it too far, nor would his parents allow it.

[Eoin]

it'd be the first thing i do if i had those powers
superman would not use his powers for personal gain because
1: He's a freak'n nerd (well TPTB made him into a nerd lol)
2: He might get to greedy and keep using his powers for self gain and eventually become evil
3: Hes a goody two shoes

[Qasim]

For the same reason that Earth doesnt have an armada of ancient ships - to stop the storyline advancing too much

[hyzmarca]

Then there is the small matter of explaining where the gold came from to the IRS and other authorities. IF clark were to use his superpowers to gain money the lack of paperwork would eventually do him in. I'm surprised the Kents were able to get him a birth certificate, actually.

[TheObiJuan]

They didn't, Lionel 'arranged' everything.

[Jeffer]

just remember the song by the Crash Test Dummies

[veneticuss]

Then there is the small matter of explaining where the gold came from to the IRS and other authorities. IF clark were to use his superpowers to gain money the lack of paperwork would eventually do him in. I'm surprised the Kents were able to get him a birth certificate, actually.

Well, there's something called black market ;], where usually paperwork isnt required ;]