The Debt Hotline

"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 [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 unmanageable * How to prioritize credit cards vs tax debt * When settlement makes sense — and when it doesn’t * How gambling and financial stress can compound debt problems * The difference between business and consumer debt protections * What happens if you miss a settlement payment * Whether judges can rule while you’re still negotiating * When bankruptcy might actually be the cleanest path forward Real scenarios covered: * A caller facing $81,000 in combined debt and unsure what to tackle first * A settlement collapsing over one missed Christmas payment * A 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 apply The 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 voicemail * Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8 [https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8] * Send an email to support@solosuit.com

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 [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 else * What happens if you ignore discovery requests * How motions for summary judgment can end your case fast * Why some debt settlement companies make lawsuits worse * What to do if you suspect identity theft * How wage garnishments stack (and who gets paid first) * When statute of limitations can actually save you * Whether you should show up to court (spoiler: yes) Real scenarios covered: * Being sued while enrolled in a debt settlement program * A $40,000 auto loan lawsuit that may be fraud * Multiple wage garnishments piling up * A case filed just beyond the statute of limitations * A judge quietly suggesting a motion to dismiss The 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 voicemail * Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8 [https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8] * Send an email to support@solosuit.com

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 [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 lawsuit * When it’s better to negotiate a settlement * How to protect yourself even if you owe the debt * What debt collectors can and can’t do * Settlement ranges and payment plan examples * Real caller situations you can learn from Greg 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 voicemail * Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8 * Send an email to support@solosuit.com

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 [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 answer * How 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 serious * Whether you should settle or fight the case * How to create a realistic “settlement budget” * The difference between negotiating with original creditors (like Discover) vs. debt buyers * How to avoid wage garnishment * What happens to your credit report after you settle Real 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 voicemail * Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8 * Send an email to support@solosuit.com

"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 [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 grow * What really happens when your debt is sold to a debt buyer * The biggest mistake people make that triggers lawsuits * Why collectors often prefer settlement over court * What debt collectors actually look for when deciding to sue * How to safely handle identity theft disputes with collectors Real 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 voicemail * Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8 * Send an email to support@solosuit.com