Debt collectors calling your job? Getting sued and don't know what to do?

Attorney Jeff Lohman from Guardian Litigation Group joins this episode of The Debt Hotline to break down your fundamental rights when dealing with debt collection and what to do when collectors cross the line.

Jeff brings his personal experience to this conversation. After losing everything in the 2008 mortgage collapse, he went to law school specifically to become a consumer protection attorney. Now he helps people navigate debt collection lawsuits, FDCPA violations, and credit reporting issues in Arizona and beyond.

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

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

• Your two most important rights: debt validation and freedom from harassment
• Why you have exactly 30 days to request debt validation from collectors
• What actually counts as harassment under federal law (and why Regulation F was pulled back)
• How to handle default judgment requests and potentially get them vacated
• When debt collectors can and cannot contact your family, friends, or workplace
• Strategic ways to negotiate better settlements, including using arbitration clauses

Real listener questions covered:

• Default judgment requests in California and how to respond
• Debt collectors calling family and work (FDCPA violations)
• Predatory lending with 400% interest rates and automatic withdrawals
• Settlement strategies for $6,000 Midland Funding lawsuits
• Community property states and spousal debt liability
• Motion to vacate judgment options for improper service

Key takeaways from Attorney Jeff Lohman:

• Never ignore debt lawsuits. Less than 2% of people actually respond, leading to thousands of default judgments monthly
• Debt collectors can only contact third parties for location information, and only if they don't already have your contact details
• Original creditors (like banks) aren't covered by the FDCPA, only third-party debt collectors are
• Arbitration can give you leverage since it costs collectors thousands while only costing consumers a few hundred dollars
• Settlement depends heavily on your financial situation, and being "judgment proof" gives you significant negotiating power

Jeff also warns about debt collection scams: legitimate collectors will never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten arrest. Always ask for written documentation and never pay someone who pressured you into a panic decision.

Connect with Jeff Lohman and Guardian Litigation Group at https://guardianlit.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]

When you're drowning in debt, every solution seems either too risky, too confusing, or too good to be true. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, James Farias, CEO of Relief Strategies, joins Hannah to cut through the confusion and help you find the debt relief path that actually works for your situation.

James brings over 30 years of leadership experience and a refreshingly honest approach to debt relief. Unlike companies that push one-size-fits-all solutions, James explains how to evaluate your options strategically and choose the path that makes sense for your specific circumstances.

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:

• How to honestly assess your debt situation and determine which relief option fits your circumstances
• The real pros and cons of debt settlement vs. bankruptcy vs. debt management plans
• Why communicating with creditors immediately after job loss or financial hardship is crucial
• Red flags to watch for when choosing debt relief companies
• Why federal student loan forgiveness programs are often better than private settlement companies
• How to handle multiple collection agencies contacting you about the same debt

Key takeaways from James Farias:

• Start with honest financial assessment: Before choosing any debt relief option, calculate your total debt, minimum payments, and realistic ability to pay. James emphasizes that settlement isn't for someone thinking "things are getting tight." It's for people already considering bankruptcy.
• Communication prevents bigger problems: Whether facing job loss or lawsuit threats, contacting creditors immediately often leads to payment deferrals, structured plans, or reduced interest—all better than letting debts go delinquent.
• Settlement requires trade-offs: If you're considering debt settlement, understand you'll likely take a credit hit unless your credit is already damaged. Most people exploring settlement already have high debt-to-income ratios or missed payments.
• Not all debt is created equal: Credit card debt, student loans, and secured debts require different strategies. For federal student loans, James recommends exploring income-driven repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness before private settlement companies.

Real listener questions answered:

Hannah and James tackle practical scenarios including Samantha in California weighing settlement vs. bankruptcy for $42,000 in debt, John in Washington negotiating with Discover Bank's attorneys, and Noah in Illinois seeking low-risk options for $12,000 spread across four cards after having a baby.

The conversation reveals James's unique perspective: Having started helping teachers with retirement planning, he noticed those who needed help most were drowning in debt and couldn't take advantage of wealth-building strategies while paying 20-30% interest on credit cards.

The bottom line: There's no universal "best" debt relief option. The right choice depends on your specific situation, but with honest assessment and clear information, you can make decisions that set you up for long-term financial success.

