"I Had Everything In Place to End My Life" - How One YouTube Video Changed Everything

When this self-employed business owner reached his lowest point, he wasn't just facing financial ruin; he was planning his own death. With multiple businesses drowning in COVID debt, a personal guarantee threatening his home, and nowhere left to turn, suicide seemed like the only way to protect his wife from the devastation. What happened next proves that hope can appear when you least expect it.

This entrepreneur's journey started like many others during COVID-19, overcommitting, making promises he couldn't keep, and seeing debt grow uncontrollably. What made his situation particularly dangerous was the isolation and his lack of full understanding of the personal guarantee.

"I unwittingly personally guaranteed one of the loans, not realising it at the time, so when one of my companies was going into liquidation, they came after me personally," he explains. "I got a solicitor involved, but he said it was water-tight and I would lose my house."

The financial pressure created an impossible situation. He couldn't involve his wife because "she struggles enough anyway, and what's the point in myself if I can't protect her from it." He'd already turned to his parents multiple times and felt like "a parasite on them."

The stress destroyed his mental health, which made his businesses less profitable, creating a downward spiral that seemed impossible to escape

What followed wasn't an emotional breakdown; it was calculated planning. He took out a life insurance policy, researching which ones would pay out for suicide after the shortest waiting period. He found one that would pay after 12 months and had a backup plan to make it look accidental if necessary.

"I work with asphyxiating gases, so it was doable. It wasn't sad or emotional, just very clinical, really, just something I had to do."

His reasoning was heartbreaking: "I knew my wife would be utterly devastated, but was convinced the pain would be temporary enough for her. She's gorgeous and amazing and would find someone who could both provide everything she needs and deserves as well as give her the time and attention she wanted. I couldn't do any of those things."

At one of his lowest points, driving to a job with his suicide plan ready to execute, YouTube's algorithm made a life-changing recommendation: a video from The Real Debt Guy.

"I binged watched/listened to everything slightly relatable to my situation, and all of a sudden had the world lifted off my shoulders. Your video about financial troubles and suicide particularly hit home for obvious reasons."

The impact was swift and significant. The free guidance in those videos revealed options he hadn't known before.

"I can't believe the advice you give out is so effective yet hard to find. I am now paying token payments to the company chasing the personally guaranteed loan and am receiving lower offers to settle every month."

This case study isn't just about managing debt; it's about the difference between life and death. It demonstrates how financial education and proper guidance can literally save lives when people believe they have no options left.

"I honestly believe you are an angel sent from God. Thank you."

This wasn't just about money; it was about a man who was willing to face anything, even the prospect of losing his life, in his quest to find reasons to live again.

If you're reading this and feeling trapped by debt, overwhelmed by guarantees you didn't understand, or convinced there's no way out, this story proves that solutions exist even in the darkest moments. Sometimes, the answer is just one video, one piece of advice, or one phone call away.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. In the UK, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123.