by Hope
I know that there were lots of opinions on my kids involvement in different activities and the amount of money I spent on them. While much of their activities are bartered there are certainly costs associated with them, and the driving alone is a hefty chunk of my time not to mention gas….but I declare that as I/we get more selective, they do pay off. I have talked alot about my youngest being a competitive gymnast and this past weekend his meet season kicked off. I did good financially…in the past we have driven up, stayed a couple of nights, done some sightseeing…nope, not this year. We drove up and home the day of, and here’s what we got to see.
For the record, I have bartered my skills for his monthly tuition. I do have to pay uniform and meet fees along with the gas to get him to practice three times a week and to out of town meets (all of them are out of town except the one we host in December.) This year the meet fees are right around $400 for the whole season…his dad and I split that and it has already been paid.
He spends 12 hours a week in the gym…and these videos show the results of a little over 2 years of training (not counting his missing the majority of last season due to broken hand.) In my book, it’s so worth it!
Hope is a resourceful, solutions-driven online business manager with over two decades of experience helping clients streamline operations, manage projects, and grow their businesses through digital marketing and technology.
But life has a way of rewriting your plans.
A year ago, Hope made the decision to move in with her aging parents full time – a season she wouldn’t trade, even as it came with its own financial and emotional weight. Earlier this year, she lost her mother, and is now walking the tender, disorienting path of grief while learning what “forward” looks like from here.
Hope came to the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015 as a single mom raising five foster and adoptive children. She’s written through job changes, financial setbacks, and the bittersweet transition to an empty nest. Her kids are finding their footing in the world now – and so is she.
Rooted in faith and fueled by the same perseverance she’s brought to every hard season, Hope is ready to face her finances with fresh eyes and an honest pen. She believes that clarity, courage, and community can change the trajectory of anyone’s story including her own.
She lives in Austin, TX with her dad, loves adventures with her dog Addie, and is figuring out, one step at a time, what this next chapter is meant to be.
Good Morning – that video is awesome. That you so much for sharing!!! I know you are one proud mom. As for the expenses associated, I think this is an extremely good “investment”. Due to his gymnastic skills, he may one day score a great scholarship – saving a huge chunk of change. And there have been studies showing the benefits to students in being involved in extra-curricular activities…http://dc.cod.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1370&context=essai.
When on a debt payoff, sometimes we try to put a price on everything. With children, that is an impossible task – no price can be put on the investment of their future. Hold you head high Hope – you have it right – you are investing in the lives of your children and the return on that investment is priceless.
Hi Hope,
I admire you for what you make possible for your kids.
Good job!
And I am sure, little Gymnast benefits in a lot of ways from this activity.
Happy Thanksgiving!
wow very talented!
Wow! He is so strong! I think these are expenses that are well worth it. Especially if he really enjoys it. You are setting him up for a lifetime of good habits – commitment, exercise, etc.
What an incredibly talented young chap. You must be so proud Hope xxx