Clear Start – debt management, IVA & consolidation loan company overview

Clear Start is an initiative set up to provide counselling and solutions to people with serious debt problems. They deal with hundreds of customers every week and offer many solutions such as debt management plans, IVAs, consolidation loans and remortgages, as well as free debt advice.

Advantages of Clear Start

Clear Start does not charge for it's services. According to their website, revenue is generated from their partners and from creditors. Basically, rather than taking their fee out of your monthly payment and the rest going to your creditors, all of the money goes to the creditor and then they reimburse Clear Start for the services it provides on their behalf.

Clear Start are also what is known as a complete 'debt solutions company'. This means they specialise in many different debt solutions. For instance, you may contact them regarding a debt management plan, but after a discussion with one of their advisers, you may decide that an IVA or even a debt consolidation loan could be a better solution. Using a company who only offer one solutions, you would net benefit from this opportunity.

Disadvantages of Clear Start

Being funded by the credit industry, some may wonder if there are a conflict of interests when it comes to getting the best solution for you, the customer. We cannot say for sure either way, but as Clear Start are being paid by your creditors - are they trying to get the best deal for you or for your creditors? You may pay more in fees to other companies, but they may also be able to get you a better deal as they do not have to worry about pleasing your creditors. These are just some issues to bear in mind.

As Clear Start offer their services for free, they are likely very busy. You can benefit from their free services, but may have longer to wait on the phone, find it hard to get hold of your account manager & generally find delays in getting your debt management plan, IVA or debt consolidation loan set up. Some people thus find fee-charging companies a quicker, yet more expensive option.

Click here to visit the Clear Start website

Click here to see more debt management company overviews

If you would like to know more about debt management please use some of the helpful links below.

Helpful debt management links

Debt management plan
Paylan overview
Baines and Ernst overview
Debt management DIY

Remember, Debt Advice 4 Free is a completely free, impartial service. Although the information on this website is provided by industry experts, it should never replace the advice of a debt adviser who understands your individual circumstances. You can visit the directory section of this website to find a list of companies offering these services.

What is debt consolidation?

Debt consolidation simply means replacing multiple loans with one new loan. If you have debts with different creditors, you can combine them into one loan using a debt consolidation loan.

Find out more about debt consolidation here >>