Help for Those Who Use Credit Cards to Pay Gambling Debt
Most people think that the only way to get help for using credit cards to pay gambling debt is to declare bankruptcy. Each person’s gambling debt story is unique, but it’s important to know that you do have options to pay off your gambling debt.
Help for Using Credit Cards to Pay Gambling Debt
In my San Diego debt relief law firm, I see many clients who need help for using their credit cards to pay gambling debt. Unpaid credit card bills often lead to “borrowing” from other sources to fuel the gambling addiction like retirement funds, getting loans on assets such as cars or houses, investment portfolios, and savings accounts. There is help for those funding gambling with credit cards.
Tips To Get Out of Gambling Debt from Credit Cards
· Know What You Owe — Make a list of all that you owe to each creditor with due dates for when payments are expected.
· Make a Budget — Make an overall budget of how much you bring in each month and fixed expenses. Anything leftover should go toward paying off your gambling debt.
· Don’t Live Beyond Your Means — If you are driving a BMW and have big credit card debt due to gambling, it’s time to downsize. The same goes with shopping, eating out and other expenses.
· Sell Assets — If you have assets that you can live without, now is a good time to sell them and put the money toward dealing with your gambling debt.
· Get a “Side Hustle” — Getting a second job or some kind of “side hustle” can be difficult for gamblers, who are used to immediate gratification. If you are really ready to deal with your debt, bringing in extra income can help tremendously.
· Close Credit Cards — This is not something I would normally recommend to my clients who are concerned about their credit score. However, if you have little to no self-control over using your credit card for gambling, then it’s time to close the credit cards out.
· Debt Consolidation — Look for credit cards that offers 0% interest for 18 months. Debt consolidation can feel like it’s simplifying your life, but the same debt amount that you owe does not decline when you consolidate. Other than a better interest rate, your gambling debt from credit cards remains the same.
· Debt settlement — Debt settlement is the most effective way I have helped my clients with gambling debt relief. There are many benefits of debt settlement for credit card debt, but the biggest one is that you won’t have to pay back your entire credit card debt. Not by a long shot. The credit card companies would rather receive some of your debt payment than have you declare bankruptcy and receive nothing.
· Bankruptcy — Unfortunately, bankruptcy is sometimes the only option for dealing with credit card gambling debt. Keep in mind, bankruptcy for gambling debt isn’t a sure fire answer. Courts look at bankruptcy differently for gamblers. If it can be proven that you took out credit cards for cash advances and basically had no intention of paying it back — then you could be looking at a fraud case.
· Treat Your Gambling Addiction — I sincerely hope that if you are dealing with gambling debt, that you seek help to treat your gambling addiction. Problem gambling is often referred to as pathological gambling that leads to a world of hurt — both financially and with the relationships in your life. Seeking out a Gamblers Anonymous group is a good first step.
How to Get Help for Credit Card Gambling Debt
Picking up the phone and taking the first step to get help for gambling debt can be difficult. If you have debt questions, feel free to submit them to me via my “Ask a Debt Question” page. My debt relief law firm is in the business of helping people save money and get out of debt. We are fair and affordable, as you can see from our credit card debt client success stories. If you find yourself in need of help for gambling with credit cards, please give me a call at 858–217–5051. I offer a free debt relief consultation to go over your debt problems.
Story originally published on GamezLawFirm.com. Daniel R. Gamez is an attorney serving clients nationwide and focuses exclusively in debt relief. He is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in California and Texas. Mr. Gamez owns and operates the Gamez Law Firm in San Diego and Los Angeles, and helps people with debt problems all over the country. For more information, please contact Daniel Gamez at 858–217–5051, daniel@gamezlawfirm.com or use our online contact form. Stay updated about the latest debt relief tips by following on Facebook and Twitter and read about client success stories on our website.
