Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

I decided that one of the presents for the family would be a trip to Stone Mountain Christmas. For years and years, we were blessed to live literally next door to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and almost always had season passes or attended their Christmas programs. I/we’ve missed those family outings.

And even though I did splurge on Universal passes last year for the littles and I, we only went twice. (I know bad financial decision, I’ve learned, I promise!)

Old Fashioned Family Fun

The idea came when we drove past a billboard for it on our roadtrip to Texas last month. I’m just ready for some good old fashioned family fun! But the tickets prices…eek! They would take up almost a 1/3 of my Christmas gift budget. And while I am doing great at staying in budget, really well in fact, I didn’t want to use quite so much on this excursion.

BUT…a quick search on Groupon and SCORE!!! 4 Christmas Tickets including all Christmas activities for $96 (a $31 savings off the online price.)

The kids and I are all excited for a weekend of fun, together as a family. All done and ready for Christmas. It will be a blast!

Discount on Groupon

As a sidenote, Groupon has a website banner offering an additional 25% local deals through tonight. If you are Groupon shopper, now would be a great time to check it out. Use the code: FRIENDS to receive the additional discount on some deals. (My Stone Mountain passes were not eligible, but I am still quite happy with my savings!)

This is not a sponsored post, I just got a good deal and know others could use some good deals this time of year. I hope you find something local in your area to experience with your family and/or friends this holiday season!

All of our Christmas traditions are newer to us these last couple of years. And with Gymnast missing this year, for the first year ever, I need some joy and distracting family fun. I think this will hit the spot for me.

What are your Christmas traditions? Do you add new ones?

Hope

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.