Learn more about James Farias and Relief Strategies at reliefstrategies.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]

Facing overwhelming debt and unsure which path to take? In this episode of The Debt Hotline, Hannah sits down with James Lambridis, founder and CEO of DebtMD, to break down three of the most popular debt relief strategies and help you choose the right one for your situation.

James brings five years of hands-on experience talking to people struggling with debt—from $10,000 to over $100,000 in credit card balances. His insights reveal that most people are misinformed about their options and need clear guidance to move forward.

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:

• The three main debt relief options: consolidation, credit counseling, and settlement
• How to know which strategy fits your financial situation
• Red flags to avoid when choosing debt relief companies
• Tax implications of settled debt that companies often hide
• Real advice for listeners dealing with $9,000 to $40,000+ in debt

Key takeaways from James Lambridis:

• Debt consolidation only makes sense if you get a lower interest rate than current debts
• Credit counseling provides modest savings with nonprofit guidance and structured payoff plans
• Debt settlement requires defaulting but can dramatically reduce what you owe
• Never work with companies that charge upfront fees or guarantee specific results
• Forgiven debt over $600 becomes taxable income, so you should plan for this at tax time

Hannah and James tackle real listener questions, including advice for someone barely making minimums on $38,000 across five cards, a person worried about debt relief scams, and adult children helping retired parents navigate $40,000 in debt.

The bottom line: There's no shame in owing money. The key is choosing the right strategy for your situation and working with legitimate professionals who charge fees only after delivering results.

To connect with James and DebtMD, you can visit www.debtmd.com and use their Smart Debt Analyzer tool, which asks about your debt types, amounts, and goals to connect you with the right professionals for your unique situation.

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]

You've filed your Answer to block a default judgment—now what? In this episode of The Debt Hotline, Hannah from Team Solo breaks down what to expect after you respond to a debt collection lawsuit and answers real listener questions about the next steps in the legal process.

Enter Solo's In-DEBT-ENDence Day Giveaway this July for a chance to win $4,700 to help pay off your debt: www.solosuit.com/giveaway?utm=podcast

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:

• What happens after filing your Answer (court hearings, discovery, settlement opportunities)
• How to handle motions for summary judgment and discovery requests
• When to attempt settlement negotiations for the best results
• How statute of limitations affects your case timing

Hannah tackles real listener questions about debt collection cases going silent for months, dealing with debt buyers, and handling discovery requests. She explains why filing your Answer is just the first step and that you'll need to stay proactive with court deadlines, respond to discovery requests, and consider settlement to avoid lengthy court battles.

Key takeaway: Settlement leverage is often strongest right after filing your Answer, so don't wait until trial to negotiate. You can use tools like SoloSettle to resolve your debt digitally without stressful phone calls.

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]

What if getting sued for debt was actually your best opportunity to negotiate a favorable settlement? In this episode of The Debt Hotline, consumer rights attorney John Skiba reveals why lawsuit notices don't have to mean courtroom drama and how smart negotiation can save you thousands without ever stepping foot in front of a judge.

John Skiba is an experienced bankruptcy and consumer rights attorney and owner of Arizona Consumer Law Group, PLC. He has helped more than ten thousand families struggling with overwhelming debt issues and runs the popular YouTube channel Consumer Warrior, where he shares practical debt defense strategies for consumers nationwide.

Whether you're facing a lawsuit from a junk debt buyer like Midland Funding or an original creditor like American Express, this episode shows you exactly how to leverage your position for the best possible outcome while avoiding the stress and uncertainty of trial.

Enter Solo's In-DEBT-ENDence Day Giveaway this July for a chance to win $4,700 to help pay off your debt: https://www.solosuit.com/giveaway?utm=podcast

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

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why getting sued is often the perfect time to negotiate a debt settlement
• How to distinguish between different court proceedings (pretrial conference vs. trial vs. summary judgment)
• The key differences between fighting original creditors versus junk debt buyers
• When and how to contact attorneys to negotiate settlements before court dates
• What to do if you've already defaulted on a lawsuit and still want to settle
• Why filing an Answer is just the first step, not the final solution

John tackles real listener questions about everything from arbitration costs to summary judgment motions, providing practical guidance for consumers who thought their only option was expensive litigation or default judgment.

