Finally - deep breath - Zulu Dawn SOA

Zulu_Dawn

Hello everyone

It's been a very long time since I last posted but I thoughtr I'd drop by and say hello.

Life is very good at the moment. My wife and I are together and happily so. After a lot of soul searching and some tought times, I think we both came to the realisation that we are better together than apart. The love was always there but the damage caused by my addiction and the debt took some time to heal.

My gamble free life continues. Coming up for 1000 days since my last bet. Gamblers Anonymous made all the difference, but wanting to change my life for the better was my main motivator.

As a result of the above primarily, but also some timely promotions and the fall in interest rates, our financial position has improved immeasurably. I remain on a DMP but my DFD is down to December 2012 if nothing horrible comes back to bite us. When I consider my starting point (my original SOA showed a shortfall of £600 per month), this feels like a wonderful achievement.

We made lots of sacrifices in the first eighteen months. However in the last year we have had holidays (the DFW way of course), bought a lovely second hand car and enjoyed life to the full.

The reason I'm posting today is because this site helped me immeasurably in the early days when my financial problems seemed insurmountable. Actually the money bit has been pretty easy and my creditors have been incredibly reasonable. I always speak to them when they call, I treat them fairly and with respect at all times, but am firm regarding what I can and can't afford. They get regular statements regarding my financial position and I have been able to gradually increase my payments to them whilst also maintaing a very decent standard of living. You get the odd dodgy call but I can laugh it off now as I know they are just doing their job - albeit badly.

If anyone reads this who is starting their DFW journey, let me reassure you that there is always hope and always a way forward.

If anyone had told me where I'd be today when I first posted my SOA, I would have given my right arm for that to be true. My debts are still substantial bt my life has quality and joy and I am exceedingly grateful.

Best wishes,

ZD

RAS

I had been wondering where you were. Good to learn that things are going well.

We still get a LOT of folk whose debts are partly or wholly the the result of gambling.

Reading your first post with the £600 deficit made me realise how many more people we are seeing with high incomes and very substantial deficits - £1000 or more.

What really chimed was how very much more open you were to suggestions on how to balance the books.

Best of luck to for the future. It is getting close now.

Zulu_Dawn

Glad to see that someone remembers me. Hope all is well with you RAS.

RAS

Fine but busy.

If you head over to the daily chat thread or visit the Diaries sub-forum you will find more old timers.

Snaggles

Hiya ZD, lovely to see you back with positive news.

Nice weather, isn't it? Planning any BBQs?? :rotfl:

Seriously though, thanks for letting us know how you are getting on, and I'm very glad things are looking up.

Karmacat

Hi ZD! I remember you too, of course I do - I am so, so pleased for you! How lovely to hear that you've brought your life back into balance.

hypno06

Ah yes, the BBQs :rotfl:

Glad to see things are going well for you ZD!

QueenBeruthiel

Terrific achievement, Zulu Dawn. Congratulations.

rachel6188

hi.
i just wanted to massive well done and congratulations on doing soo well with your addiction, you have done brilliantly and you should be extremely proud.
the debts- you have done really well to do as much as you have and from reading how you felt, etc, when you started this thread you'v come so far, keep on going and i hope your future is bright and happy for you and your family.
take care
rach x

imamoneysaver

hi,

ive just finished reading this thread and I just wanted to say a massive well done!!!