Clark Howard

Biography

Every day across America, Clark Howard`s voice is heard on more than 200 radio stations advising consumers how to save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off.

It`s more than just a motto for Clark; it`s a way of life. As a successful entrepreneur, radio host, TV personality and best-selling author, the Atlanta-based multimedia magnate is dedicated to helping Americans of all means get ahead in life.

The consumer champion`s career has included stints in both government and private sectors. He was employed by the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He launched a travel agency in 1981 that grew into a chain with locations across metro Atlanta. In 1987, he sold the company at 31 and retired.

Clark found his way into the public eye almost by accident. While enjoying life on the pristine beaches of Florida, he was asked to be a guest on a radio show about travel. The response was so positive that he was given his own program, The Clark Howard Show. The show originates from Atlanta`s AM 750 and NOW 95.5 FM News/Talk WSB and is syndicated by Dial Global.

In early 2009, The Clark Howard Show was expanded to HLN (formerly the Headline News channel) in an all-new weekend program. Viewers can watch the penny-pincher answers the best calls from his daily national radio show on Saturdays and Sundays at 6 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. ET. He also appears on HLN 16 times each day during the week with minute-long consumer tips.

He is also a TV reporter on Atlanta`s ABC affiliate WSB-TV.

The financial help guru`s most recent book, 2007`s Clark Smart Real Estate, addresses relevant issues in today`s mortgage crisis. Clark has published eight books in total -- with 2002`s Get Clark Smart and 2003`s Clark`s Big Book of Bargains both charting on The New York Times` "Best Sellers" list (No. 6 and No. 7, respectively). Clark`s books are available through GetClarkSmart.com, but as he tells listeners on his radio show, they`re cheaper used and can be had for free at the public library!

As an Atlanta native, Clark has always been very involved in improving his community. He started several civic programs, including Atlanta Volunteer Action, Volunteer Action, Inc., The Big Buddy Program and Career Action. With the help of his listeners, he has built 30 homes in and around metro Atlanta for Habitat for Humanity.

In 1993, he opened the Consumer Action Center as an extension of his radio show to provide off-air advice on consumer issues. The CAC is now staffed by more than 140 volunteers.

He`s also a member of the Georgia State Defense Force. Clark joined after the terrorist attacks of 2001 to do his part in helping to prepare and assist our military. He attends monthly training workshops around the state as part of his service, and has performed medical evacuation work in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Clark is married and has two daughters and a son. The family lives in Atlanta.

Publications

In his newest book, Clark Smart Real Estate, Clark presents the best of his experience as a consumer advocate. In his simple and clear style, Clark shows readers how they can build wealth slowly over time through real estate, and how they can capitalize on -- and protect themselves from -- the real estate market`s many fluctuations over the long term.

When should you buy your first home? Is it better to purchase a pre-existing house or one newly built? What are some hidden closing costs, and how can you avoid them? What Clark lays out practical and information-packed answers to these common questions and more.