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Clark Howard's Living Large for the Long Haul: Consumer-Tested Ways to Overhaul Your Finances, Increase Your Savings, and Get Your Life Back on Track
Americans from all walks of life are still feeling the roller-coaster effects of the Great Recession. For many, home values are still too low and unemployment is still too high. Others have prospered despite the ups and downs. In Clark Howard's Living Large for the Long Haul, the renowned broadcaster examines our new paradigm through the eyes of those whose financial portfolios have beaten the odds, and those whose economic situation has gone off course. Through these fascinating personal accounts, listeners will uncover amazing opportunities and smart decisions, finding advantages in bleak times for lasting payoffs in the long run.
Audio CD
First published August 1, 2013
19 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Clark Howard
8 books15 followersTalk radio host and consumer advocate
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 12, 2015
This is the first book of Clark Howard's I've read, although I've caught him on TV several times. I found Mr. Howard's advice to be good but superficial, barely scratching the surface of personal finance. Perhaps he assumes the reader knows financial jargon. But, I would guess, if the reader knows the language, they would be well beyond the advise given in this book.
Each chapter has a supposed 'catchy' title devoted to someone's personal story that Mr. Howard follows up with nuggets of advise. I skipped most of the stories and went straight to the nuggets.
I'm really not sure for whom this book was written, but there are better books with more depth, details and information by other financial gurus.
Each chapter has a supposed 'catchy' title devoted to someone's personal story that Mr. Howard follows up with nuggets of advise. I skipped most of the stories and went straight to the nuggets.
I'm really not sure for whom this book was written, but there are better books with more depth, details and information by other financial gurus.
October 12, 2013
This book is a series of individuals' stories. I found it frustrating to read through each person's story to get to some useful nuggets at the end. Some of the stories didn't even support the morals at the end.
Bottom line: lots of reading and not lots of payoff.
Bottom line: lots of reading and not lots of payoff.
June 28, 2017
This book did a really good job of addressing different financial topics. I understand that he was trying to show his opinion, and then open the door to others success stories that were different that he would advise. I felt like he did a good job of being realistic, but I felt scattered as I was trying to glean the meat from his advise. I have used Dave Ramsey for years and it has changed my life. I am now in a different boat and was trying to venture out to figure out what's next, (which would be the long haul.) This book didn't help direct me with that; it gave very general common sense information.
January 5, 2017
Clark Howard is full of great advice and tips about how to be a savvy consumer, a financial planner, and an all-around prepared person for your financial future. This book has some great case studies from people Clark has interviewed over the years. I recommend this to anyone who is just starting out living on their own, or who has just gotten married, etc.
February 10, 2023
This book covers a wide range of topics, so you may not find all of it relevant to your immediate situation. I particularly enjoyed the sections on Credit and How to Live Below Your Means. So many books, like the Dave Ramsey series, for instance, have you completely avoiding the use of credit, I find this a more realistic approach for most people.
October 12, 2023
Clark Howard does a good job teaching about many personal finance topics. Unfortunately, in 2023 this book is definitely outdated. There have been a lot of changes in technology, healthcare, cars, energy resources, etc. I liked some of the stories, but most of the advice wasn't anything new and doesn't work in today's world.
May 29, 2019
This is an excellent book with tried and true stories of consumers who conquered financial situations. This book includes great tips and resources for anyone to raise and keep capital and make smart financial decisions. Great book for the beginning and intermediate savers!
December 18, 2019
Sure wish Clark would have done the narration!
August 2, 2025
The book felt like a big out of date advertisement for a bunch of products. Some of the basics are fine but the recommendations for services and products were excessive.
July 31, 2013
Boy, did I love this book! I live rather simply by default. Of course over the last 5 years I live even more simply than I did when I started on the journey of Southeast Green. However, there are always new ideas to learn to save more and obviously it doesn’t have to be “green”. I will save on average about $150.00 a month from reading this book. Who doesn’t like that? However, what really struck me was how many practical every day tips that were given, were also sustainable.
Let’s talk about the format of the book for a minute. I loved the format. I have stacks of books to read right now, some how the green community has found out that I am a big reader. I get books to be reviewed all the time. So I’ll be honest I wasn’t excited about plowing through the 300+ pages, but I was delightfully surprised. The format is so very consumable. Each section has three stories. Each story has three to four pages about every day consumers. After each story there are one and half pages of tips that includes links to websites to get more information. The bulleted quick items make finding dozens of ways to cut expenses easy. Every how-to-book should be in this format.
Initially, I was focused on the energy section of the book for obvious reasons but if you are asked to write a review you should read the whole book. Right? As I started reading the book, I realized that Clark has captured something that even the sustainability community sometimes forgets. It’s the most important word we use…conserve. Conserve resources, reduce use, save money, simple phrases that are at the heart of the sustainability movement.
There are tips about getting out of your car, reducing electricity use, using renewables, using alternative fuels and transportation. All things a “greenie” will recognize. However, there are also tips about sub-letting your home – think recycling your living space, saving money on cell phones and electronics and reducing expenses which saves paper and time. New ways to think about conservation, I like it.
