Question

Rijim writes:

I am 70K in credit card debt and I am a gambler. I lost my job and had to start my own business, but it's not paying the bills yet. Is there any help or protection for bipolar people in this situation? I have creditors calling my family and I all day long.

Answer

Hi, Rijim. Creditors will always want their money back, and with interest. There are no bipolar exceptions. A financial advisor will help you work on ways to help reschedule your debts or renegotiate your debts, and to advise you on the pros and cons of personal bankruptcy.

But you also need to work on the thing that got you into this problem in the first place. Your gambling may be an addictive disease, and the best way of treating addictive diseases is for the individual to assume responsibility, whether he or she is at fault or not.

There are various counseling services and support groups for gambling addictions. If you are in denial then you need to work through your denial phase real fast and take action right now.

You also need to have someone else manage your money for you right now. No credit cards, no check books. You know the drill.