The appeal does not automatically stay (stop or delay) the execution or other collections efforts--they could go ahead while you are appealing--but when you file the appeal, you can request (by motion) that collections be stayed, or put on abeyance, pending the outcome of the appeal. You are not guaranteed the stay, but rather staying collections is at the discretion of the court; so you can ask for it, but may not get it. Appeals are complex for non-attorneys, and adding to the complexity would be if you make a motion for a stay pending appeal; you are advised to retain an attorney to help you. That said, you are allowed to do this "pro se" (without a lawyer); if you wish to do that, make sure you get a copy of the court rules about appeals and read them thoroughly.