Key insights from John Skiba:

• Settlement is always possible: "If you're offering money, there's got to be some kind of deal that can be reached"
• Timing is everything: "The earlier you can get in front of it, the better deal you're going to get"
• Filing an Answer prevents default but doesn't end the lawsuit. It just starts the negotiation process
• Junk debt buyers often lack proper documentation, creating leverage for settlement
• Even after default judgment, settlement opportunities still exist before wage garnishment begins
• You should always go to creditors with a specific offer, not ask "what will you take?"

The conversation reveals why 95% of people who get sued by debt collectors lose by default, how summary judgment motions work, and why failing to respond to legal motions is often interpreted as consent. John also explains the crucial difference between original creditor cases (which you'll likely lose unless you have bulletproof defenses) and junk debt buyer cases (where documentation disputes create real negotiating power).

For expert debt defense strategies and over 800 educational videos, find John Skiba on YouTube at Consumer Warrior (https://www.youtube.com/@Consumer_Warrior) or visit his law website at https://skibalaw.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]

What if debt collection actually helped rebuild your credit instead of destroying it? In this episode of The Debt Hotline, Hannah sits down with Gwyneth Borden, founder and CEO of Remynt, to explore how fintech is transforming debt resolution and how you can turn your debt payoff journey into a credit-building opportunity.

Gwyneth brings over 15 years of experience disrupting traditional industries and explains how Remynt partners directly with creditors to create a consumer-first debt resolution process. Instead of fear-based collection tactics, she reveals how you can start rebuilding credit with payments as low as $10 per month while resolving your debt—something traditional debt collectors never offer.

Enter Solo's In-DEBT-ENDence Day Giveaway this July for a chance to win $4,700 to help pay off your debt: https://www.solosuit.com/giveaway

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

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why traditional debt collection is broken and what consumer-first alternatives look like
• How Remynt partners with creditors to create win-win debt resolution experiences
• Practical strategies for rebuilding credit while paying off debt (including the 30% utilization rule)
• Why paying off collections doesn't always improve your credit score and what to do instead
• How credit builder products can boost your score by 10-70 points without taking on new debt
• The difference between FICO and VantageScore models and why your score varies by lender

Hannah and Gwyneth tackle real listener questions, including advice for someone dealing with joint credit cards after divorce, a laid-off worker trying to rebuild credit after COVID, and someone whose credit score wasn’t boosted even after paying off collections.

Key insights from Gwyneth Borden:

• Debt collection doesn't have to be fear and shame-based; there's a better way that actually helps consumers
• Credit utilization below 30% (ideally 10%) is the most impactful factor for improving your score
• Missing even partial payments still counts as late, so communicate with creditors before you fall behind
• Newer credit scoring models don't penalize paid-in-full collections, but older models still do
• Mortgage lenders may require you to pay old debts even after they've fallen off your credit report

The conversation also reveals why creditors often sue right when you start paying other debts (they see you have money), how wage garnishment can take up to 25% of your income, and why the "snowball method" of debt payoff often works better psychologically than the "avalanche method."

For tools to rebuild credit while resolving debt, visit Remynt at https://getremynt.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]

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]

Credit educator Melinda Carrera of Street Financial joins Hannah on The Debt Hotline to uncover the truth about debt settlements, credit scores, and your power to clean up your report. Whether you’ve recently settled a debt or are just thinking about it, this episode will help you understand what sticks, and what you can remove.

Mel shares her personal story of credit recovery after a car repossession and reveals why updating your report could be as simple as making a phone call. Learn how to dispute errors, ask for account removals, and rebuild your score in 2025 using tools you already have access to.

