by Hope
Phew! I didn’t realize that I didn’t check in here even one time last month. I apologize for that. The holidays and all the peopling and visiting family…it was a lot for this introverted mama. I loved having the kids here, but man, was I glad when everyone went home and the quiet returned.
Oh, and then the flu struck. Not me or my parents…but the kids. So we’ve been on flu watch here, but so far so good. And kids are all on the road to recovery. Terrible way to bring in the new year.
But here we are, welcome to 2026!
And my only debt to contend with is my student loans. But this is the year, this is the year, I become 100% completely debt free! So this is where we are starting.
| Debt Description | October, 2023 Total | Interest Rate | Minimum Payment | Current Total | Payoff Date (Est) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Loans | $22,121 | 2.875% | $176 | $15,959 | |
| CC - Apple** | $500 | $0 | May, 2025 | ||
| CC - Frontier | $3,857 | 29.99% | $0 | $0 | May, 2025 - Closed |
| Dad - New Furnace | $2,600 | 0% | $0 | $0 | May, 2025 |
| CC - USAA | $5,000 | 19.15% | $0 | $0 | May, 2025 |
| CC - Sam's Club | $0 | May, 2025 (again) | |||
| CC - Amazon | $0 | May, 2025 (again) - Closed | |||
| CC - Southwest | $0 | May, 2025 | |||
| Painter | $0 | May, 2025 | |||
| CC - AMEX | $894 | 29.24% | $0 | $0 | Mar, 2024 - Closed |
| CC - Sams | $1,106 | 29.99% | $0 | $0 | April, 2024 |
| Personal Loan #1 | $2,500 | 0% | $0 | $0 | July, 2024 |
| Personal Loan #2 | $2,500 | 0% | $0 | $0 | August, 2024 |
| CC - Wander | $1,630 | 29.24% | $0 | $0 | August, 2024 - Closed |
| CC - Amazon | $1,497 | 29.99% | $0 | $0 | September, 2024 |
| Total | $44,206 | $176 | $15,959 |
This will be the last time I present this table. The old debts are gone. Never to be resurrected.
And this is a year of sitting still. No big plans. No big changes.
Just sitting still and staying focused.
Don’t get me wrong, things are still happening. I’m still me. And I’m sure you all won’t agree with some of my goals and plans to get there. (To be shared later.)
But first let’s recap the crazy, change filled year that was 2025…
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