I’ve always said that becoming more sustainable is not a prescribed road map. Everyone has to make choices that make sense for them selves. If everyone would make a 10% change in their own lifestyle, then think about how collectively that would affect everyone. Clark’s book provides unique ways to achieve that goal.
Let’s talk about the format of the book for a minute. I loved the format. I have stacks of books to read right now, some how the green community has found out that I am a big reader. I get books to be reviewed all the time. So I’ll be honest I wasn’t excited about plowing through the 300+ pages, but I was delightfully surprised. The format is so very consumable. Each section has three stories. Each story has three to four pages about every day consumers. After each story there are one and half pages of tips that includes links to websites to get more information. The bulleted quick items make finding dozens of ways to cut expenses easy. Every how-to-book should be in this format.
Initially, I was focused on the energy section of the book for obvious reasons but if you are asked to write a review you should read the whole book. Right? As I started reading the book, I realized that Clark has captured something that even the sustainability community sometimes forgets. It’s the most important word we use…conserve. Conserve resources, reduce use, save money, simple phrases that are at the heart of the sustainability movement.
There are tips about getting out of your car, reducing electricity use, using renewables, using alternative fuels and transportation. All things a “greenie” will recognize. However, there are also tips about sub-letting your home – think recycling your living space, saving money on cell phones and electronics and reducing expenses which saves paper and time. New ways to think about conservation, I like it.
I’ve always said that becoming more sustainable is not a prescribed road map. Everyone has to make choices that make sense for them selves. If everyone would make a 10% change in their own lifestyle, then think about how collectively that would affect everyone. Clark’s book provides unique ways to achieve that goal.
August 8, 2013
In CLARK HOWARD’S “LIVING LARGE FOR THE LONG HAUL” the book is American as it’s Red, White, and Blue Cover. The book features many short American success stories that others have shared with Howard along his journey’s in finding empowerment for the people. I believe sometimes as American’s we tend to forget how great our company is and how being mindful, thoughtful, and thorough it can lead us to a fountain of success. In this day and age when some are frustrated or lost in a down beat economy, Clark shares with us stories of how to bounce back smarter than before. The Stories shared in this book such as Steve “the SOLAR SAVER” or “OFF GRID” are reminders on how we can be proactive towards savings while turning it into a profit. Some other stories such as “Around the World on a Dime” and Arthur Blank’s midlife fire turned into a blessing are great reads too. The book is an easy read compared to some others and if you’re looking for true experienced pointers on investing, housing, retirement or even your boomerang college kid, Living Large for the Long Haul is a must read. If you’re looking to bounce back, smile or funnel other success stories into your own passion you have found the right book.
March 1, 2014
Another wonderful Clark Howard book! If you listen to his show, you will read this book and think that it's pretty much what he says on his show, website, etc. and you would be right. However, sometimes you don't always get to hear all the peoples' stories that call in, write in, etc. This book brings you more stories about people who do things right, or worng, and how they handle what life throws at them and Clark's take on their situation. I like how the information is presented in the book (real life story, Clark's view of the situation, and his helpful hints) and how these stories are grouped together. I got some useful information out of it and I think you will too!
December 9, 2015
It's hard not to be inspired from other people's stories. Although most of these scenarios don't fit into my current life plan on what I'm able to do for saving, investing, ect. There's still a lot of good information in here that can help get your life back on track or at least help you begin to look at where your money is really going!
It's a quick, easy read, I blew through it in three days. To me it's a source of inspiration and motivation. It's never too late to take a look at your finances and see where your future is headed.
It's a quick, easy read, I blew through it in three days. To me it's a source of inspiration and motivation. It's never too late to take a look at your finances and see where your future is headed.
February 13, 2014
A useful volume of interesting personal finance stories. Each story ends with a way to apply it to your own life. Read the book if you are having difficulties. If you just want some advice, skip to the chapter summaries. Better still, just listen to his radio program.
February 6, 2014
This is a book filled with practical solutions to problems that families and individuals are facing today. I'm enjoying the book and learning many ways to help my family navigate the financial stresses we face.
November 24, 2013
So, I've only read the chapter before the conclusion, but it was wonderfully written. It's called Empowering the Consumer, Expert Advice. Can't wait to read the entire book!
October 20, 2013
As usual a great read. Learned a lot. Yes there were a few chapters that don't apply at this point in my life, but loved the sections on retirement and vacation/travel.
August 29, 2013
I can't get enough of personal finance books. This one was excellent
September 9, 2013
Sensible financial advice by documenting personal stories, including Atlantans Arthur Blank and the King of Pops.
February 9, 2014
I took lots of notes on the great tips in this book and plan to put many of them to use!
July 31, 2014
A lot of stuff you will read elsewhere, but it had some good updated tips.
December 16, 2014
Has some good advice. Now I feel like I desperately need to start saving for retirement. :P
January 21, 2017
There was tips and information, but mostly stories of people and their finances. Interesting, but not always applicable.
Read
October 27, 2013Full of great money saving tips, proven by the average American. Now I just have to remember them!
September 7, 2015
Good ideas on buying homes and downsizing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews