The Debt Hotline

Team Solo
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If you've ever felt overwhelmed by debt or confused by a court summons, you're not alone—and you're not powerless.  The Debt Hotline is your direct line to clarity, confidence, and control over your financial future. Hosted by legal expert George Simons and financial wellness advocate Hannah Locklear, this show breaks down the debt collection process, teaches you how to respond to lawsuits, and gives you real, actionable steps to take back control. With insights from industry pros, real listener questions, and practical guidance, The Debt Hotline helps you navigate debt with knowledge and courage. Don’t panic—get informed. Call in, tune in, and let’s get you back on track.

  1. APR 7

    "I'm $81,000 in Debt With No Way Out"

    Credit cards. Tax debt. Business obligations. And no clear path forward. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, George is joined by attorney Greg Anjewierden to walk through one caller’s overwhelming situation and the real options available when the numbers feel impossible. Because when you’re staring at five figures of debt (or more), the question isn’t just “Can I pay this?” It’s: Where do I even start? 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: What to do when your debt feels completely unmanageableHow to prioritize credit cards vs tax debtWhen settlement makes sense — and when it doesn’tHow gambling and financial stress can compound debt problemsThe difference between business and consumer debt protectionsWhat happens if you miss a settlement paymentWhether judges can rule while you’re still negotiatingWhen bankruptcy might actually be the cleanest path forwardReal scenarios covered:A caller facing $81,000 in combined debt and unsure what to tackle firstA settlement collapsing over one missed Christmas paymentA nurse sued by Chase for $19,000“They never sent me a bill — can they still sue?”Business debt and why FDCPA protections may not applyThe bottom line When debt snowballs, it can feel like there’s no exit. But there is always a next best move. Whether it’s structured settlement, strategic negotiation, or bankruptcy protection, the worst thing you can do is freeze. The right strategy depends on your numbers — and your goals. You may feel stuck. You’re not. The Debt Hotline, you can:Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemailFill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8Send an email to support@solosuit.com

    1h 3m

  2. MAR 31

    The #1 Mistake People Make After Getting Sued

    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 elseWhat happens if you ignore discovery requestsHow motions for summary judgment can end your case fastWhy some debt settlement companies make lawsuits worseWhat to do if you suspect identity theftHow wage garnishments stack (and who gets paid first)When statute of limitations can actually save youWhether you should show up to court (spoiler: yes)Real scenarios covered:Being sued while enrolled in a debt settlement programA $40,000 auto loan lawsuit that may be fraudMultiple wage garnishments piling upA case filed just beyond the statute of limitationsA judge quietly suggesting a motion to dismissThe 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 voicemailFill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8Send an email to support@solosuit.com

    1h 3m

  3. MAR 24

    Debt Lawsuit Strategy Q&A - When to Fight or Settle

    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 lawsuitWhen it’s better to negotiate a settlementHow to protect yourself even if you owe the debtWhat debt collectors can and can’t doSettlement ranges and payment plan examplesReal caller situations you can learn fromGreg 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 voicemailFill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8Send an email to support@solosuit.com

    53 min

  4. MAR 17

    I Responded to My Debt Lawsuit — What Happens Next? Attorney Q&A

    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 answerHow 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 seriousWhether you should settle or fight the caseHow to create a realistic “settlement budget”The difference between negotiating with original creditors (like Discover) vs. debt buyersHow to avoid wage garnishmentWhat happens to your credit report after you settleReal 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 voicemailFill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8Send an email to support@solosuit.com

    44 min

  5. MAR 10

    "I Consolidated $14k… Now I Owe $25k and I’m Being Sued" - Interview With a Debt Insider

    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 growWhat really happens when your debt is sold to a debt buyerThe biggest mistake people make that triggers lawsuitsWhy collectors often prefer settlement over courtWhat debt collectors actually look for when deciding to sueHow to safely handle identity theft disputes with collectorsReal 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 voicemailFill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8Send an email to support@solosuit.com

    58 min

  6. 10/23/2025

    How to Negotiate With Debt Buyers

    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 negotiationsHow to handle $150,000 in credit card debt when you're still current on paymentsWhat happens when your spouse passes away and leaves debt behindWhy "pay for delete" is largely a myth that doesn't work with major collectorsHow Social Security income can protect you from debt collectionWhat to do when settlement offers disappear due to missed deadlinesYale 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 negotiationsSocial Security income is generally protected from garnishmentSettlement 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 requestsPayment plans typically require $100+ monthly, sometimes extending up to 5 yearsEven with limited assets, you can often negotiate settlements for pennies on the dollarWhether 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 voicemailFill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8Send an email to support@solosuit.com

    38 min

  7. 10/21/2025

    How to Rebuild Your Credit Profile Step by Step

    If collections are haunting you, your credit score is tanking, or you're struggling to qualify for loans, credit repair might be the solution you need. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, host Brandon from Team Solo sits down with Melinda, owner of Street Financial and a credit expert who transformed her own credit from poor to the high 700s. After working at three major banks and discovering that even financial institutions don't teach credit management, Melinda turned her struggles into expertise, helping thousands of people through TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube rebuild their credit profiles. Together, Brandon and Melinda explore how to pull official credit reports, dispute inaccuracies, negotiate with collection agencies, and build positive credit history. Melinda also addresses the emotional side of credit repair, reminding listeners that poor credit doesn't define your worth; it's just a season that can change with the right plan. Sued for debt? Use Solo to resolve it: Solo | Resolve debt. Real callers join the conversation with honest, relatable questions:Tanya (North Carolina): How can she reach 680 from 590 after the divorce within a year?Marcus (Texas): Should he settle three charged-off cards or focus on building new credit after job loss and repossession?Gwen (Georgia): How can she rebuild credit after fire damage destroyed her business and led to Synchrony charge-offs?Jamal (Florida): What's the fastest way to raise his 610 score to qualify for a mortgage?Melinda answers with practical, actionable advice designed to help listeners understand their rights and rebuild their financial futures.To submit your own question to The Debt Hotline:Call (801) 613-8181 and leave a voicemailFill out this form: Debt Hotline Question SubmissionEmail: support@solosuit.com

    32 min

  8. 10/16/2025

    How to Dispute a Debt Collection

    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 voicemailEmail: support@solosuit.comOr visit solosuit.com to learn how to respond to a debt lawsuit

    44 min
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About

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by debt or confused by a court summons, you're not alone—and you're not powerless.  The Debt Hotline is your direct line to clarity, confidence, and control over your financial future. Hosted by legal expert George Simons and financial wellness advocate Hannah Locklear, this show breaks down the debt collection process, teaches you how to respond to lawsuits, and gives you real, actionable steps to take back control. With insights from industry pros, real listener questions, and practical guidance, The Debt Hotline helps you navigate debt with knowledge and courage. Don’t panic—get informed. Call in, tune in, and let’s get you back on track.

Information

  • Creator
    Team Solo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Solo
  • Show Website
    The Debt Hotline