Money & financial recovery~20 minFinancial counseling12-step
Making things right with money
List what you owe people and institutions — including restitution and court costs — and make a realistic repayment plan.
Repaying debts and restitution rebuilds trust and self-respect, and in 12-step programs it's part of making amends. A realistic plan — court-ordered payments first, then personal debts, with honest conversations along the way — keeps it from becoming overwhelming.
Don't type account numbers, card numbers, PINs or passwords here — rough amounts and names are all you need. Keep details of anything that could cause legal trouble out of writing — use initials, and talk it through in person.
1. Court-ordered payments (restitution, fines, fees, child support)
2. Money I owe people I know (who — roughly how much)
3. Money or things I took or used that weren't mine
Only write what you're comfortable writing, and talk with your sponsor or counselor about how to approach these.
4. The order I'll repay in, and why
5. What I'll say to the people I owe
"I owe you $300. I can pay $25 every other Friday starting the 15th."
6. What I can't repay yet — and what I can do meanwhile (small payments, changed behavior)
7. My first payment or conversation, and when