Mr Ordinary’s debt landed him in jail. Here’s how one Aussie rebuilt his life with MyBudget’s help

Many Australians live what appears to be an “ordinary” life, a mortgage, a car, a credit card or three, a kid or two. But when financial pressure builds quietly over time, it can push people into desperate decisions.

That’s exactly what happened to Wil Patterson, aka Mr Ordinary. One day he was a dad in the suburbs, juggling bills and renovations. The next, he was sitting in a courtroom admitting to the crimes that took him to jail.

But Wil’s story doesn’t end in jail. In fact, that’s where it really began, and where his path to MyBudget started.

Struggling with debt in Australia: “Mr Ordinary’s” life before everything changed

Before everything fell apart, Wil’s life was recognisable, painfully so. He lived in Australia’s outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne with his wife and young son. They both worked full-time, had a home with a mortgage, credit cards, and even a holiday shack down the coast. But like many Australians, they were juggling more than just responsibilities, they were facing unmanageable debt.

Bills were juggled. Minimum credit card repayments were made. Insurance was put off “just for a couple of weeks.” The debt cycle was exhausting and familiar.

“We weren’t keeping up with the Joneses, we were the Joneses,” Wil admitted. “I didn’t know how to stop it. The debt. The pressure. The pretending.”

Then one day, a refund cheque landed on his desk at work. His name was on it. The right thing would’ve been to cancel and shred it. Instead, Wil put it in his drawer. That decision marked the beginning of a downward spiral that would eventually lead to jail.

The moment everything changed: when shame, debt and desperation collided

Over the next 18 months, Wil embezzled nearly $300,000 through a series of fraudulent transactions, a white-collar crime fuelled by a mix of financial desperation and emotional paralysis.

“It started because I needed it. Then it became greed,” he shared. “And when no one caught me, it just became normal.”

By the time Wil was finally confronted, he felt relief. “Whatever you’re about to ask me,” he told his boss, “I did it.”

The shame was crushing. He lost his job, his marriage, and moved back in with his father. Then came sentencing, and jail time.

Jail, reflection and the power of starting over

Wil had paid a heavy price, but jail gave him something he hadn’t expected: time to think. Time to reset. When he was released, he was determined to do things differently, starting with his money.

He came out of jail with a new mindset, but not much else. “I forgot everything I’d learned,” he admitted. He bought a motorbike, got a car loan, and within months, the stress was back. “I was right back in that financial panic.”

That’s when he went to the Westpac Bank for help, and when they couldn’t help him, they referred him to MyBudget.

How MyBudget helped Wil rebuild his finances

A new mindset (and a budget plan)

Wil knew he wasn’t good with money. He’d tried budgeting, failed, tried again, and failed harder. Once the woman at Westpac pointed him to MyBudget, Wil saw hope. “Honestly, it changed everything,” he said. “They didn’t judge. They just helped.”

At Wil’s first appointment, the MyBudget consultant helped him create a realistic, personalised budget plan tailored to his unique situation. They factored in everything that mattered to him — including his cherished annual Formula 1 tickets with his son. “I said take it out. He said no. He was right. That moment meant everything to me.”

With access to MyBudget’s budgeting and tracking tools, including the MyBudget app and forward projections, Wil could see exactly where his money was going. It was the first time in years he felt in control of his finances and could visualise a future with savings.

MyBudget’s ongoing support and peace of mind

With MyBudget handling his payments, allocating his income, and providing ongoing support, Wil found something he hadn’t had in years: peace of mind.

“I don’t have to think about it,” he said. “I get paid, MyBudget does the rest. It’s freedom.”

He also began saving. He learned to face difficult conversations, like calling his lender to return a car he couldn’t afford. And with MyBudget’s guidance, he took those steps confidently.

Life after debt: Wil’s version of rich

These days, still with MyBudget, Wil lives with his wife, his in-laws and his son in a home that works for everyone. He works in the funeral industry, a job he feels called to, one that allows him to be of service to others. The stability in his finances has had a positive impact on his mental health and lifestyle.

He’s now living debt-free in Australia, with a clearer understanding of his spending habits and savings goals. Through MyBudget, Wil has been able to build emergency savings and shift from a survival mindset to planning ahead.

And when it comes to his finances? “I’m rich,” Wil says. “Not in a billionaire way. But in a ‘let’s go have brunch and not stress about it’ kind of way. That’s the rich I want to be.”

Don’t let shame win: Wil’s message to others in debt

If you’re struggling with debt in Australia, Wil’s story is proof that you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to ask for help.

“The shame of what you think people will do is way worse than what they actually do,” he said. “Talk to someone. Ask for help. It could change everything.”

Whether you’ve hit rock bottom or just feel like your finances are out of control, MyBudget is here to help, no judgement, just support.

Take the first step towards financial freedom

For more than 25 years, MyBudget has helped over 130,000 Australians get out of debt, build savings, and live life free from money worries.

Let us help you:

• Pay off debt without sacrificing your lifestyle
• Create a budget plan that works
• Build emergency savings and set long-term goals
• Stop living week to week and start living free from money stress

There’s no cost to get started, and no obligation to join. Book your free consultation or call MyBudget today on 1300 300 922 and discover how we can help you turn your financial stress into confidence. Whether you’re facing debt, trying to save, or simply want a better way to manage your money, MyBudget will guide you every step of the way.