Realizing that you've lost control of your finances can be tough, but the most important step you can take is to acknowledge the problem and start taking responsibility for your debt. It's about facing the situation, not running away from it. Although it may feel insurmountable, tackling your debt problems will give you the opportunity to rebuild your finances and confidence.
It can be tempting to ignore bills and debt collection demands, but that will only make the situation worse. The earlier you take action, the more opportunities you have to avoid serious consequences such as a forced sale or wage deduction.
Taking responsibility for your debt and showing willingness to repay is a step in the right direction. We can be here for you with support and guidance, but it requires your willingness to act and follow through.
It's important to tackle both your gambling problem and your finances at the same time to avoid debt continuing to grow.
We've put together a guide that we hope will help you take back control of your finances:
Get an overview of your debt
For many people, it can be difficult to keep track of how much they owe and to whom. This includes financed and private loans. A total overview will include which creditors you have, which debt collection cases are active, and any public claims.
Gathering this information can feel overwhelming, yet it's an important step in solving your financial challenge. We also encourage you to use services such as Gjeldsregisteret and Inkassoregisteret to get an overview of consumer debt and other types of debt.
Contact creditors
Once you have an overview of your debt, the next step is to contact your creditors. This can feel daunting, but it's important to establish a dialog as early as possible. By talking to your creditors, it may be possible to negotiate agreements - whether it's payment deferrals, negotiating frozen interest rates or establishing realistic repayment plans.
We can't make contact on your behalf, but in the guide you'll find letter templates and advice on how to present your situation effectively.
Financial advice
All municipalities offer financial advice through NAV. Some banks may also offer this, so it's best to check what services your bank offers.
Protection against temptation
Getting someone to help with financial management can help reduce the risk of spending money on gambling. This includes blocking your Visa card for online purchases or switching to a Visa Electron card that can only be used in-store. For example, installing a Gamban filter on your devices can also limit access to gambling.
Voluntary credit block
This prevents you from taking out further loans or credit and can be a good way to protect yourself and your family.
Download our guide
Our detailed guide "How to tackle debt problems" describes step-by-step how you can get an overview of your debt and begin the negotiation process with creditors.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don't deal with my debt?
Ignoring your debt will often lead to increased interest rates, debt collection demands, salary deductions and, in the worst case, forced sale of assets. Taking action early can help you avoid such consequences.
How do I know if I've lost control of my finances?
Some signs that you're out of control include constant overdrafts, missed bills and debts you can't keep track of. If you're struggling to make payments or are constantly taking out new loans to cover old ones, it may be time to seek help.
Can I get my debt erased?
Debt relief is rarely a solution, but in some cases it may be possible to negotiate away interest or enter into a final agreement with creditors. This often requires active dialog with them and a clear explanation of your financial situation.
What is a voluntary credit block and how does it work?
A voluntary credit freeze prevents you from taking out new loans or credits. This is an important tool for avoiding further debt. You can set up a block yourself by contacting the credit reporting companies.
Who can I talk to about my debt problems?
You can contact us for advice on how to start managing your debt. In addition, many municipalities offer free financial advice through NAV, which can give you extra support.
Why is it important to combine debt counseling with gambling addiction treatment?
If the gambling addiction is not dealt with, the debt is likely to continue to grow. It's therefore important to work in parallel to get both your finances and your addiction under control to ensure lasting recovery.
Everyone in the organization is sworn to secrecy so that you feel safe when you talk to us.
Feel free to contact us on the Helpline or via the contact form.
