Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

I am excited to say that I have thoroughly and completely tackled my October challenge of Tax Preparation! I have reviewed my filings, updated my estimated tax payments appropriately and really gotten all my paperwork together. Filing my taxes come 2020 is going to be a breeze.

I am feeling very accomplished!

And I have thoroughly enjoyed rubbing all this in my dad’s face. He just filed his 2018 taxes. He ALWAYS files late. And I thoroughly enjoying calling to celebrate when I file my taxes every year while he groans. Family love.

Now I’m ready to focus on the holidays. In fact, I enjoyed some time at our local Harvest Festival this weekend. People are so creative! I was specifically looking for little things for Christmas presents. And I love enjoy supporting small businesses.

We are also looking for some creative gifts we might can make this year as well. Princess has knitted presents the last couple of years, so she is ready for something new. I suggested painting frames. She’s also begun painting iPhone cases. They are beautiful. And she seems to be enjoying it.

I suggested we hit the local thrift store to find some cool stuff to paint. And maybe some of it would become good Christmas gifts. We are especially focusing on our family in Texas so we can take them when we go, in less than a month, rather than having to pay shipping!

I’ve been thinking about doing some soup in the jar type gifts for local friends. I found some really cute ideas online. Pinterest has definitely been my friend lately.

What about you, are you prepping for the holidays? Buying or making presents? Have any unique ideas for homemade gifts?

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.