Get Out of Debt Guy | Smart Debt Solutions for Your Financial Freedom

Got a tax refund coming and wondering whether to save it, use it to pay off credit cards, build an emergency fund, or settle debt? In this episode, Steve Rhode, the original Get Out of Debt Guy, and Damon Day, the new Get Out of Debt Guy, break down the smartest ways to use a tax refund when you’re already struggling with debt.They talk about why throwing a refund at credit card debt is not always the best move, how a refund can be used more strategically, when it makes sense to build a cash buffer first, and why every financial decision needs a real plan behind it. They also dig into debt settlement, debt consolidation loans, 1099-C tax issues, forgiven debt, insolvency, and how financial stress can wreck clear thinking.If you’re dealing with credit card debt, tax refund decisions, debt payoff confusion, or just want practical debt relief advice without the shame and nonsense, this episode is for you.You’ll also hear about helpful free tools at GetOutOfDebt.org, including the Your Brain on Debt quiz and the 1099-C calculator, designed to help you make smarter money decisions before panic takes over.Get more help at https://getoutofdebt.orgReach Damon directly at https://damonday.com

Your tax refund feels like a lifeline—until you do the math.In this episode of The Get Out of Debt Guy, Steve Rhode (the original Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy) break down why a $3,000–$5,000 refund usually doesn’t “fix” the kind of credit card debt most listeners are carrying. If you’ve got $30,000 to $200,000 in debt, a refund can become a one-time emotional paymentthat barely dents the balance… and then gets charged right back up when life happens (tires, repairs, surprises).They also dig into a problem almost nobody talks about: debt and depression. When you’re overwhelmed, follow-through becomes harder—so generic “grind it out” advice (budgets, five-year payoff plans) can fail even when you want it to work. Steve and Damon explain why this is common, why it’s not about shame, and why you need a strategy that matches your real life—not an internet template.You’ll also hear a straight-shooting breakdown of credit counseling / debt management plans vs. debt settlement, why people confuse them, and why “one-size-fits-all” debt advice can cost you years (and even derail retirement savings).Next week, they’ll cover the smart plays for using a refund when you’re in debt—so you can stop repeating this cycle every tax season.Get help and tools at https://getoutofdebt.orgTalk to Damon directly at https://damonday.com

You’re smart. You’re successful. You’ve solved hard problems at work and in life. So why is debt the one problem that keeps looping?In this episode, Steve Rhode (the old, original Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy) go after the “I’ll figure it out myself” trap — the mindset that helps you win everywhere… except when it comes to credit card debt, personal loans, and financial stress.We break down the three big DIY “solutions” that look logical but often make things worse:Debt consolidation loans: the “lower rate” pitch that can wreck your cash flow and lead right back to credit cardsMerchant Cash Advances (MCAs): the business version of a payday loan — daily/weekly withdrawals, brutal “factor rates,” and a stack that can end in bankruptcyClosing paid-off credit cards: feels responsible… but can hurt your credit score by raising utilization and shrinking account historyIf you’ve been “researching” your way out of debt for months with no real progress, this is your sign: you don’t get extra points for suffering alone. Get a plan before you accidentally lock yourself into the wrong move.✅ Learn more at  https://getoutofdebt.org 📞 Damon can be reached at https://damonday.com (free consultation)Next episode: why your tax refund won’t save you — and what to do before April hits.

Ever been carrying debt (or a money mess) your spouse doesn’t know about… and you can feel the secret eating you alive?In this episode, Steve Rhode (the old, original Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy) lay out a practical roadmap for the hardest conversation most couples will ever have: telling your partner the truth about your debt—without turning it into a relationship-ending explosion.You’ll learn:When NOT to do it (hint: not during a fight… and definitely not at the grocery store)How to open the conversation with responsibility instead of excusesWhy you need to show up with a plan, not a dumpster fireWhat to say when they’re hurt, angry, or ice-cold for a whileHow to turn this from “your secret problem” into a shared solutionSteve also calls out a sneaky modern trap: “Forbes-style” articles-that-are-really-ads pushing debt relief companies—why they look legit, why they fool smart people, and how to spot the marketing game.If this episode hits a little too close to home, don’t wait. The longer the secret lives, the bigger the blast radius.Get help and resources at https://getoutofdebt.orgBook a free call with Damon at https://damonday.com

