by Hope
I hope you aren’t reading this today. I hope you are surrounded by family or good friends. Sleeping in, eating rich foods and enjoying the day. But if you are reading this…then may I be the first to wish you

a Very Merry Christmas from my Family to Yours!
and then to wish myself a
a Very Happy Birthday
Yes, today really is my birthday. As a sidenote, I accept good advice, constructive criticism and lots of cheerleading…not just on my birthday but every day. Just saying!
I hope you know that there is a Reason for this Season. I hope you find that Reason. And most of all, if you are alone or a single parent like me, know that with all my heart I wish you love and peace today. It’s very hard to be a single parent on this day, very hard. Know that you are not alone, and I for one am thinking of you. You are loved, you are thought of and you are important.

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.

Aahh hey, I’m a Christmas baby too! Many warm wishes back to you.
Also a single mom climbing out of debt, but I’ve got more important things to think about today. 🙂
Happy Birthday, Hope! Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours. Lovely family photo.
A doubly special day – Merry Christmas & Happy Birthday! May the new year be wonderful for all of us!!!
Happy Birthday Hope! May the upcoming year be filled with lots of smiles, love & laughter! Good luck on the debt reduction journey.
Happy Birthday, Hope! My oldest son’s birthday is on Christmas, as well! I hope you and your family had a wonderful and Merry Christmas.
Happy belated birthday!! That’s a great big chunk of debt. Congrats!
Happy belated birthday and good luck with the car sale!
Is there any way that you could use this as an excuse / opportunity to ask your dad where things stand?
Happy Birthday and I love your family picture!! What a cute one and definnitely shows your kids are growing up!