Lost the plot...so back.

Milkrounds can be quite lucrative. However, customers are fickle and the current climate is seeing a migration to the supermarkets. It's very sad - we deliver local farm milk which is 24 hours from cow to customer, but we just can't compete with the price of the big boys. We have to sell it on freshness, service and eco-friendliness. Many of the young couples we have on our round are more bothered about price than any of those.

After saying that, we do all right. However, I am a hired hand, just working 20 hours a week, on just above the minimum wage. I had the opp to buy the round some months ago, but I didn't want the extra work or responsibility. I have another job, about 10 hours a week, that pays a lot more and makes use of my degree. Can't say too much or it'd identify me. I tick over and get by, which is all I want. I am not bothered about being well-off, which is ironic considering everything. Number one is my family and free time and, yes, the milk is perfect for that. Tues, Thurs and Friday I am home at 10am and have no other work. I work Sat til 10.30am. I catch an hour here and there, but I am fully involved in my kids' upbringing, and that's why I do the milk. In this weather, of course, it's fantastic. I also do it to keep fit.

Hi MM

I admire your priorities and your approach to your recovery... an honesty that others can benefit from.. but most of all, one which you obviously benefit from.

All the best

Jon

Thanks jon.

Life is ticking along. It's good in so many ways, and I'm very lucky. I live in a lovely semi-rural place, got a great family and extended family, I like my (low-paying) job and don't hate my other high-paying job...the more I think about it, the more I see my gambling as an illness. I just lose control. It's funny how it only applies to some forms of gambling, though; in the past, I prob had 2 or 3 sports bet a year, a tenner a time, on things like the G Nat, winner of the football league, Wimbledon etc... was tempted yesterday to bet on a football outcome because 'my' team is playing an important match, and i'll be watching it in the pub. This form of gambling has never been a prob for me. however, have forgone it in the interests of purity (although I keep the £2 a week lottery syndicate going). So, I genuinely miss this bet, it would've added a little something to my pint with the lads. But I know I can't allow myself the luxury.

soon be 7 months for me. That's the longest ever by a long way.

Can't say more because it would identify you? What are you - an MI5 spy?!

There's only one milkman in the world who does my 'other' job, unfortunately, so, yes, it would identify me. My face is all over Hollywood

7 months today.

Not thought about gambling, other than reading the entries on here.

The situation is that I'm reasonably confident I won't gamble in the near future. Life is better on this side of the fence, although it is impossible to truly replace that buzz, so I do miss it occasionally.

Unexpected cash boost if £250 today.

current state of finances:

Debt 1 - £5,125

Debt 2 - paid off

Debt 3 - paid off

Debt 4 - £3,000, Cc

Debt 5 - £1,400 CC2

Overdraft: £700

Opening debt: £13,500

Current debt: £10,225

Last gamble: 31st Oct 2011

Debt-free day: 24th december 2013

7 months wow what a great achievement well done, and the debt is reducing daily. You have put a lot of hard work into your recovery and you are reaping the rewards.

Blondie day 38

Did you get money back from the taxman too? How are you paying off Debt 1? It does not seem to have changed much for several months. Is it an interest-free loan?

Any chance of an update? I am slightly concerned that you have not updated your diary for over a week.

7 months, 1 and a half weeks

Hi Pelle,

thanks for pushing me. You really are a good egg. The truth is simple - I've not been very well, but well enough to work - that plus the family means all the rest of the time I'm knackered. Plus the car broke down, plus 2 weddings...

No gambling. thoughts of gambling still, but dare not. car problems have meant that the £250 unexpected bonus has all but gone; there's more to go too, have my MOT on monday and I doubt it'll get through. However, life with da OH and kids is great, and apart from being unwell I'm very happy on the 'other side'.

As for the debts, the first one is the friend who lent me 6.5k, payable at £275/month. I'll finish paying it (and hopefully my debts in total) on 24 Dec 2013.

Still holding out.

Going away on Tuesday for a week; unlikley to meet temptation, so can carry on eating up the days. Should be 7 and a half months when I return.

Still painfully slow on the money front. Did my tax return at the w/e. Sad to say, I gambled more than I earned last year, by quite a margin too. It's no bloody wonder I'm skint.

Just 'won' £100 from National W bank after making a complaint against them. They'd lowered my overdraft from £7.5k to £2k in Feb - not in itself a bad thing - but told me they'd done it because they had information that I'd entered a debt management plan. That is total B**** - I haven't, and never have. I tried to tell them, and asked where they got the info, but I was told that I had to contact credit agencies if there was any incorrect info, since all NW's info came from them. I did contact the credit agencies, and none of them had any such info on my account. NW refused to accept it. I complained to the ombudsman, and they backed down and offered my the compensation for 'distress and inconvenience. They certainly did me a favour, lovering my overdraft, although it is my safety net gone. Now I can't run up 7k overdrafts and beg off friends to lower it.

HI Milkman

Thanks for your post on my diary I agreed with what you said about telling people about me being a C.G its a tricky one isnt it. Your doing so well in racking those days up and everyday you remain gamble free is a day closer to being debt free, Im sure its really tight finacially for you at the moment but your tackling your debts as best day by day.

Keep at it mate your doing so well.

Blondie day 49

Are you okay Milkman? It has been another week without an update from you. I hope you have not fallen off the wagon and started gambling heavily again.

No such luck, Pelle. Been visiting the in-laws in a certain ex-communist country. No internet in the village. I refer my honourable friend to my previous entry.

7 and a half months free. Lots of temptation...no action on it. Sometimes a good ol' gamble for half an hour seems like a great proposition, but far too scared (and scarred) to do it.