by Hope
Over the years as I have read about different people’s get out of debt journeys, there are always those little changes that make a big impact. For many it’s been giving up their daily Starbucks stop, for some it’s taking lunch to work every day and many more.
After I gave up soda a few years ago, I didn’t really have any of those little steady expenditures to give up. But I continue to monitor me spending on a daily basis and watch to make sure I’m not starting any new bad habits. And thankfully, thusfar, I haven’t noticed any “leaks.”
I Have a Problem
However, there is one area that I have a long history of being terrible about spending unnecessarily…and don’t laugh. It’s LIBRARY LATE FEES. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not a regular issue, but it has definitely been a habitual failure over the last few years…okay, more than a few years.
We have always been regulars at the library…both for our homeschooling years and since for our pleasure reading. But my notoriety at returning books let has caused me to often comment that I should “own stock in the library” as often as I have had to pay fines.
Started a New Streak
BUT…in continuing to make better financial decisions, I have been extremely diligent about 1) returning my stacks of books on time and 2) renewing my check out period when I want to keep a book longer. In fact, I’ve now gone two whole months with NO LATE FEES!
Ok, now before you jump down my throat, my fees over the years are typically no more than $1-3 each time. But I do know how that adds up. And I’m happy to report that I have finally broken my late fee streak. Go me!
I know it’s a small win, but it is a win. What little bad habits do you have that you need to break? No shame how silly they sound…I mean, seriously, mine is library later fees. That is pretty pathetic.
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.
Well done! I too used to be a funder of libraries. I would consider it a contribution to a non profit ? here in Denver they now auto renew unless someone has requested the book and took away late fees which saves me money.
Oooh, I like that idea. I might suggest it to our tiny library. Although I would imagine they are kind of dependent on the late fees for some of their programs since we live in such a tiny, depressed area.
I check out kindle books and they automatically delete off my device at the end of the check out period.
At least it’s just late fees! I’m not sure how but DH manages to lose or ruin a library book about once a year.
Personally, I’d rather read my books on kindle than lug around a hardcopy. No late fees for me!
I’m just not a big fan of digital books. But I will occasionally check them out, especially with traveling as I certainly don’t enjoy lugging books around.
And digital books are definitely better as far as no late fees go.
I get fines too! Our library will let you renew physical books online, so I just go in occasionally and “re-check” them out. Of course the online books just disappear so no fees.
Yes, we can renew physical books online as well. Which does come in handy.
Good job…Everything counts, even the little things. I have also paid many a late fee in my life, but have gotten much better. Might be that fixed income has something to do with it…lol. I try to think of it as somebody waiting for the book.
I also pay some occasional late fees if I am not done with the book but I figure it’s my donation to the Friends of the Library and also, even if I pay $10-15 a year in fees (which I never do) then it’s still way cheaper than buying even one hardback book a year and I probably check out 30 or 40 a year.
I use my library’s e-borrowing (via Overdrive app – many North American libraries are in there) and even though I somewhat miss the touch of physical books, I am SO HAPPY I don’t have to trek to the library anymore (in a busy plaza that’s under construction with little parking). And what’s better is, the book is digitally returned after 3 weeks unless I extend the loan, so no late fees.