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Consumer Protection

The $8.75 Million University of Phoenix Settlement Isn’t Student Loan Forgiveness. Here’s Who Can Claim It, and Where Phoenix Borrowers Should Actually Look

by Steve Rhode

The $8.75M University of Phoenix settlement pays up to $25 for website tracking, not student loans. Claim by Nov. 5, 2026; see where borrowers should look.

The FTC Is Sending Walmart Wire-Transfer Scam Refunds (October 2026): Is Yours Real?

by Steve Rhode

Walmart FTC refund check in your mailbox? How to tell if it’s real, the 90-day clock, who to call, and what a real FTC refund never asks.

Heating Oil Is the Big Winter Price Jump, EIA Says. Before You Prepay Your Oil Dealer, Read the Contract

by Steve Rhode

EIA says heating oil is the big winter increase. Before you prepay a dealer, here is what four states require and what to ask in writing.

Flood Damage From Isaias in Western North Carolina or Rachel in Southern California? What to Check Before You Put Repairs on a Credit Card (October 2026)

by Steve Rhode

Flooded by Isaias or Rachel? Homeowners policies usually exclude flood. What wind-driven rain may cover and where FEMA and SBA stand, as of October 12, 2026.

Evacuating for Hurricane Isaias? Your Homeowners Policy May Not Pay for the Hotel, But Keep Every Receipt Anyway (October 2026)

by Steve Rhode

Evacuating for Hurricane Isaias? Your home policy may not pay the hotel bill. What can help, which receipts to keep, and what FEMA says, as of October 9, 2026.

Western Union Scam Victims: The Justice Department’s Final Compensation Phase Is Open. File by December 31, 2026

by Steve Rhode

Western Union scam refund: the Justice Department’s final phase is open for 2004 to March 2020 transfers. Filing is free. Deadline: December 31, 2026.

The FTC Is Sending Cleo AI Refund Payments (October 2026): Is Yours Real?

by Steve Rhode

Got an FTC email or PayPal payment about Cleo AI? How to tell if it’s real, the key dates, and the one thing a real FTC refund never asks you for.

Hurricane Isaias: Your Hurricane Deductible May Be a Percentage of Your Home’s Insured Value, Not a Flat Amount. The Money Calls I’d Make First (October 2026)

by Steve Rhode

Your hurricane deductible may be a percentage of your home’s insured value, not a flat amount. What to check before Hurricane Isaias, and what to do after.

The FTC Is Sending GOAT Refund Payments (October 2026): Is Yours Real?

by Steve Rhode

Got an FTC check or PayPal payment about GOAT? How to tell if it’s real, and the one thing a real FTC refund never asks you for.

Equifax’s $30 Million Hard Inquiry Settlement: Who Actually Qualifies, and What Everyone Else Can Do

by Steve Rhode

Equifax hard inquiry settlement: $30M fund, claim by Nov. 29, 2026. Only people on Equifax’s class list can file. Here’s how to know if that’s you.

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Get Out of Debt Guy Podcast - Steve Rhode

Get Out of Debt Guy Podcasts

  • The 10 Things You Must Do After Bankruptcy
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  • Look Broke for a Year or Stay Broke for 10? The Credit Card Debt Trap
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  • Are You Helping Your Kids—or Hurting Your Retirement? – The Money Choices That Cost Millions

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