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  • Negotiate Debt After a Judgment

    Negotiate Debt After a Judgment
    2025/06/05
    If you're dealing with a debt collection judgment and wondering if you can still negotiate, this episode is for you. Yale Levy, a former collection attorney with 20 years of experience, joins this week's episode of The Debt Hotline to share expert insights on post-judgment debt settlement strategies.Sued for debt? Visit https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast to resolve it.Yale explains how he helped collectors recover millions in debt before joining Solo, and now uses that insider knowledge to help consumers navigate the debt collection process. Plus, Yale breaks down why post-judgment settlements cost significantly more than pre-lawsuit negotiations—typically 60-80% versus 20-40% of the original amount.Here are some important tips if you're facing a debt judgment:
    • You can still negotiate even after a judgment, but it costs more
    • Communication is key—use SoloSettle, hire an attorney, or call directly
    • Timing matters. The earlier you negotiate, the better your deal
    • Wage garnishments and bank levies eliminate your negotiating power
    • Motion to set aside judgment may work if service was improper
    • Post-judgment settlements typically range from 60-80% of original debt
    In this week's episode of The Debt Hotline, you'll learn:
    • When you can still negotiate vs when leverage disappears completely
    • How wage garnishments can take up to 25% of your take-home pay
    • Why bank levies are hit-or-miss depending on timing
    • How to leverage hardship situations for better settlement terms
    Yale and George also answer real listener questions about statute of limitations in New York, dealing with litigation delays, setting aside old judgments, and what to do when collectors file for summary judgment after you've already settled.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 分
  • How to File Bankruptcy for Free Without an Attorney

    How to File Bankruptcy for Free Without an Attorney
    2025/05/29
    If you’re staring down debt and wondering if bankruptcy might be the right option, this episode is a must-listen. Ben Jackson joins this week’s episode of The Debt Hotline to share his personal bankruptcy experience and expert tips on how to navigate the whole bankruptcy process.

    Ben is the Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Upsolve, a nonprofit that’s helped hundreds of thousands of people file bankruptcy without having to hire an attorney. Plus, Ben explains how he personally resolved more than $60,000 of debt through bankruptcy, and how it helped him find financial freedom and eventually become a homeowner.

    If you’re considering bankruptcy and struggling with debt, enter Solo’s Debt Payoff Giveaway for a chance to win $4,700 towards paying off your debt from now until June 4th: https://get.solosuit.com/giveaway?utm_source=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:
    • When it makes sense to respond to a lawsuit vs when to consider bankruptcy
    • How long the bankruptcy process takes
    • How bankruptcy affects your credit
    • HHow to protect your assets, including your home
    Ben and George also answer real listener questions about wage garnishment, arbitration, and what to do if your credit report isn’t updating properly after discharge. Here are some important tips if you’re considering bankruptcy:
    • You can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy for free using Upsolve.org no lawyer required.
    • Filing bankruptcy stops most lawsuits and wage garnishments, but timing matters.
    • Responding to a debt lawsuit first is critical—even if you plan to file bankruptcy later.
    • Most people erase $40K–$100K in debt and only pay a $338 court fee (often waived).
    • Common DIY mistakes include using the wrong forms and missing key deadlines.
    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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    36 分
  • How To Protect Yourself From Predatory Lending with Law Professor Nathalie Martin

    How To Protect Yourself From Predatory Lending with Law Professor Nathalie Martin
    2025/05/26
    Predatory lending traps millions of Americans in debt cycles with interest rates as high as 600%. Law professor Nathalie Martin joins us to expose the shocking truth behind payday loans, title loans, and internet installment loans.


    Sued for debt? Use Solo to resolve it:

    https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast
    Nathalie reveals how these loans target vulnerable communities with interest rates that would be illegal in many states. While 400% interest on payday loans sounds extreme, she explains that in states like Texas, rates can legally reach an astounding 662% with no effective cap. She also breaks down the differences between various predatory loans and how title loans can cause people to lose their vehicles—often their last valuable asset.
    In today's episode, you'll discover:
    • Why 75% of lender revenue comes from borrowers who take 10+ loans per year
    • How predatory loans are designed to be "easy to get into and hard to get out of"
    • The state-by-state patchwork of interest rate caps (and where there are none)
    • Why most borrowers use high-interest loans for basic expenses, not emergencies
    • Practical strategies for escaping predatory loan cycles when you're already trapped

    Whether you're struggling with payday loans, title loans, or considering a high-interest borrowing option, this episode provides critical information to protect your financial future. Solo can help you respond to debt collection lawsuits, and SoloSettle makes debt negotiation straightforward—giving you the tools to break free from predatory debt.

