Mum Pays Off £35k Debt After Impulse Spending Illness Finally Diagnosed
Georgie Howe, a 32-year-old mother from Colchester, Essex, has successfully cleared £35,000 in debt after receiving a life-changing diagnosis for a condition that fueled her impulse spending for over a decade. Her journey highlights the profound impact of undiagnosed mental health issues on personal finances.
Early Struggles with Credit and Debt Accumulation
Georgie's financial troubles began at the age of 18 when she started university and was given a student credit card without any guidance on responsible usage. Eager to keep up with her friends' lifestyles, she relied on the card for nights out, new gadgets like a BlackBerry phone, and everyday expenses, quickly spiraling into debt. By the time she was 23, she had amassed £20,000 in debt across multiple credit cards, store accounts with retailers such as Argos, Next, and Very, and PayPal credit.
"Having undiagnosed ADHD made me chase the dose of dopamine that spending money and getting parcels through the door gave to me," Georgie explained. "As soon as I had access to a credit card, I started impulse spending, and it was a downward spiral from there."
Consolidation Loans and Relapses into Debt
To manage her mounting debts, Georgie secured a five-year consolidation loan, which allowed her to make a single monthly repayment. This helped her clear the initial £20,000, but her poor credit score prevented her from obtaining additional credit cards, a factor she said assisted in staying debt-free temporarily. However, during maternity leave in 2021, with reduced income, she acquired more credit cards, leading to a relapse and an additional £15,000 in debt.
She arranged another consolidation loan and learned about irresponsible lending complaints, which can result in banks refunding interest or lowering balances if loans were granted recklessly. By lodging these complaints, Georgie succeeded in halving her debt, demonstrating the importance of financial advocacy.
ADHD Diagnosis and Medication Bring Control
In September 2024, at age 30, Georgie received an ADHD diagnosis from the NHS, a breakthrough that came after motherhood helped her recognize symptoms like a "too busy" mind. She began taking stimulant medication, which boosts dopamine levels in the brain and helps curb impulsive behaviors. The medication instantly clarified her thinking and allowed her to manage her spending impulses effectively.
"It created dopamine for me, so I didn't need to get it from buying things," she said. "Before, I couldn't scroll online without buying something, but now I can just scroll past and not buy anything."
Newfound Financial Freedom and Future Goals
Today, Georgie reports feeling "free" and in control of her finances for the first time. She can visit shops without purchasing unnecessary items and opts to skip events she cannot afford to avoid falling back into debt. Her disciplined approach has enabled her to start saving for a house, with hopes of buying one in the next five years.
Georgie shares her experience on social media under @georgiiierose__, aiming to raise awareness about the link between ADHD and financial struggles. Her story underscores the critical role of mental health support in overcoming debt and achieving financial stability.
