Debt solution companies have been under the microscope recently, ever-more as debt in the UK continues to grow.
As consumers, we should welcome such interest in these companies as, after all, they are looking after our money.
We want our questions answered - such as; How do we know they are reputable? How many clients do they have? How long have they been established? What solutions do they offer? As the governing bodies & independent consumer watchdog's take interest, our questions will be answered.
The UK has serious debt problems.
Spending is out of control and many people don't know what to do or where to turn when it comes to sorting out their debt problems.
The market for these debt solution companies is only getting bigger by the day.
Many critics of these debt solution companies believe some are constantly trying to push customers towards agreements that will only benefit them, with little regard for the customers actual needs.
You only have to look at the number of people applying for IVAs each year to see this is not far from the truth.
IVAs can provide them with massive sums of money in return for setting up the agreement.
On the other hand, an IVA can be the best, if not only solution for some individuals, writing off a large amount of their debt, and providing them with some financial stability.
The debt companies that offer these solutions argue that loan, mortgage and credit providers should have stricter lending conditions and it is they who are to blame for mounting debts in the UK.
The best advice for anyone whose debts are out of control is to first understand your own finances.
That way, if you have to approach a debt solution company, you'll know exactly where you stand with your personal debt.
If you go in not knowing the facts, then you're much more likely to be taken advantage of.
It's really just common sense.
So, though many people find their cheesy television adverts annoying, the debt solution companies are here to stay.
It is our responsibility to research each one before signing on the dotted line.