Episodes

  • The #1 Mistake People Make After Getting Sued

    The #1 Mistake People Make After Getting Sued
    Mar 31 2026
    In this episode of The Debt Hotline, George sits down with former debt collection attorney Greg Anjewierden, founder of DebtBrief, to break down the single biggest mistake people make after getting sued — and what to do instead.

    If you think calling the collector is your first move… think again.

    Sued for debt? Use Solo to respond and resolve it:
    https://www.solosuit.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=debt_hotline

    In this episode, you’ll learn:
    • Why filing your Answer should come before anything else
    • What happens if you ignore discovery requests
    • How motions for summary judgment can end your case fast
    • Why some debt settlement companies make lawsuits worse
    • What to do if you suspect identity theft
    • How wage garnishments stack (and who gets paid first)
    • When statute of limitations can actually save you
    • Whether you should show up to court (spoiler: yes)
    Real scenarios covered:
    • Being sued while enrolled in a debt settlement program
    • A $40,000 auto loan lawsuit that may be fraud
    • Multiple wage garnishments piling up
    • A case filed just beyond the statute of limitations
    • A judge quietly suggesting a motion to dismiss
    The bottom line
    The worst thing you can do after getting sued is panic or ignore it. The second worst? Trusting someone else without confirming your Answer was actually filed.

    The good news: when you engage in the process early, your leverage increases dramatically. Most creditors want resolution — not trial. But only if you show up.

    To submit a question to The Debt Hotline, you can:
    • Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemail
    • Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
    • Send an email to support@solosuit.com
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Debt Lawsuit Strategy Q&A - When to Fight or Settle

    Debt Lawsuit Strategy Q&A - When to Fight or Settle
    Mar 24 2026
    Getting sued for debt can feel overwhelming — should you fight the lawsuit or negotiate a settlement?

    Attorney Greg Anjewierden has spent years on both sides of debt litigation. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, he breaks down real strategies that work in court.

    Sued for debt? Respond and resolve it with Solo: https://www.solosuit.com?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=debt_hotline

    You’ll learn:
    • When it makes sense to fight a debt lawsuit
    • When it’s better to negotiate a settlement
    • How to protect yourself even if you owe the debt
    • What debt collectors can and can’t do
    • Settlement ranges and payment plan examples
    • Real caller situations you can learn from
    Greg has represented both creditors and consumers, so he knows how each side approaches settlement, arbitration, discovery, and trial.

    To submit a question to The Debt Hotline, you can:
    • Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemail
    • Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
    • Send an email to support@solosuit.com
    Show more Show less
    53 mins
  • I Responded to My Debt Lawsuit — What Happens Next? Attorney Q&A

    I Responded to My Debt Lawsuit — What Happens Next? Attorney Q&A
    Mar 17 2026
    You filed your answer. You avoided a default judgment.

    Now what?

    In this episode of The Debt Hotline, Hannah is joined by bankruptcy and consumer rights attorney John Skiba (The Consumer Warrior) to walk through what actually happens after you respond to a debt lawsuit. From initial disclosures to motions for summary judgment, we break down the stages of a debt collection case — and what you should expect at each step.

    If you’ve already filed your answer and are wondering whether you’re safe… this episode is for you.

    Sued for debt? Respond and settle with Solo: https://www.solosuit.com?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=debt_hotline

    In this episode, you’ll learn:
    • What typically happens after you file your answer
    • How long it takes to get a hearing date (and why it varies by state)
    • What a motion for summary judgment means — and why it’s serious
    • Whether you should settle or fight the case
    • How to create a realistic “settlement budget”
    • The difference between negotiating with original creditors (like Discover) vs. debt buyers
    • How to avoid wage garnishment
    • What happens to your credit report after you settle
    Real questions covered:
    • “They offered to settle after I filed my answer — what should I do?”
    • “Discover filed a motion for summary judgment — did I lose?”
    • “What percentage should I offer to settle a $15,000 lawsuit?”
    • “How do I get a settled debt removed from my credit report?”
    • “How long before I actually get a court date?”
    The bottom line
    Filing an answer is a powerful first step, but it’s not the end of the process. Debt lawsuits move through specific stages, and staying engaged is critical. The good news? Most creditors prefer settlement over trial, and negotiating early can save you thousands in fees, interest, and court costs.

    If you’ve been sued, don’t ignore it. Don’t panic either. There is almost always a path forward.


    To submit a question to The Debt Hotline, you can:
    • Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemail
    • Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
    • Send an email to support@solosuit.com
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • "I Consolidated $14k… Now I Owe $25k and I’m Being Sued" - Interview With a Debt Insider

    "I Consolidated $14k… Now I Owe $25k and I’m Being Sued" - Interview With a Debt Insider
    Mar 10 2026
    Debt consolidation is supposed to help… so why do some people end up owing more money and facing lawsuits anyway?

