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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.

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.

Budgets Suck. Watch What’s Left at the End of the Month

by Steve Rhode

Steve Rhode and Damon Day explain why budgets fail, how debt relief payments squeeze people on Social Security, and why tires and repairs aren’t emergencies.

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.

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.

Can the Government Take My Social Security for an Old Military Star Card?

by Steve Rhode

A Military Star debt can be taken from Social Security: at most 15%, and never the first $750. The math, the notice rules, and what you can do.

I’m in My 70s, Judgment-Proof, and Ready to File Bankruptcy — I Just Can’t Afford the Lawyer Yet. Here’s My Plan.

by Steve Rhode

Judgment-proof and on Social Security but ready to file Chapter 7? Here’s how to survive until your next deposit, lower the $338 filing fee, and avoid the loan trap before you file.

They Said No Creditor Can Ever Touch My Social Security — Except the Government Can

by Steve Rhode

Private creditors can never touch your Social Security. But the IRS can levy 15% for back taxes, and Treasury can offset it for federal student loan debt.

Social Security Says I Was Overpaid and Wants It All Back — Here’s What to Do Right Now.

by Steve Rhode

Got an SSA overpayment notice demanding thousands back? Here’s what to do right now — including the 30-day window to stop withholding and the waiver that can erase the debt entirely.

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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
  • Credit Card Debt, Hospital Bills & the “Just Get a Loan” Trap
  • Look Broke for a Year or Stay Broke for 10? The Credit Card Debt Trap
  • Budgets Suck: Debt Traps, Emergency Savings, and Keeping Up Appearances
  • Are You Helping Your Kids—or Hurting Your Retirement? – The Money Choices That Cost Millions

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