The Debt Hotline

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 [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Think a judge will “meet you halfway” in court? Think again. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, George is joined by bankruptcy and consumer rights attorney John Skiba, who has helped more than 10,000 families resolve overwhelming debt.

Together, George and John explain why trials are always winner-takes-all, how to avoid risky court outcomes, and the smart steps you can take to negotiate with Cavalry SPV and other collectors before it’s too late. They also take live caller questions covering lawsuits, credit reporting, CareCredit collections, and bankruptcy gone wrong.

Sued for debt? Use Solo to resolve it: https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=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:

• Why judges don’t split the difference in debt cases (it’s all or nothing)
• How Cavalry SPV works as a debt buyer (and how to verify what you owe)
• Why filing an answer is your strongest defense
• How to protect yourself with written settlement agreements
• What “dismissed with prejudice” really means for your credit report
• When bankruptcy may (or may not) be the right path forward

Real caller stories include:

• Jenna (Texas): Sued by Cavalry for $2,700 but unable to afford the court-offered payment plan
• Dana (Oklahoma): Sued by a credit union while Chase offers a $1,400 settlement on the same account
• Mina (California): Collector missed court twice—can she clear the case from her credit?
• Tamara (Georgia): Stuck after her prepaid legal attorney abandoned her $800 CareCredit lawsuit
• Ron (Missouri): Paid for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy that was never filed—now facing multiple lawsuits

Key insights:

• Settlement gives you more control than trial, where the stakes are all-or-nothing
• Judgments can lead to garnishments, liens, and levies depending on your state
• Not all dismissals are equal—with prejudice can protect you from future collection
• Bankruptcy exemptions vary widely by state and may determine whether you keep your home

The bottom line:
If you’ve been sued for debt, don’t wait for a judge to cut you a deal—it won’t happen. Your best move is to settle before trial, keep control of the outcome, and protect your financial future.

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 [email protected]

Think old debts just disappear? Think again. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, your host George and debt collection attorney Greg Anjewierden break down statute of limitations laws and tackle three jaw-dropping caller situations that prove ignoring debt problems can haunt you for decades, even across international borders.

Greg Anjewierden is a licensed attorney, CEO and founder of Debtbrief, and former debt collection lawyer who knows the inner workings of debt litigation. He helps people navigate debt lawsuits with consulting, legal representation, and educational resources.

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

In this week's episode of The Debt Hotline, you'll learn:

• What statute of limitations means and why it varies by state and debt type
• Why you MUST still respond to lawsuits, even if the statute has expired
• How to check your state's statute of limitations using Solo's calculator
• When selling debt to collectors does NOT restart the clock

Real caller stories with escalating drama:

• Asia (Texas): 8-year-old $900 medical debt - statute expired but collectors still texting
• Dennis (Ecuador): $450k judgment from 2015 business foreclosure now being enforced by debt buyers who garnished his retirement accounts while he's living abroad
• Vanessa (Missouri): Teacher questioning whether Mazuma Credit Union misrepresented their relationship with Capital One after car repossession

Key legal insights:

• How process servers work (and yes, they can dress as Amazon delivery drivers)
• Why domesticating judgments across states creates enforcement opportunities
• When settlement agreements might limit your ability to pursue counterclaims
• Asset protection strategies for retirement accounts and IRAs

The bottom line:
Old debt doesn’t just vanish, and the statute of limitations is simply a legal defense that still requires you to take action. Even expired debts can be collected through continued contact until you send a cease and desist letter. More importantly, ignoring valid debts can lead to judgments that can follow you for decades.

• If you want to understand your options before you step into court, visit Debtbrief at https://debtbrief.com/.
• To calculate the statute of limitations on your debt, you can use Solo’s calculator: https://www.solosuit.com/posts/statute-limitations-debt-by-state 

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 [email protected]

Are you worried that bankruptcy will destroy your credit forever? Think again. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, Hannah sits down with Ben Jackson, co-founder of Upsolve, to debunk the biggest myths about bankruptcy and credit scores. Ben shares his personal journey from $60,000 in debt to homeownership—all thanks to filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy at age 29.

Ben is the co-founder of Upsolve, the largest bankruptcy nonprofit in the US that's helped over 18,000 people file bankruptcy and protect nearly $1 billion in debt. He has personal experience using bankruptcy to build the financial foundation for his current success.

Sued for debt? Use Solo to resolve it: https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast

Considering bankruptcy? Get free help at upsolve.org

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

In this week's episode of The Debt Hotline, you'll learn:

• Why most people see little to no credit damage from filing bankruptcy (and some see immediate improvement)
• How Ben rebuilt his credit score from 650 to over 700 within 18 months of filing bankruptcy
• The difference between Chapter 7 (fresh start) and Chapter 13 (repayment plan) bankruptcy
• Why filing bankruptcy in your twenties can accelerate long-term wealth building
• How Upsolve's free tool works like TurboTax for bankruptcy forms

Real listener Q&A covering:

• Whether bankruptcy affects your spouse's credit (it doesn't, if you file individually)
• How to handle stipulated judgments and unexpected interest charges
• Filing bankruptcy while living outside the US
• Protecting assets like retirement accounts and irrevocable trusts
• What can cause a Chapter 7 filing to be denied (spoiler: almost nothing)

The bottom line: By the time most people consider bankruptcy, their credit is already damaged from late payments and high debt. Filing bankruptcy often stops the bleeding immediately and starts the healing process. Most Upsolve users reach the 600s within 1-2 years and the 700s within 2-3 years. Courts want you to succeed, and bankruptcy is a legal right designed for fresh starts, not a moral failing.

