Judge Temporarily Blocks Mass Layoffs at the CFPB Amid Union Lawsuit
A federal judge has halted the planned layoffs of more than 1,500 employees at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), pausing what would be one of the most significant workforce reductions in the agency’s history. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued the order ahead of an April 28 hearing in response to a lawsuit brought by the National Treasury Employees Union and other groups. The judge’s decision freezes the
Butt Seriously, Let’s Talk About Audits: How Collection Agencies and Repo Vendors Can Save Themselves with Better Testing
Nobody cheers when audit season rolls around… except me. While collection agencies groan and repossession vendors brace for impact, I’m over here reviewing contractual requirements and queuing up spreadsheets to test results. And the creditors? They don’t exactly relish the role of audit police either. But here’s the truth: it’s not about catching someone doing something wrong—it’s about preventing wrong from happening at all. Whether a creditor makes up 1%
Washington Legislature Passes Medical Debt Reform Bill
Washington’s Senate has approved Senate Bill 5480, a measure designed to reform how medical debt is treated, particularly in relation to credit reporting. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for final approval, marking a significant shift in consumer debt protections within the state. A major focus of the bill is to redefine and regulate how medical debt is reported. An updated amendment now defines medical debt as a
What a Great Shovel, Rake and Trowel Taught Me About Recognition
Rewarding Exceptional Performance – The Challenges Not every reward needs to be glamorous to be meaningful. Years ago, early in my career, I earned a set of garden tools through a performance incentive program. It wasn’t a bonus check or a flashy plaque—but to this day, I still remember that heavy-duty rake, shovel, and trowel with ergonomic grips and a matching carrying bag. Why? Because it felt personal. It was
The Elephant in the Mirror: Self-Awareness in Debt Collection Audits
Just like elephants recognizing their own reflection—a sign of intelligence and self-awareness—collection agencies and repossession vendors must be able to see themselves clearly through audits. A strong audit process isn’t about playing “gotcha” or simply checking boxes. It’s about recognizing weaknesses, strengths, and blind spots. Embracing the Audit as a Mirror Let’s face it: no one enjoys being audited. Especially when the auditor is an outsider. It can feel intrusive,
Can a Goat be a Great Collector?
After exploring the Plastic Owl and Antelope Theories, I began thinking about what other animals could join our wildlife-inspired series on workplace behavior. Naturally, I turned to what I know best: collection calls. Over the years, I have listened to thousands of them. And if there is one universal truth, it is this—customers want to be heard, not judged. They want to be understood, offered solutions that fit their situation,