ADCArtAttack - I need a Reset! It's gone too far.

Hey Everyone,

If you're reading this, things have got to breaking point!

For nearly 2 years I have been unable to sleep and struggled to with the looming consequences of an accountants error which drove me into a financial crisis.

I've put this off for so long and allowed it to ruin every aspect of my life, until now I am here, 3am writing this afraid that in a month I will no longer be able to live in my home! Or worse.

I try to maintain positive vibes in my content ensuring that every video is motivating, putting on a smile because I know it means so much to others.

In truth, I'm either 40 hours into a day of no sleep, or have just woken from 2 hours 'rest'. Yet, I smile making content I know others enjoy.

Here's a brief timeline of events -

2021 -

A couple years back when filing taxes, it was (years later) discovered my accountant had filed incorrectly due to lack of understanding my career (something they claimed familiarity in). Due to years passing I had not accounted for the difference when living my life, moving, getting married, shopping etc... I was then hit with a far greater tax bill + fines, which of course carried into future years.

Overnight, EVERY penny I thought I had saved, was gone. My plans to move to the UK with my wife immediately stolen from me. Since then I have been awaiting the day the next bill arrives. I do NOT have the money for that. I live in fear EVERY DAY that it will be in my mailbox! I have developed an intense fear of my mailbox!

As a result of this, the last year I've suffered depression and anxieties beyond my 'regular' level (I suffer depression regularly), which at times prevented me from working. This is the reason content stopped for some time.

I live alone, in a country not my birth place, sometimes I feel scared. I cry, I drink so I can sleep, I've passed out at my desk from work.

March 2022 -

I made a video back here on YouTube when I was depressed and I was so afraid. I unlisted it because I'm a coward and I was ashamed.. My depression and behavior impacted my life, I drove my family away and lost everything. I've tried every day since to fix it all!

However, during this time the Art economy on Social media crashed, views plummeted, and my overall income is down 75% from 2022. Every month I've been earning less than I need to survive.

Since this, I've been paying everything I can... Every few months trying to stay afloat. It's been 2 years and I'm STILL here. Even with the HUGE drop on YouTube and income falling. I've managed to work hard to still survive for 2 years since this! All that keeps me managing is community support and motivation I somehow still have!

November 2023 -

I set up a studio wish-list and my community provided so many comforts! As a result I have been able to 'regain' enough to 'maintain' a living which is on the rise again (while still a slight loss each month). My content has improved and I am motivated to work again!

Then I remember this debt, and I feel sick. But I KNOW with what I have I can do so much!

If I am to at least put a dent into this debt, specifically the 2020 one, I will be able to sleep! I will be able to manage. I can work and produce more and more content. Live in my means and hopefully go on to continue inspiring people.

I would consider moving... Though I would prefer not to at this time as I've set up studios, invested so much, and I have a life here. It would also be an added expense.

Here are the expense breakdowns -

2020 (URGENT) €13,500 - This covers both the bill plus fines.

2021 €14,000 - This is an accounting estimate (likely). Which factors both the Bill owed + Fines + Accounting Fees

2024 €3,000 - This is a payment to cover a 'pre bill' to 'float' this year + accountant fee.

Clearing 2020 + 2024 would SAVE ME. Those alone would 'fix' my life! To a point where I alone would struggle, but be able to MAKE IT WORK!! Without those, I will likely be homeless within 2 - 4 months!

If I were to add a move to this -

Deposit - €2,000 - €2,500

Moving Expense (Van/Removals hire) - €1,500

Factoring all of this -

The minimal 'fix' situation, would account to - €16,500

'Fix' + a move. - €20,000

Reset my entire life. - €30,500 (move not necessary)

QUESTIONS you may have...

"Why didn't you notice the accounting error?"

I am from the UK, unfamiliar with the German tax systems, I trusted an accountant to understand and was assured they knew my job and the required filing. I was originally filed under self employed income. However it was later identified that I was liable for an alternate German tax system of business.

"Why not move now?"

I don't have the money, I have invested a lot into my studios, the space for this equipment is specific. The house layout is important for producing content day/night without disturbing neighbours. If I could move, I would still be faced with the debt. If the debt is cleared, I would very much move, in a more comfortable and planned manner. But yes, I will move when/if settled.

"What about the gifts from your wish-list, did they not help?"

They absolutely have!!! My income fell to it's lowest ever due to the new YouTube system. But with the gifts, I have produced far more frequent content and higher quality. I also have huge plans for more. Of course, my mental health due to this has prevented me doing even MORE. But yes, the gifts have doubled my baseline income! If not for the debts, I'd be almost break even again, and it's climbing.

"What about a loan?"

I don't think going into further debt would be a wise decision.

"If you raised it ALL what would you do next?"

Sleep.. Cry... I'd return to being myself. I was once so happy. I came to Germany with a purpose, I had future plans of opening an Animal sanctuary. A plan and dream that has not changed. I want this! THAT would be my goal after all of this.

I would also use the freedom and relief of financial security to focus down on my Comic Book, and Live streaming.

Thank you,

Anthony.