Financial Hardship

Hi L,

It's a shame about debt management, Payplan have been fantastic for me. Are the debts in joint names? Surely if they're just in yours that wouldn't affect your hubbies job? Either way, assuming you have contacted Citizens Advice or Step Change? They will both offer advice that would suit your particular issue, and if you're not happy with the advice you're not compelled to do what they advise. It really is a b*****d of an addiction isn't it, I'll be living with the ramifications for the next 5 years with my iva however at least then it's done and dusted, and my iva does give me a realistic amount to live on just about comfortably so long as I stay away from the slots. By the way, I do market research focus groups, you get anything between £40-£70 for a couple of hours, usually in the evenings sitting in a room and talking about products and how they are going to be advertised. Google 'market research focus group recruiter' in your area, it's a cash incentive for your time/travelling expense so you don't pay tax either. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck, don't be too hard on yourself, we've all been there, that's why we are on this site in the first place.

Twinklyr

Hi

Welcome to the forum and well done for writing your story.

Now the main thing is that you have stopped and you associate gambling with financial loss and the pain caused.

Honesty is your key weapon so keep talking about it. The people close do you do need to know how much of a hold it had on you and there is no shame in admitting it and seeking help from everyone who can.

I hope you will follow it through with careful monitoring of your gadgets. As a matter of pride now you should be self excluded from town sites and using a blocker on any computer.

As to the financial side. Ive been a credit controller and Ive been bankrupt so do know a bit about the bigger picture

You must not let money worries make you ill. Part of dealing with this is a structure of realising that money isnt always happiness. I know that can sound twee but its time to build on your relationships and maybe seek some counselling as gambling is stress and depression related. That is a fact so the reasons why you gambled arent always about the money

You can only afford what you can pay after living expenses. You may need financial advice from the CAB who are helpful to talk to.

I understand your situation but I can only say that bankruptcy isnt the end of the world for people that go through it. Having said that I dont know your income or the possibilities of a payment plan.

Im not fully sure how your husbands job affects this but would have thought that you have certain private matters. Thats something you will need further advice on from the CAB and confidentially from other people

Its a healthy mind and the strength of your family relationships that will cope with this. I know its a difficult one but you are allowed to live on a certain income before paying anyone.

The main thing is that the gambling must never start again and your mental heath is top priority. A visit to the doctor would be a good idea if you feel stressed and down.

I wish you all the very best. Youve come to the right place here and you will sort your life out.

Welcome L xx that was a real strong post. Well done for being so honest. It's awful how this can become an addiction so soon! I regret the day I pushed that d**n button for the first time. Take care xxx