    You can also enter Solo's Debt Payoff Giveaway for a chance to win $4,700 towards paying off your debt from now until June 4th: get.solosuit.com/giveaway
    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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    27 分
  • How to Get a Debt Lawsuit Dismissed

    How to Get a Debt Lawsuit Dismissed
    2025/05/15
    When you're hit with a debt collection lawsuit, is there a magic phrase that will make it disappear? Consumer rights attorney John Skiba joins us to reveal what really works—and it's not what you might expect. Sued for debt? Go to https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast to resolve it. You can also enter Solo’s Debt Payoff Giveaway for a chance to win $4,700 towards paying off your debt from now until June 4th: https://get.solosuit.com/giveaway?utm_source=podcastJohn explains why most people lose debt lawsuits before they even start (hint: it happens to 95% of consumers) in this informative episode. He also breaks down the strategic differences between fighting original creditors versus debt buyers.John shows why winning might not mean what you think. If you're being sued for $10,000 and settle for $2,500, that's a $7,500 victory! He explains why judges function more like "umpires" than advocates, and why telling them about your financial hardship won't automatically dismiss your case.In today’s episode, you'll discover:
    • When to file a Motion to Dismiss
    • How to leverage arbitration clauses in your favor
    • What happens if you lose a debt collection lawsuit—including wage garnishment, bank levies, and liens that can follow you for decades.
    • Common questions about improper service, interrogatories, settlement strategies, and dealing with old debts beyond the statute of limitations.
    Whether you're facing a lawsuit from Midland Funding, Portfolio Recovery, or an original creditor like American Express, this episode gives you practical strategies to respond properly, avoid default judgments, and potentially get your case dismissed. Solo can help you file your Answer document quickly 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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    29 分
  • Medical Debt 101: How to Protect Your Finances and Credit

    Medical Debt 101: How to Protect Your Finances and Credit
    2025/05/08
    When medical bills hit your mailbox, the financial stress can feel just as painful as the treatment itself. Debt resolution expert and attorney Greg Anjewierden joins us to break down how medical debt works, how it affects your credit, and how to defend yourself if you’re sued.

    Greg previously worked in medical debt collection—now he helps people fight back. In this episode, he shares insider knowledge on what collectors don’t want you to know.

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

    Greg explains why medical debt is often treated differently from credit card debt, including recent changes to credit reporting rules. Many consumers believe that if a medical debt isn’t on their credit report, it won’t hurt them—a dangerous myth. Greg clears up the confusion between credit reporting and debt collection, and explains why hospitals and collectors can still sue you, garnish wages, and freeze bank accounts, even if your debt is “under the radar.”

    You’ll learn how long medical debt stays on your credit report, what counts as a ‘valid’ medical debt, and how to find out if you qualify for financial assistance or interest-free payment plans. We discuss real-life settlement strategies and why many attorneys are more willing to compromise than third-party collectors.

    Whether you're facing a lawsuit over a hospital bill or simply trying to understand your rights, this episode offers a practical guide to protecting your credit and your peace of mind. Solo can help you respond to lawsuits and settle medical debts on your terms—no law degree required.
    • [05:01] Medical debt is still collectible even if it doesn’t appear on your credit report
      Many people assume if a medical bill isn’t on their credit report, it doesn’t matter—but you can still be sued and held legally responsible.
    • [08:35] Start by contacting the medical provider directly
      Before dealing with debt collectors, ask the hospital or provider about charity care or interest-free payment plans to resolve the bill early.
    • [11:20] Strategic silence can give you leverage
      If negotiations stall, it might be smart to stop communication and wait for a lawsuit—then re-engage once you’re dealing with an attorney who may be more willing to settle.
    • [15:33] Social Security is protected—but your bank account may not be
      Debt collectors can’t take Social Security directly, but they might access it if it's sitting in a bank account, so be cautious about where your money is kept.
    • [25:30] You can still settle after a judgment is entered
      Even if you lose in court, the creditor still has to collect—this gives you another opportunity to negotiate a lump-sum payment or better settlement.

