I can’t make it out the supermarket without buying a scratchcard
DEAR DEIDRE: I CAN’T do my food shop without buying a scratchcard.
My mum bought me my first one when I turned 16 and I won £10. I’ve been addicted ever since.
Now I’m 27 and single.
Every week I was spending £25 on top of my weekly shopping.
Then I lost my job.
I’ve been temping since and I now go to one of the cheaper supermarkets so I can still afford my cards.
I was food-shopping with my sister last week, and when she saw me buy the scratch-cards, she said: “You’ve spent more on gambling than you did on your whole shop.”
It really brought me up short. Have I got an addiction?
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Fill out and submit our easy-to-use and and the Dear Deidre team will get back to you.
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DEIDRE SAYS: Yes, it sounds like this is a habit you’re finding hard to break.
For most people living through the current cost-of-living crisis, £25 is a lot to give away when the chances of winning are so very slim.
Try to work out what you’ve spent over the years and what your return has been.
You may be shocked.
You’d be better off putting the money you’d normally spend on scratch cards into a savings account for a treat.
You’ll be surprised how much you can save – £1,300 a year, enough for a very nice holiday.
For other tips on how to break your habit, check out (0808 8020 1233).
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