Money worries

If you're worried about your finances, we're here to help. 

How can we help?

We offer support and resources for a number of common money worries. 

Budgeting and money management

By making a few changes to your spending and saving habits, you can create a more positive relationship with your money.

Financial difficulties

If your finances are becoming hard to manage, there are resources available to help get you back on track. 

Persistent debt

If you've been struggling to pay off a credit card or loan for 18 months or more, you may be in a situation called persistent debt. 

Need to talk to someone?

For general money worries

At first direct we have a dedicated team to discuss common money worries. We call them our Money Coaches.

If you would like to speak to somebody in confidence about your money worries, or if you need a little extra help with creating a budget, they're on hand to chat with you. 

To speak to a Money Coach, call us on 03 455 873 951. Lines are open from 9am-5.30pm Monday to Sunday.

For missed payments

If you've missed a regular loan, credit card or mortgage repayment, or if you feel that you are at risk of missing one soon, it's important to get in touch with our Financial Support Team as early as possible. 

For Loan or Credit Card payments call 03 456 100 188

For Mortgage payments call 03 456 100 193

Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm Saturday, and 9am-6pm Sunday.

Practical guides and resources

For practical advice on a range of common money worries.

Managing your overdraft

Need help managing your overdraft? Find out everything you need to know right here, from interest rates and charges, to how to change your limit.

Gambling support

If you're concerned about the effects of gambling on you or somebody you know, first direct is here to help you take back control. 

Financial and domestic abuse

Financial and domestic abuse can affect anyone. If someone is taking advantage of your finances, we can direct you to sensitive, confidential support. 

Managing the cost of living

If you’re struggling to stay on top of essential living costs such as food, energy and travel, our guide could help you to find some savings and balance your budget more effectively. 

Protecting your mental health

Mental health and money worries often go hand in hand. 

 

If financial troubles are affecting your mental health, help is available. 

 

Similarly, if your mental health is making it difficult for you to manage your money, we can help you to find the support you need to take back control. 

 

If you or someone you know is struggling, read our guidance to learn about the full range of mental health support that is available.

Life events

We offer guidance and support for a number of life events that can cause money troubles.

Bereavement

Losing a loved one is never easy, and it can often come with financial complications. Our practical guidance and bereavement support services are available to help you with managing money after a loss.

Divorce and separation

A relationship breakdown can affect many areas of your life, including your finances. We're here to help support you with managing your money in any way that we can. 

Redundancy

Have you recently been made redundant, or told that you are at risk of redundancy? Here's what you can do to protect yourself and your finances.

Tools you can use

Spending insights

Our spending insights tool can be found in the first direct mobile banking app.

It can help you to categorise your transactions, so you can easily see how much you're spending each month, what you're spending it on and where. 

Online webinars

Our amazing colleagues at HSBC host free webinars to help you navigate the cost of living and learn how to make the most of your money. 

Independent support

If you're looking for free help and advice on handling your money worries, we recommend the following trusted organisations. 

To access free independent money advice in your area:

For support with managing debt and other financial problems

The Money Helper website also features an online budget planner which you may find useful for managing your spending. It’ll help you work out where your money goes, and see if you can reduce some of your expenses.