Just looking for some advice

[Deleted User]

Mnd wrote: »

As far as I am aware there are no positives or negatives regarding the use of your real name, I just concerned that you might not want your mates/neighbours etc being aware of your financial situation.

Good point, is it easy to change?

enjoyyourshoes

Phones... some companies at the half way stage allow you to downgrade the contract. Might be worth calling them to serif that position is available?

Mnd

I don't know how to do that I'm afraid, I expect one of the forum guides will help you

EssexHebridean

Mnd wrote: »

I don't know how to do that I'm afraid, I expect one of the forum guides will help you

Pretty sure you have to contact the forum team to get a username change.

nkkingston

For hobbies, since you don't have any already look for cheap things to start off with. Definitely treat learning to cook cheaply as a new hobby - challenge yourself to cook things you haven't before, see how far you can make things stretch, figure out what's the cheapest meal you can make. Also a good way to get back in touch with friends you've lost through the gambling - once you've got a bit of practice under your belt invite people over for dinner. People forgive a lot when it comes to a free meal

Maybe take up jogging (will help with the stress as well, and any side effects of becoming a fabulous chef!) and get audiobooks from the local library to keep you entertained? May try something creative and cheap, like drawing or writing. Starting a diary can be really helpful when it comes to staying on top of your finances, and you can set one up here to get mutual support.

EssexHebridean

Running is a great idea - says she as a new convert to it! Try the Couch to 5k programme if you've not done much exercise lately - it really does work!

Dobbibill

Deleted_User wrote: »

Good point, is it easy to change?

Mnd wrote: »

I don't know how to do that I'm afraid, I expect one of the forum guides will help you

EssexHebridean wrote: »

Pretty sure you have to contact the forum team to get a username change.

EssexHebridean is correct.

ACCOUNT HELP : If you want to ask about changing your username, have login problems, have password problems or a technical issue please email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com

You can find this information at the very top of the page on the 'Forum Help' link.

Good suggestion from Mnd.

Hope this helps.

Dobbi

enthusiasticsaver

You can change your user name by contacting the forum team, email address is at bottom of my signature. Choose an alternative user name but check on members list first to make sure it is not already in use. They can then change your user name

macdady29

I was in a similar position a few years ago with gambling debt. Your are definitely in the right place for help in regards to debt and getting rid of it.

I think this has already been mentioned but contact GA right away to get help with your addiction. I found the counselling very helpful and its sometimes easier to speak to someone impartial about gambling.

Also get yourself self excluded from every bookie within at least a 20 mile radius. From what I can remember you can call GA and they will give you the number needed to sort out the self exclusions. If you have any online accounts associated with the high street bookies get those accounts closed and self excluded as well. This will hopefully remove any nagging temptations to bet.

It takes hard work and perseverance to beat an addiction especially gambling as its everywhere these days but you'll get there mate.

sawyer1

Further to the advice already posted, there is a multi-operator self exclusion scheme which allows you to self exclude from local betting shops without ever having to physically enter the shop.

You call them, speak to them about which shops you'd like to exclude yourself from, and then send them a passport photo and they'll distribute it to your selected shops.