Simon, 24, was addicted to gambling - now he lives with debt relief

It started with a few small loans to be able to play on gaming sites.

But the money ran out quickly - and to quench the urge to gamble, Simon fell for the temptation to take out new loans time and time again.

After a year, he had almost 100,000 in debt. 

- Then it grew very fast because I took out new loans, and I paid nothing but let it go.

When the situation was at its worst, Simon had about a quarter of a million in debt, both privately and to various companies, and he felt worse and worse.

- I played actively when the debts were at their worst, and it was precisely the debts that made me stop playing.

I could not pay the rent, electricity or go out to eat with my friends.

Took help from the municipality

In the end, Simon enlisted the help of the municipal debt counselor to get out of the increasingly pressured situation, and hoped to be granted a debt restructuring.

- I was rejected on my first application for debt restructuring.

Instead, I had a foreclosure on my salary every month, Simon explains, and continues:

- But now I was granted debt restructuring just a few weeks ago after I applied last autumn.

Every month, Simon pays part of his salary to the Enforcement Officer and then lives on a subsistence minimum - after five years, Simon's debts will be written off if he handles his payments.

In 2020, the Enforcement Officer received 28,293 applications for debt restructuring - the highest number ever.

The largest increase is seen among young adults between the ages of 18 and 30, where applications have more than doubled.

Dreaming of own home

Why do you prefer debt consolidation instead of foreclosure?

- The difference is that I have a date.

A foreclosure can take a very long time.

In a debt restructuring, they freeze interest rates.

Do you think it may sound like an easy way out for many young people?

- That would be stupid.

Five years is a fairly long time and you get payment remarks, and not everyone is granted debt restructuring.

To take a loan to live the flea, I think you feel very bad about it in the end.

In November 2025, Simon will be debt-free, then he hopes that he will be able to save up for a cash investment to buy his own home.

But already today he feels much better.

- Today I feel really good, maybe better than ever.

And that is thanks to debt consolidation.

The economy is, after all, what has created the most concern.