Anand was in trouble – and credit cards were to blame.

Anand isn't exactly a big spender, he just likes a good time. Nothing flash – having a laugh with his mates, stuff like that. But if there is one thing that he doesn't mind splashing out on, it's Anita, his girlfriend. Meals, holidays, surprise presents – she's worth it.

But he's in trouble. With four credit cards spent up to the limit, he's finally had to admit that his debts are out of control.

For a long time, he's been kidding himself that he's on top of things. It's like he's been pulling off this financial juggling act, swapping spending from one card to another. But he's been in trouble for quite a while.

He knows he's been ignoring the problem but it's a lot easier not to think about it. It had all just become a bit of a habit – going out for a nice meal and taking care of the bill at the end of the evening. In fact, he's been using his credit cards for practically everything – even for getting money out of the cash point.

It caught up with him when Anita saw him tearing up a credit card bill. She thought he was looking shifty and asked him what was up. And then the whole story came out.

Anand had been afraid that Anita would think less of him but that isn't the case at all. She's very supportive but tells him that he can't keep ignoring the debt – it isn't going to go away. In fact, it's going to get worse, as the interest is piling up too.

At Anita's suggestion, he contacts few financial planning advisers for some free advice. He vows to cut back on his spending and they help him to draw up a budget and to negotiate terms with his creditors. They also tell him he shouldn't be using his credit card at the cash point – he'll be paying interest on the money he takes out.

By admitting that he's in trouble and needs help, Anand's taken the first step to regaining control of his finances.