Gambling CC abuse? Please help!

[bcohen]

I do not see any reason for you to file for bankruptcy now. The most important thing is to get help and STOP GAMBLING. The worst that your creditors could do to you now is to file a lawsuit, and they can't even legally do that until your account is officially in default (which is 30 days from when the first missed payment was due) and they are very unlikely to sue so soon. Most likely, you could quit paying all your debts today (not that I am recommending that) and you probably won't be sued for at least 6 months to a year--or longer. FYI, I quit paying all my credit cards, which were close to maxed-out anyways, and I did not get sued until 3 and a half years later.

My advice is to get help for your gambling addiction, make 1 to 3 minimum payments on the cards, and then quit paying ALL your unsecured debts "cold turkey" after that. Then wait another 3 to 4 months before you actually file, to eliminate any appearance of abuse.

[rustymich]

Well Said

You need to get in the real world. Your comment in your initial post about buying things ahead of bk because you wouldn't be able to get them afterwards is just ridiculous.
You really believe you couldn't buy shoes and food and TP post bk?
I'd agree with the otherss. $6k plus, the $3700 you mentioned earlier could well be a gamechanger. Let your lawyer know exactly what you did. Cut up the cards, get help for the gambling addiction and figure out if post bk, you can support yourself without credit.

[AngelinaCat]

Thank you!

[df04527]

Ha...I still like it. Thanks for sharing!

[AngelinaCat]

LOVE that AC... Thats a good one!

I didn't think that one up; Consumer Advocate, Clark Howard did.

[df04527]

LOVE that AC... Thats a good one!

[AngelinaCat]

If you are not up to cutting the cards up right now, put them in a plastic container, fill the container with water and FREEZE it solid. Then leave it in the freezer. It will take at least 24-48 hours to thaw out. That will give you some time to think about what you want to use the plastic on. That is one step to start learning to live without the credit cards.

Good luck to you, and welcome to the forum!

[keepsmiling]

Hi and WELCOME to the right place!
You are certainly not the first person to post about a gambling problem. You can do a search in the box up top and should be able to pull up a few other threads. Many of us have an addiction of one kind or another- be it gambling, cigarettes, liquor, eating, shopping... know that you are NOT alone.

Agree with the rest-- get this attended to TODAY. Call your local GA and attend a meeting tonight or tomorrow. The rest will fall into place.
Good luck and ... one day at a time.

[btbeme]

This forum is populated with every type of person who has been in every type situation they could ever be in, and we have all found enough good advice and encouragement here to keep coming back as well as contribute.

Imagine how you could help others once you have helped yourself get out of that deep hole!

We can encourage you and advise you from a distance, but you need to take the steps. We will be here when you need help.

[Firewomen]

Ok I got to thinking today about the $6,000.00. In addition car repairs and huge Vet bill. I agree with all of you about the gambling problem, and I am seeking resources on that now. Thank you for all your post and info. You do not know who I am, I do not know any of you, so I have no reason to hold anything back. Also all my gas the last 6 months, a little bit here, a little bit there and it sure adds up. I will also look up to see what others did for their gambling problem. I hope I am not fooling myself but my mind set right now is if this CC dept could be earased I would NEVER gamble again. What am I going to do with that time, RIDE my bike, get in better shape. I realize I do have a long road ahead, I hope and pray I can keep my head up and above water!! I will keep you all posted, thank you again!

[keepmine]

Things I bought ahead, couple pair of shoes, some clothes, food, TP stuff like that. I would rack up $300.00 at Walmart pretty quickly. I went from about a $4000.00 balance to $10,000.00 in a couple months. When you say the dept might not be discharged does that mean I will still owe the money after the BK? thanks for your help!

You need to get in the real world. Your comment in your initial post about buying things ahead of bk because you wouldn't be able to get them afterwards is just ridiculous.
You really believe you couldn't buy shoes and food and TP post bk?
I'd agree with the otherss. $6k plus, the $3700 you mentioned earlier could well be a gamechanger. Let your lawyer know exactly what you did. Cut up the cards, get help for the gambling addiction and figure out if post bk, you can support yourself without credit.

[btbeme]

Until and unless you seek and receive treatment for your addiction, a BK will only be temporary relief.

After that, depending on where you live and where you get the money to gamble (since you will have no credit) your addiction can be life-altering, if you know what I mean. Unpaid casino markers, "loans" from friends and family (or from more shady sources), incarceration - all of that can and will come knocking unless you get a handle on your problem. Like now.

And that's the truth, harsh or not. You do not have just a money problem - you have a gambling problem. Fix one, then the other. Leaving either one unattended makes the other problem even bigger.

Search these forums. I recall two or three recent instances where forum members have sought help for their gambling as part of their plan to get their lives back together.

[DaisysMom]

I agree, cut up the cards and explain everything to the attorney. But also, have you taken any steps to getting a handle on your gambling? BK can be a huge blessing and an awesome fresh start, but if you are going to go right back to what got you in this fix, then you should probably deal with that before you file. JMHO Please don't be offended.

DM

[Pizza]

$6000 worth of 'shoes, some clothes, food, TP stuff like that'.... in 2 months..... Hmmm....

Tell your attorney everything, and cut up the cards. You may be advised to push the filing date back and make some minimum payments.

[LadyInTheRed]

When you say the dept might not be discharged does that mean I will still owe the money after the BK?

Yes.