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  • 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
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    38 Min.
  • 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
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    44 Min.
  • 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
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    52 Min.
  • 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
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    32 Min.
  • Is Debt Settlement Right for You

    Is Debt Settlement Right for You
    Oct 2 2025
    Wondering if debt settlement is your best option, or just another trap? Join George from Solo as he sits down with Sheldon Banker, a longtime expert from TurboDebt, to break down how debt settlement works, when it makes sense, and what to do if you’re already being sued.Sheldon shares real listener Q&As covering payday loans, massive interest fees, co-signed student loans, and navigating settlement while enrolled in a debt relief program.

    Sued for debt? Visit https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast to respond.

    In this week’s episode of The Debt Hotline, you’ll learn:
    • [Start] What TurboDebt does and how they help consumers tackle overwhelming debt
    • 03:24 Can you still settle after getting sued for a payday loan?
    • 05:30 Why lawsuits change your options, and how Solo helps
    • 06:32 How to respond when a collector tacks on $14K in interest to your credit card debt
    • 09:21 What to expect if you’re in a debt relief program and still getting summons
    • 13:30 Debt settlement vs. bankruptcy: when each makes sense
    • 15:11 How to negotiate with collectors if you don’t have full payment upfront
    • 17:14 Why DIY debt settlement is tough and what professionals can do differently
    • 20:39 Solo’s 7-step roadmap from lawsuit response to building credit
    • 22:21 Is your debt big enough for a settlement program? (The $7,500 rule)
    • 23:14 Co-signed a student loan that defaulted? What to do when you’re now being pursued
    Key insights from Sheldon Banker:
    • Most debt settlement companies can’t help once a lawsuit has been filed, Solo can.
    • The scariest part of debt relief is the fear of letting go of your credit score, but minimum payments forever isn’t a real solution.
    • If your debts total more than $7,500, a settlement program may be a smart alternative to bankruptcy.
    • Private student loans are eligible for settlement, even if you’re a co-signer.
    • You can negotiate yourself, but working with a company can save serious time, stress, and money.
    George and Sheldon also walk through Solo’s roadmap for financial recovery, from responding to a lawsuit to rebuilding credit after resolution. Learn more about TurboDebt at https://www.turbodebt.com.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
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    40 Min.
  • How to Lower Your Car Payment

    How to Lower Your Car Payment
    Sep 30 2025
    Struggling with a car loan that’s straining your monthly budget? In this episode of The Debt Hotline, Brandon is joined by Nick Koroskowski, President of iLending, one of the nation’s largest auto loan refinancing providers. With over 20 years of experience in finance and auto lending, Nick shares insider strategies for lowering car payments and freeing up cash.

    Together, they unpack the essentials of auto loan refinancing—how it works, who qualifies, and what kind of savings are realistic. Nick explains how families are saving an average of $148 per month through refinancing, why rising credit scores open the door to lower interest rates, and how protection products like gap insurance can safeguard household budgets.

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

    Live listener questions bring real-life scenarios to the table, including:
    • Maria (Texas): Can refinancing an 11% loan cut her payments?
    • Kevin (Florida): Is refinancing possible when upside down by $4,000?
    • Ashley (Ohio): With a $615 monthly payment, can refinancing create breathing room?
    • Bob (Live Q&A): Are auto loans front-loaded like mortgages, and what about fees?
    • James (Colorado): Missed two payments last year—still eligible to refinance?
    • Latoya (California): Managing two car loans totaling $1,200—can they be combined?
    • Robert (Georgia): Does refinancing mean starting over with a new 7-year loan?
    Key insights include:
    • How to know if your loan is overpriced and worth refinancing.
    • Why a short-term dip in credit score often leads to long-term gains.
    • How refinancing can help even if you’re upside down on your loan.
    • What documents you’ll need to get started—and how quick the process can be.
    • Why there are no hidden fees when refinancing through transparent lenders.
    The bottom line: refinancing isn’t just for people in trouble—it’s for anyone looking to save money, reduce stress, or build flexibility into their budget. Even if your situation feels complicated, it’s free to explore your options.

    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
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    32 Min.
  • Should I File Bankruptcy or Settle My Debt

    Should I File Bankruptcy or Settle My Debt
    Sep 25 2025
    Drowning in debt and unsure whether bankruptcy or settlement is the right move? In this episode of The Debt Hotline, George is joined by Ben Jackson, co-founder of Upsolve, the nation’s largest nonprofit bankruptcy platform. Ben knows the struggle firsthand. After his first business failed, he was left with $60,000 in credit card debt and no way to pay it off. Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy gave him a fresh start and the chance to rebuild his financial life.

    Together, George and Ben break down the critical decision many Americans face: whether to wipe out debt through bankruptcy or negotiate down balances through settlement. They share insider insights on Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debt management plans, and how everyday people can bounce back from even the toughest financial setbacks.Sued for debt? Use Solo to resolve it: Solo | Resolve debtLive caller questions add real-world perspective, including:
    • Linda (Minnesota): On SSDI and worried about losing credit access after bankruptcy.
    • Rufino (Illinois): Unsure if filing in one state will affect a move for work.
    • Jeff (California): Facing an $8,000 lawsuit, should he choose mediation or arbitration?
    • Nicola (Illinois): Current on credit cards, but wondering if banks will still negotiate a settlement.
    • TC (Entrepreneur): Carrying $75,000 in debt on $50,000 annual income, what’s the next step?
    Key insights include:
    • How bankruptcy can make you $160,000 better off over ten years.
    • Why debt settlement may be smarter for balances under $10,000.
    • The role of credit counseling and debt management plans in avoiding court.
    • How quickly do credit scores recover after bankruptcy or settlement?
    The bottom line: Don’t let fear keep you stuck. Whether through bankruptcy, settlement, or a management plan, there’s always a way forward.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
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    54 Min.
  • What to Expect If You're Sued For Debt: A Lawyer Explains

    What to Expect If You're Sued For Debt: A Lawyer Explains
    Sep 23 2025
    Getting sued for debt can throw your life off balance, but you don’t have to face it on your own. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, Hannah Locklear is joined by Mitchell Ortega, Director of Litigation at Guardian Litigation Group. With years of experience in debt defense, bankruptcy, and consumer protection, Mitchell breaks down the debt lawsuit process from start to finish and shares the key steps you can take to protect yourself.

    Together, Hannah and Mitchell explain why most lawsuits don’t start with reckless spending but with life events like job loss, medical bills, or divorce. They cover what happens when you receive a demand letter, why you should never ignore service of process, and how filing an Answer keeps default judgment off the table. Mitchell also highlights how discovery works, when to consider arbitration, and what to do if identity theft or fraud is involved.

    Sued for debt? Use Solo to respond: https://www.solosuit.com/?utm_source=podcast

    Solo's Dancin' in September Debt Payoff Giveaway: Enter for a chance to win $4,700 to help pay off your debt at https://www.solosuit.com/giveaway?utm_source=podcast

    In this week’s episode of The Debt Hotline, you’ll learn:
    • What a demand letter means and why it matters
    • Why avoiding service can make things worse
    • How filing an Answer is your strongest first defense
    • Why discovery is an opportunity, not just a burden
    • How and when to negotiate a settlement before trial
    • What default judgments really mean for your wages and assets
    • How arbitration and identity theft change the litigation landscape
    The bottom line: Debt lawsuits are stressful, but with the right steps, you can regain control. Respond, negotiate, and settle before court for the best outcomes (in most cases).

    To submit a question to The Debt Hotline:
    • Call (801) 613-8181 and leave a voicemail
    • Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
    • Email: support@solosuit.com
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    54 Min.