    Adam Parks joins this episode of The Debt Hotline. A 20-year veteran of the debt buying and collections industry, Adam breaks down what actually happens behind the scenes when debt is sold, negotiated, or sent to court.

    Adam has worked with more than 200 debt buyers, collection agencies, and law firms, and previously served as President of the Receivables Management Association International (RMAI). In this conversation, he explains why collectors sometimes sue, what makes them more willing to settle, and why ignoring debt collectors is often the fastest way to escalate a case.

    Sued for debt? Use Solo to resolve it: https://www.solosuit.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=debt_hotline

    In this episode, you'll learn:
    • Why debt consolidation can sometimes make balances grow
    • What really happens when your debt is sold to a debt buyer
    • The biggest mistake people make that triggers lawsuits
    • Why collectors often prefer settlement over court
    • What debt collectors actually look for when deciding to sue
    • How to safely handle identity theft disputes with collectors
    Real caller questions answered:
    • “I consolidated $14k of debt and now I owe $25k and I'm being sued. What happened?”
    • “Wells Fargo is suing me for $26,376 while my debt settlement company says they’re negotiating.”
    • “Do judges ever dismiss these cases?”
    • “A collector says I owe a debt from identity theft—what proof do they need?”
    • “Should I settle before court if I can’t afford a lawyer?”
    The bottom line:
    Most debt lawsuits don’t happen overnight—they happen after months or years of missed communication. When consumers engage early, verify debts, and negotiate clearly, settlements are far more likely and lawsuits can often be avoided entirely.

    To submit a question to The Debt Hotline:
    • Call (801) 613-8181 and leave a voicemail
    • Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
    • Send an email to support@solosuit.com
    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • How to Negotiate With Debt Buyers

    How to Negotiate With Debt Buyers
    Oct 23 2025
    Drowning in debt and wondering if you can actually negotiate with debt buyers? The answer is yes, but only if you communicate. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, George Simons sits down with Yale Levy, a seasoned attorney and former debt collector with nearly three decades of experience, to reveal the insider secrets of negotiating with debt buyers.

    Debt buyers purchase charged-off debt portfolios from banks for around 4% of the original amount, then try to collect the full balance from consumers. If you're being contacted by a company you've never heard of, they probably bought your old debt from the original creditor. Yale shares what he learned from decades in collections and why the number one rule for consumers is simple: communicate, don't hide.

    In this week's episode of The Debt Hotline, you'll learn:
    • Why communication is the #1 factor in successful debt negotiations
    • How to handle $150,000 in credit card debt when you're still current on payments
    • What happens when your spouse passes away and leaves debt behind
    • Why "pay for delete" is largely a myth that doesn't work with major collectors
    • How Social Security income can protect you from debt collection
    • What to do when settlement offers disappear due to missed deadlines
    Yale and George tackle real listener questions, including advice for someone with $150,000 in IT income facing massive credit card debt, a widow on Social Security worried about inherited debt, and consumers frustrated by settlement offers that kept increasing due to missed deadlines.Here are some important tips if you're dealing with debt buyers:
    • Debt buyers purchased your debt for pennies on the dollar, giving you leverage in negotiations
    • Social Security income is generally protected from garnishment
    • Settlement offers have real deadlines and missing them often means starting over at higher amounts
    • "Pay for delete" violates credit reporting rules and major collectors won't honor these requests
    • Payment plans typically require $100+ monthly, sometimes extending up to 5 years
    • Even with limited assets, you can often negotiate settlements for pennies on the dollar
    Whether you're dealing with Midland Funding, Portfolio Recovery, or any other debt buyer, this episode gives you practical strategies to communicate effectively, negotiate settlements, and avoid the biggest mistakes that cost consumers thousands. Solo can help you respond to debt lawsuits properly and SoloSettle makes debt negotiation straightforward—no awkward phone calls required.To submit a question to The Debt Hotline, you can:
    • Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemail
    • Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
    • Send an email to support@solosuit.com
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • How to Dispute a Debt Collection

    How to Dispute a Debt Collection
    Oct 16 2025
    If you’ve ever been contacted by a debt collector and weren’t sure what to do next, this episode of The Debt Hotline breaks it all down. Host George Simons, founder of Solo, sits down with Greg Anjewierden, founder of DebtBrief, to discuss what really happens when old debts change hands—and how to handle situations where things don't add up.

    Greg draws on years of experience representing both collectors and consumers to explain how debt collectors must prove two key things: that you actually owe the debt, and that they have the legal right to collect it. He walks listeners through what “chain of custody” means, how missing documents can win your case, and why filing the right motions—like a motion to set aside judgment—can stop wage garnishments in their tracks.