If you’ve run the numbers, know your options, and still haven’t taken action… this episode is for you.Steve Rhode (the old, original Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy) get brutally honest about the real reason people stay stuck in debt: fear and shame—not math, not money, not even the solutions.You’ll hear why so much credit card debt comes from essentials, why people only act once the “bucket of chaos” hits the fan, and why protecting a credit score can quietly cost you years (and a lot of money). They also break down what to do about collection calls, the truth about debt settlement vs. doing nothing, and why having a plan changes everything—especially if your spouse doesn’t know the full story yet.✅ Your assignment at the end: identify the real fear keeping you up at night—and start taking its power away.Explore free tools and subscribe to the newsletter at https://getoutofdebt.orgReach Damon directly for a free strategy call at https://damonday.com

January resolutions are cute. February is where the real work starts.In this episode of The Get Out of Debt Guy, Steve Rhode (the old, original Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day(the new Get Out of Debt Guy) talk about how to restart your debt plan on February 5th—without guilt, shame, or fake “perfect budget” nonsense.They break down why people stall (hint: it’s emotion, not math) and why financial literacy classes don’t fix debt behavior unless you understand your money personality and how your subconscious drives spending decisions.Then they pivot to the ugly reality: scams are everywhere—IRS and “TurboTax” tax scams, Amazon-style texts, gift card scams, crypto scams, and even debt consolidation traps that leave you deeper in debt. With consumer protections weakening, the message is simple: nobody is coming to save you—so you have to become your own financial watchdog.How to restart your debt plan in February (even if January slipped away)Why tracking spending beats “making a budget”The #1 mistake behind debt consolidation loans (cash flow vs. debt balance)How scammers pressure smart people into fast decisions (and why it works)A practical “one action this week” challenge to build momentumTools mentioned on GetOutOfDebt.orgMoney Personality TestContract Decoder (to translate confusing financial terms)Scam-o-meter (to help spot red flags)Get weekly updates and scam alerts: https://getoutofdebt.orgReach Damon for a free consultation: https://damonday.comIf you’ve been stuck, overwhelmed, or quietly panicking… this episode is your reset. February counts. Motion creates momentum—and momentum creates change.

What really happens when you stop juggling bills and start taking control? In this episode, Steve Rhode and Damon Day go a little off-script (in the best way) and pull back the curtain on what’s happening right now in the debt world—and what you should watch out for before you sign anything.We dig into:Why debt collection lawsuits are climbing—and how collectors use the court system to flip the power dynamic fastThe real danger of ignoring a lawsuit (default judgments, wage garnishments, bank levies… the whole mess)Student loan forgiveness confusion heading into 2026—and how taxes can turn “forgiveness” into a surprise billThe ugly truth behind debt settlement “legal protection” promises (and who gets hurt the most)A military-base credit card problem that can snowball fast because the “creditor” has extra powersPlus: GM/OnStar data sharing and why your insurance hikes might not be randomIf you want the latest consumer debt news and Steve’s weekday updates, subscribe at https://getoutofdebt.org.If you need to talk through your personal situation (even if you’ve already been sued or have a judgment), reach Damon at https://damonday.com.And if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re being sold a “debt solution” or a sales pitch, Steve’s tools (like the Contract Decoder and the Scam-o-Meter) live on https://getoutofdebt.org.

