About YoungBanker.com

I'm Matthew Barker, a University graduate in my twenties. I worked during my summers at University to fund my way through studies, but still found myself in debt of over 10,000 pounds when I left in.

When I did graduate, the world of work was baffling. To start with, I was unaware of the amount of income tax I would pay. I had also conveniently blocked out of my mind that council tax and student loan repayments would have to paid on top of accommodation and energy bills.

But I worked hard, got a good job, and reined in spending. Before I knew it my finances were under control.

Many other people I knew weren't so lucky. Costs piled up, and living was tight (especially considering that the average graduate leaver can expect to be paid about 21,000 pounds a year), and many moved back home to be bailed out by their parents. Others have put off the inevitable and taken on even more debt to do gap years or extend their studies. When the crunch kicked in, things got harder, and many still can't find a job at all.

I read this summer in Push's 2010 National Student Debt Survey, that it's getting worse. The average undergraduate who started University last year can expect to leave with debts of about 23,000 pounds. And those that are starting this year can expect to leave with debts of around 25,000 pounds! That is a startling amount of money.

I believe that one of the reasons people of my age find themselves in the situation they do, is down to the lack of formal Financial education they received as a young person. Most of what I was told about money was through family and friends (some of whom knew less than I did :-), and most of it went straight over my head!

To go some way towards redressing this issue, and in response to my frustration, I have created Young Banker. Based on my own knowledge and research, I offer straightforward and easy-to understand information that doesn't assume a high level of financial understanding.

If you have any comments, thoughts or suggestions about Young Banker, or anything else, please contact me at matthew.barker@youngbanker.com or our Marketing Director Russell Levin at russell.levin@youngbanker.com