I don't know if this is really a debate topic or one of my random ramblings but, for now, please humour me!
I had a panic today as I realised I only had access to around £700 for the rest of the month (I say 'access to' as it's available overdraft not cleared funds but, hey, to us CG's it's the same thing right?)
How stupid is this? I know people who can easily get through a month (after bills are paid) on less than half of this so it must be a gambling thing. Is it the gamblers mentality that we have to have access to a large amount of available cash? I assume it's a sort of inbuilt panic that we won't be able to get our 'hit' (or at least a decent enough one to kill the urges). Is it like an alcoholic being down to their last case of beer?
So my question is this: Firstly, am I the only one with this issue? Secondly, to those further down the recovery road, does this subside?
I understand that many members will have genuine money worries but does the gambling brain crave an excessive amount of available cash for when a 'fix' is needed?
Hi Phil.
I'm exactly the same! So worked out I have just short of £500 left until the 31st which is 20days. I'm still worrying, trying to get a loan just in case. It must have something to do with gambling. Or is it the obsessive part in us?
Like You say I know people who live comfortably off less. I've noticed something else i also do, check the bank and add up what's going in and coming out daily. It's a pain but I have to do it.
Kirsty x
Have you tried working out a budget for the available cash?
Splitting it up and allocating it to virtual 'pots' so you can see you have enough for each upcoming expense might help.
I have £338.58 in my spending account....that's for food and diesel, train fares...do about 200-250 miles a week I reckon. Only me and the dogs to feed most of the time. All other bills come out of another account, and 'spare' cash stays there. As I reduced my hours in November, still haven't come to grips with new income and expenditure. Having spends in separate account has helped me stop gambling....could easily have blown £300 in one evening....and more, now I consider what that can provide, I am relearning the value of money. Money I would have gambled is paying for a cottage for a week's holiday for me and my kids and their partners....and that makes me feel sooooo good.
Hi Phil,
I'm exactly the same . . I've been using an app for a while though called "spending". You can put all your recurring payments in there, forecast what you need for each thing (e.g. Petrol, food) and add any additional spends, & see what you'll be left with at the end of the month (or in my case how far into my overdraft I'll be!). I've input everything including loan and credit card payments for the next 3+ years, (eek!) so I can see what my balance on debts will be at the end of each month too, if I stick to the plan.
It's kind of become my new obsession since being GF, but it really does help flicking through the months & seeing how the debts will reduce on each account, if I stick with it.
I've probably not explained that very well but it's worth using something like that, if you don't already of course.
K.
I started recovery having blown £300...It was ALL I had left to get through the month & I chucked it in a FOBT because I thought I needed more. Strangely enough, I survived said month anyway & now I have about a third of that left & am going out on Saturday.
So to answer your questions: no, you are not alone & yes, the fear does subside.
Hi
I thinks its more to do with how we let money drive us. On that basis there is never enough and we always want more.
I have just been happy finding myself recently. Ive realised that a good walk along a mountainside gives me more pleasure than all the gadgets and stuff I was hankering after.
When the gambling stops the living expenses do tend to look after themselves. I dont want much in the way of material posessions. Im working through where I fit in and how I wont have as much money as some people. I dont get hung up on that now
What is wealth though? Ive bought stuff in my time and it never made me really happy. Ok its easy to say that and I wouldnt deny that lots of money buys a certain freedom
In a capitalist system we are all told to join the rat race because it suits those who financially benefit the most. Perhaps if we were happier within ourselves gambling problems would be far less.
Best wishes
nice to no its not just me i have the urge to win more money even if i dnt need it and i can never understand it i have just admitted i have a problem but its not easy ti kick the craveing
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