Get Clark Smart

Customer Reviews

• Chock full of wise money advice  Jan 18, 2004 (38 of 39 found this helpful)

  Just finished reading this book. It's somewhat mis-titled. It's not really a get rich book. It's more of a be careful and wise with your money.

  This book covers things like car buying and leasing advice, how not to be taken and get a good deal, investing basics, insurance, home buying and renting, travel advice, Time-Shares, Health Clubs, etc.

  Clark Howard is personally responsible for saving me $900 through this book and his radio show, all by doing simple stuff. I heard on his show about the Retirement Savings tax credit that I had failed to take in 2002 and probably would have missed this year. I will make sure to claim it this year and file an amended return last year. That was $400 saved. In the book, he also gave me a source (Costco) to shop for auto insurance that will save me $500 a year for slightly better coverage than I have now. I have checked around at many other companys and never found an offer nearly as good.

  The writing is casual, fun, and full of anecdotes of how either Clark or his listeners have used his advice to save money. There's an incredible amount of common sense advice to save and protect you from getting ripped off. All of it is practical and easy. Nothing goofy like only buying 10 year old cars or recycling dental floss.

  Read the book, listen to the radio show, and start saving your hard earned money!

• Comprehensive, but easy to follow  Apr 19, 2002 (27 of 27 found this helpful)

  I didn't expect much from another book of financial advice -- but, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only do Clark Howard and Mark Meltzer cover many areas, but they write in a very clear, concise manner. There are a number of useful financial tips I have already used to save a not inconsiderable amount of money. More importantly, the book will be a great reference tool for my future purchases. Thanks Clark & Mark!

• An excellent book for a diligent consumer  Dec 11, 2002 (18 of 18 found this helpful)

  An excellent book for a diligent consumer. If you, like me, read Consumer Reports, Kipplinger's (Finance for non-professionals) etc..., you will find a good advice and almost every issue.

  Published in 2002, and most of the WEB links, references, and forms are really up-to-date. Practically all major topics are covered and excellent advices rendered. Major chapters - Cars, Money, Real Estate, Insurance, Technology, Travel, The Basics, Rip-Offs, Workbook.

  Each chapter covers several subjects. For example, Chapter on Money covers Investment, Short-tem Investing, Buying selling stock, 401k, Taxes, Credit cards, Dealing with Debt, Credit reports, Divorce, Wills and Funerals.

  The language is pretty simple and the book is an easy read.

  Good luck,
  Copyrighted by me

• Consumers' paradise  May 4, 2005 (15 of 15 found this helpful)

  Clark has an entertaining and informative radio show and the same can be said about his book. Every last page has helpful hints about how to save money if you are serious about doing so. Clark also throws in a section about investments and money management, hardly comprehensive but a terrific start for those who want practical advice about how to invest.
  
  He covers everything from automobile buying to automobile repairs, carpeting, computers, credit and debit cards and other banking services, cellular phone and landline services and long distance, home buying, vacation and travel, and of course scams and rip offs.
  
  "Get Clark Smart" hits the reader with a dense amount of facts about how to derive more enjoyment out of discretionary income. The book lists hundreds of web addresses and can be used as a handy way to look for bargains for traveling, for example. Overall, it's written in a friendly tone from a successful, smart person who is essentially sharing his treasure trove of knowledge about consuming in America to anyone willing to listen. econ

• Great on the Basics; little substance beyond that  Feb 19, 2005 (25 of 28 found this helpful)

  I tend to agree with many of the other reviewers. This is a well-written and useful reference guide on how to save money and spend your money wisely. If you're struggling with your finances, this book is a great starting point (if you take his advice to heart and act on it).
  
  If, however, your finances are already in order you'll likely be disappointed in the book. For instance, if you are saving properly for retirement, have little or no credit card debt, budget or otherwise control your spending, have 3-6 months of cash reserves for emergencies, have raised your insurance deductibles and know when (and when not) to file an insurance claim, etc., then there's not much here for you other than an affirmation of what you're already doing. Much of his advice will seem like "common sense" to you.