Hey all,
I’m a 26 year old girl working 50-70 hours a week at 2 jobs to try and pay off my gambling debt. It all started with a free bet then I was spending £1200 a day and taking out loan after loan.
I’ve since learned my lesson and haven’t gambed online (roulette was my problem) since July 2018 however I have slipped up a few times playing Facebook raffles since then but haven’t lost anything drastic,
The main reason I’m still here is because I get the occasional urge to play raffles and also I really struggle to come to terms with what I’ve done and the position I’ve put myself in financially, some months I make £1700 and have barley anything to life off of so constantly struggle to make ends meet. I’m going to be debt free in August 2019 so I’m just plodding along counting down the time until then and CANT WAIT to have all my money to myself after my bills.
I’ve been trying to focus on walking my dog, cleaning and working to keep my busy and make time go quicker 🙂
Stay strong. Like you i’ve struggled over the years and my worst times always came when my financial situation became tight. Getting to that debt clear goal is the best thing you can do and is becomes a fresh start automatically. Keep those targets in mind and keep busy!
You are doing great, well done and keep it up.
Just be aware that when you become debt-free, make concrete plans as to what to do with the extra money that you will have. Please don't make the same mistake as I did when I finally reached my debt-free date last year.
It was hard to deal with the extra money that I had each month, something that I had not experienced for many, many years. All of that extra money was lost and fortunately, that was it - no further debts. It's only due to the fact that I am now 52 days gamble-free that I am finally starting to reap the rewards.
Please make sure that you reap the rewards from August onwards, eh?
NT
NT wrote:
You are doing great, well done and keep it up.
Just be aware that when you become debt-free, make concrete plans as to what to do with the extra money that you will have. Please don't make the same mistake as I did when I finally reached my debt-free date last year.
It was hard to deal with the extra money that I had each month, something that I had not experienced for many, many years. All of that extra money was lost and fortunately, that was it - no further debts. It's only due to the fact that I am now 52 days gamble-free that I am finally starting to reap the rewards.
Please make sure that you reap the rewards from August onwards, eh?
NT
NT
Very very good advice.
Make plans for what you need to use the money for, rather than let it sit.
Kind regards
Bella xx
Hey guys! Thankyou so much for all your comments, I really don’t believe I will waste a single penny when I have my money to myself again as I honestly couldn’t handle another year of working like this, I’m pyshically and mentally exhausted from having almost no days no off since last February and having to spend a good hour a week writing out my budget and shopping lists for the month so I can afford to eat etc! but I suppose the risk is always there and that does scare me! When I have more money I want to get new flooring for my living room because I have beautiful wood that my wee dog has ruined bits of. I will also probably book a holiday for next year 🙂 and spend so much money on food lol, I feel so guilty spending £2 on a coffee and bacon roll at Greggs these days so hopefully will be able to feel normal again... time will tell! I wish I could hibernate until July lol.
Many thanks for posting on my diary Lisa. Hope you enjoyed the Spa Day last Sunday, I imagine it was just what you needed, a great opportunity to relax, enjoy gentle exercise and spend some quality time with your mum.
It is now about 200 days since you gambled online and I believe you have recognised the futility and foolishness of giving money to the organisers of facebook raffles. Provided you don't gamble anymore, your finances will soon sort themselves out, so please don't torment yourself worrying about money because the addiction may try using that to get you back gambling.
Take good care of yourself Lisa. Enjoy your life and live it to the full....Stephen
Thanks Stephen, I’ve just been over on your diary too. you’re definitely right if I keep worrying about money it could send me back towards gambling so I’m best to let me payments run their course and just look forward to the future, I feel like I struggle not to think about money all the time because I have so little I have to plan ahead so I don’t run out of petrol and things, it’s so stressful. I do remortgages for a law firm too so I sit staring at massive amounts of money all day which doesn’t help much. Anyway onwards and upwards and good luck as always 🙂
***update on debts left
£492 to bank loan at £100 a month
£330 to auntie at £110 a month
£45 payday loan at £15 a month!
Other 2 payday loans at £25 a month each for the next 2 years 🙁
£8 left on one payday loan which I will pay off next Friday!!!
Finished paying off another payday loan last week
Sent a load of emails to other previous lenders about irresponsible lending and have managed to get a £130 refund from one, I’m so happy with this as I won’t have to struggle as much this month. Should receive it on or before the 15th and will fill up car and fridge.
So my boyfriend has converted a van into a camper van for us (I’ve barley paid attention to this as all I focus on is debt, money and gambling 🙁 feel like a horrible person ) however we are going away in it for the first time tomorrow and I’m so so excited. We’re taking our dog with us and We’re gonna stop off and get a chippy on the way to wherever we end up. This is what life is all about guys!! Not staring at a screen ruining your life one spin at a time
Hope you have a great time in the camper van Lisa. I'm guessing it will be quite an adventure and a lot of fun. The weather looks good although you might need to get well wrapped up.
It is a good opportunity to embrace all that is good in your world. Try to not think about financial woes and just enjoy yourself.
"The moon belongs to everyone, the best things in life are free."...Stephen
Congratulations Lisa on 40 days gamble free.
Hope your having a good weekend.
Wishing you happy days...Stephen x
Thankyou so much Stephen! Weekend was fantastic, it was raining but we didn’t mind too much as have heating and a hot shower in our camper, hoping I can get away again soon but as usual I’m having to work most weekends, although I’m liking the thought of leaving on a Friday after work even if it’s just for the 1 night. How have you been getting on?
Your journey sounds similar to mine. Started small, got into a little trouble, took a few loans out, and now I'm paying them back which will take me months. Mine are finished end of May, and just like you I'll go from hardly any money to myself, to hundreds! Very similar positions! Best of luck to you.
Aww that’s a shame to hear, may isn’t too far away so good luck to you too 🙂
Sooo I’m taking some peoples advice and gonna have a break from working so much, asked for next Saturday night off so I can go out with my friends for dinner and cocktails, going to lose £30 of wages and probably spend £60 when I’m out but who cares when I’m sticking to all my payment plans I need to stop punishing myself
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