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Clark Howard is a renowned financial guru and consumer champion. He is the host of the Clark Howard Podcast, with over two million downloads per month. To become financially independent, the best-selling book frequently advocates living a normal lifestyle.
7 Frugal practices followed by Clark Howard
Don’t Be Fooled by Fake Deals
Howard’s supporters are aware not to fall for the gimmicks and hype. The Clark.com crew noted in a recent blog article titled “5 of Clark Howard’s Most Extreme Frugal Hacks” that the Money Guru has no problem splitting two cheeseburgers if doing so will save money over buying a double cheeseburger.
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Don’t Pay For Pricey Workouts
In his article “5 Frugal Activities That Align With the Habits of the Rich,” Howard recommends not paying for overpriced exercise programs or gym memberships. Instead, he suggests that his fans use free or inexpensive exercise programs. All the inspiration you need to fit in a 30-minute workout without breaking the bank can be found with a quick YouTube search.
Get More Use Out of ‘Disposable’ Products
Famously, Howard talked about how he could extend the life of a “disposable” razor by up to a year by simply drying the blade after each use, a tip he learned from a listener. Although Howard currently uses an electric razor, he is happy to discuss how long he has used single-use or near-single-use items.
Shop Around For the Best Flight Deals
One of Howard’s most popular tips for saving money is finding low-cost flights. “I don’t choose the destination I want to go to,” he declares. I wait for a good offer, buy it, and then think about my motivation to go. It is because of this mentality that he has been able to tour the world and America. He uses websites like Kayak Explore, where you can enter your budget, trip type and duration, to find the best deals.
Asked if he would ever stop financially, he said that although his wife has pushed him to get a better hotel, he won’t give up on finding significant airfare savings. The blog quoted him as saying,“As far as cheapest flights, I mean, that’s who I am. I’m gonna do the cheapest flights.”
Pack Smarter
Not only does Howard get the best deals, he also saves significantly on luggage costs. To save money at the airport on checked baggage, he tries to travel with carry-on only. He also chooses carriers that let him check one bag for free to avoid extra costs for his travels. The author admits that in an attempt to reduce the weight of his carry-on luggage for a long flight across Europe, he once dressed in several layers.
Find Cheaper Eyewear
Prescription glasses are definitely not cheap. Designer frames can cost anywhere from $200 to $400, not including lenses. Unfortunately, insurance can only cover a portion of this cost, so the average consumer has to pay cash for their glasses.
Howard advises avoiding expensive payments. He suggests finding less expensive glasses on websites like ZenniOptical.com. Prescription glasses at Zenni Optical start at $6.95 and delivery is less than $5.
Use Coupons Whenever Possible
Howard also gives you super-saver suggestions for using coupons whenever you can. He explains that, contrary to popular belief, wealthy people don’t mind using coupons to cut costs. Finding the biggest savings from brick-and-mortar stores and internet retailers is now easier than ever. Some websites will search the internet for discounts on your behalf and add them to your cart right away.
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