We can all use a little inspiration when it comes to financial matters…and sometimes it can come from a group of strangers.

In his new book, “Living Large For the Long Haul: Consumer-Tested Ways to Overhaul Your Finances, Increase Your Savings, and Get Your Life Back on Track,” (Avery, $20) consumer expert and AJC Bargain Hunter blog contributor, Clark Howard shares the true-life stories of Americans who saved, lost and saved again.

Organized by topic, the stories tell the true tales of folks around the country who rebuilt their finances, improved their savings and changed their lives. While each story is unique, Howard’s key takeaways, presented at the end of each story, are applicable to anyone.

You’ll learn how to improve your credit (pay your bills on time!), when to invest in rental property (only if the rent will cover 90 percent of monthly mortgage, taxes and insurance), and why independent repair shops are preferable to dealers.

Sections on retirement, investing and living below your means help you get a handle on all important questions such as how much money you need to retire and why you should not stash $100,000 of your savings in a mattress like Victoria and Dan of Savannah (true story, fictitious names and location).

Many of the stories in the book highlight locals including some well-known names such as Laura Turner Seydel, who gives the run down on living off the grid. Maybe you can’t build an EcoManor like Seydel and her husband, but you can take the baby steps at the chapter end toward a more energy efficient home.

And while every budding entrepreneur will not become as successful as Home Depot co-founder, Arthur Blank, you can learn a lot from his story about rebounding from career mishaps to building a business that you (and others) are passionate about.

In the final chapters, Howard addresses budget travel, family concerns, health care, education and how to be an empowered consumer.

It all adds up to 300 plus pages of life lessons and is on sale now at the following booksellers: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Indiebound | iTunes

You can also meet Clark Howard at one of his book signing events on August 17:

• 11 a.m. -1 p.m., Costco, 2855 Jordan Court, Alpharetta, 678- 823-4950
• 2-4 p.m., Costco, 2900 Cumberland Mall, 770-431-1700

For additional information on the book signings/appearances visit Clark Howard's website.