by Hope
Another win from our No Spend Month! We still have Food Stamps. Not in that we are qualified for them any more, we are not getting anymore.
BUT because we were able to eat through our freezer and pantry during October and the first two weeks of November. We have almost a full month’s worth of grocery budget in food stamps.
Our current food stamp balance, which I believe we have 6 months to use, is right at $530!

I’ve already started creating a list of items we need to replace and restock. And I plan to create a December food plan while we are here in Texas so I can shop smart when I return.
Sausage and Potato Soup
I love the cold months when I can use the crockpot every day without feeling guilty. Not to mention, reheating soups is great for my lunch on a daily basis, easy and cheap.
I thought I would share my absolute favorite cold time recipe…quick, easy and so good! I’m even making it this week while we are in Texas. (We are doing all the cooking for the week and Thanksgiving, but my parents are providing the groceries.)

Ingredients
1 – 30oz bag of frozen, cubed hashbrowns
3 cups of Chicken Broth
1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup
Chopped Onion (optional)
Dash of Parsley (optional)
Salt and Pepper
1 – Hillshire Farms Beef Sausage (this is my favorite option)
1 block of cream cheese
Directions
- In soup pot, combine all the ingredients except for the sausage and cream cheese.
- Heat on medium for 20 minutes.
- Cut sausage into bite size pieces and add to mix after first 20 minutes.
- Cube cream cheese and add to pot 10 minutes after you add the sausage.
- Stir well and serve.
My twins like to garnish with cheese, but I eat it just as it is. It’s definitely one of family favorites during this cold rainy season!
What are some of your favorite cold weather recipes?

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.
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