Episodios

  • Is Debt Settlement Right for You? Expert Q&A with TurboDebt’s Sheldon Banker

    Is Debt Settlement Right for You? Expert Q&A with TurboDebt’s Sheldon Banker
    Jul 17 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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    28 m
  • What Stays on My Credit Report After I Settle a Debt? | Q&A With Credit Expert Melinda Carrera

    What Stays on My Credit Report After I Settle a Debt? | Q&A With Credit Expert Melinda Carrera
    Jul 15 2025
    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 support@solosuit.com
    Learn more from Mel: streetfinancial.net
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    38 m
  • How to Legally Settle Debt After Wage Garnishment | Q&A With Greg Anjewierden at Debtbrief

    How to Legally Settle Debt After Wage Garnishment | Q&A With Greg Anjewierden at Debtbrief
    Jul 10 2025
    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 support@solosuit.com
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Debt Settlement Explained by a Lawyer | Q&A With Guardian Litigation Group's Jonathan Yong, Esq

    Debt Settlement Explained by a Lawyer | Q&A With Guardian Litigation Group's Jonathan Yong, Esq
    Jul 8 2025
    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 support@solosuit.com
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • How to Pay Off Debt in 3-7 Years | Expert Tips From Shred Method's Adam Carroll

    How to Pay Off Debt in 3-7 Years | Expert Tips From Shred Method's Adam Carroll
    Jul 3 2025
    Feeling stuck under a mountain of debt? You're not alone, but there's a way out that's faster than you think. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, Hannah sits down with Adam Carroll, founder of The Shred Method, to reveal how everyday people can accelerate their debt payoff and achieve financial freedom in 3-7 years.

    Adam brings over 20 years of financial education experience and shares the behavior modification system that's helped countless "shredders" eliminate student loans, credit cards, and even mortgages at lightning speed. He breaks down the shocking reality that most people don't actually own their income—and how to change that.

    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 The Shred Method works and why traditional minimum payments keep you trapped
    • Real success story: How one couple paid off 25 years of student loan debt in just 8 months
    • The difference between "available money" and "accessible money" and why it matters
    • Should you pay off debt first or start investing? Adam's controversial take
    • How to optimize cash flow using a line of credit as a "behavior modification tool"
    • Real listener Q&A covering mortgage strategies, retirement vs. debt payoff, and more
    Key insights from Adam Carroll:
    • Most people pay 83% interest, 17% principal on long-term loans—The Shred Method flips this
    • "If you do for two years what most people won't do, you can do for the rest of your life what most people can't do"
    • The goal isn't just paying off debt; it's owning 80-90% of every dollar you make
    • Interest expense is typically the second-largest expense in people's lives
    • $100K+ earners often wonder "where did the money go?" Shred fixes the leak
    Hannah and Adam tackle real listener questions from people dealing with credit card debt, mortgages, student loans, and the classic dilemma of whether to cash out retirement accounts to pay off debt. They also dive into settlement strategies for those already in collections.

    The bottom line: Debt doesn't have to be a life sentence. With the right system and mindset, you can break free faster than you ever thought possible and start building real wealth.

    Want to learn more about The Shred Method? Visit https://www.theshredmethod.com/ to explore Adam's debt acceleration system.

    Use their free savings calculator at https://www.theshredmethod.com/savingsanalysis to see how quickly you could knock out your debts, and follow them on Instagram @the.shredmethod for ongoing tips and success stories.

    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
    Más Menos
    53 m
  • How to Negotiate with the IRS and Settle Tax Debt with Tax Expert Jay Patrick

    How to Negotiate with the IRS and Settle Tax Debt with Tax Expert Jay Patrick
    Jul 1 2025
    Facing IRS debt can feel overwhelming, but you have options. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, Hannah sits down with Jay Patrick, Director of Client Solutions at Tax Relief Helpers, to break down exactly how to negotiate with the IRS and avoid the worst-case scenarios.

    Jay brings 15 years of experience in tax resolution and explains the three main ways to resolve IRS debt: offer in compromise, installment agreements, and currently non-collectible status. He also shares real-world insights on what happens when you ignore tax debt (spoiler: wage garnishments can reach up to 100% of your paycheck).

    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 $4700 to help pay off your debt: www.solosuit.com/giveaway.

    In this week's episode of The Debt Hotline, you'll learn:
    • What happens if you ignore IRS tax debt (wage garnishments, bank levies, and liens)
    • Timeline from first notice to enforcement action (typically 6 months to 1 year)
    • Three IRS resolution options: offer in compromise, installment agreements, and currently non-collectible status
    • How IRS wage garnishments differ from other debt collectors (they can take much more)
    • Real listener questions about reversing wage garnishments, prioritizing tax vss credit card debt, and protecting Social Security benefits
    Key takeaways from Jay Patrick:
    • The IRS can garnish 25-100% of wages depending on your income source
    • Interest and penalties always accrue on tax debt, even with payment plans
    • You must be current on all tax filings to negotiate effectively
    • Social Security recipients have some protection from garnishment
    • Communication is key, so don't ignore IRS notices
    Hannah and Jay also tackle real listener questions, including advice for a self-employed person owing $18,000 during COVID, someone disputing unfiled returns from 2018-2019, and a Social Security recipient worried about benefit garnishment.

