by Hope
I received an unexpected email from our HR department a couple of weeks ago. In addition to my new company paying 1/2 of tutoring their employers kids, they were purchasing a bulk load of Dell Chromebooks and offering them to employees at cost.
The end cost was $200, divided over 4 pay periods where they took it as a payroll deduction. A phenomenal deal for a great computer for school age kids. I quickly responded and got one for Gymnast. It arrived this past week and I just have 3 more payments to make.
It should easily last through his last 2 1/2 years of high school and even into college…no promises there. But crossing my fingers!
Why didn’t I get Princess one?
I can’t remember if I shared my Christmas surprise for Princess. She has for the last couple years really wanted a Mac book. Needless to say, $1,000+ was not in my budget for a student computer. (I had planned to go in with family for her high school graduation if I could pull it off and hopefully take advantage of any education sales they have during the summer.)
BUT, my youngest brother’s company was selling their old corporate laptops…all Mac books. He let me know at Thanksgiving and graciously went to preview them when they went on sale. I gave him my deal breaking specs and he got us one.
As a result, I was able to get her an older Mac book for Christmas for $199 + $40ish for shipping. A steal if you’ve ever priced Mac books. It works wonderfully and she was shocked at Christmas! Score!
(I may have already shared that, but couldn’t remember.) But either way, both of them have solid computers for school. Their last ones were no longer working – Gymnast due to mishandling and Princess screen just stopped working.
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.
Seriously?! You just got them all computers a few years ago all on a credit card! Just because something is a good deal doesn’t mean you need to buy it. I’m still using my same computer from 6+ years ago! I can’t believe you made that silly decision, twice!
I think the high income is getting to your head. You seem to be splurging a lot since you got the offer.
It’s actually been over 5 years since they got those computers. And as stated, neither is working anymore. With so much of their schooling online now, it’s really not optional to have a computer. So a $200 investment seems like a steal to me.
Great deal! I’m glad the new job is going so well!!