Redemption - The journey of a recovering gambling addict.

FacelessNumber

Sorry to hear you've had a rough weekend. Well done on continuing not to gamble though!

Lonelygambler

Another week comes nears the end. 

Mental health much better this weekend, still often thinking about gambling but urging to play. 

Unfortunately I used to play a lot when out and about, this means when I revisit places I often remember the gambling and not the good times at the places. How bloody awful. 

Moneywise 

• All my AMEX's are closed which was a lot of unused credit. 
• Leaves me a few cards left now
• Credit score taken a slight dip, no concern as numbers are irrelevant.
• Really not spending much money at the moment - which has been ok. I am sucker for drinks and snacks though! 
• Going to Ireland in the summer for a two week holiday with family. Will have to make minimum payments on all debts so we have spending money. This is ok. 

Debt

• Ticking over - I have upped my gambling loan payments slighty and every overpayment is rebating me £2.50 which is a nice touch. Not expecting that to clear for at least a year 
• Natwest Credit Card is aiming to be gone by October! That would be amazing.

Remember gambling is never the answer, if you need help speak to someone. 

rumpetroll

You're doing great. Getting those old cards closed down is 100% the right thing to do, you're not looking for more credit so the dip on your credit score doesn't matter and in the long run it'll come right back up.

Nothing wrong with just making min payments for a little while so that you can have your trip to Ireland, you still need to have a life.

mark55man

You do absolutely need to take a break and have a good holiday and if that means delaying your final debt free date then so be it.  It can be easy to find too many excuses to spend in that fashion, but you are doing really well in limiting that, so giving yourself a little slack to build memories and rebuild family relationships

londoner2019

Have caught up on the last few months of your diary. You are doing SO WELL. Seriously. So pleased you're able to speak to people, and every day is a new milestone.

Plus you're making great progress on paying down the cards. Kudos to you!

alt80

Glad to hear you've had a better weekend mate. Unfortunately, I know how tough being around places can be. Keep talking, keep doing what you're doing, have your 'why's' to hand and keep on the path mate. @mark55man is right on all accounts especially about getting a holiday only thing I question his judgement on is me being an inspiration lol fml.

OldTimer2023

Just checking in LG!  How is everything going?  Hope you are well.  Take care :-)

mark55man

Hey LG - its OK to come and go on here, as you are busy in real life or maybe just away for a week or two, but don't underestimate the long term value of keeping up your presence.  Not quite always asking "what would Martin do" - but honest chat in the same general spirit.  Even if its dumb, I post (on my diary) my stupid tax and lazy tax when I wasted money by being stupid or lazy

Lonelygambler

Hello all. 

It's been a while. 

Good news coming up to 5 months without a bet / gamble or anything. All urges have pretty much gone from day to day life. Which is amazing. Life has been so busy, I have been incredibly focused at work and productivity has gone through the roof. Family are good, and my wife and I are starting to reconnect which I am grateful for. 

I still attend weekly gamfam sessions which I think is the reason for the no gambling. 

Going to reply to a few comments 

Lonelygambler

rumpetroll said:

You're doing great. Getting those old cards closed down is 100% the right thing to do, you're not looking for more credit so the dip on your credit score doesn't matter and in the long run it'll come right back up.

Nothing wrong with just making min payments for a little while so that you can have your trip to Ireland, you still need to have a life.

Thank you mate. Yes happy they are closed, I have a few more to close now and the credit line is nearly all over. I have been saving £25 a month and have nearly £300 I am tempted to cash it in and clear off my natwest card a month early... 

Yeah I agree, however I'm so focused on clearing I do want to get it done.... 

Ireland in a few weeks.