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

2026-07-08

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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:

The Best Place To Buy a Mattress - Clark Howard
Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts
Fidelity vs. Vanguard vs. Schwab: Which Brokerage Is Best?
How Long Do You Need To Keep Tax Documents? - Clark Howard
Education Dept Updates Key Student Loan Guidance In Advance Of July Changes - Forbes
NYTimes: Education Dept. Lowers Student Loan Rates for Borrowers in Auto Pay
The Trump administration says it is cutting student loan interest. Here are some facts and context
The Right Way & Wrong Way to Use a 529 Plan That Doesn't Cover the Full Cost of College
Best 529 College Savings Plans By State
Trump Accounts: What You Need To Know - Clark Howard

Clark.com resources: