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A big thanks to the forums and you guys

I don't post in here but am a member and have followed all the trials, tribulations and advise of everyone on here. This has enabled me to make significant progress with all my debts to a point where they are more manageable and hopefully will be all repaid within the next 18 months or so.

To give you a brief back story, I am a recovering compulsive gambler and over the years built up tens of thousands of pounds debt, lost my house and was on my knees when I started going to Gamblers Anonymous. I have been 'clean' for two years but my money management was dreadful to say the least. I used these forums to pull myself up by my financial shoelaces, put action plans into place and followed strict budgeting.

I have just completed an IVA (funnily, my Experian credit score didn't change much after it fell off my file), but I now have a disposable monthly income of £420 excluding overtime, still have about £8000 in debt but am using any surplus to clear this more quickly. Life is so much better though.

I know I have waffled on but just a thank you to you guys for the hints and trips posted on these forums to give me guidance. :T

Comments

  • savingmummy
    savingmummy Posts: 2,915 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    WOW Well done :j


    You`ve done a fab job, nearly there!!
    DebtFree FEB 2010!
    Slight blip in 2013 - Debtfree Aug 2014 :j

    Savings £132/£1000.
  • dubs57
    dubs57 Posts: 97 Forumite
    :)Its good to hear that things are going better for you now.
    Member 116 2 pound savers club:) 167 virtual sealed pot challenge:j
  • harveybobbles
    harveybobbles Posts: 8,973 Forumite
    Can I ask how have you got £8000 debt if you have just completed an IVa?
  • Can I ask how have you got £8000 debt if you have just completed an IVa?

    By being naughty in a word. Payday loans, doorstep loans and a credit card. Yes, I know I shouldn't have but when you have a compulsive disorder, all logic goes out of the window.
  • Willowpop
    Willowpop Posts: 856 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    Well done to you! So inspiring to hear someone doing well. :)
    PAYDBX 2016 #55 100% paid! :j Officially bad debt free...don't count my mortgage.
    Now to start saving...it's a whole new world!!
  • xJOJOx_2
    xJOJOx_2 Posts: 572 Forumite
    All the best for the future xxx
    Debt Remaing £315 :j
    Breath out the past, Breath in the future
    Big Dreams Start Small
  • Congrats! You should be very proud of yourself, what an achievement!

    :dance:
    Debt as of March 2018, £794 rent arrears £4273.7 debt, £900.70 in pay day loans, total £5968.40 :eek:. Total debt today £5968.40

    Rich people stay rich by living like they're poor. Poor people stay poor by living like they're rich.

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