Tonight I've hit rock bottom...

Youngandfoolish

Toomuchdebt wrote: »

How are you doing now youngandfoolish?

Hi,

to be honest, its much more difficult that I first thought. I think I underestimated the extent of my financial problems and getting back on track is difficult. In a way, the gambling seemed to hide all this over the years and I kind of plodded on, winning and losing and using the wins to pay the bills and If I lost I would normally do without something and it's only now I've realised how much of a mess I'm actually in.

When I look ahead and realise the mountain I'm climbing, it can be depressing. Recently, I've got lots of bills to pay and I'm not really making any real progress with my debt (compared to what I hoped I'd have achieved). I also spend more time worrying about the finances and the fact I don't have any emergency fund if ever I need it.

However, all in all things are getting better one step at a time. I've got a lot going on in my life at the moment but I can honestly say I've turned a corner and I'm learning to deal with my finances and problems. I still enjoy reading the forums and there is lots of great advice and some great diaries too.

If you are reading this and you think you have a gambling problem, please don't ignore it. Gambling can be a serious problem for many and like a lot of others, I ignored the signs. For me, its taken years to admit to and like many others, I wish I had admitted sooner rather than later.

I saw this quote on someone's forum sig...and found it's spot on... "Gambling; a sure way of getting nothing from something."

YAF

Toomuchdebt

I don't have an emergency fund yet.I do have a little bit available on a credit card should I need it which is why I haven't saved anything yet. It does seem like a very long slow uphill battle sometimes.I've never gambled so I can't pretend to imagine what that's like but you're doing really well, and if it isn't coming down as fast as you'd like, well it doesn't matter-it is coming down.You're doing really well!

Teacher2

Don't let your sister down.

Youngandfoolish

Thanks for the motivational boosts! :j

I'm determined to become debt free and wont be letting anyone down.


Just a little update on my situation for those who have helped give me some advice from the beginning...

I've paid off the pay day loans.
Installed K9 on my pc.
Self-excluded myself from the online gambling websites I used.
Sold my ipad AND iphone (currently living with an old brick without internet, which is very hard! I didn't gamble on my phone or ipad but i didn't want any temptation at the beginning!
Both credit cards are now under the limit (no more overlimit fees! hurray!)
Joined Noddle to see my credit report and start being a financially responsible adult.
Slowly but surely making regular payments to my sister.

Currently looking for a new job with better pay or overtime and other ways to increase my monthly income.

Hopefully, I will have some good news to report within the next few weeks!

Good luck to everyone on their debt free journey.

Youngandfoolish