If you’re making good money and still drowning in debt, this episode is for you.Steve Rhode (the old, original Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy) flip the script on the shame that high earners carry. Because your salary isn’t why you’re stuck — it’s the reason you can get out faster than you think.We dig into what’s driving debt right now (hint: it’s not “overspending” for most people), why minimum payments keep even high earners trapped, and why “I’ll deal with it next month” turns into years of treadmill living. Then we get practical: what options actually exist when you make too much for a clean Chapter 7, how debt settlement can work if you have a real plan, and why the goal isn’t a magic trick — it’s a strategy that resolves the entire situation.You’ll also hear what’s happening with student loans, why creditors seem more aggressive lately, and how to stop letting fear of credit damage or lifestyle disruption keep you frozen.This week’s exercise: add up what you’re spending on minimum payments every month. That number is your leverage — the money that could fund your escape.Learn more at https://getoutofdebt.orgReach Damon at https://damonday.com

How many times have you heard it: “Just pay more than the minimum and you’ll be fine.” Sure—if you’ve got a small balance. But if you’re sitting on $80,000+ in credit card debt, that advice can turn into a slow-motion financial disaster.In this episode, Steve Rhode (the original Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day break down the minimum payment trap with real numbers—how “doing the responsible thing” can still mean decades of payments, massive interest, and the kind of burnout that makes people quit right before progress shows up. We also dig into the high-income trap: when you can afford the payments, but they quietly destroy your future by stealing your cash flow, your investing years, and your peace of mind.You’ll hear why conventional advice (beans, rice, and brute-force willpower) often collapses in real life… and why the smarter move is choosing the right tool for the job—whether that’s a better payoff strategy, a negotiated plan, or (yes) understanding when bankruptcy is a realistic option instead of a scary myth.Want to keep up with the latest debt news Steve’s covering during the week? Subscribe at https://getoutofdebt.org.Need a real plan for your specific situation? Damon offers a free conversation—reach him at https://damonday.com.Next episode: we flip the script and show you why your income is your biggest asset in getting out of debt—and how to use it the right way.

New year, new you… and one number you’ve been dodging for way too long.In this episode, Steve Rhode (the old/original Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy) walk you through the most important (and honestly, toughest) first step in getting out of debt: finding your real numbers—how much you owe, and how much cash you’re bleeding every month just to keep the debt treadmill moving.No guilt. No shame. Just facts, clarity, and a plan.You’ll learn:Why most people underestimate debt and overestimate income (your brain is “helpful” like that)How to use AnnualCreditReport.com as a starting point (and why you should pull all three reports)What to look for on your credit reports (errors, unknown accounts, possible identity theft)Why “fake budgets” and vague guesses create bad strategies that don’t workThe difference between caring about a credit score and protecting your cash flow and future retirementWhy high-income earners are getting crushed by inflation—and why it’s not just youYour homework: Add it all up. Write down the total. Then take a photo of that number and keep it in your phone—your “before” picture. Next week, we’ll show you how to turn that number into a real strategy (and why “just pay more than the minimum” is terrible advice for most people).More no-BS debt help and resources: https://getoutofdebt.orgReach Damon directly: https://damonday.com

It’s the last day of the year…and we’re not doing the same tired “New Year’s resolution” routine. Steve Rhode (the old, original Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy) are laying out what actually works: a real strategy you can start today—and real progress you can make in the next 90 days.In this episode, we dig into why debt “resolutions” fail (they’re emotional, not strategic), why budgets usually collapse by February, and how your money personality matters more than pretending you’re going to track every penny like a robot. If you’ve got big monthly payments, a decent income, and that constant 2 a.m. anxiety, this is your reset.You’ll also hear a straight talk breakdown of the options most people are afraid to even discuss—debt settlement, strategic default, credit counseling, and bankruptcy—and why protecting your credit score at all costs can be an expensive mistake. Damon asks the question that changes everything: “How much is your credit score worth?” Then we kick off the January series with one simple, non-judgmental action: track what you actually spend—on paper—starting today.This is the foundation for January 2026: the January Audit, your real numbers, and a plan you can follow—without shame, without gimmicks, and without “beans and rice” misery.Get more help and resources at https://getoutofdebt.orgReach Damon directly at https://damonday.comSubscribe and show up every Thursday—because 2026 isn’t magic…your strategy is.

