Net Worth Ranker
What Is Clark Howard’s Net Worth?
Clark Howard, a well-known author, radio host, and consumer advocate, has amassed a considerable net worth through his career. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. This figure reflects his success in media, publishing, and related ventures focused on personal finance and consumer protection.
Early Life and Education
Clark Howard was born on June 20, 1955, in Atlanta, Georgia, to parents Joy and Bernard Howard. He grew up in a Jewish household and attended the Westminster Schools in Atlanta. His academic journey led him to American University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in urban government in 1976. Continuing his education, Howard obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University in 1977. These educational experiences laid a solid foundation for his future career in business and consumer advocacy.
Radio Career and Syndication
Howard’s entry into radio began unexpectedly in the late 1980s when he was approached by an Atlanta radio station offering him a job providing travel advice. This marked the start of “The Clark Howard Show,” which grew into a nationally syndicated program. By 1998, the show was broadcast daily on over 200 radio stations across North America. For many years, the show was syndicated by Westwood One, a major network, until the end of 2020. After his contract with Westwood One concluded, Howard transitioned to a shorter, daily podcast format. While the specifics of his syndication contracts and revenue splits are not publicly available, industry standards suggest that a syndicated radio host of Howard’s caliber would have earned a substantial income from advertising revenue, affiliate fees, and potentially backend deals related to products or services promoted on the show. Syndication deals often involve a percentage of the advertising revenue generated by each station carrying the show, creating a lucrative income stream for successful hosts.
Television Career and Appearances
In 1991, Clark Howard expanded his media presence by becoming a consumer affairs TV reporter for WSB-TV in Atlanta. This role allowed him to reach a broader audience with his consumer advice and insights. His involvement with WSB-TV has been ongoing, as he continues to appear regularly on the station, offering consumer tips and warnings about scams. In 2009, Howard hosted a weekend program on HLN, providing fiscal advice to callers. From 2012 to 2013, he co-hosted HLN’s daily weeknight program “Evening Express,” covering news and lifestyle topics. He also made guest appearances on HLN’s “Morning Express with Robin Meade.” While the specific financial details of Howard’s television contracts and appearance fees are not publicly disclosed, such roles typically involve compensation commensurate with the host’s experience, the show’s viewership, and the network’s budget. Given his established reputation and the popularity of the programs he has been involved with, Howard likely earned significant fees for his television work.
Authorship and Book Sales
As an author, Clark Howard has penned a number of books focused on consumer advice, many of which were co-authored by Mark Meltzer. His first book, “Clark Howard’s Consumer Survival Kit III,” was published in 1999. The following year, he released “Get Clark Smart: The Ultimate Guide for the Savvy Consumer.” In 2002, he published “Get Clark Smart: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rich from America’s Money-Saving Expert.” His subsequent books include “Clark’s Big Book of Bargains: Clark Howard Teaches You How to Get the Best Deals” (2003), “Clark Smart Parents, Clark Smart Kids: Teaching Kids of Every Age the Value of Money” (2005), “Clark Smart Real Estate: The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling Real Estate” (2006), “Living Large in Lean Times” (2011), and “Living Large for the Long Haul: Consumer-Tested Ways to Overhaul Your Finances, Increase Your Savings, and Get Your Life Back on Track” (2013). While precise sales figures and royalties for each book are not publicly available, it is estimated that a successful personal finance author like Howard could earn royalties ranging from 5% to 15% of the book’s retail price, depending on the publishing contract and the book’s format (hardcover, paperback, e-book). Given Howard’s widespread recognition and the popularity of his consumer advice, his books have likely generated a significant income stream over the years.
Consumer Action Center and Philanthropy
In 1993, Clark Howard founded the Consumer Action Center, where volunteers answer consumer questions off-air. This initiative underscores his commitment to helping consumers navigate complex issues and avoid scams. Since 1996, Howard has partnered with Habitat for Humanity, building houses in the Atlanta area with help from his radio show listeners. By 2018, he and his team had built their 75th Habitat home. Additionally, Howard created the Radio Care-A-Thon, an annual event that raises funds for the AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. While these philanthropic activities do not directly contribute to his net worth, they enhance his public image and credibility, which can indirectly support his other ventures. The Consumer Action Center operates on a volunteer basis, and the Habitat for Humanity projects are funded through donations and sponsorships, reflecting Howard’s dedication to community service.
Personal Life and Health
Clark Howard is married to Lane Carlock, an actress and producer, and they have three children. In 2009, Howard was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and in 2023, he underwent heart surgery to replace an aortic valve. These health challenges highlight the personal side of Howard’s life and underscore the importance of health and well-being, even amidst a successful career. While these personal details do not directly impact his net worth, they provide a more complete picture of the individual behind the public persona. Personal expenses, including healthcare costs, can be significant and are a consideration in overall financial planning. Details regarding his marital assets are not publicly known. Typically, without a prenuptial agreement, a couple would split all assets accumulated during the marriage if a divorce were to occur.
Other Ventures and Investments
Beyond his media and publishing activities, Clark Howard may have other investments and business ventures that contribute to his overall net worth. These could include real estate holdings, stock market investments, or private equity stakes in various companies. Consumer advocates sometimes engage in endorsement deals and public appearances for additional revenue, and Howard could earn money from public speaking engagements. It is also possible that Howard holds a diversified portfolio of assets managed by financial professionals. Given his expertise in personal finance, it is reasonable to assume that he has made prudent investment decisions over the years to secure his financial future. Howard’s website, Clark.com, also generates revenue through advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content. A popular personal finance website with a strong following can generate a substantial income stream. The site provides resources on topics such as saving, spending, credit cards, mortgages, investing, retirement, and insurance.
Real Estate and Property
Specific details regarding Clark Howard’s real estate holdings are not publicly available. However, it is common for individuals with significant net worth to invest in real estate, whether for personal use or as an investment. Howard may own properties in Atlanta, where he has spent much of his career, or in other locations. Real estate holdings can include residential properties, commercial buildings, or land. The value of these assets can fluctuate over time based on market conditions and property values. Given his expertise in consumer finance, Howard likely understands the importance of diversifying his assets, and real estate could be a component of his investment strategy. Additionally, the ownership of real estate often comes with associated expenses, such as property taxes, maintenance costs, and insurance premiums, which are factors to consider in overall financial planning.
Comparison to Other Personal Finance Experts
Clark Howard’s estimated net worth of $20 million places him among the more successful personal finance experts in the media. However, it is useful to compare him to other figures in the industry to provide context. Dave Ramsey, for example, is another prominent personal finance personality with a substantial net worth. According to the available data, Dave Ramsey’s net worth is estimated to be over $200 million. This difference in net worth can be attributed to various factors, including the scale of their respective businesses, the longevity of their careers, and their investment strategies. While precise figures are difficult to obtain due to the privacy of financial information, comparing Howard’s estimated net worth to those of his peers provides a broader perspective on his financial standing within the personal finance industry.
