Cost of Living Reality Check: Your Debt is Lava

Prices are climbing faster than paychecks—and families feel the squeeze. In this episode, Steve Rhode (the old Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy) break down the real-world cost pressures hitting households right now: cost of living vs. wages, shrinkflation at the grocery store, Instacart/app markups, rent and housing costs, electricity rising faster than inflation, insurance premiums, and high-interest credit card debt.

We keep it plain-English and practical: why this is happening, how it shows up in everyday budgets, and realistic steps to protect your cash flow (cutting debt, smarter shopping, avoiding app markups, and building savings so your future isn’t on a treadmill). Plus, a candid chat about retirement math—why “$7,000 a month” won’t buy in 10–20 years what it buys today—and how getting out of debt sooner can change your entire trajectory.

Helpful links:

• Get more free help and guides: GetOutOfDebt.org — https://getoutofdebt.org

• Talk with Damon one-on-one: DamonDay.com — https://damonday.com