Episodes

  • Bankruptcy's Biggest Secret: Why Choosing Wrong Could Ruin Everything | Break Free Show
    Mar 3 2025

    In this episode of the Break Free Show, host Ben shares his near-miss with choosing the wrong type of bankruptcy while struggling with $60,000 in debt. He breaks down the crucial differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, explaining how Chapter 7 can provide a fresh start by wiping out unsecured debts quickly, while Chapter 13 involves a three to five-year repayment plan. Through personal experience and professional insight, Ben helps you understand which type might be right for your situation.

    00:00 Introduction to Bankruptcy Myths00:24 Personal Bankruptcy Journey02:00 Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Explained02:34 Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Insights03:49 Choosing the Right Bankruptcy Type04:44 Free Tools and Resources05:43 Conclusion and Additional Resources

    ✨ Use our free tool to check your debt relief options: https://link.upsolve.org/411TI8K

    📚 To learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, check out this Upsolve article: https://link.upsolve.org/4gzjYfc

    👉 Upsolve is the internet's leading nonprofit source of financial education. Nearly 3 million Americans visit Upsolve.org each year. Our services are 100% free. Here's how we do it: https://link.upsolve.org/42EQAB4

    🎧 Subscribe for moreLike this show and subscribe to our channel for more tips on handling debt and improving your financial future!

    📱 Stay Connected with Upsolve!https://link.upsolve.org/4hdpAwz


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    6 mins
  • Stop Wage Garnishment Now: 4 Legal Ways Out
    Feb 24 2025

    Four Legal Ways to Stop Wage Garnishment with Ben from Upsolve

    In this episode of the Break Free Show, Ben, co-founder of Upsolve, shares his personal experience with debt and wage garnishment. He offers crucial insights into four ways to halt wage garnishment: negotiating with creditors, challenging garnishment in court, filing for bankruptcy, and seeking help from non-profit credit counselors. Ben emphasizes that wage garnishment isn't a permanent situation and provides practical advice to navigate out of it. The episode aims to empower viewers facing financial hardships with actionable solutions and resources, including Upsolve's free tool for personalized debt relief options.

    00:00 Introduction: The Fear of Wage Garnishment00:35 Welcome to the Break Free Show01:14 Understanding Wage Garnishment01:38 Four Legal Ways to Stop Wage Garnishment01:40 Option 1: Negotiating with Creditors02:01 Option 2: Challenging Garnishment in Court02:21 Option 3: Filing for Bankruptcy03:07 Option 4: Non-Profit Credit Counseling03:24 Taking Action Against Garnishment03:41 Upsolve: Your Debt Relief Partner04:03 Stay Connected and Informed04:58 Conclusion: Financial Freedom for Everyone

    ✨ Use our free tool to check your debt relief options: https://link.upsolve.org/3Q5vbcy

    📚 To learn more about wage garnishment and your rights, check out this Upsolve article: https://link.upsolve.org/4gt1T2r

    👉 Upsolve is the internet's leading nonprofit source of financial education. Nearly 3 million Americans visit Upsolve.org each year. Our services are 100% free. Here's how we do it: https://link.upsolve.org/3Q9llXs

    🎧 Subscribe for moreLike this video and subscribe to our channel for more tips on handling debt and improving your financial future!

    📱 Stay Connected with Upsolve!https://link.upsolve.org/4hdpAwz

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    5 mins
  • The Truth About Bankruptcy and Student Loan Debt
    Feb 17 2025

    Can You Discharge Student Loans Through Bankruptcy? Breaking Financial Myths

    In this episode, Ben breaks down the myth that student loans can’t be discharged through bankruptcy, explaining how some private student loans can qualify for discharge and the rules around federal loans. He also highlights Upsolve’s free bankruptcy tool for checking your eligibility.

    Show Notes:00:00 Introduction: Can Bankruptcy Erase Student Loans?00:42 Debunking the Myth: Bankruptcy and Student Loans01:13 Private Student Loans: When Can They Be Discharged?02:17 Federal Student Loans: The Brunner Test03:30 Steps to Determine Your Eligibility04:57 Exploring Other Debt Relief Options05:15 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts05:44 Additional Resources and Closing Remarks

    ✨ Check your debt relief options for free: https://link.upsolve.org/3Q9e8GK📚 Learn more about discharging student loans: https://link.upsolve.org/4aLLViP👉 How Upsolve is 100% free: https://link.upsolve.org/42GVQUR

    📱 Stay connected with Upsolve: https://link.upsolve.org/m/podcast

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    6 mins
  • Social Media Lied to You About Debt Collectors Break Free Podcast Episode 13
    Feb 10 2025

    Debt Collection Myths: What Social Media Gets Wrong

    In this episode of the Break Free Podcast, Ben, co-founder of Upsolve, tackles awidespread social media myth—that you don’t owe debt collectors money if your debt was sold. Thisisn’t true, and believing this misinformation could lead tolawsuits, wage garnishment, and major credit score damage.