    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
    Visit https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast
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    30 分
  • How to Settle a Judgment Debt Q&A With Lester Bird

    How to Settle a Judgment Debt Q&A With Lester Bird
    2025/05/01
    When faced with a judgment debt, understanding your options is crucial. In this enlightening episode, courts policy expert Lester Bird from the Pew Charitable Trust breaks down what actually happens in debt collection lawsuits across America. Drawing on years of data analysis, Lester shares eye-opening statistics about who gets sued, how much they owe, and what options work best for consumers.

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

    Most people don't realize that 60-70% of debt collection cases end in default judgments simply because defendants never respond to the lawsuit. But for those who do engage, settlement often offers the best path forward. Lester explains why avoiding garnishment—where 25% of your paycheck can suddenly disappear or your bank account gets wiped out—should be a top priority.

    The episode reveals surprising facts about debt collection lawsuits: half of all cases are for $2,000 or less, yet these small debts can balloon with filing fees, attorney costs, and strange penalties (like Oregon's "prevailing party fee" that charges you extra just for losing your case). Medical debt drives a third of all collection lawsuits in some states, and the same large companies dominate court dockets nationwide.

    You'll also discover Lester's practical debt settlement payment calculator tool that helps find the sweet spot between paying off debt quickly while keeping payments manageable. Whether you're facing a lawsuit now or want to understand how debt collection courts operate, this episode provides practical insights from someone who analyzes thousands of cases across the country.

    You can learn more about Lester’s research with Pew Charitable Trust here: pewtrusts.org/modernlegal

    Got debt questions? 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
    Visit https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast
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    30 分
  • How to Negotiate with Debt Collectors with Yale Levy

    How to Negotiate with Debt Collectors with Yale Levy
    2025/04/24
    Navigating debt collection in 2025 doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In this episode, we’re joined by Yale Levy, a former debt collection attorney with over 20 years of experience who now works with Solo, the platform helping people respond to lawsuits and negotiate settlements. Yale breaks down what most people get wrong about debt collection—and how simple communication can save you thousands.

    Collectors typically settle for 70–90% of the original debt, but ignoring them can cost you up to 150% once interest, court costs, and legal fees pile on. Whether you're facing a lawsuit or just dreading the next collector call, Yale explains why negotiating—rather than avoiding—is key to protecting your finances.

    He also clears up common misconceptions, including why the “never pay your debts” advice circulating online is dangerously misleading. We also dig into real strategies for negotiating: from calling collectors directly to using tools like SoloSettle to communicate digitally—no phone calls or awkward conversations required. Yale shares a real-life example of a woman who settled a $15,000 lawsuit for $10,500, avoiding judgment and extra fees. He also outlines what happens after you settle, including how it impacts your credit report and what to expect during tax season if the forgiven debt exceeds $600. If you're sued in a state where you don’t live, he explains how to push back with a motion to dismiss. Throughout the conversation, Yale reminds listeners that debt doesn’t define them—but how they respond to it does. Whether you’re overwhelmed, confused, or just ready to take action, this episode offers practical, calm advice from someone who’s seen it all from both sides of the table.

    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
    - https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast
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    28 分
  • Welcome to the Debt Hotline

    Welcome to the Debt Hotline
    2025/04/17
    Before we dive into how to beat debt collectors and settle lawsuits, let’s take a minute to get to know the voices behind The Debt Hotline. In this special kickoff episode, hosts George Simons and Hannah Locklear share their backgrounds, why they care about helping people fight debt, and what you can expect from the show moving forward.

    Debt collection lawsuits can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to face them alone. George and Hannah are here to demystify the legal process, share expert-backed strategies, and empower you with real, actionable tools to take control of your financial future.
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    35 分