The Road To Happiness

Craig32

Hi Folks,

Figured I would start my own diary here, to help me document my battle to becoming debt free.

My introduction to the forum was at the following thread:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=5293378&highlight=drowning+in+debt

Brief update - I acquired nearly £30k of debts from gambling over the duration of a few months earlier this year. I haven't gambled since the end of May.

My debts fall under unsecured loans, payday loans, overdrafts & pay day loans. It is one almighty financial mess to say the least!

I am still undecided on what route to go down, be it a Debt Management Plan, Trust Deed (Scottish IVF), or bankruptcy. My situation with work is what will dictate, with things possibly changing over the next month.

If I get either of the jobs I am in the running for abroad, then I can only go down the DMP route, whereas if I don't get either, then I will be staying in the UK with the other 2 options then being a possibility.

I sent my initial letters out to all creditors on Friday, advising that I am speaking with a debt charity, requesting them to freeze interest, and to issue an up to date balance of what I am due. This buys me around a month, where I will have a better idea of where I am at, and what solution to go down.

Today was the first day of payments due, so I have had many creditors bombarding my phone enquiring what is going down. I have shut them all down at the start, advising the letters were sent recorded delivery, and they have signed them, so I have requested they read those, and respond via postal mail.

So now the dull part is finished, a bit about myself (without giving away my identity):

I am a 31 year old man, living in Gods favourite country, Scotland!

I have been troubled with a gambling addiction for years, but have always ran away from it, until now where I have decided I have had enough, and want to face up to all the problems in my life.

I have a beautiful long term girlfriend, who I think the world of, and who has been an absolute rock for me.

It's funny how it goes, as I disguise my trouble & torment with my gambling addiction very well. If you asked anyone who knew me, they would say I am the most positive, happiest guy going, and would be amazed if they knew of the darkness that follows me.

This is going to be the biggest challenge of my life, I have no question, but one I am going to tackle, and win.

Apologies for the long read, hopefully this can run a few years, and document my road to happiness, where I eventually become debt free. I am a very open person for the best part, so it should make for an interesting read.

Have a good day folks

cakeforbrains

Hi Craig. So glad you are still not gambling. I will keep an eye with interest. Good luck.