    Ben explains:
    How debt collectors actually work
    Why ignoring them can make things worse
    The importance of requesting debt validation
    How to negotiate settlements and explore debt relief options

    🚨Show Notes:
    00:00 Debunking Social Media Myths About Debt
    00:50 Understanding Debt Collection
    02:31 The Consequences of Ignoring Debt Collectors
    05:13 Smart Strategies for Handling Debt Collection
    07:59 Exploring Your Options and Seeking Help
    09:02 Final Thoughts and Resources

    Need help with debt? Use our free tool to check your options:
    👉https://link.upsolve.org/413OR6X

    📚Read more about debt collection myths in this Upsolve article:
    👉https://link.upsolve.org/3EEPsDi

    🤝Need help responding to a debt collector or lawsuit? Check out SoloSuit:
    👉https://link.upsolve.org/solosuit

    🎧Subscribe for more:
    Like this podcast?Follow Break Free for new episodes every Monday morning!

    📱Stay connected with Upsolve!
    👉https://link.upsolve.org/m/podcast

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    11 mins
  • The Truth About Bankruptcy Costs | Break Free Podcast Ep. 12
    Feb 7 2025

    In this episode of the Break Free Podcast, Ben, co-founder of Upsolve, dives into the real costs associated with filing for bankruptcy, including court fees, attorney fees, and hidden expenses. He discusses Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the financial pitfalls of a failed Chapter 13 filing, and how Upsolve’s free tools can help you navigate the process affordably.
    Ben also provides key takeaways on making informed financial decisions and hints at future topics like dealing with debt collectors. Subscribe for weekly episodes to manage your financial stress and build the future you deserve.
    Show Notes:
    00:00 Introduction: The Real Costs of Bankruptcy
    00:21 Personal Bankruptcy Experience
    01:16 Understanding Bankruptcy Costs
    03:18 Hidden Costs and Common Mistakes
    04:34 Choosing the Right Bankruptcy Option
    04:59 Upsolve’s Free Tools and Resources
    06:07 Key Takeaways and Next Steps
    06:43 Upcoming Episodes and Webinars
    ✨ Use our free tool to check your debt relief options: https://link.upsolve.org/3Q6Lo1f
    📚 Learn more about bankruptcy costs in this Upsolve article: https://link.upsolve.org/4gqCW7H
    👉 Upsolve is the internet’s leading nonprofit source of financial education. Nearly 3 million Americans visit Upsolve.org each year. Our services are 100% free. Here’s how we do it: https://link.upsolve.org/42IRPiA
    📱 Stay connected with Upsolve!
    https://link.upsolve.org/m/podcast

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    8 mins
  • The Truth About Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Forms | Break Free Podcast Ep. 11
    Feb 5 2025

    In this episode of the Break Free Podcast, Ben, co-founder of Upsolve, shares valuable insights on the complexities of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. He highlights his own struggles with navigating forms, the confusion of unnecessary paperwork, and how to avoid common mistakes.

    📌 Key Topics:

    • Essential Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms you actually need (bankruptcy petition, schedules A-J, means test, creditor matrix).
    • Forms you DON’T need—don’t waste time on outdated or incorrect paperwork.
    • How to save time and avoid errors by using official resources like uscourts.gov and free tools like Upsolve.

    Check your debt relief options for free: https://link.upsolve.org/3EAjGax

    📚 Read the full Upsolve article on bankruptcy forms: https://link.upsolve.org/3EA29zg

    👉 Upsolve is the leading nonprofit helping Americans navigate bankruptcy for free. Here’s how we do it: https://link.upsolve.org/4hJnXXH

    🕘 Episode Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Challenges of Filing for Bankruptcy
    00:26 Meet Ben: From Debt to Financial Freedom
    01:18 Understanding Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Forms
    02:08 Essential Forms You Need to File
    04:07 Forms You Don't Need: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
    05:32 Tips for Avoiding Confusion
    07:20 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

    📢 Next Episode Preview: How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy? We’ll break down court fees, lawyer costs, and hidden expenses—so you’re not caught off guard.

