After the draw period, your repayment period kicks in, and, in most cases, you'll make monthly payments toward your principal and interest for up to 20 years.

But they're not a forever source of flexible funding. After 10 years, the draw period ends and repayment begins, bringing with it significantly higher monthly costs.

A woman spends up to $125 per period each month on “treats” to get her through. Emily Rae Baker, 31, says she experiences “rough” periods which cause her whole body to “shut down”.

Entries are only valid for the entry period in which they were earned. Each month, a new drawing period begins, and the progressive jackpot is reset to $5,000. The next drawing will take place Jan ...