Managing your money

This story shows typical customer situations and how banks can help. You’re not alone – we’re here to help you.

Dev requested an overdraft to fill the gap between payday and the end of the month. He could always repay it, so he wasn’t too worried.

However, when he found himself overspending, he began using his overdraft more and incurring fees. Soon, he was living off his overdraft.

It all got too much for Dev when he was charged a fee for a bill he couldn’t afford. He started to use a credit card to cover bills and had already borrowed money from his mum, knowing he couldn’t afford to pay it back for a while. His finances were spiralling out of control and he knew he needed some support.

Dev’s next steps

• Dev called and spoke to his bank, explaining his financial situation in detail. Dev’s situation is more common than he may think and in most cases banks are more than prepared for it
• Together, they worked through Dev’s income and outgoings and came up with a budget. Alongside his online banking tool, Dev was able to get a better idea of his finances; where a lot of his money goes to and how he could save money

Does Dev's situation sound familiar?

Does your income make it hard to look after your budget? Help’s always at hand.

As soon as you feel like you might go through some financial difficulties, give your bank a call – it could help make things better.

To prepare for the call, have some information about your financial situation ready, including your incomes and outgoings. You might be talking for a while, as your bank will want to understand your situation in detail, so make sure you set aside some time.

If you’re a Barclays customer, here are some numbers you can reach us from.

• Mortgages – 0800 022 4022. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm
• Barclaycard – 0800 046 8324. Lines are open every day from 9am to 9pm
• Overdraft and Barclayloan – 0345 600 4545. Lines are open Monday to Sunday, 8am to 9pm
• Premier – 08009 247 365. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Self-employed or have a business? Get some support.

Call charges

Free help and advice

If you’ve got more financial commitments than you can manage or have debt with other creditors, contact National Debtline or StepChange for free advice on the phone or online.

If you need to see somebody in person, contact Citizens Advice.

How close are you to a debt problem?

If you’re concerned about your finances, try StepChange Debt Charity’s 60-second debt test – a few simple questions will tell you if you need advice and where to get it.

These services can provide further help and support

• Turn2us – for advice on benefits and grants
• Money Advice Service – for free impartial information and tools on how to deal with your money