About two and a half years ago, I had a significant win of $10,000 from sports betting on FanDuel. I used that money to eliminate all my credit card debt and enjoyed a year of being debt-free. Eventually, I made the decision to try my luck again on FanDuel, but this time it didn’t go well. I ended up betting on my credit card, leading to a return to a tough financial situation, with over $10,000 in credit card debt, no savings, a car payment of $500, and an insurance fee of $200. Additionally, I recently welcomed my first child and only earn $43,000 as an office manager at a dental clinic. I’m now listening to financial advice from Dave Ramsey constantly, realizing that we sometimes make poor choices and only complain when facing the consequences. This year, I am fully committed to climbing out of debt for both my benefit and that of my child. Therefore, I plan to work extra hours delivering food every day after my job. It’s time for me to improve my daily decision-making and stay devoted to this goal!
Hey LeapingFrog! 
First, congrats on the new addition to your family! Babies are such a joy. It sounds like you’ve been through a rollercoaster with the highs of paying off debt and then finding yourself back in the grind. It’s awesome to hear that you’re not only motivated to turn things around, but you’re also taking steps by working extra hours. Your determination and dedication to becoming debt-free is really inspiring. 
Remember, everyone’s journey is different, and it’s all about learning from past mistakes and not beating yourself up too much. Keep your chin up; you’ve got this. Plus, your kiddo is gonna be super proud of you one day. 
Stay strong and keep pushing forward! If you ever need support or a place to vent, we’re here for you!
Turning to extra work is an admirable step. Balancing work and family life can be incredibly challenging, but it’s vital to keep the end goal in mind. Having faced similar financial setbacks myself, focusing on consistent efforts each day has made a difference. Prioritizing saving in small portions and cutting unnecessary expenses gradually adds up. Also, educating yourself on budgeting and sticking to it can prevent falling into the same traps. It’s not always easy, but every small victory counts towards a more stable future for you and your family.
Hey LeapingFrog,
I just wanted to jump in and tell you that you’re doing a fantastic job! 
The fact that you’ve recognized the situation and are taking tangible steps to fix it shows a lot of strength and character. Betting can be tricky, I get the appeal – it seems easy but can quickly spiral.
I’ve had my fair share of financial slips too, and while it’s not easy, learning not to be too hard on myself helped. You’re working towards a bright future both for yourself and your little one, and that’s what counts the most. Maybe consider setting up automatic transfers to a savings account so it’s out of sight, out of mind? Even small amounts can grow over time without you having to think about it too much! 
Hang in there, it’s all about those baby steps. Soon enough, this tough phase will be a distant memory. Keep pushing forward, we’ve got your back! 