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Financial Problems

In the AA archives, financial problems are framed not as the primary problem to be solved, but as a symptom of the underlying spiritual malady. These speaker tapes illustrate the wreckage of the past, where financial ruin—including bankruptcy, job loss, gambling debts, and homelessness—often serves as a catalyst for the total surrender necessary for recovery. The core principle highlighted across these narratives is that financial stability is a byproduct of sobriety, not a prerequisite for it. Speakers emphasize that attempting to fix the bills or recover lost assets before addressing internal chaos is a form of self-deception. Instead, recovery requires dismantling the alibi system and accepting that while the program does not eliminate life's problems, it provides the spiritual tools to navigate them with integrity and discipline. Listeners can expect to hear brutal accounts of financial collapse and the subsequent transition toward a self-supporting life. The tapes also offer historical context from co-founder Bill W. regarding the fellowship's commitment to remaining non-professional and avoiding the commercialization of the recovery process. Ultimately, these recordings teach that true security is found not in a bank account, but in a disciplined spiritual life, the pursuit of raw truth, and a commitment to service.

104 tapes

Top Speakers in This Category

Local AA Speakers 7 Bob B. 6 Cecil C. 5 Mark H. 5 Bob D. 4 Chris R. 3 Hank J. 3 John S. 3 Peter M. 3 Ali H. 2 Ben H. 2 Billy N. 2 Bob 2 Bob O. 2 Ralph W. 2

All Tapes

John V.
The Internalized Rejection That Made Him Seek It – John V.
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Myers R.
Dealing With the Internal Condition That Makes Kids Run From the Room – Myers R.
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Bob B.
Recovery Is Not the Absence of Problems – Bob B.
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Joe
Step 1 and the Design for Living That Actually Works – Joe
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Joe H.
The Knot in His Gut That Only Alcohol Could Relieve – Joe H.
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Bob B.
Why the First Three Steps Are the Operative Skeleton of Recovery – Bob B.
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Don M.
The Penicillin of the Steps and the Infection of Alcoholism – Don M.
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Bill W.
The Difference Between Should Not Drink and Could Not Drink – Bill W.
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Scott L.
Why Material Well-Being Always Follows Spiritual Progress – Scott L.
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Local AA Speakers
Steps Eight and Nine – 20th Workshop – Part 2 of 2 – Local AA Speakers
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Sharon P.
Tenth Step Inventory – A Woman’s Perspective Workshop – Part 1 of 2 – Sharon P.
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Billy N.
Warranty 2 and the Prudent Reserve – AA Service Workshop – 2026 – Part 1 of 2 – Billy N.
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Bob
Self-Abandonment and Service – D. and Scott L. – AA Speakers – Amazing Big Book Step Study – Part 1 of 2 – Bob
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Bob D.
Step Nine and Making Amends – Big Book Workshop – Part 10 of 10 – Bob D. and Chris S. – Bob Darrell and Chris Schroeder
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Cass N.
Ninth Step and Financial Amends – Big Book Workshop – Part 2 of 2 – Cass N.
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Mark
Reconstruction of the Ego – Big Book Workshop – Part 2 of 2 – Mark
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Local AA Speakers
The Dilemma of Lack of Power Edwards House Big Book Workshop Retreat – With Nate F. and Chad A. – Part 2 of 7
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Mark H.
Inventory and Spiritual Experience – Workshop – the Lost Tapes – Part 3 of 8 – Mark H.
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Mark H.
Financial Amends and Action Steps – H. and Joe H. – Prescott Big Book Study – Part 5 of 8 – Mark H. and Joe H. – Mark Houston and Joe Hawk
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Chris R.
Character Defects and the 7th Step – Blueprint for Receovery Big Book Study Weekend in Vancouver, BC, Canada – F20070223 – Part 4 of 5 – Chris R.
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Local AA Speakers
Direct Restitution and Amends – Bb Workshop – Part 7 of 10 – Local AA Speakers
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Scott L.
Rubbing Away the Wreckage – Lee and Bob D. – Big Book Workshop – Part 2 of 2 – Scott L.
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Sammie G.
The Eighth and Ninth Steps – Foundation Stone 12 Step Workshop – Part 2 of 4 – Sammie G.
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Mark J.
The Fifth Step and Rigorous Honesty – BB Workshop – Part 1 of 2 – Mark J.
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Ali H.
Step 9 and Making Amends – Sponsorship Workshop – 2024 – Part 5 of 16 – Ali H.
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