    Together, George and Greg tackle real listener questions, including:
    • Daniel (Washington): What happens when your student loan has been sold multiple times—do you still owe it?
    • Antonetti (Arkansas): How do you stop garnishments when you already have a payment plan?
    • Dominique (Tennessee): Should you consider bankruptcy if you owe $35,000 across multiple debts?
    • Anonymous (Ohio): Can collectors still garnish wages for a 13-year-old debt?
    • Maria (Texas): Why can collectors still contact you for debts past the statute of limitations?
    • Christopher (Utah): What happens if you’re sued in two courts for the same debt?
    Listeners learn how to recognize when collectors overstep, how bankruptcy impacts lawsuits, and how settlement tools like SoloSettle can help consumers negotiate fair deals without going to court.

    To submit your own question to The Debt Hotline:
    • Call (801) 613-8181 and leave a voicemail
    • Email: support@solosuit.com
    • Or visit solosuit.com to learn how to respond to a debt lawsuit
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • Can Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment, Foreclosure, or Lawsuits

    Can Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment, Foreclosure, or Lawsuits
    Oct 14 2025
    Can Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment, Foreclosure, or Lawsuits?

    If debt collectors are calling, your wages are being garnished, or you're facing foreclosure, bankruptcy might be the lifeline you need. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, host Hannah Locklear sits down with Stephen Nowak, a senior associate attorney at Guardian Litigation Group with decades of experience in bankruptcy law. Stephen has helped countless consumers facing financial hardship understand their options and regain control of their financial futures. Together, Hannah and Stephen explore how bankruptcy's automatic stay works, the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and what debts can actually be eliminated.

    Listeners get an expert's perspective on how filing for bankruptcy immediately stops most collection actions, from wage garnishments to foreclosure auctions. Stephen breaks down the process from start to finish, explaining what happens the moment you file, how the automatic stay protects you, and which debts survive bankruptcy. He also addresses the emotional side of filing, helping listeners understand that bankruptcy isn't about failure; it's about using a constitutional right to get a fresh start.

    Sued for debt? Use SoloSuit to resolve it: Solo | Resolve debt

    Real callers join the conversation with honest, relatable questions:
    • Rachel (California): Will Chapter 7 stop her $9,000 credit card wage garnishment immediately?
    • Angela (New York): Can bankruptcy make her $45,000 medical debt lawsuit disappear?
    • David (California): Will filing wipe out the $12,000 he still owes after car repossession?
    • Carol (Texas): Does bankruptcy cover both child support and creditor garnishments?
    • Allan (New York): How does bankruptcy handle seven years of back taxes?
    Stephen answers them all with compassionate, practical advice designed to help listeners understand their legal rights and make informed decisions about their financial recovery.

    To submit your own question to The Debt Hotline:
    • Call (801) 613-8181 and leave a voicemail
    • Fill out this form: Debt Hotline Question Submission
    • Email: support@solosuit.com
    Show more Show less
    52 mins
  • Cars & Debt - How to Finance Your Vehicle

    Cars & Debt - How to Finance Your Vehicle
    Oct 9 2025
    Drowning in car payments or stuck in a loan that feels never-ending? In this episode of The Debt Hotline, host Hannah Locklear is joined by Joshua Tatum, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of CarPutty, a fintech company helping people manage and refinance their cars with transparency and control. With over two decades of experience in consumer finance, Joshua breaks down how to make smarter auto loan decisions, whether you’re buying, leasing, or refinancing, and how to treat your car like an asset, not a liability.

    Together, Hannah and Joshua explore real strategies to lower monthly payments, avoid long-term debt traps, and regain financial stability through tools like CarPutty’s Flexline and V3 valuation system. They also take live calls from listeners across the country:
    • Rachel (Texas): Paying $650 a month for three years and still not seeing progress.
    • Daniel (Ohio): Owes $28,000 on a car worth $22,000, what now?
    • Louis (Florida): Credit score in the low 600s. Can he still refinance?
    • Jessica (California): Needs a second car for her business but doesn’t want more debt.
    • Andrew (New York): Unsure if refinancing will save him money long-term.
    Sued for debt? Use Solo to resolve it: Solo | Resolve debt

    Key insights from this episode of The Debt Hotline include:
    • Why most Americans end up “upside down” on their car loans.
    • How refinancing can reduce payments by hundreds each month.
    • Why 72-month loans cost more than you think.
    • Smart ways to finance multiple cars under one account.
    • How to rebuild credit and use debt strategically.
    The bottom line: You don’t have to stay stuck in a bad car loan. With the right knowledge and tools, financial freedom is possible, one car payment at a time.

    To submit your own question to The Debt Hotline:
    • Call (801) 613-8181 and leave a voicemail
    • Fill out this form: Debt Hotline Question Submission
    • Email: support@solosuit.com
    Show more Show less
    32 mins