Howard, who grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Bernard and Joy Garson Howard (May 13, 1924 – June 5, 2016), has been a nationally syndicated radio host since 1989, teaching consumers ways to "save more, spend less and avoid rip-offs." The Clark Howard Show is heard every day on more than 200 radio stations throughout North America, and airs from News/Talk WSB, WSB AM/WSBB FM in Atlanta. He is a frequent consumer expert guest on other talk, variety and news programs.

Howard's first career was in the travel agency Business. Howard attended the Westminster Schools in Atlanta before graduating from the American University in 1976 with a BA in Urban Government. He went on to receive his Master of Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University in 1977. In 1987, he retired from the travel agency Business he founded in 1981 and began giving travel advice in guest appearances on Atlanta radio. His segments were so popular that he was soon given his own radio show. In 1991, Howard also became a consumer affairs TV reporter for WSB-TV, the local ABC affiliate. In 1993, he founded the Consumer Action Center to have volunteers answer consumer questions off the air. Howard's website followed in 1997, and in 1998 his show went into syndication.

Howard's website, Clark.com, is an extensive resource of money-saving advice from Clark and his numerous contributors, with information on numerous consumer-related topics. In 1993, Howard opened the Team Clark Consumer Action Center, a free call-in advice center for consumer questions.

With help from his listeners, Howard began teaming up with Habitat for Humanity in 1996 to build houses around the Atlanta area. 2010 marked the 15th anniversary build and "Team Clark" completed its 39th house together. In 2013, he built his 50th home for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.

In 2009, Howard hosted a weekend show on HLN (formerly Headline News). The format was similar to Howard's radio show, in that the host gives advice to callers and provides tips on saving money. In 2012, he became one of several anchors on the daily HLN show "Evening Express," which aired from 5-7pm ET. Howard has also appeared elsewhere on HLN such as on Morning Express with Robin Meade.

In 2011, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to him. In 2015, Howard was voted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, to be inducted November 5. In 2016 he was a recipient of the "Good and Faithful Servant Award" from the Peachtree Christian Hospice.

From 2012-2013, Howard was co-host of HLN's "Evening Express," a daily news and lifestyle roundup that aired 5-7pm weeknights.

In August 2017, Howard escaped serious injury from a car accident. While walking across a parking lot, he spotted a car backing towards him at a high rate of speed after hearing a woman screaming. Recalling a story he read in the news, he jumped in the air to lessen the severity of the impact and thus was only grazed by the vehicle, suffering only minor pain in his neck and shoulder, but no cuts or bruises.