    The bottom line: Tax problems are stressful but solvable. Taking action early gives you the most options for resolution.

    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
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • How Much Debt Do I Need to File Bankruptcy With Upsolve Co-Founder Ben Jackson

    How Much Debt Do I Need to File Bankruptcy With Upsolve Co-Founder Ben Jackson
    Jun 26 2025
    Wondering if bankruptcy is right for you? Ben Jackson, co-founder of the nonprofit Upsolve, joins this live episode to answer real listener questions about filing bankruptcy, protecting your assets, and getting a fresh financial start. With personal experience eliminating $60,000 in debt through Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Ben shares expert insights on when bankruptcy makes sense and how to navigate the process.

    Upsolve is America's largest bankruptcy nonprofit, having helped over 13,000 people eliminate more than $700 million in debt—completely free. Ben breaks down the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, explains how to protect your home and assets, and addresses specific situations from medical debt to foreclosure prevention.

    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 bankruptcy can protect your home through state exemption laws
    • Why medical debt often leads to bankruptcy and how Chapter 7 eliminates it completely
    • The automatic stay that stops foreclosure, wage garnishment, and collection calls immediately
    • When Chapter 13 payment plans work better than a Chapter 7 fresh start
    • How to handle complex inheritance and probate issues during debt collection
    • Whether manufactured home loans and VA mortgages can be discharged
    • Why $50 monthly investments after bankruptcy can create generational weath
    Ben also tackles real listener questions:
    • Filing bankruptcy while protecting home equity and assets
    • Stopping foreclosure through both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy
    • Dealing with payday loans, medical bills, and personal loans in bankruptcy
    • Converting Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 after job loss
    • Using statute of limitations as a defense in debt collection lawsuits
    • Vacating default judgments and understanding dismissal vs winning at trial
    Key insight: As Ben explains, the decision to file bankruptcy depends less on your total debt and more on whether that debt is holdin you back from financial progress. Once debt is eliminated, people typically see their credit scores and overall financial health improve because they're no longer stressed and can focus on building their future.

    About Upsolve: The nonprofit organization helps people file Chapter 7 bankruptcy for free at upsolve.org, with a simple screening tool to determine eligibility. They've helped thousands of Americans eliminate overwhelming debt and get back on their feet financially.

    Statute of Limitations Calculator: Solo offers a free tool to help determine if debt collectors can still legally sue you for old debts. The calculator at https://www.solosuit.com/posts/can-statute-of-limitations-be-extended helps you find out if the statute of limitations has expired on your debt based on your last payment date and state laws.

    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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    45 m
  • 5 Tips to Grow Wealth While Managing Debt With Feli Oikonomopoulou

    5 Tips to Grow Wealth While Managing Debt With Feli Oikonomopoulou
    Jun 24 2025
    Can you build wealth while dealing with debt? Former financial services lawyer turned FinTech innovator Feli Oikonomopoulou joins this week's The Debt Hotline episode to prove the answer is year. As founder and CEO of WealthMeUp, a gamified financial wellness platform, Feli shares practical strategies for integrating investing into your everyday life, even when you're managing existing debt.

    With over 30 years of experience at institutions like Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the European Investment Fund, Feli brings a unique global perspective on debt and investing. She reveals how the US credit culture differs dramatically from Europe and shares five actionable tips for building wealth without waiting until you're completely debt-free:

    1. Start investing small amounts immediately - even $10 per week while managing existing debt.
    2. Prioritize high-interest debt while saving small - tackle credit cards first but still set aside money for investing.
    3. Know the differences between good debt and bad debt - mortgages and student loans versus credit cards.
    4. Automate your payments and savings - remove willpower from the equation.
    5. Use technology tools - leverage apps and platforms to simplify both debt management and wealth building.
    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 you should start investing with just $10 per week even while paying off debt
    • How to prioritize high-interest debt while still setting aside money for wealth building
    • The difference between good debt (mortgages and student loans) and bad debt (credit cards)
    • How to automate paymets and savings to remove willpower from the equation
    • Why 80% of women drive consumer spending but only 36% use major investment platforms
    • How WealthMeUp turns everyday purchases into automatic investments
    • The European versus American approach to credit and borrowing.
    Feli also answers real listener questions about:
    • Starting investments while debt is still in collections
    • Whether to pay off 20% iterest credit card debt before investing
    • Learning investing basics without getting scammed by get-rich-quick schemes
    • Finding investment apps that align with your personal values and goals
    Key insight: Don't wait until you're debt-free to start building wealth. The key is making investing a habit and integrating it into your everyday life, which is exactly what WealthMeUp helps accomplish by automatically investing your cashback and rewards from purchases you're already making.

    About WeathMeUp: The app partners with lifestyle brands to automatically invest your cashback and rewards instead of letting you spend them. Users complete a questionnaire about their values and financial goals, then receive curated investment portfolios that reflect both their risk tolerance and personal beliefs—whether that's supporting women-led companies, environmental initiatives, or specific industries.

    Connect With Feli and WealthMeUp:
    • Website: wealthmeup.ai
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealthmeup/
    • Instagram and Tiktok: @wealthmeup.ai
    • Email: hello@wealthmeup.ai
    • Feli's personal email: feli@wealthmeup.ai
    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
    Más Menos
    34 m