Prolific Spender, needs help

Barney27

i will tell you a bit about myself, and then the issue:

I was diagnosed with Autism (now ASD) at 18 (i was recieveing benefits - DLA - since 16 and Incapacity since 18)... My dad never let me see my money, if i wanted anything he would just give it to me (it went into his account you see). My parents never taught me how to look after the money myself.

Now 35 i am horrendous... I get DLA (middle rate) Weekly and ESA (supported rate) fortnightly. Although at the end of every month i have only a matter of pence in my account! I don't have any savings!

Why is this?

It is because (i think) that i have such an addictive personality:

Online games (mmo's like World of warcraft, eve online, starwars: the old republic) but that's not enough for me, i also buy a LOT of the *coins* in some of the games for *extras* etc.

I have also owned a lot of consoles in the past (not to mention my previous illegal habbits, which i wont)

I am also a heavy tobacco smoker (at least 40 a day) and have tried to cut down with no success...

Also, if i get extra benefits (christmas bonus etc) then i spend it on junk (like everything else)

No matter what i try, i can never save, i would like a moped again, go on holiday etc etc, but i just cannot save! it seems amongst everything else, i am also additcted to spending money (for no reason)

I have tried the Budget people (where you sit down and talk about how to budget etc) and others (my parents, my support staff - i live in supported accomodation due to my ASD)

Nothing has helped (although i DO want it to work, i DO want to save) but every time someone helps or tries to, i am always like *go away, its MY money, i will do what i like!* (i always have JUST enough to pay my bills... but i owe my parents at least 1.5 k each, which is going to take ages to pay back.... and i only get the *emergency food* I.e pasta/porridge etc because i am always like *if i buy this decent food, i won't afford to play my games go for a *smoke* etc

I have no idea what to do now... please... somebody help???? i think i am ready for it now!

Thank you

chambta

If you are on benefits and can afford to smoke 40 fags a day then you're doing well.

The benefits should be enough to live on and nothing more.

Pack the smokes in and you should be rolling in it based on the above.

GwylimT

Do you think setting up a standing order to your parents account would help if they are able to save it for you?

As your ASD impacts you managing your finances have you thought someone having POA over your finances?

xylophone

You might try setting up a standing order to a regular saver that you cannot access until maturity?

Or open a branch based account and give your parents the pass book - set up a standing order to the pass book account?

Barney27

to the orig reply... not being funny, but just because im on benefits... you think i don't deserve everything anyone else does?

why can't i save for a scooter, holiday etc??? because i dont work??? mate... i CANT work!!!


to everyone else... i have tried POAs in the past (with family members) and every time... its like *my money... i am having it no matter wehat* and they always back down... as for standing orders to parents etc... already done

Just would like to know how to save for ME? maturity account is NA because i want a holiday/scooter in the next year or 2, not 40 lol

ty though

p.s with approx 10-12k a year, it SHOULD be possible right? (average about £860 p/m)

Anthorn

The OP most likely needs to see a psychologist.

Off the top of my head I'd say it's comfort spending which is similar to comfort eating. I used to know someone with a similar problem in spending by mail order: They liked to receive and open parcels.

Dan83

Get a job, then you won't have as much spare time to play on your consoles and buy in game extra's. When you are earning your money, you might relies the value of money.

xylophone

just would like to know how to save for ME? maturity account is NA because i want a holiday/scooter in the next year or 2, not 40 lol

Most regular savers are for a year, not forty.

veryintrigued

This is a wind-up right?

Dan83

I think it is

Deadbeat

If you're getting through 40 cigarettes every day then that's at least £120 a week, which could be better spent on... pretty much anything else, to be honest.

Not to mention that you are destroying your health.

Please see your GP about this.