📖 Overview
Clark Howard is a consumer expert, radio host, and bestselling author known for providing practical financial advice and money-saving strategies to the general public. His nationally syndicated radio program, The Clark Howard Show, has aired since 1989 and reaches millions of listeners across the United States.
Howard has written multiple books focused on personal finance and consumer advocacy, including "Living Large in Lean Times," "Clark Howard's Living Large for the Long Haul," and "Get Clark Smart." His work emphasizes practical approaches to saving money, avoiding scams, and making informed purchasing decisions.
Beyond his media presence, Howard founded the Consumer Action Center, a free consumer helpline staffed by volunteers who assist people with financial questions and concerns. He has also appeared as a regular contributor on CNN, HLN, and other major networks, offering commentary on consumer issues and economic trends.
Howard's background includes experience as a real estate investor and former travel agency owner, providing him with firsthand business knowledge that informs his consumer advocacy work. His website, Clark.com, serves as a comprehensive resource for consumer advice, featuring articles, podcasts, and tools focused on personal finance management.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Howard's straightforward, actionable financial advice and clear writing style. His books receive consistent ratings of 4+ out of 5 stars across platforms.
What readers liked:
- Practical tips that save real money immediately
- Simple explanations of complex financial topics
- Focus on realistic strategies for average consumers
- Regular updates to keep advice current
- Personal examples and case studies
What readers disliked:
- Some advice becomes outdated quickly
- Basic information repeats across multiple books
- Focus on frugality feels extreme to some readers
- Limited coverage of investing and wealth building
Ratings snapshot:
Amazon: 4.5/5 (2,000+ reviews)
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,500+ reviews)
Common reader feedback:
"Changed how I handle money" - Amazon reviewer
"Saved thousands following his tips" - Goodreads user
"Too focused on extreme penny-pinching" - Goodreads critic
"Wish he went deeper into investment strategies" - Amazon reviewer
📚 Books by Clark Howard
The Last Time I Saw Bobby (1988)
A true crime account of the murder of 15-year-old Bobby Fijan in Los Angeles and the subsequent investigation.
Six Against The Rock (1978) Documents the 1946 escape attempt from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary by six inmates.
Zebra (1979) Chronicles the series of racially motivated murders committed by the Death Angels in San Francisco during 1973-1974.
Warriors of the Clouds (1988) Investigates the 1971 disappearance of California real estate developer James Ogle in the mountains of Peru.
The Killings in The Cat Cave (1990) Details the murder investigation of three teenagers killed in an Arizona cave in 1961.
Find Courtney (1983) Follows the case of Courtney Campbell, who vanished from her California home in 1955.
Love's Blood (1993) Examines the case of Steven Hricko, who orchestrated his wife's murder at a Valentine's Day celebration.
The Hidden Victim (1992) Covers the investigation of teenager Christine Mesnick's murder in California's San Fernando Valley.
Six Against The Rock (1978) Documents the 1946 escape attempt from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary by six inmates.
Zebra (1979) Chronicles the series of racially motivated murders committed by the Death Angels in San Francisco during 1973-1974.
Warriors of the Clouds (1988) Investigates the 1971 disappearance of California real estate developer James Ogle in the mountains of Peru.
The Killings in The Cat Cave (1990) Details the murder investigation of three teenagers killed in an Arizona cave in 1961.
Find Courtney (1983) Follows the case of Courtney Campbell, who vanished from her California home in 1955.
Love's Blood (1993) Examines the case of Steven Hricko, who orchestrated his wife's murder at a Valentine's Day celebration.
The Hidden Victim (1992) Covers the investigation of teenager Christine Mesnick's murder in California's San Fernando Valley.
👥 Similar authors
Joseph Wambaugh writes police procedurals based on his experience as an LAPD detective. His books capture similar gritty crime details and law enforcement perspectives as Howard's work.
James Ellroy focuses on crime in Los Angeles and creates complex plots involving police, criminals, and political corruption. His writing style incorporates detailed research and true crime elements like Howard's books.
Ann Rule specializes in true crime narratives based on extensive case research and interviews with law enforcement. Her work covers serial killers and criminal investigations with the same attention to procedural accuracy found in Howard's books.
Vincent Bugliosi wrote detailed accounts of criminal cases from his perspective as a prosecutor. His books examine evidence and investigation methods while providing insider knowledge of the legal system.
Harold Schechter researches historical murder cases and presents them with factual detail and context. His focus on the investigative process and criminal psychology aligns with themes in Howard's work.
James Ellroy focuses on crime in Los Angeles and creates complex plots involving police, criminals, and political corruption. His writing style incorporates detailed research and true crime elements like Howard's books.
Ann Rule specializes in true crime narratives based on extensive case research and interviews with law enforcement. Her work covers serial killers and criminal investigations with the same attention to procedural accuracy found in Howard's books.
Vincent Bugliosi wrote detailed accounts of criminal cases from his perspective as a prosecutor. His books examine evidence and investigation methods while providing insider knowledge of the legal system.
Harold Schechter researches historical murder cases and presents them with factual detail and context. His focus on the investigative process and criminal psychology aligns with themes in Howard's work.