It’s Christmas Day… and if you’re lying awake at 2 a.m. staring at the ceiling thinking, “What am I going to do about my debt?” — this episode is for you.Steve Rhode and Damon Day talk straight about the quiet moment nobody posts on social media: the holiday pressure, the shame spiral, the fear that you’re the only one struggling, and that awful feeling like everyone else is cheerful while you’re drowning in credit card payments.No tough homework today. No “perfect budget” fantasy. Just permission to take the day off, breathe, and remember: debt is a problem with solutions — not a life sentence.And when you’re ready (hello, January), we’ll help you shift from surviving to solving with a real strategy for getting out of debt.More help and resources: https://getoutofdebt.orgTalk with Damon: https://damonday.com

Christmas is days away, and if your credit cards are already screaming… this episode is your permission slip to stop the shame-spiral, enjoy your people, and not make things worse. We talk holiday spending strategies that actually work—setting real limits, using cash, and choosing experiences over stuff—because the best “gift” is not waking up in January with a financial hangover.  We also get into the psychology behind why we overspend (yep, hyperbolic discounting), how to say no without feeling like the Grinch, and what to do when the invite is pricey, the gift exchange is ridiculous, or the “just put it on the card” crowd shows up.  Then we pivot to the comeback plan: what you can do in January to recover fast and set up next year so you’re not repeating the same cycle.  More help and resources:https://getoutofdebt.org  Damon can be reached at https://damonday.com

It’s December… and if you’re staring down holiday spending while your credit card debt is already heavy, you’re not alone. In this episode, Steve Rhode and Damon Day talk about why so many people avoid looking at their balances during the holidays, what that avoidance really costs you, and how to enjoy the season without turning January into a financial disaster.We dig into the pressure to “keep up,” the dopamine hit of giving, lifestyle inflation, and why high-income households can still be in a quiet financial crisis. You’ll walk away with practical ways to set boundaries, build a realistic holiday budget, and choose smarter spending that protects your future — without guilt, shame, or deprivation.More help and resources: https://getoutofdebt.orgReach Damon Day: https://damonday.com

Is your side hustle really helping you get out of debt—or quietly dragging you deeper in? In this episode, Steve Rhode, the old, original Get Out of Debt Guy, and the new Get Out of Debt Guy, Damon Day, break down the truth about side hustles, gig work, and those “make money from home” dreams that can turn into financial nightmares.Steve and Damon talk about the two very different worlds of side hustles: simple, cash-flow gigs like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and Walmart Spark… and the “business opportunity” side hustles like Amazon FBA, drop shipping, and guru-led online courses that can leave you with more credit card debt than profit. Steve shares his real Amazon FBA experience (including starting with $20–25k in inventory and building it into a serious business), while Damon explains how he consistently earns around $40/hour in the gig economy by stacking apps, knowing his market, and refusing unprofitable rides.They dig into:Why so many people go into debt “trying” to get out of debt with side hustlesThe danger of high-priced “done-for-you” websites and Amazon storesProfit vs. revenue (and why a $15, 30-mile ride can actually lose you money)How to think about car costs, IRS mileage, taxes, and 1099 contractor realityWhen it’s smarter to drive Lyft or do Instacart than to swipe a card for another courseHow to test your market for 60–90 days and know when it’s time to pivotIf you’re thinking about starting a side hustle to pay off credit cards, avoid bankruptcy, or just keep up with inflation, this episode will help you avoid the emotional traps, slick marketing, and bad math that can wreck your finances.For more straight-talk on getting out of debt, visit GetOutOfDebt.org:👉 https://getoutofdebt.orgTo talk one-on-one with Damon about your specific situation or set up a free consult, you can reach him at:👉 https://damonday.com

