Laura’s Story
Laura’s life had once been marked by chaos, instability, and a constant struggle to stay afloat financially. She described juggling multiple responsibilities with little control, likening her situation to performing in a circus. Debt had become a defining feature of her daily existence, driven largely by impulsive spending and a lack of financial awareness.
To cope, Laura frequently borrowed money from friends, who also supported her in other ways, such as providing meals for their family. While this support was given generously, Laura recognised the strain that borrowing could place on friendships and eventually became reluctant to continue asking for help. Her financial situation involved continuously shifting priorities—paying some bills while ignoring others—resulting in a repetitive and exhausting cycle of stress and uncertainty. Planning for the future felt impossible, as she was consumed by immediate needs and pressures.
Financial management was particularly overwhelming for Laura due to personal challenges. She had never been taught basic money skills, which she believed should be an essential part of education. Everyday financial responsibilities—such as buying necessities or managing travel costs—felt difficult and unstructured. Compounding this was her diagnosis of ADHD, a condition that significantly affected her ability to focus and maintain consistency. She described experiencing extremes in behaviour and capability, alternating between periods of high productivity and complete disorganisation. This inconsistency made it difficult to establish healthy financial habits, and she often denied the seriousness of their situation. Laura had not fully grasped the consequences of spending money that she did not have, nor the deeper concept that every purchase represents an exchange of time and life energy.
As their debts increased, eventually exceeding £10,000, Laura remained largely unaware of the full extent of the problem. She only recognised a general sense of stress, depression, and confusion, which affected her wellbeing and ability to care for her young daughter. A turning point came when she accompanied a friend to seek help from Riverside Money Advice (RMA). While initially attending in support of her friend, she quickly realised that she herself needed assistance. This moment marked the beginning of a gradual transformation.
With support beginning around Easter 2024, Laura started to confront and unravel her harmful financial habits. Her advisor played a crucial role, demonstrating patience, persistence, and understanding. Recognising the impact of ADHD on Laura’s daily functioning, the advisor suggested applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a form of financial support Laura had not realised she might be eligible for. The application process was particularly challenging due to Laura’s dyslexia, which made completing lengthy forms difficult. However, with consistent guidance and advocacy, the advisor helped her work through a complex 45-page application over several sessions.
Despite her efforts, the initial PIP application was rejected, followed by a failed reconsideration. These setbacks were discouraging for Laura, who felt a sense of rejection. However, the advisor remained determined and continued to advocate on her behalf. Eventually, her persistence paid off, and the PIP claim was approved. At the time, Laura did not fully appreciate the amount of work and dedication that had gone into achieving this outcome, but she later expressed deep gratitude for the support she had received.
During the waiting period for the PIP decision, the advisor continued to provide practical assistance. They helped Laura apply for a disability bus pass and additional travel support for her child, which reduced transportation costs and eased financial pressure. These changes had a meaningful impact on daily life, allowing for greater flexibility and occasional small comforts, such as taking a taxi when necessary. Laura valued these moments, particularly when she could provide small treats for her child without feeling overwhelmed by financial worry. For the first time, she began to consider budgeting for special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays.
Further support included assistance with applying for a Debt Relief Order (DRO), accessing social tariffs from utility providers, and completing a Universal Credit enhanced health assessment. Each of these processes required time, effort, and persistence, often involving complex forms and long waiting periods. The advisor’s involvement remained consistent, even conducting home visits when necessary. Gradually, these combined efforts began to stabilise Laura’s financial situation.
Throughout this journey, Laura acknowledged that progress was not linear. She continued to make mistakes but developed a more realistic and compassionate perspective towards herself. Instead of striving for perfection, she focused on persistence and resilience, recognising the importance of having support during difficult moments. She also became motivated to pass on her newly acquired knowledge to her daughter, hoping to equip her with better financial skills for the future.
A significant aspect of Laura’s development was the relationship with their advisor, who provided both practical guidance and emotional support. The advisor demonstrated patience and understanding, particularly in accommodating the narrator’s ADHD-related challenges, such as missed appointments or disorganisation. At the same time, they maintained firm boundaries, encouraging accountability and responsibility. This balance of support and discipline resembled a parental role, which was particularly meaningful given Laura’s upbringing in care. Through this relationship, Laura began to experience a sense of unconditional support that had previously been missing from her life.
The successful approval of the Debt Relief Order marked a major milestone, clearing approximately £15,000 of accumulated debt. Achieving this required not only administrative effort but also personal honesty and vulnerability, as Laura had to disclose sensitive details about her financial situation. The process was challenging but ultimately transformative, made possible by the non-judgmental environment fostered by the support service.
As her circumstances improved, Laura experienced growth in multiple areas of life. She developed greater self-acceptance, learning to understand and accommodate her ADHD rather than viewing it solely as a limitation. Her home environment became more organised, contributing to increased energy and a stronger relationship with her daughter. She began to adopt and personalise financial strategies, becoming less impulsive and more intentional in her spending habits.
Laura also embraced lifestyle changes, such as reducing unnecessary possessions and prioritising quality over quantity. She became more aware of the cumulative cost of material goods, not only in terms of money but also in terms of space, time, and mental clarity. This shift reflected a broader commitment to self-control and mindful decision-making.
Faith played a central role in Laura’s transformation. She described a deepening relationship with God, which provided guidance, comfort, and a sense of purpose. Biblical principles influenced their approach to finances, relationships, and personal growth. Practices such as giving and tithing became important, alongside a belief in accountability to both God and their community. Prayer, including moments shared with their advisor, was a source of strength and encouragement.
Over time, Laura developed a more positive and hopeful outlook on the future. She moved away from reliance on borrowing and embraced financial independence, gaining confidence in her ability to manage her responsibilities. She emphasised the importance of maintaining a modest lifestyle, even when experiencing financial improvement, and prioritising generosity over increased consumption.
Ultimately, Laura’s journey reflects a profound transformation from chaos and instability to stability, self-awareness, and purpose. Through a combination of external support, personal effort, and spiritual growth, she was able to overcome significant challenges. While acknowledging that setbacks still occur, she recognises the progress she has made and remains committed to continuing forward.