After overcoming a gambling addiction, one of the most important things you can do is work to build financial stability once again.
This is one of the ways you can move towards a healthier, more secure future. But we know it can be difficult to know where to start. As we all know, a gambling addiction can have particularly devastating impacts on finances.
However, there is hope. With practical strategies, you can regain control of your economic life.
Don’t forget about the past
It is so important that you don’t forget about the trials you’ve gone through with your gambling addiction. Understanding it is essential for moving forward. Unless you’ve truly accepted and fully admitted the problem, it’s very hard to take responsibility for your actions going forward.
As part of this, take an honest look at your finances. Add up your debts, including those to friends and family. Figure out what you need to repay and then start working on a plan…
Figuring out a budget and sticking to it
Creating a budget is fundamental in managing your finances effectively. Start by listing all your income sources and expenses. Be honest and thorough. This exercise will help you clearly understand your financial situation.
Prioritize essential expenses like rent utilities and groceries. And, if you need to, cut down on unnecessary spending like leisure and entertainment. Having said that, you do need to include some budget for fun too or else your budget will be very tricky to stick to.
Save, save, save
It might seem funny to mention saving before we tackle the debt issue, but savings are really important for to build financial stability. If you don’t already have one, open a savings account. Save even a little at a time and work towards a savings goal. It doesn’t have to be big, but regularly contributing to your savings builds a financial cushion. Not only will this give you help if you come up against unexpected expenses or emergencies, but it’ll also give you comfort just knowing it’s there.
Chat to a professional
In working to overcome an addiction, we’re betting you’ve spoken to professionals before. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need a financial advisor in your corner. They can offer tailored advice for your situation. And, crucially, they can help you develop an achievable financial plan. With their expertise, you can make informed financial decisions. This professional guidance just might make a world of difference to build financial stability for your future.
Deal with debts
Let’s face it, more often than not, gambling addicts amass significant debts. Ignoring them won’t make them go away. So tackle them head on. Start with paying off high-interest debts like credit cards. And also prioritize paying off family members and friends, as a way to regain trust as you build financial stability.
Still need to deal with your gambling problem?
If you have an active addiction, you need to deal with that first before you’ll be able to give the headspace over to build financial stability.
There are plenty of organizations out there who can help you. For US-based people, one of the best places you can go is National Council for Problem Gambling. And if you’re based in the UK, there are brilliant resources to be found at Be Gamble Aware.
As well as that, you can read some of our articles on the topic of responsible gambling:
