Clark Howard is a well-known consumer expert dedicated to helping people save more and spend wisely. He shares his financial insights through a nationally syndicated radio show and frequently appears on television in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. As the founder of Clark.com, he provides practical advice on a wide range of financial topics. If you find it challenging to manage your spending, Howard’s guidance could help you develop better financial habits. However, for personalized advice tailored to your specific financial situation, you might want to consider consulting with a financial advisor.
Clark Howard’s Financial Philosophy
Clark Howard’s core philosophy is simple: save more and spend less. This guiding principle shapes his consumer advice, which includes practical tips on cutting costs for everything from everyday essentials to big-ticket purchases.
One of Howard’s key recommendations is to take advantage of free services whenever possible. For instance, he points out that many people pay for cable television but rarely watch most of the channels included in their package. Instead, he suggests ditching cable in favor of a digital antenna or leveraging streaming services for a more cost-effective alternative.
Howard also emphasizes the importance of understanding exactly what you’re paying for. Cell phone bills, for example, can be a significant monthly expense, and he advises consumers to carefully review their statements to catch any errors or overcharges. In his book Living Large in Lean Times, he shares that he finds a billing mistake on his phone bill about every four months — highlighting how small errors can add up over time. The same diligence should be applied to credit card statements, ensuring every charge is accurate. Even minor discrepancies, like a bar charging $38 instead of $36, may seem insignificant at first, but can accumulate into substantial losses over the years.
Clark Howard on Credit Cards
When it comes to credit cards, make sure to find a credit card that works for you. Howard recommends simple cash-back credit cards. Yes, it is useful to get rewards for specific companies or products, such as airline miles, but Howard argues that a simple cash back card won’t require you to track points or spend in certain categories. You can just earn the cash and apply it towards your payment.
Clark Howard on Investing
He also strongly advocates that people have a Roth IRA. A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars, so once you reach 59.5 years old, you can withdraw money without paying additional income taxes. As a comparison, money that you withdraw from a 401(k) is subject to income tax. You can also withdraw the money that you contribute to a Roth IRA at any time without paying a penalty.
Clark Howard Bio
Clark Howard was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1955. He earned a B.A. in urban government in 1976 and an MBA from Central Michigan University in 1977. He initially built a career in real estate before launching a travel agency in 1981, which expanded into a successful chain throughout the Atlanta metro area. After selling the business in 1987, he retired at just 31 years old.
Howard’s transition into media happened unexpectedly. While enjoying a trip to Florida, he was invited to make a guest appearance on a radio show to share travel advice. His insights resonated with listeners, leading to his own program, The Clark Howard Show, which has aired for over 30 years. In addition to his radio presence, he founded the Consumer Action Center, offering financial guidance to consumers beyond the airwaves. In 1991, he became a consumer affairs reporter for Atlanta’s WSB-TV and has since made numerous television and radio appearances to share his expertise on personal finance.
Deeply committed to his community, Howard has spearheaded multiple volunteer initiatives. Through Habitat for Humanity, he has helped build more than 50 homes in the Atlanta area. Following the September 2001 terrorist attacks, he joined the Georgia State Defense Force to assist with military preparedness and humanitarian efforts. He also participated in medical evacuation missions in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Today, Howard continues to provide financial guidance through his website, Clark.com, and his daily podcast. As a best-selling author and media personality, he distills key financial topics from his radio show into digestible content, making his advice accessible to those looking to improve their financial well-being.
Clark Howard’s Media Focus
Clark Howard’s motto is to save more and spend less. His projects in television, radio, podcasts, books and more revolve around saving people money. He doesn’t focus on any one topic, either. His advice covers key areas that affect people’s day-to-day lives. You can find tips to save money on debt, cars, cell phones and just about everything else.
Howard also offers advice on avoiding scams. Sometimes he just offers general advice on how to protect your personal information. Other times he will warn people of specific scams, like phishing scams.
On his shows, Howard frequently gives product, service and company reviews. His reviews are well-researched and he is not afraid to give a strongly worded opinion either for or against something. An important thing to keep in mind is that Howard does not do personal sponsorships or endorsements. He doesn’t give good or bad reviews just because someone is paying him. Instead, he bases his reviews strictly on research and the way he honestly feels about something.
Where You Can Find Clark Howard
You can find more advice on Clark Howard’s website, via his podcast or by listening to his daily radio show. On the Clark Howard website, you can find his advice on saving money and avoiding scams. There you’ll find articles, videos and money guides on topics like cars, student loan debt and investing.
If you prefer reading, Howard has published numerous books. His most recent book, Living Large in Lean Times, was a national bestseller. The book offers more than 250 ways to earn extra money, reduce debt and be smarter with your money.
Current Projects
“The Clark Howard Show” is a nationally syndicated radio show that airs weekdays from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET. Howard offers consumer advice on just about everything. There are hot deals, scam alerts and a lot of practical, money-saving ideas. If you can’t sit through a two-hour show, you can also listen to “The Clark Howard Podcast.” Episodes are about 35 minutes long and you can find them on either PodcastOne or iTunes.
Howard is a consumer reporter for Atlanta’s WSB-TV. His segments are sometimes syndicated to other TV stations across the country.
Bottom Line
It’s no secret that Americans struggle to save money. The average credit card debt continues to rise and many Americans have no retirement savings. If you’re trying to cut back on your spending, you should check out Clark Howard. He is a master penny-pincher with lots of simple and useful consumer advice. His reviews are well-researched and his goal is to give people the best advice possible.
Money-Saving Tips
- If you need help with either getting your spending on track or saving for retirement, consider working with a financial advisor. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have free introductory calls with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- Following a budget can prevent you from overspending. It also help you ensure that you only spend money on the things that are important to you.
- It’s always a good idea to eliminate unnecessary spending from your life. However, it becomes more important when you get married. If you have two people who are overspending, things can get hairy, fast. But what if you’re financially responsible and your spouse isn’t? Here are five ways to deal with a financially irresponsible spouse.
- Clark Howard loves Roth IRAs. They can be a great way to help you save for retirement and they are particularly useful if you are young or just starting your career. They also have a number of other benefits for millennials.
Photo credit: First and third images from Clark.com, Second image from PodcastOne.com