Sign inOpen the app
The Clark Howard Podcast

07.08.26 The Clark Smart Way To Buy A Mattress / Student Loan Update

July 8 · 31 min
0:00-31:35

Streams straight from the publisher. podnod never proxies or re-hosts episode audio.

Open in podnod

The mattress industry is in chaos, and major brands like Sleep Number are facing bankruptcy. Clark breaks down how the mattress market became incredibly oversaturated and why traditional mattress stores have seen their business models become obsolete. While online shopping and warehouse clubs have revolutionized how we buy beds, the wave of recent bankruptcies poses a risk to consumers. Clark reveals his ultimate rule for buying a new mattress safely. Also, Clark addresses the looming crisis in higher education as federal student loan interest rates spike to 6.5%. With college costs and inflation stretching family budgets to the limit, Clark explains why you should never sacrifice your own retirement savings or saddle your children with a lifetime of crushing debt just to attend a "dream" school. Clark delivers a heavy dose of tough love and practical strategies for parents.

Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the July 8, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: Ask Clark.

  • Buying A Mattress: Segment 1
  • Ask Clark: Segment 2
  • Student Loans: Segment 3
  • Ask Clark: Segment 4

Mentioned on the show:

Clark.com resources:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices