Start New Financial, Grand Rapids, MI

I started talking with Advocate Debt Relief in May 2022. I initially declined because the difference in what I owed and what they wanted me to pay was very close in amount. After a very persistent representative calling me a couple times a week and giving me different options I agreed to settle seven of my accounts for about half of the amount they initially asked me to pay them. I asked many questions before signing my name because these types of things seem like scams to me. I paid the total amount they told me it would cost to settle the accounts on June 5, 2022. They explained that even with the fees they charge monthly, it should be enough money to pay off all seven of my accounts. After checking my online profile with the company and seeing no negotiations, and receiving several phone calls from the creditors, I called the company. They tell me that they have to wait three months before they could start settling any accounts because the companies wouldn't consider settling if I hadn't missed any payments. I was told to send any correspondence from the creditors via email, and I did this as asked. Three of my accounts were settled fairly quickly. However, I received a call from Start New Financial in October stating one of the creditors wouldn't agree to settle. I was asked to send another $8,000 in order to settle the four remaining accounts. I thought that was ridiculous because that's a little under what I was initially told would settle all seven accounts, the total of the four remaining accounts without settling was less than $8,000, and there was still about $3,400 in my account. It was also odd because the creditor they said was unwilling to settle sent me a letter personally right after their call asking to settle the account for a lower amount. I didn't send the money and thought they would continue trying to settle the other accounts because the representative said the company would. On November 4, 2022 I checked my account, and the company had refunded me the remainder of my money. I guess that's a blessing..... However, nobody from the company reached out to tell me that they were no longer willing to settle the remaining accounts. When I called I reached a very nice representative who told me that what was noted on my account was that they closed my account because I wasn't willing to deposit any more funds into my account. Now I'm stuck trying to get these creditors to work with me so my credit isn't tarnished any further. I absolutely suggest hanging up on the representative if they are from Advocate Debt Relief or Start New Financial.

Terrible experience. They let my account go bad for over 7months, without any guarantee of settlement or time frame. Made my credit score plummet from high 700s to low 500. I was able to settle directly with the credit card company after. It’s really terrible that they can sell people their service as a solution. Desperate is a bad place to be and a huge lesson learned for me. I was trying to take advantage of their service rather than liquidate stocks… now I’m back to ground zero, with worse credit score. It’ll bounce back soon for me but please be wary of dealing with these people. I don’t believe they have the best interest of individuals.

Spoke with Melissa after declining offer she became very rude . I wouldn’t recommend this company/debt relief program to anyone if they plan to handle any of my business as horribly as their communication skills . Must retrain agents in my opinion. They want to make you pay your own money !

Very poor communication. I was told my debt would be fully done in January. I was reassured even after asking questions. I wasn't confident after working with them on other things they dropped the ball on so I called back a few months later. Now my debt isn't done until march-april because of their fees. Don't tell somebody they're debt is done in January if they still owe after that. It's just shady practice.

Thank you to those who posted real information. I'm currently in a desperate place and I thought this would be a good idea. I looked up this company and instantly felt better to see real humans be honest. Throw away the letter and do not take this call. Say your prayers and get through good ppl. This is NOT a good service. Do not support Start New financial.

I have been incredibly pleased with the customer service that this company has given me. They have settled my first account within the first two months of when I actually started the program which I thought was amazing! I would recommend them to absolutely anybody that wants to get their finances under control and to improve their credit score. When my first account was settled I received a phone call from Shannon who walked me through the settlement and the amount and told me what my next steps were and I appreciated everything she did for me.

I have been working with Start New Financial for a while now and so far it has been a very wonderful experience for me. They are super supportive and helpful. Within a span of approximately 6 odd months I already have 3 of my accounts closed. Everyone at Start New Financial is very friendly. Customer service is excellent. Make sure you forward them every email/letter you get from your debtors so they can help you settle the debt early. I cannot thank Start New Financial enough for helping me get out my financial debt. You always feel like a supportive angel is with you holding your hand and giving you the comfort and confidence you need during tough times. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Start New Financial if you are in a debt situation and feel that’s the end of the line. Trust me it’s not! These guys are real angels. Thank you Start New Financial for helping me. You guys are really best.

I have been working with Start New Financial for almost a year. They are very Professional, Courteous, Responsible. Helped me and my husband to get peace of mind. Took our credit cards death and we already got some of our settlements done. We can highly recommend Star New Financial to assist everyone with their financial issues. Sincerely, Silvia.