My story - looking for advice

[Oregon]

56 days today

It's my son's first birthday today, looking forward to having a little celebration after work.
I also have a new niece as of Friday. We all went to the local to celebrate. Me armed with just enough money for a few drinks and no card. No temptation to enter the pokie room.
Spent Saturday night at home watching the mighty Panthers beat Souths
Had a temptation driving to work this morning on how I could play the pokies after work. Nup. My card is safely in my girlfriends wallet. Hopefully these temptations pass.

Stay strong everyone
-Oregon.

[Mona58]

Congratulations on 56 days!

Happy Birthday to the little guy. Won't be long before he turns 21 ha ha!

[Oregon]

Hi all,

Haven't checked in for a long time - had a couple of small setbacks, luckily nothing like I used to.
Don't remember when I last gambled but probably about a month ago. Got up and then lost it, walked out even.
Doing really well these days though, just keeping on every day at a time.

Stay Strong
Oregon

[Springhope17]

Hi Oregon

How are you going?
Did you overcome ur setbacks and are back on track ?

[Oregon]

Hi Springhope and everyone
Still gamble free, lost track of time but it would have to be gamble free for 4 months.
Still getting those bad urges and the feeling that I could get a big win. Just keeping my strategies in place.
It's great to be here and catching up with everyone's stories that are going strong. For anyone starting out, there is hope. It's not nearly as easy as you think it will be but it's nowhere near impossible to give up gambling.

[Oregon]

Back online on the forums, it's been a few years, unfortunately things are not going very well. Still having bad days where I end up in the pokie room.

The last 3 days after work have all been big losses.

I still have huge debt but luckily it has not increased, however this month I will struggle to make payday.

Can anyone recommend a financial planning service that is good for problem gamblers?

[Printemps]

hiya @Oregon I'm sorry to hear the past few years have been a bit rough.

You might find it useful to reach out to a financial counsellor via the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. Or possibly speaking to your bank about what financial planning options they have?

Does anyone else have other advice/supports? @AGHS @Kevcollingwood @Anita44

[Kiminthesun]

One budgeting strategy is to buy enough supermarket gift cards that can be used for food and fuel when you get paid to cover you until your next pay.

[Pikachu]

@Kiminthesun, Welcome to the Forums.
Thank you for sharing this strategy with us. It is something that's easy but can be effective.
When you feel ready, you are welcome to share a little about yourself. What brought you here with us?