Get Clark Smart: The Ultimate Guide for the Savvy Consumer

by Clark Howard, Mark Meltzer

The latest advice from nationally known consumer advocate Clark Howard, this book includes insider tips on identity theft, on-line investing, and the most resourceful Web sites

Genres: Finance, Reference, Nonfiction, Money

259 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Talk 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.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A month or two ago, I rated Ric Edelman's Ordinary People, Extraordinary Wealth very unfavorably. Part of the reason I rated it low was because he emphasized utilizing a lot of debt, especially 2nd mortgages or lines of credit on homes with the expectation of property values always increasing. Since the financial collapse of 2008, we know how that worked out.

This book was written at approximately the same time 2000 - 2001, and the personal finance / savings tips could be implemented today and still help you save money on things everyone purchases.

This really isn't a personal finance book so much as a way to save money and spend smarter. This is a great book for the everyday person as it does not include all the financial ratios, amortization schedules, etc that most personal finance books rely upon. The sections are short and include tips on things useful to most people. For example, it shows how to save on:
- car insurance
- home insurance
- cell phone plans
- purchasing a car
- purchasing a house
- choosing a bank or credit union
- what to look for in a mortgage lender
and many more tips.

One piece of information that I thought was extremely helpful was a list of websites where you can get an approximate credit score (based on the information on your TransUnion credit report). As a small business lender, I've met with many people who have no idea what their credit score is or how to get it.

Back when we had cable, we would sometimes catch Clark Howard's show on CNN, and I was always impressed with his advice to callers. He was not arrogant or condescending like Suze Orman and the advice he gave was great for all people, not just the one's who have thousands to invest or are looking for their winter home in the Cayman's.

I purchased this book used and was so impressed with it, I ended up purchasing the updated one as well, Clark Howard's Living Large in Lean Times.

I suspect buying both editions isn't a smart buy to spend better or save money, but it's okay.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really isn't a "get rich book"... it's about good investing and smart shopping. The title is really ridiculous. :)

It has really great info, especially about the different kinds of retirement accounts, and it's Interesting and Understandable to a Normal Person who has NO interest in actually reading about investing. That's about the highest recommendation I can give!

It also gets into car buying and selling, house buying and selling, travel, general shopping for your home (furniture, appliances), and lots more.

[Michelle Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't really like the title because it sounds like a "get rich quick" kind of book. It's not. It's full of great suggestions for saving money in your everyday life. Clark Howard also has a call-in radio show which is really good, too.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of things in this book, I'd already was aware of, but it was good refresher.

[Heather Jenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clark is the man. Follow his advice and you will go far.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy his practical nature. We should all get savvy about managing our money and spending less than we earn.

[Ken · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just gives simple tips on have to save money and find great deals when shopping. More of a financial guide than a reading book.

[Toyka]

Teaches you how to buy New / Used vehicles without being cheated.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is pretty out-dated now but it was really helpful at the time. Clark rules.