tomorrow is a new start for me

jojo1969

i have got to turn my life around my freind introduced me to online bingo 2 years ago,we always went to bingo hall once a month.i am now getting deeper and deeper into gambling god knows what i have spent in the last 2 years dare not look
i am not in debt but i am lying all the time to my other half he as not got a clue and im in charge of the money i feel so depressed over this having sleepless nights
so far my other half thinks i cant save cause he as no over time but i know thats not the reason, ifeel sick cause of this i have now cancelled all sites although i could do with a block on all online sites anyone know a free one or how i can stop having access to these
i have alot of sorting money out to do got a visa own 2.5 k on it hubby thinks its 1.5k
i have looked at meal plans and im going to try my best to get some money saved as i have really got down and dont go out any more
booking a holiday soon and unless i can save up we will be struggling to pay for it
sorry for the moan im going to keep comming on this site for ideas and to give me something to do instaed of bingo
any advice is welcome just need a kick up the bum thanks for listening

Winky,_The_House_Elf

Hey JoJo

The first step is to recognise its got out of hand, so well done!

You will find it really empowering to take control of your finances, can I make a suggestion? Why not pop over to the Debt Free Wanna Be board, when you feel comfortable you can put your details up and the guys there are really good at making suggestions on how to make the most of what you have got, and where you can cut back. That may free some money for your visa/holiday.

You don't need to be £50k in debt for them to help.

Have a look at the grocery challenge, its really inspiring. How much do you currently spend on shopping? Who is that for? Any kids/pets?

I don't want to over-whelm you, so I'll wait to see if you reply.

The people on here (Old Style) are really friendly, and will help with a lot of things, so welcome!

hamper

Hey, welcome, even though I'm pretty new here too. I just wanted to say kudos to you for sorting out your problem, and I would wish you luck but you don't need it (all you need is good advice, a plan and some willpower)!

ajmoney

Welcome to the site, there are plenty of people with support here. I got into debt as a student, it wasn't a huge amount (£1000) but when you earn £40 a week it is tough. I was so ashamed that I didn't tell my parents. I dreaded the credit card bill coming through but eventually I got there and have been nowhere near that area of my life since.

You have done a brave thing at stopping the sites and admitting it on here. You don't need to tell OH, you will get plenty of support and suggestions from these guys and you may surprise yourself at how quickly you get sorted. The kind of stuff on some of these threads are really infectious.

Good luck

CCP

Good for you for deciding to do something about this. This is the first forum I have ever joined and I can honestly say everyone on the OS board is lovely and friendly (I'm sure the other boards are nice too but this is the only one I come on regularly!) - I'm sure you'll get lots of useful ideas.

At the risk of being too personal (particularly on a public forum) - if you're feeling really down and think it might be more than just reaction to your money problem, please go and see your doctor - he/she will be able to tell if it's something they might be able to help with.

Right, that's the seriousness over - do pm me, though, if you'd like (I'm not a doctor or anything, though!).

CCP:)

flissh

Hi jojo, well done for making this huge first step. Recognising a problem has to be a giant first step to sorting it out.
I don't have any advice to give, but stick around, this forum is a great source of sound ideas and support.
One thing that always works for me when I am skint is menu planning for the week then shopping for those ingredients.
Good luck.

Ladygrim

Hello Jojo1969.

Just wanted to say well done for posting. Youve made the first step and I know everyone here will be there to help you along the way.

This site is full of great advice and great friends.

Good luck

LG

Curlytop40

Hi and welcome Jojo, I'm new too and have found this board such a help that I've managed to reduce this months outgoings by £100.I made an inventory of my cupboards and freezer and made a mealplan which I've almost stuck to. We have still eaten well and healthily and had days out and treats etc. I have really enjoyed it and feel so much more in control of my money and more aware of where its going.
I hope that you are able to adjust things in your life so that you can get that holiday paid for and your debts paid. Good luck.

xxvickixx

How do you think your OH would react if you told him. It might sound better if you explain that you are worried but that you have stopped and have put together a plan to sort things out.
I would hope he would respect your honestey and your pragmatic aproach to the debt. It might be easier to deal with the problem if it is out in the open and you are working together on it.

Hope you can find some tips here, they are very friendly and so full of tips.

jojo1969

thanks guys,a lovley response from you all.as for telling hubby i really cant i think he would kick me out as he is under enough stress at work.
i am looking forward to getting organised and trying to save money i am also going to start the competitions again thanks