    🎙 Join Our Live Q&A! If you’ve ever considered debt settlement, don’t miss our live Q&A with expert Michael Bovee this Wednesday at 7 PM EST. Get your questions answered!

    🎧 Subscribe for More! Like this podcast? Subscribe for more episodes on handling debt and achieving financial freedom.

    📱 Stay connected with Upsolve!
    https://link.upsolve.org/m/podcast

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    8 mins
  • The Truth About Settling Credit Card Debt Before Court | Break Free Podcast Ep. 10
    Feb 3 2025

    Debt settlement can be a powerful tool to regain financial control, but it’s not always easy. In this episode of the Break Free Podcast, I share my personal struggle with debt and the discovery of debt settlement as a viable solution. I explain how it works, its pros and cons, and who it is best suited for. You’ll learn practical tips for negotiating with creditors, understanding the legal timeline, and avoiding common scams.

    Special attention is given to handling debt lawsuits and the importance of timely responses to legal actions. I also highlight partnerships with reputable companies like Solo for those who prefer professional assistance in negotiating debt settlements.

    ✨ Need help settling your debt? Check out SoloSuit: https://link.upsolve.org/solosuit Solo specializes in helping people navigate debt collection lawsuits and settlement negotiations.

    📚 Show Notes:
    Explore proven debt settlement strategies: https://link.upsolve.org/3CA6uly
    Understand key legal aspects of settling debt: https://link.upsolve.org/40KugTQ
    What you need to know about debt lawsuits: https://link.upsolve.org/40JD2BK

    00:00 Facing the Fear of Debt
    00:36 Discovering Debt Settlement
    01:13 Is Debt Settlement Right for You?
    01:33 Introduction to Break Free Podcast
    02:25 Using Upsolve’s Free Tool
    04:34 Understanding Debt Settlement
    06:23 Timing Your Debt Settlement
    09:14 Who Should Consider Debt Settlement?
    11:38 Six Key Tips for Debt Settlement
    17:48 Avoiding Debt Settlement Scams
    19:34 Exploring Professional Help
    21:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    ✨ Use our free tool to check your debt relief options: https://bit.ly/UpsolveDebtHelp Upsolve's free tool helps you find the best debt relief strategy for your situation.

    👉 Upsolve is the internet’s leading nonprofit source of financial education. Nearly 3 million Americans visit Upsolve.org each year. Our services are 100 percent free. Learn how we do it: https://bit.ly/UpsolveHowFree

    📱 Stay Connected with Upsolve: https://link.upsolve.org/m/podcast Get more tips and financial insights from our community.


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    24 mins
  • How to Get a Mortgage After Bankruptcy | Break Free Podcast Ep. 9
    Jan 31 2025

    Struggling with the idea of homeownership after bankruptcy? In this episode, Ben shares his personal experience of securing a mortgage eight years after filing for bankruptcy. Learn practical steps to rebuild your credit, save for a down payment, and understand what lenders look for post-bankruptcy. Ben also dives into the waiting periods for different loan types and how Upsolve’s resources can support your journey to financial recovery and homeownership.

    ✨ Use our free tool to check your debt relief options: https://link.upsolve.org/4gfhulY

    Show Notes:
    00:00 Introduction: Buying a Home After Bankruptcy
    00:35 Host Introduction and Disclaimer
    01:05 Episode Overview
    01:26 Personal Journey: From Bankruptcy to Homeownership
    02:31 Key Factors Lenders Consider Post-Bankruptcy
    03:31 Steps to Qualify for a Mortgage After Bankruptcy
    04:26 Choosing the Right Loan Type
    06:07 Using Resources to Rebuild Financial Standing
    07:22 Recap and Encouragement
    08:03 Engagement and Upcoming Content

    👉 Upsolve is the internet's leading nonprofit source of financial education. Nearly 3 million Americans visit Upsolve.org each year. Our services are 100% free. Here’s how we do it: https://link.upsolve.org/4jtAeRK

    📚 Learn more about mortgage options after bankruptcy: https://link.upsolve.org/4hdMQeo

    🎧 Subscribe for more!
    Like this podcast and subscribe to our channel for more tips on handling debt and improving your financial future.

    📱 Stay connected with Upsolve!
    https://link.upsolve.org/m/podcast

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    10 mins