IVAs were introduced by the government in 1986 as a legitimate alternative to bankruptcy. Since then they have become increasingly popular amongst those looking for a solution to their debt problems. A key contributor to the popularity of IVAs is the fact that in some cases they can result in a significant part of a person's debt being written off completely.

However, although IVAs can offer an excellent way to resolve debt problems, they are not suitable for everyone. There are a number of unscrupulous companies who seem only too happy to 'sell' IVAs to people for whom they are clearly not appropriate. This can lead to clients agreeing to unsustainable terms, worsening their already bad financial situation.

Clear Start is not one of these companies. As a national organisation set up to provide free and impartial support to help people with serious debt problems, it is committed to analysing people's individual requirements and proposing the right solution for them.

Clear Start has a broad range of "Debt Solutions" which enable its debt experts to help clients whatever their specific circumstances, rather than just pushing clients down the route of an IVA. This is demonstrated by the fact that Clear Start only recommends IVAs to around 25% of those who phone its free debt helpline.

Having said this a spokesperson told us that, where appropriate, IVAs are a very effective debt solution:

"If an IVA is accepted by a clients' creditors, interest on the debt is frozen, a certain amount of the debt is written off completely and the debtor is able to make monthly re-payments based on what they can afford over, typically, a five year period. After that period they are declared debt free and can make a fresh start".

Clear Start's National Debt Helpline, prides itself on offering an ethical and professional service that people can rely on. The feedback from happy clients and messages posted across the internet are testament to the service that the organisation provides.

You can speak to a specially trained advisor on any debt matters, and with no obligation, simply by calling their freephone number.