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

Celebrate financial freedom and end your debt this July! Enter Solo’s In-DEBT-ENDence Day Giveaway for a chance to win $4700 to pay off your debt:: https://www.solosuit.com/giveaway?utm=podcast 

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

• [Start] What actually stays on your report after settling a debt
• 06:45 How to remove “paid for less than full balance” from your credit report
• 08:15 Why credit bureaus may agree to remove settled accounts faster than you think
• 13:55 How to dispute duplicate debts and outdated info
• 14:53 How life events, like illness or job loss, can factor into negotiation
• 24:24 What to do if you have a judgment or public record from debt collection

Key insights from Melinda Carrera:

• 70% of credit reports contain errors, check yours closely
• You have the right to ask for settled accounts to be removed
• Being proactive and vocal can lead to faster credit recovery
• Most lenders want to work with you if you’re trying to make things better

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]

Learn more from Mel: streetfinancial.net

What happens when the paycheck hits...but a big chunk disappears due to wage garnishment? Don’t panic, and don’t assume it’s too late to settle. In this week’s episode of The Debt Hotline, attorney Greg Anjewierden joins George to explain how you can still negotiate and resolve your debt even after garnishment begins. 

Greg is a Utah-based attorney and founder of Debtbrief (https://debtbrief.com), a platform that connects people with resources like Solo to fight back against debt collectors. With practical experience and a calm, strategic approach, Greg walks through the legal options available to people facing garnishment, plus how to use timing and leverage to your advantage. 

Got a judgment? Getting garnished? Visit https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast to take action today.

In this episode:

• Why wage garnishment usually means you’ve already lost in court—and what to do next
• How to legally negotiate a lump sum or payment plan even after the money starts coming out of your check
• When not to make extra payments unless you get a settlement deal in writing
• How stopping interest accrual in a settlement can save you thousands—even if you pay the full balance
• How losing your job can actually give you leverage to settle debt
• What to do when you’re retired and only collecting Social Security
• The truth about settling large commercial debts—and when bankruptcy might make more sense

Listener questions tackled this week:

• “I’ve been garnished for two years and still owe money—why?”
• “What’s a good defense for a wage garnishment after I missed my court date?”
• “Should I hire a lawyer after getting a sheriff’s letter?”
• “How do I settle my old debts while trying to rebuild my credit to buy a home?”
• “What if a collector won’t negotiate with me at all?”

Remember: Just because garnishment started doesn’t mean you’ve lost all control. You still have rights, and you still have options.

• Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemail
• Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
• Send an email to [email protected]

Facing debt collection and wondering if settlement is really possible? Attorney Jonathan Yong from Guardian Litigation Group joins Hannah to reveal exactly how debt settlement works from the legal trenches. Whether you're deaing with your first collection notice or already facing a lawsuit, Jonathan breaks down the negotiation process that resolves 95% of debt cases before trial.

Jonathan brings years of experience as both corporate counsel in financial services and a consumer protection attorney, and he reveals the insider strategies of verifying debt ownership, negotiating from a position of strength, and protecting yourself from common settlement scams. He also explains why you can still negotiate even after a judgment and shares the documentation that can dramatically improve your settlement terms.

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

Enter Solo's In-DEBT-ENDence Day Giveaway this July for a chance to win $4,700 to help pay off your debt: www.solosuit.com/giveaway?utm=podcast

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

• How 95% of debt cases settle before trial and why creditors want to work with you
• The critical first step: verifyin the debt collector actually owns your debt
• Different settlement options: reduced principal, extended payment plans, or new interest rates
• Why you can still negotiate even after a judgment has been entered against you
• What to expect at a motion for summary judgment hearing 
• Real strategies for removing negative marks from your credit report

Key insights from Jonathan Yong:

• You're not going to jail for unpaid debt; it's strictly a financial matter
• Always get settlement offers in writing before paying anything
• Push for the best deal possible, especially if you have documented financial hardship
• Settlement is possible at any stage: pre-lawsuit, during litigation, or post-judgment
• Original creditors, debt buyers, and collection agencies each have different negotiation approaches
• States with stronger consumer exemptions often see more favorable settlement terms

Hannah and Jonathan tackle real listener questions covering everything from paying off decades-old debts and vacating default judgments to settling payday loans and handling discovery disputes. Jonathan also explains complex legal concepts like motions for summary judgment in practical terms anyone can understand.

The bottom line: Debt problems don't have to ruin your life. Whether you hire experienced counsel like Guardian Litigation Group for complex cases or use Solo's self-representation tools for smaller amounts, taking action early gives you the most options for resolution.

For legal representation in debt matters, contact Guardian Litigation Group at 1-800-316-3133.
For DIY tools to respond to lawsuits and negotiate settlements, visit www.solosuit.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]