Tag Archives: payments
How to Recover from Gambling and Debt
There are many reasons why people fall into the trap of bad debt and one of them is gambling addiction. Sadly, some may not realize the problem until there is no other solution left but to file for bankruptcy. True enough, what may start out as a hobby can turn into a harmful addiction which can bring great damage physically, emotionally, and financially.
If you find yourself struggling with gambling addiction, what can you do? Consider the following advice on how to get over gambling and bad debt:
Recognize the problem. At first, it may be hard to admit that there is a problem but recognizing the true cause of your bad credit situation is the only way you can work out a solution. Below are questions that you can ask yourself to recognize gambling addiction.
If you answer yes to these questions, you may have a gambling addiction and you should take a positive step quickly before things get worse.
Has gambling become a daily part of your routine?
Do you borrow money just to be able to gamble?
Do you find yourself using your cash on gambling instead of buying necessities or paying an important bill?
Do you get into fights with family members or friends because of your gambling habit?
Have you ever sold anything to support your gambling?
Do you feel like your day isnt complete until you have gambled?
Set your priorities. You need to set straight your priorities. If you have been behind your payments, you need to spend your money on the most important things. Do not use gambling as an excuse to pay your debts with your winnings. No one should depend on gambling to solve a debt problem as doing so can only worsen your bad debt situation.
Seek professional help. Since gambling addiction is a behavioural issue, seeking professional help is recommended. Instead of trying to solve the problem on your own, its best to get assistance from a trusted credit counselor or from organizations that offer rehabilitation help for people with gambling addiction.
Consolidating debts. For extreme cases of debt, acquiring a debt consolidation loan may be recommended. However, keep in mind that taking out a loan to pay your debts is only the first step. In order to completely be free from debts, you must be able to keep up with your repayment obligations to your debt consolidation company.
Your credit counselor may also advise you to enrol in DMP or Debt Management Program where you will submit payments to the agency who will distribute your payments to your creditors. Nevertheless, the success of this arrangement will still depend on how well you can keep up with your payments.
Expect challenges but be determined. Fighting the urge to gamble can prove to be a very challenging task but no matter how difficult it is, be determined to do what it takes to control your addiction. Focus on your job and other beneficial activities to keep your mind off from gambling.
Lottery Winners and Predatory Lenders
Lottery Winners and Predatory Lenders
We have all seen the ads on late night by predatory lenders offering cash advanced for those who have received various settlements from lawsuits and lottery winnings. Many lotteries pay out jackpots over a period of years and it is those structured agreements that are targeted by predatory lenders. Payments by these companies range from as much as 90 cents on the dollar to as little as 30 cents on the dollar. Essentially the lottery winner assigns the lottery payments to the lender for a much smaller lump sum. Many of these lenders monitor lottery winnings and lawsuit settlements and use hard sell tactics to convince the victim to take a smaller lump sum payment.
Last year a New York man won $2,000 a week for life in a $5 scratch off lottery game. John Borrel of Graniteville is being sued by a Florida company that is alleging that Borrel did not pay back $10,000 in cash received against his lottery winnings. The lawsuit filed by Encore Funding LLC seeks the original $10,000 plus 18% interest and legal fees which are likely to be considerable. The lawsuit alleges breach of contract and ‘unjust enrichment’ whatever that means. According to the court Borrel, 38, won a minimum of $2 million to be paid in $26,000 quarterly installments. The lottery payouts continue if the winner lives more than two decades.
In October Borrel entered into two separate contracts for cash advances of $5,000 each. Encore’s lawyer said the company and Borrel are working out an agreement where Encore would pay Borrel for a portion of his lottery winnings from 2018 through 2027. In return Borrel would assign the lottery payments to Encore. The agreement also requires spousal consent and Borrel had told the company he is not married.
This situation highlights the difficulties lottery winners can get themselves into by seeking large cash payments financed by a large structured lottery settlement. Any lottery winner considering a similar move should check out all the terms and conditions of any contract or they could easily find themselves involved in a complicated expensive lawsuit. Most financial experts advise lottery winners to see a legitimate financial planner and get competent advice.
When buying lottery tickets players need to consider what actions they would take if they found themselves sudden millionaires. There are plenty of scammers waiting to take advantage of big winners. A good financial planner or adviser is a must. When buying lottery tickets it is always a good idea to plan ahead.