Focus on the future, because in the future you haven't gambled

Getting really frustrated recently and I am addicted to checking my bank account and working out how much I owe.

I should see this inheritance that I am getting soon as a way out but it annoys me how much is going to go towards just paying off stupid credit card debt on 4 cards that I kept signing up for.

I shouldn't moan really as I would be in a terrible state without this, but it does get me down that I've been left this money and am only going to use it to patch up my terrible past.

Rst

Fella my advice would be to use the inheritance money for a purpose it befits and regards your credit card debts make those repayments through hard graft.

Why?

Because for me our compulsive gambler's brain will work like this.

Addiction will tell you that it was 'free' money that because you didn't earn it you should be enjoying it, it will canvas your brain into believing you can get back to gambling again, a clean slate and without doubt it will bu#ll s#hi #t your mind into believing that the winning will commence. We to a man know the outcome of that.

By repaying the credit card debt through graft will gift your brain a priceless lesson, one which will gift your resolve and show you the true value of money.

One of my biggest traits is to seek quick solutions to everything, this has led to some dismal outcomes.

From recovery I have learnt that the shortest way is not always the best most successful way.

For now concentrate your full efforts on the task at hand, exams!!

I hope you suceed in them.

Abstain and maintain

Duncs stepping forward never back.

Thanks for your posts NT, lamps and dunc.

To put things in perspective, I will be getting an inheritance of circa 12k.

My debts are as follows:
15k long term loan with bank (270 P/m)
1.8k in overdraft (40 P/m)
1.5k credit card 1 - 12.9% (25 P/m)
750 credit card 2 - 17.9% (25 P/m)
5k credit card 3 with 0% to end of this year. (100 P/m)
700 Payday loan (with interest) (90 P/m)
500 parents
Total = 25k (500 P/m)

So will wipe out about half of my debt. I earn 1200 per 4 weeks.

Dunc, I see where you are coming from but I have to clear the credit cards as a priority due to the interest on them.

Seriously my mind is done with betting, this will not be easy money that I blow.

I will be in a better shape of mind to focus on exams with all my credit cards cleared and a much healthier credit score. I want just my main loan remaining with my nationwide account that I can hopefully reduce to paying 200 a month and that is it.

Then my hard graft will give me more money that I can start to put in a savings account or at least make me live like a normal person again as I haven't been myself in 4 years always counting pennies to next payday.

Sorry if that sounds very dismissive of your advice dunc.

I have looked at the other option of reducing that massive 15k by over half then pay a little bit on credit cards and I still haven't ruled that out so will decide in April when I get my inheritance.

Thanks for all your continued support it is just what I need right now. Sorry if I am not as supportive to everyone else but I will later on in the year.

Thanks for your comments Lamps, my auntie was a very religious lady and so this could really be a gift for a second life, a chance to start over and do my auntie proud.

I am aware not to get too carried away and I will still have to put the effort in to abstain and maintain. Need to make sure all blocks are in place and to keep occupied.

19 days gamble free
6 days to payday
6 days to next holiday
3.5 days to exam 🙁

Good to see you well back into recovery.

Keep strong.

Suzanne xxx

Checking in. 4 days free, been a bit crazy for me this year, money issues driving me to have that one last gamble. In a better place now so ready to carry on and be more present in this diary.

Keep going pal. Don't give up don't give in. It's so hard but you have got to stay focused. You can turn everything around... it's all in your hands. The very best of luck to you. I'll be thinking about you.

Keep going Dan, you know you can do this

Well done on breaking away from that horrible grip.

Suzanne xxx

2 more days down, some money coming back into my account after recent binge, didn't actually lose much so a relief. Have sisters birthday at the weekend so will get her something nice this week.

Sorry for slow response have been busy with a new addication. Prison Break. Have got amazon prime for 30 days and have blitz the first season in about 4 days.

Lamps, my problem is with in play events that give odds of about 1/2 so I know it's quite favourable and will get my money plus half back. Just that it never really works like that.

In terms of my triggers are spare time and the need for that bit extra cash each month as I am struggling with debt.

I know from going over 3 months clear that not gambling sees my bank balance sort itself out but sometimes there are expenses I didn't plan for which leave me a bit short some months, so try to gain some back and especially when I have a healthy bank account it is dangerous.

14 days, 2 weeks down. Just over a week until another stag do, off to Hamburg in Germany. Am prepared for how expensive it may be and have enough to cover it, plus I get paid the day we go out so that will help if I do spend more than planned.

Shame I'm having to cut back on expenses back home for this one weekend away but the following month I don't have any expensive holidays planned and will be studying for another exam so chance to get my finances back in check.

Bit of luck today at work, some guy had spare euros so I managed to save about 10 quid on the price I would have paid on the high street. It's a small amount but if it helps keep me away from that next gamble it is worth it.
Also buying my money now has left me with a very low bank balance so won't be tempted to blow it and be unable to buy euros next week.

Day 16, 4 days off work now the joys. No plan to gamble, just spend the extra time studying, no plans to go out either as most of friends saving money for upcoming stag do, so will I 🙂

Have a good easter everyone.

Don't eat too much chocolate but keep busy, think I might go for the odd run to get rid of the few extra pounds I'll be putting on.

Well done on 17 days and you have a great Easter too.

Suzanne xxx