Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

You can imagine my utter joy when Gymnast ended his 18th birthday Saturday with the statement “best birthday ever” and then reiterated that again on Sunday. Anyone who knows him, knows that is high praise indeed. I love my, baby son, but phew, he is high maintenance.

Here’s how I pulled off the best birthday ever with very little money…

1. Dollar Tree for the win on new birthday gifts. I picked up a pack of birthday bags and filled them with like items that I knew he would use. There was a car cleaning bag, snack bag, and journal/dream big bag.
2. I visited the local coins and currency shop where they have $0.10 candy and filled his existing water bottle with candy. Then wrapped it.
3. Finally, I scoured the house for things that I could gift him…jump rope, phone controlled outlet, velcro straps, and command strip hangers all got wrapped up and gifted.

The Day’s Activities

I made a Texas style breakfast at home…breakfast burritos.

Then Beauty, he and I headed to downtown Atlanta where we spent the day taking pictures of him at one of his favorite picture taking locations Ponce City Market, i.e. playing paparazzi. He drove so I didn’t even have to pay for gas.

He also did some shopping. Beauty and I enjoyed sitting in the air conditioning after several hours of running after him with cameras.

Throughout the day, I shared memories and videos specifically made by far away family members to celebrate him on social media platforms. He spent the evening reviewing all his photos and the 12ish social media posts I had posted throughout the day and all the comments from friends and family far and wide.

All in all, a great day. A hot day. An exhausting day. But a great day. And I am so proud of making it a success with less than $20 spent. Birthday on a budget for the win!

Read More Birthday Posts from BAD & Around The Web

$0.99 cupcakes – Twins’ Birthday

Double Dipping as a Birthday Present

Birthday Help – The Big 21

A Birthday Wish for My Missing Son

Good Old Fashioned Paper and Pencil Budgeting Is Best

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.