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

5 days free of gambling

125 days to go (800 to pay off before Nov.)

40 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 66 days = +813

Another day another dollar. Cheap weekend not spent a penny yet have a spare 30 I didn't know about which should do me until next weekend if I keep it tight. Would love to have even just an extra 50 left by next payday.

Rst

Fella well done for being honest,I know it will gift your resolve to continue making the right choice

Abstain and maintain

Duncs stepping forward never back

6 days free of gambling

124 days to go (800 to pay off before Nov.)

48 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 66 days = +821

So had a bit of a real hard think about my life last night and need to start looking at the future not just the mess of the last 3 years. I have decided that if I can go 2015 with no gambling I will have enough to live out my dream of spending a year in Australia. Ever since a friend from my old work did just that I have been itching to go and experience it for myself. Plus pay out there is much better. At 28 (in 2 years time) I am still young enough to come back and find a new career, hopefully something I enjoy a bit more.

Anyway, this morning back to sunday morning football after what seemed like a really long summer break, got an assist but team lost unfortunately. Long season to go yet. Went to the pub this afternoon where lots of friends were betting, and loosing, but had no real urge as it wouldn't have won me a lot and could have led to further bets.

8 days free of gambling

122 days to go (800 to pay off before Nov.)

64 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 66 days = +837

So totally forgot to check in yesterday after a stressful and busy day. Although it's nice to update and see that number increase more than usual.

Footy with work tonight for first time in 4 weeks, just remembering a check in I had about 6 weeks ago that was my most positive post to date. I had just played football and had no stress about my money or bets. Here's to more of them starting today.

9 days free of gambling

121 days to go (800 to pay off before Nov.)

72 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 66 days = +845

So had a thought as I walked into work this morning. As a % of my wages, how much do I actually have for me and what has been spent on gambling and debt payments this year. And here are the results:

Gambling 25%

Debt payments 36%

House bills (rent, car etc..) 28%

Money for me, (food holidays going out etc..) 11%

Now that is not a lot at all. But if I can not gamble in 2015. I will have 36% of my wage to treat myself which is a threefold increase. That is huge. Also my debt amount should slowly decrease so it's a really good incentive and one I thought I'd share.

Anyway back to work. 🙂

Hi Rst

Well done and Everytime a debt gets paid it's nearer to more money in your pocket that has got to be 10000 moe % than to regamble lose more and be in even more debt

Paying it off is hard but we are paying it off and not adding to it

Keep strong stay safe and keep moving forwards

Suzanne xx

Thanks Suzanne, I have to commend you for your input to diaries it is great to know that people are reading and supporting. I will try and do it more myself.

One thing I forgot to add was that I worked out my gambling losses vs wages in 2013 and it was over 120%. Wow just wow, so anyway 25% is an improvement but I'm not resting there. 0% next year would get me to where I want to be in my life. It may have been a 3/4 year struggle but one I'm starting to be glad I've done.

You can tell I work in finance too, I'm almost obsessed with calculating the impact gambling has on me. Shame I couldn't work this out earlier or a magic formula to win money, but I think I have learnt from trial and error there isn't one.

10 days free of gambling

120 days to go (800 to pay off before Nov.)

80 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 72 days = +853

So today has gone really quick, down in Northampton with work, no time to even think about gambling. Studying tonight so will leave phone switched off. Might even fit in a run to keep myself going. Still not spent a penny this month, that 15 from last month has now gone and it's on to budgeting myself knowing I have 2 or 3 nights out to go on this month for various birthdays.

Having looked at long term plans though 10/15 over my budget here and there will not be a lot if I can stay clean for 2015.

11 days free of gambling

119 days to go (800 to pay off before Nov.)

88 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 73 days = +861

Friday done with, night out being tight again but still stayed within my budget and had a good time just wish I could splash the cash a bit more sometimes although did get in a birthday drink for my mate. Hell I think nothing to 100/200 down the drain with gambling so imagine if I quit that how generous I could be on nights our next year.

12 days free of gambling

118 days to go (800 to pay off before Nov.)

96 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 74 days = +869

Steady day did a bit of studying which always makes the mind wander and want to gamble for a break. I need to somehow make my studying more enjoyable. No football matches today which is great to stop me thinking about gambling.

13 days free of gambling

117 days to go (775 to pay off before Nov.) - 25

104 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 75 days = +877

So pretty good day today, game of footy this morning in the heat, took a really good side to extra time in a cup match but lost eventually. Then spent the afternoon in the sun studying with classical music on that really helped relax the mind. Shame the weekend has gone too quick tho.

14 days free of gambling

116 days to go (775 to pay off before Nov.)

112 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 76 days = +885

Rattling through these days, great Monday at work today had a full team meeting which lasted 10-5 and involved lots of discussion and group work which let me see where I'd like to be in 6/12 months time. Very relevant to my experience on here. Back home now and ready for an evening of studying and watching England's first qualifying match.

15 days free of gambling

115 days to go (775 to pay off before Nov.)

120 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 77 days = +893

I don't know how I get away with it at work sometimes. Often do very little just waiting for the day to end as I seem to have little drive at times. Always thinking about certain expenses and how I need to save money. Need to be more positive. See if tomorrow brings a change. Off for a good game of footy now take my mind off things.

Hi rst

Sending you positive thoughts

Remember gambling thrives on negative thoughts

Very well done on 15 days

Suzanne xx

16 days free of gambling

114 days to go (875 to pay off before Nov.) +100 for exam

128 pounds saved.

0 paid off (long term debts)

0 spent on gambling

Money +- in last 78 days = +901

Thanks Suzanne much more positive today, still thinking about money worries and can't wait for the next couple of paydays so I can slowly pay off my debts. Keeping busy though.