Ben's story: At 29, Ben was drowning in $60,000 of credit card debt despite working 60-80 hours a week for Uber and Lyft. He almost filed the wrong type of bankruptcy and spent six months with stacks of paper, creating a fire hazard in his living room. Today, he owns a home, has a family, and runs a successful nonprofit—all because bankruptcy gave him the fresh start he needed.

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 [email protected]

If you've been sued for debt and have no idea what happens next, this episode of The Debt Hotline is for you. Host Hannah Locklear is joined by Yale Levy, a former debt collection attorney with over 20 years of experience on both sides of the debt collection process. Together, they walk through the debt collection lawsuit process, from the first collection letter to your day in court, and offer tips for navigating it without losing control of your finances.

Yale offers a rare, behind-the-scenes view of how creditors and collection law firms operate and what they’re really hoping for when they sue you. Spoiler: most of them don’t want to go to trial either. If you’ve received a summons, filed an Answer, or are worried about garnishment, this episode will give you the clarity (and confidence) to take your next step.

Sued for debt? Use Solo to resolve it: https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast

Solo's Dancin’ in September Debt Payoff Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win $4,700 to help pay off your debt: https://www.solosuit.com/giveaway?utm_source=podcast + $500 mini prizes every Friday in September. Enter daily for more chances to win! 

• What happens after a creditor sues you, and why you were selected for a lawsuit
• The importance of responding with an Answer (and how Solo can help)
• What to expect during hearings and trials, from opening statements to final rulings
• How to negotiate a settlement at any stage of the lawsuit
• The financial risks of ignoring your case, including wage garnishment and liens
  
  

Real listener questions answered:

• “I’m on SSI—can they freeze my account or garnish me?”
• “I got a dismissal notice without prejudice. Should I sign it?”
• “What happens at arbitration, and can I settle beforehand?”
• “I’m being sued for a debt that was sold—can they still do that?”

The bottom line: Filing an Answer gives you negotiation power and can delay or even prevent a judgment entirely. Most collectors prefer to settle out of court since trials are costly and time-consuming. If you ignore your case, garnishment and liens can kick in, taking control away from you and adding court fees and interest. Settling gives you the power to choose how and when you pay. And if your only income is from SSI or disability, it’s likely protected, but you still need to respond to protect yourself. Solo can help you file your Answer, and SoloSettle lets you negotiate a payment plan or lump sum on your terms.

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 [email protected]

Building wealth after debt is possible and it can be an exciting journey. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, Hannah is joined by Michelle Winterfield, CEO and co-founder of Tandem, a finance app helping over 130,000 households manage more than $200 million. Michelle shares practical strategies for building long-term wealth for modern households, even if you're starting from zero (or below).

Michelle brings deep insight from both her own financial journey and her time as a private equity investor turned fintech founder. She explains how to balance short- and long-term financial goals, why your mindset matters, and how to flip the narrative on family finances to build a secure future together.

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

In this week’s episode, you’ll learn:

• How to build family wealth, even with student loans or credit card debt
• Why 6–9 months of emergency savings is step one (and where to keep it)
• Which investment accounts offer the best tax advantages
• How couples can build trust and avoid conflict around money
• Why consistent investing matters more than perfect timing

Real listener questions answered:

• “I paid off $22,000 in credit card debt. Why is my credit score still low?”
• “My wife wants to save, I want to invest, how do we decide?”
• “Is getting a second job better than budgeting on one income?”
• “How can a college freshman start building wealth?”
• “Should I invest my $4,000 savings or keep building my emergency fund?”
  
  

The bottom line: Building wealth starts with smart foundations. She recommends paying off high-interest debt first, but not waiting forever to begin investing. Take advantage of “free money” like your employer’s 401(k) match, and use high-yield savings accounts for short-term goals. Transparency with your partner, especially about debt, is crucial, and treating saving and investing like non-negotiable monthly bills can create the consistency needed to build long-term financial security.

To learn more about Michelle and Tandem:

• Website: https://www.usetandem.com
• Instagram & TikTok: @missmoneymichelle

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 [email protected]

In this episode of The Debt Hotline, George from Team Solo is joined by consumer rights attorney Yale Levy, a seasoned legal expert with nearly 30 years of experience in collections, creditor and debtor rights, and civil litigation. As Solo’s head of business development, Yale brings insider knowledge from both sides of the debt industry.

Together, George and Yale take on a tough question from a listener who borrowed money to invest in crypto and now faces a $15,000 lawsuit from PNC Bank. The caller shares how they tried to resolve the debt and why their court judgment caught them off guard. Yale and George walk through what went wrong, explain how to challenge a judgment, and offer tips for recovering from debt that spirals out of control. They also touch on crypto risk, how SoloSettle works, and the importance of filing the right paperwork when you're sued.

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

In this week’s episode of The Debt Hotline, you’ll learn:

• Why settlement is always on the table, even after you’ve been sued
• How to time your offer for maximum success
• What collectors are legally required to do, and how to hold them to it
• Why SoloSettle is a great alternative to calling collectors directly
  
  

Real listener questions answered:

• Whether you can be sued in one state if you’ve moved to another state
• Settling debt after a default judgment is already entered
• How to make sure your Answer was received 
• How to clear debt from your credit report after you’ve settled your debt

The bottom line: If you’ve borrowed money and it didn’t pan out, you still have options. Debt collectors settle all the time, but as a consumer, you should know your rights so you can protect yourself and show collectors you’re serious about settling. Filing the correct court documents, like an Answer or Motion to Vacate Judgment, can buy you time and even open the door to a better deal. 

Make sure you communicate with debt collectors. Avoiding phone calls doesn’t help, but platforms like SoloSettle can remove the emotion from the process and keep things on your terms. Always get settlement terms in writing and make sure they include a full release of debt. And remember, the law is on your side when you know how to use it.

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 [email protected]