by Hope
I spent some time last night, going over my finances, making plans for next quarter and just generally reviewing my financial status. This was prompted by a record breaking income week this past week…woohoo!
But anyways, as I was doing this walk through my finances, I logged on to each of my bill sites. And all of them have a $0 balance. I’m not behind on anything. I don’t owe any late fees.
And yes, I know this is where I’ve been the last year or so. But I still don’t take it for granted. I am so grateful for it.
There’s just something about being able to pay your bills on time, even if you don’t have much left over afterwards, that is so freeing. And after years of not being able to do that, I feel so blessed every time I receive a bill and I can just log on and pay it.
Because of my non-paying client, I am not where I wanted to be or planned to be this month or year end. But I’m in a better place than I thought I would be after taking a $4,000 hit.
I’m going into the year end and new year with high hopes of doing even better next year than I have this. With the knowledge that persistence and hard work do pay off. And knowing that I can do this.
I’m gunning for my last two debts…car loan and student loans. There is nothing I want more then for them to be gone. I’m ready for whatever comes next as I face the last year of having a child at home in school (at least high school.) Lots of changes coming and I’m open to whatever the future holds.
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.
Hope, you keep mentioning your non-paying client in your posts, but I doubt that person is reading here. I would encourage you to contact a lawyer to draft a demand letter to your non-paying client. It is an inexpensive way to show that you are serious about collecting what you are owed. I know that historically you have accepted and gone along with some things that you didn’t think were fair (the tax debt, for example), when speaking up forcefully for your rights would put you in a much better financial place. Please consider doing it now, or at least refrain from continuing to gripe about it here if you are truly unwilling to take those steps, because the commentariat will continue to urge you to take REAL action.
Wonderful! Have you got the tuition money for Princess? I think you said a payment was due in January.
I think the January tuition was due when Hope was planning to make payments. Since a family member offered to help pay in full, there should not be another payment due until she starts her next school year.
That being said, Hope has been encouraged to set money aside monthly for next years tuition and stated that she was going to wait until January to start focusing on that.
This is all correct.
If you got this non-paying client through Upwork, have you contacted them? I have no idea what they would do, if anything, but perhaps the client hired others and did not pay them.
He was not obtained via Upwork, but rather through a LinkedIn consultant request. So I have no means to hold him accountable that way.
Since your loss is $4,000 don’t you think it is worth going to small claims court?
I am also baffled that you continue to complain about the client who didn’t pay but have not done much. Or have you? Please fill us in
Since the bill was due Nov 1, I had to give him adequate time to pay or respond to my numerous inquiries. I will decide on the next course of action over the holidays.
A bit off topic, but are there still plans for your boyfriend to move eventually? Have you spent much time together in person and know that your financial goals align?
Yes! We are still going strong and very much in alignment. But for now we are still maintaining very strict, independent finances. But we have spoken ad nauseum about goals and the future. Thanks for asking.