In this episode, Steve Rhode (the old Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy) dig into one of the most common fears people have about money: “If I stop paying my credit cards or personal loans, can I go to jail?”

We separate fact from fiction, explain why debt misfortune isn’t fraud, and share the real consequences of missed payments. Damon introduces his “shoot the hostage” analogy about credit scores, Steve recalls stories from bankruptcy courts, and together they tackle the mental health toll of financial anxiety.

We also expose how scammers pretend to be law enforcement to trick people into sending money, and why fear is the number one weapon used by both shady collectors and fraudsters.

If you’ve ever lost sleep worrying about debt collectors, credit scores, or the fear of arrest, this episode will give you clarity — and a plan forward.

👉 Learn more at https://getoutofdebt.org

👉 Talk directly with Damon at https://damonday.com

Is it worth pulling money from your 401(k) to wipe out credit card debt charging you 20% or more? In this episode of The Get Out of Debt Guy Podcast, Steve, the original Get Out of Debt Guy, and Damon Day, the new Get Out of Debt Guy, break down the real trade-offs.

We tackle the emotional relief of paying off high-interest balances versus the cold math of lost compounding, penalties, and taxes when you tap into retirement savings. With credit card APRs climbing above 20%, and some people paying over $1,000 a month just in card payments, it’s no surprise more Americans are tempted to borrow from or cash out their 401(k).

Steve and Damon debate whether raiding retirement accounts to pay credit cards ever makes sense, share horror stories of people who never put the money back, and explain why a strategic plan—not a panic move—is the only way forward.

Learn about:

• Why a $10,000 401(k) loan today can cost you nearly $70,000 in lost growth over 20 years.

• What really happens if you lose your job while carrying a 401(k) loan.

• Smarter alternatives to tapping retirement funds, from side hustles to defensive debt strategies.

• When a 401(k) withdrawal might be the last option—and how to avoid disaster if you go that route.

Don’t make a decision based on fear or a sales pitch. Separate emotion from math and protect your financial future.

👉 Visit https://getoutofdebt.org for more insights from Steve.
👉 Work with Damon on a personalized plan at https://damonday.com

Losing your job can feel like the floor’s been pulled out from under you—but there are steps you can take right away to steady your finances and protect your future. In this episode of the Get Out of Debt Guy Show, Steve Rhode (the original Get Out of Debt Guy) and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy) break down what to do first when you’re laid off, terminated, or facing a sudden loss of income.

We also tackle a listener’s question: If your loan is sold to a collection agency, does that mean you don’t owe the debt anymore? Damon shares a wild personal story about fighting Citibank in court, and Steve explains why documentation and planning matter more than online myths.

From managing credit cards and unemployment benefits, to side hustles like DoorDash and Instacart, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies to avoid common mistakes when income stops.

💡 Want help with your unique situation? Damon can be reached directly at DamonDay.com.
📚 More resources and guides at GetOutOfDebt.org.

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

Life’s more expensive than ever, and once you’ve cut back on extras, the only way forward is to earn more. In this episode of Get Out of Debt Guy, Steve Rhode talks with Damon Day—the new Get Out of Debt Guy—about how to turn evenings into real money using gig apps like DoorDash, Uber, Instacart, and Amazon Flex. Damon shares the playbook he personally uses to bring in serious side hustle income each month: multi-apping strategies, smart route planning, power blocks, and safety tips for working after dark. They also tackle common objections—from gas costs to burnout—and show how to make the gig economy work for your wallet instead of against it.

Visit https://getoutofdebt.org for more insights, and reach Damon directly at https://damonday.com.

Divorce isn’t just the end of a relationship — it’s often the start of a financial nightmare. In this episode, Steve Rhode, the original Get Out of Debt Guy, and Damon Day, the new Get Out of Debt Guy, dive deep into the ugly mix of money, debt, and divorce. From the skyrocketing cost of contested cases to the fallout of hidden debt, blended families, child support battles, and credit destruction, Steve and Damon reveal how financial mistakes and emotional decisions can ruin lives long after the marriage ends.

You’ll hear real examples of how debt gets weaponized in divorce, why “you divorce your spouse, not your creditors” is a rule everyone should know, and what happens when loyalty to creditors costs families their future. Most importantly, you’ll get a path forward — how to treat divorce like dissolving a business, avoid the landmines, and protect yourself, your kids, and your future.

👉 Visit https://getoutofdebt.org for more resources.

👉 Reach Damon directly at https://damonday.com.

Debt relief shouldn’t feel like a trap—but for too many people, it is. In this episode of the Get Out of Debt Podcast, your trusted debt coach, Steve Rhode (the original Get Out of Debt Guy), and Damon Day (the new Get Out of Debt Guy), break down 20 manipulative sales techniques used by both for-profit and nonprofit debt relief companies. Discover how to get out of debt wisely by understanding these tactics that get you to sign up—whether it’s the right move or not.

From fear-based pressure, fake authority, and bait-and-switch loan offers to commission-driven scripts that play on your guilt and urgency, this deep dive will show you exactly how these tactics work—and how to protect yourself. Whether it’s a credit counselor, a debt settlement company, or a company claiming to be a “government program,” you’ll walk away from this episode armed with red flag indicators and smarter questions to ask.

This is not about being afraid; it’s about being informed. Tune in now to get expert debt advice and take control of your financial future!

👉 Learn more at https://getoutofdebt.org

📞 Want honest, expert help? Reach out to Damon directly at https://damonday.com

Debt isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the emotional, moral, and even spiritual weight it puts on your shoulders. In this episode of The Get Out of Debt Podcast, Steve Rhode, the original Get Out of Debt Guy, and Damon Day, the new Get Out of Debt Guy, dive deep into the centuries-old struggle of the morality of debt and how to get out of debt when you’re stuck.

We tackle why guilt and shame can keep you trapped, why lenders share responsibility for the problem, and explore debt advice that redefines tools like bankruptcy and debt settlement. Discover that these are not moral failures—they’re legal, practical ways to protect your family and your future. From ancient biblical debt forgiveness to U.S. Constitutional rights, we’ll help you break free from the mindset that keeps you in financial chains and focus on how to achieve financial freedom.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing the “right” thing by paying a debt you can’t afford—or if there’s a smarter, more responsible path—the insights shared in this conversation will open your eyes to effective debt solutions.

Visit https://getoutofdebt.org for valuable resources. Damon can be reached at https://damonday.com for one-on-one guidance.