Every time you open TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, there’s another slick “debt relief” ad chasing you around. Secret government programs. Guaranteed 80% reduction. Gurus in rented Lamborghinis who “paid off $80,000 in six months.” In this episode, Steve Rhode—the old, authentic, original Get Out of Debt Guy—and the new Get Out of Debt Guy, Damon Day, pull back the curtain on the hidden traps in debt relief marketing you’re being targeted with right now.Steve and Damon deconstruct real-world tactics used in debt relief ads and social media videos: fake government program language, illegal upfront fees, emotional scare tactics about wage garnishment, phony “last chance” deadlines, and TikTok/Instagram influencers quietly getting paid to push risky debt settlement programs. You’ll hear how marketers weaponize fear, shame, and hope to sell credit card debt relief, student loan help, and consolidation plans that often leave people worse off.You’ll also learn how to tell the difference between a legitimate option—like nonprofit credit counseling, real debt settlement, or bankruptcy—and a high-pressure sales funnel disguised as financial advice. If you’ve ever wondered whether that “new 2025 federal debt relief program” in your feed is real or just another scam, this episode will show you exactly what to look for before you click, call, or hand over your bank info.For honest, no-BS help with debt, visit:https://getoutofdebt.orgTo talk with Damon directly about your specific situation, go to:https://damonday.com

In this episode of The Get Out of Debt Guy Podcast, Steve Rhode — the original Get Out of Debt Guy — and co-host Damon Day dig into two big money topics you’ll want to hear. First, they tackle the controversial idea of a 50-year mortgage, explaining how a slightly smaller monthly payment could actually cost homeowners hundreds of thousands more over time — and why a 50-year adjustable-rate mortgage could be financial quicksand.Then, they pivot from long-term debt to day-to-day savings, showing how you can use ChatGPT to shrink your grocery budget by turning what’s already in your kitchen into real meal plans. Plus, an entertaining Meaty Mamma update—because personal finance doesn’t always have to be serious to be smart.Links:💡 Read more at GetOutOfDebt.org🎙 Connect with Damon at DamonDay.com

Steve Rhode — the old, original Get Out of Debt Guy — and the new Get Out of Debt Guy, Damon Day, break down the headlines behind AI, layoffs, and automation without the hype. If you’re worried about job security (especially in white-collar or repetitive roles) and you’re carrying debt, this episode gives you a calm, practical game plan: how to reskill, where to start with AI tools, and the exact money moves to protect your household if the pink slips start flying.We cover:• Why AI is a personal finance issue, not just a tech story• What to do today to stay employable: upskilling, side income, networking• Debt triage in an uncertain job market: cash buffer vs. extra payments, when consolidation, settlement, or bankruptcy makes sense• Cutting burn rate fast, building an emergency fund, and avoiding 401(k) raids• Real talk on gig work (short-term cushion), “safe jobs,” and becoming AI-augmented at workResources & help:• Read more at GetOutOfDebt.org: https://getoutofdebt.org• Get 1-on-1 coaching with Damon: DamonDay.com https://damonday.com

Steve Rhode — the original Get Out of Debt Guy — and Damon Day — the new Get Out of Debt Guy — break down the real-world pros and cons of accepting a credit-card debt settlement. We explain why banks won’t deal early but suddenly send settlement letters before charge-off, how “settled for less than full balance” impacts your credit report, and what the IRS does with forgiven debt (hello, 1099-C). We also demystify IRS Form 982 (insolvency) — when it can eliminate income taxes on canceled debt, and why you might owe taxes once you’re no longer insolvent. Plus: timing mistakes to avoid, when bankruptcy may be cleaner than multi-year settlements, and how to build a plan that wins the war—not just one battle.Explore more at https://getoutofdebt.orgGot questions or want a custom game plan? Damon can help: https://damonday.com

Is college still worth it — or are we all buying into one of the most expensive myths in America? In this episode, Steve Rhode — the old, original Get Out of Debt Guy — and Damon Day — the new Get Out of Debt Guy — break down what nobody tells you about college debt, trade schools, and real financial ROI.They dig into:🎓 The shocking truth about student-loan default rates💸 Why a two-year trade or vocational program may beat a four-year degree🚗 How Uber and other companies are now paying for college🤖 The future of work in the age of AI🧠 And how to make smarter money moves for your kids — and yourselfIf you’ve ever wondered whether college is still a smart financial decision, this episode will open your eyes — and maybe save you decades of debt.👉 Visit https://getoutofdebt.org for Steve’s full breakdown of college ROI and student-loan traps.👉 Need personal help getting out of debt? Reach Damon at https://damonday.com.