What to do if losses have already harmed the budget
1. Emergency measures: stopping the leak
1. Full pause for at least 48 hours
Prohibition of any game operations and transactions.
Change of scenery: walks, sports, live communication.
2. Blocking access
StayFocusd/LeechBlock extensions on all devices.
Stop limits in the bank: refusal to replenish game accounts.
3. Respiratory stabilization
5-10 minutes using the 4-7-8 technique to reduce stress.
2. Financial audit: clear picture
1. Loss recording
```
Date: 2025-08-06
Losses: 45,000 ₴
Channel: card "X," wallet "Y"
```
2. Assessment of available funds
Balances on all accounts, cash, available loans.
Table of mandatory payments: mortgage, communal apartment, loan.
3. Categorization of spending
| Category | Amount, ₴ | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | 20,000 | LCD, food, transport |
| Debts | 15,000 | loan, microloan |
| Entertainment/excitement | 0 | while prohibited |
| Reserve | 10,000 | Unexpected |
3. Short-term recovery plan
1. Priority of obligations
First of all - utility and loan payments.
Minimum 1.5 × month payment on account 3 days before the date of debiting.
2. Emergency reserve
Create a 5% contingency income "cushion."
Transfer it immediately after receiving a salary.
3. Ban on any gambling
At least 30 days of complete failure.
Deactivate accounts, delete applications.
4. Dealing with debt
1. Negotiations with creditors
Request restructuring: reduction of monthly payment or extension of term.
Offer a temporary deferral or installment plan without fines.
2. Consolidation of small loans
Combine several microloans into one loan with a better rate.
Reduce overall overpayment percentage.
3. Repayment automation
Set up auto payments for dates before or immediately after revenue.
Avoid delays and fines.
5. Automate budget protection
1. Stop limits in online banking
A strict limit on the transfer of funds to e-wallets and casinos.
Auto-fail when trying to refill above X ₴.
2. Blocking gaming sites
Time limit via StayFocusd: 0 minutes per day.
Local hosts block at the OS level, if necessary.
3. Budget reminders
App push notifications: "Y ₴ left before mandatory payments."
Break timers and cost monitoring.
6. Psychological and social support
1. Open conversation
Inform your loved ones about the situation, explain the recovery steps.
Ask for help with spending control (reporting partner).
2. Support groups
Gamblers Anonymous or thematic chats: sharing experiences and motivation.
Online meetings at least once a week.
3. Professional assistance
Financial advisor to plan.
Psychologist or therapist for signs of addiction.
7. Monitoring and adjustment
1. Weekly report
| Indicator | Plan | Actual | Deviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance required | 5,000 ₴ | 4,800 ₴ | -200 ₴ |
| Reserve | 3,000 ₴ | 3,200 ₴ | + 200 ₴ |
2. Analysis of deviations
The reason for unnecessary expenses (emergency repairs, unforeseen payment).
Adjust budget and limits.
3. Transition to normal
Gradually return the "entertainment" expense item (5% of income).
Conduct a "test" exit to the game with a minimum budget and strict limits.
8. Long-term prevention
1. Monthly planning
Fix items of income and expenses at the beginning of the month.
Keep a reserve ≥ 10% of your rainy day income.
2. Alternative hobbies
Sports, needlework, social events instead of games.
Fill leisure and remove craving for risk.
3. Financial literacy training
Courses on budget, investing and risk management.
Increase confidence and reduce the desire to "recoup quickly."
Result
You can restore the budget after gambling losses if you act clearly and consistently: emergency pause, full audit, priority of obligations, work with debts, automation of barriers, support and regular monitoring. This approach will prevent the situation from repeating itself and will bring your financial balance back under control.
