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Debt Relief Industry

Article and information specifically geared to readers inside the debt relief industry.

The 3.6% COLA Isn’t 3.6% for Every Military Retiree: Who Gets Less and How to Rebuild Your 2027 Budget Around the Real Number

by Steve Rhode

Military retirement COLA 2027: the 3.6% isn’t every retiree’s number. Find your group before you spend the raise or sign for a new payment.

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.

DHS Made the End of Automatic Work Permit Extensions Final. If Your Paycheck Depends on an EAD, Here Are the Money Calls to Make Before Your Card Expires

by Steve Rhode

DHS finalized the end of automatic EAD extensions on Oct. 14, 2026. What the rule says, and the money calls to make before your work permit card expires.

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.

Social Security’s 2027 COLA Is 3.6%. Here’s What the Raise Can Quietly Cost You in SNAP, Rent, and Extra Help

by Steve Rhode

The 2027 Social Security COLA is 3.6%. In SNAP, HUD rent and Medicare help, part of that raise can come back out. Here’s where the cliffs are.

Thinking of Dropping Your Medicare Advantage Plan When Open Enrollment Starts October 15, 2026? Get the Medigap Answer in Writing First

by Steve Rhode

Medicare open enrollment lets you leave Medicare Advantage, but a Medigap insurer may not have to take you. Here is the order that protects you.

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.

People Spent Less on Chips. Prices Fell. Now Some Are Going Back Up.

by Steve Rhode

PepsiCo cut some snack prices after sales fell, and now some are going back up. What that shows about buying less, and where you have a real swap.

Medicare’s 2027 Star Ratings Are Out — A 4-Star Plan Still Won’t Tell You What You’ll Pay (October 2026)

by Steve Rhode

Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15, 2026, but a 4-star rating won’t tell you what you’ll pay. Here are the numbers that will.

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.

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Get Out of Debt Guy Podcasts

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  • Are You Helping Your Kids—or Hurting Your Retirement? – The Money Choices That Cost Millions

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